Since I upgraded to MacBook Pro (MBP) Retina in December last year, I was continuously shopping for a protective case so that my workhorse is preserved from unexpected bumps and worse from accidental drops which might just happen when you least expect it. Then I spotted this transparent Under Amour Gear (UAG) case that seems ideal protection for my MBP.
The UAG case for 13-inch MBP is a must have for a productivity device that is so expensive. Your MBP Retina needs this much-deserved protection from UAG.
When I saw this case from one of the executives of Digits Trading, I got interested so much and I thought of having one ASAP. The next thing I did was to check the nearest Beyond The Box and Digital Walker stores nearby.
I learned that this is a new case and stocks are not yet available. It turned out that the executive using it is the first one to use it.
So, I spoke to the marketing team of Digits Trading and inquired if I can test one for my MBP and then write a review it. Few days later, I got the notice that this case is already available in Digital Walker in Glorietta.
Here’s how it looks like when installed on a 13-inch MBP with Retina.
Almost 90% is transparent but the critical parts of the MBP, are well protected. Surely, the UAG case added few weights on the MPB but that is the trade when you want to preserve your laptop from bruises and bumps.
The top cover’s edges are rubbers while the bottom is mostly plastic. Installing it is easy but you have to do it slowly because this case is a one-piece case only.
You have to start fit first the bottom case and then gently attach the top cover. You should hear distinct clicks signaling you that the case is securely fitted.
The corners have thick rubber for impact resistance on random bumps. I’d like to mention too that when you close the MBP, it locks tight, therefore, you have to put a little effort when opening it.
Unlike most of the available casing for MBPs, this UAG case bottom part has cooling vents so that MBP still gets the normal airflow it requires to prevent it from overheating.
The one-piece design is connected using a FrogSkin non-slip grip allowing the case to stay intact.
Military drop-test standard
While it is certified to be a military-grade casing, no one will care to drop-test it, including me. MIL STD 810 G – 516.6 refers to a military test procedure which, according to Wikipedia is a United States Military Standard that emphasizes tailoring an equipment’s environmental design and test limits to the conditions that it will experience throughout its service life. The 516.6 refers to Shock test.
Almost perfect until….
If you are like me who is a mouse user or somebody who put additional accessories on to its USB ports and leave it there, you are in some kind of a challenge.
Carefully look at the photos below and tell me if you have work around to this challenge.
Most of the ports are only available when MBP is open. So you are left to remove all attached accessories like the wireless mouse receiver.
My trick…
I did some DIY work around so that I can still use one of the USB ports for my wireless mouse.
I don’t advise this trick generally because it may damage your case. So be careful if you adopt what I did.
With a cutter, I gently cut the extra plastic on the left side. This is the only exposed part you can remove carefully and not damage the case if done properly.
In my case, I only have one accessory which remains connected whether my MBP is on or off. The other ports remain on-demand basis.
Other UAG cases also available
Check out Digital Walker’s FB page for other case other than this one for MBP.
Conclusion
For a total protection of your MBP, I highly recommend this UAG case. Fairly priced at P3,490 and now available at Digital Walker and Beyond The Box.
With this case tightly hugging your MBP, think about your MBP as fully insured. Secured that you no longer worry of that accidental bumps here and there, even unexpected drop.
Some more reference…
You can also check some customer reviews posted in this link.
