A lot of damage to MacBooks does not come from a drop, but on the move: in a full backpack, on the bike or on the train. A cracked screen, a dent in the case or moisture in the keys. This article explains how to carry and protect your MacBook safely, which case or sleeve really helps, and which "protection" actually causes damage.
Blue Apple repairs MacBooks in Amsterdam, where many people take their laptop on the bike. So we see many screens damaged in a bag.
The biggest dangers on the move
- Pressure on the screen. A MacBook in a full bag gets squeezed. Something hard against it (keys, a charger, a bottle) presses the lid in and damages the screen from inside.
- Something between screen and keyboard. Earbuds, a pen or a paperclip caught between the closed screen and the keyboard cracks the screen or causes patches.
- Moisture. A leaking bottle or rain soaking into the bag.
- Knocks. The corners of a MacBook are vulnerable. A knock on a corner can crack the screen.
Choosing a sleeve or case
- A padded sleeve with a sturdy edge protects against scratches and light knocks. Choose the right size, so the MacBook does not slide around.
- A laptop compartment in your bag separate from the rest, with a raised bottom so the laptop does not hit the ground when you put the bag down.
- A hard shell that clips around the laptop protects against scratches, but traps heat and can damage clips or edges when removed. Take it off now and then to remove dust.
What you had better not do
- A thick screen protector or camera cover on the screen or camera. When the MacBook is closed it presses right on the glass. Apple warns about this itself; we regularly see cracked screens because of it.
- Leaving a keyboard cover on when you close the laptop. It also presses against the screen and traps heat.
- Lifting the MacBook by the screen. Always hold it by the bottom.
- Letting it run in sleep in a closed bag. Shut it down or make sure it really sleeps, otherwise it can get hot.
At home and at the office
Things go wrong on your desk too: a cup of coffee next to the laptop, a cat walking across the keyboard or a cable someone trips over. Keep drinks on the other side of the desk, and on a MacBook with MagSafe use that connector: it lets go when someone pulls the cable, so the laptop does not fall off the table.
On the bike and on the train
- Use a backpack with a padded laptop compartment against your back, not a bike pannier where it shakes around.
- Put drink bottles in a separate pocket, upright.
- On the train, do not put the laptop on the seat next to you; someone will sit on it.
If it goes wrong anyway
If your MacBook was dropped or damaged in the bag, read lines on your MacBook screen and stains on your MacBook screen. If moisture got in, turn it off at once and read liquid spilled on a MacBook. Also check whether your home or travel insurance covers laptops.
What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam
We replace cracked or damaged screens, repair damage to the case and keyboard where possible, and clean MacBooks with liquid damage. You hear beforehand which options there are. More on our pages about MacBook screen repair and MacBook repair in Amsterdam.
Frequently asked questions
Is a sleeve enough?
Against scratches, yes. Against pressure in a full bag, a sturdy laptop compartment helps most.
Can I carry my MacBook in sleep mode?
Yes, as long as it really sleeps. After closing it, check briefly that the screen is off and the fan is quiet.
Can a camera cover really cause damage?
Yes. The gap between screen and keyboard is very small; a cover then presses on the glass.
