Radiator (TM) Wearable Ventilating Computer Case for 13" MacBook by Civilian Lab

Reviews of Radiator (TM) Wearable Ventilating Computer Case for 13" MacBook by Civilian Lab

1.) Excellent Case, Excellent Price
Reviewed by: Blade Fan
Rating:
I paid about $55 for the Radiator a couple of weeks ago. I have quite enjoyed having the security and versatility the case affords along with the convenience of being able to use my Ogio messenger bag to carry accessories and other items. The Radiator gives all of the convenience of a sleeve, with significantly greater protection.

The wearable carrying option is quite effective for allowing me to work in transit when a desk is unavailable or inconvenient. The added cooling you get when the bag is opened, along with the accessibility of all of the ports when open, enhances the appeal of using the case.

As an added bonus, I went through airport security in Seattle, WA and Santa Ana, CA (John Wayne airport), and I didn't have to remove the macbook from the radiator.

I would recommend the Radiator to all macbook users. It's a shame they don't make one for the pro.

2.) COULDNT BE BETTER! BEST CASE!
Reviewed by: Stuart P. Eales
Rating:
This cover/sleeve is PERFECT for anyone who cares about their mac! Its an AMAZING PRODUCT!!!! I have been looking for something EXACTLY like this for a year or so now and this is IT! BUY IT! You wont be let down!


3.) Great case, with a few caveats
Reviewed by: G. Moore
Rating:
I'm a computer tech for my local school district and this case makes my job SO much easier. The ability to close the lid on my Mac, zip the case closed, and toss the strap on my sholder is an awesome plus in the usability department. This case also works great with a larger messenger type bag, since the Civilian Labs case fits so snugly. I have a large messenger bag filled with tools that I slip my Mac and this Civilian Labs case into. Last of all, since the bottom of the case is not secured to the Mac, it makes a great place to stow papers you need quick access to. Just tilt the Mac off the bottom of the case, grab a paper, and sit the Mac back down.

The case itself is pretty rugged and the suction-cups on the lid also double as shock absorbers, protecting the delicate screen very well. After using the case DAILY for almost a year now the zippers have never once snagged or come undone and the zipper pulls are intact.

I have a 13" Macbook Pro unibody (MacBookPro5,5), and with the addition of a smooth hardshell ( Speck Products See-Thru Case for 13-Inch MacBooks with Aluminum Unibody/Black Keyboard (Clear) ) the "squidlock" system works perfectly. The hardshell IS necessary however, as the suction cups WILL NOT adhere to the aluminum lid of the 13" Macbook Pro. Nevertheless, no other case on the market offers the level of utility this case does, so even with the added cost of a hardshell it is still worth it.

The main thing I think could have been designed a little bit better is the strap clips. I love the fact that the case can double as a mobile work surface for my machine, but the curled, "hook" ends on the clips make it difficult to remove the strap from the d-rings on the back of the case and attach them to the loops on the side of the case. Trying to remove the clips from the side-loops is even more of a nightmare, since the loops tend to get hooked and bunch up when you try to remove the clips. I think this problem could probably be eliminated with a razor knife to the curled "hook" ends, but it is still something potential customers should be aware of. Last, but not least, be aware that the remote pocket on this case's lid will NOT hold the new Apple aluminum remote, only the old white plastic remotes.

To wrap it up, yea this case has a rough point or two, but it is still worth every penny for the convenience and usability it bestows.

4.) What a great idea.... too bad it doesn't really work.
Reviewed by: robochrist Taos, NM USA
Rating:
I was looking for a "cover" for my Macbook which would increase its durability, not only when the computer was closed, but also when open. In other words, a "ruggedizing" cover that would always stay on the computer.

The Radiator promised to be just that... So I got one.

Everything about this cover is great... the design, the look, the protection it affords the computer, the access to all the ports, except... the suction cups just don't work. So, the case doesn't stay on like it's supposed to, and then all those other great things it does aren't worth much.

I like the look and protection of the case so much that I decided to adhere high-strength adhesive-backed-velcro TO MY COMPUTER to assist the ineffective suction cups in keeping the case on. This is working for me, and I now get the protection I was looking for, but sticking velcro to their computer is probably not everyone's cup of tea.

Overall, a great concept and great design, this product would be spectacular if only it worked the way it was supposed to.

5.) a great idea
Reviewed by: dj audible santa ana, ca
Rating:
i got this for my macbook pro 13" even though it was made for a 13" white macbook because i needed some protection and portability since i use it for djing in urban areas as a part of the hip-hop ministry at saddleback church. like the other review person said, the suction doesn't work well, probably because its better on plastic, so i put some clear tape on the back of my macbook pro and now it works fine. wish more companies made something similar to this. also nice that it doesn't show off my mac, i'm not one to show off.

*edit - i've been using it for some time now, i've noticed it adds a bit of weight to the computer.

6.) Also had problems with the suction cups
Reviewed by: Christine D.C.
Rating:
I'm seconding everything the reviewer who used velcro said. I suspect the suction cups work great on the Macbooks that have shiny plastic cases. I have the aluminum (or aluminum-looking) unibody Macbook and the suction cups don't stick at all.

I copied his solution and also stuck velcro tape to the top of the computer and to the suction cups to get it to work. Problem solved. One note -- if you do that, you have to really cover the suction cups. I initially tried using small pieces of velcro. The velcro halves stuck to each other just fine, but the velcro wouldn't stick to the plastic suction cups very well. Once I used pieces big enough to cover the suction cups completely, it was good. I stuck much smaller circles to the computer itself -- about the size of a quarter -- and that's working well.

With that problem solved, the case is great. It doesn't add much bulk -- it fits very snugly -- and it weighs next to nothing. And I haven't had to remove it at the airport, which is nice.

Overall, great product!

Features of Radiator (TM) Wearable Ventilating Computer Case for 13" MacBook by Civilian Lab

4 suction cup arrays on the lid interior allows the case to stay attached to the laptop while it is being used at a desk, in the field, or even in bed, unlike other cases which fall away once opened. The smooth surface of the MacBook leads itself particularly well to this system - the suction cups make a solid connection to the lid without straps or other crude retainers and cannot leave any permanent marks. If the MacBook needs to be easily removed from the case, the ribbon at each suction cup can be looped over the cup to break the suction until it is needed again. This lets it function as a regular sleeve. Fast laptops can get very hot. RADIATOR effectively insulated your lap with 5mm (1/4") EVA foam (material commonly used for shoe outsole). When in open position, the laptop bottom is tilted out of the case (by suction holding the lid) allows air convection to cool the core. Raising MacBook's back also corrects its overly flat typing and viewing angles - improving ergonomics. RADIATOR cools when closed too. A bubble around the hot spot is joined to the x-channels and draws cooler air in while hot air escapes through a vent array. An orange stopper seals the vents for outdoor use and Velcro it into the spare bubble while vents are open. A matte black exterior lends stealthy, elegant looks. The aesthetics mirror the minimalist language of the Apple product line. Inspired by the functionality of "jerry-can" fuel canisters like those used on rugged trucks, RADIATOR's most noticeable visual feature is the "X" truss which gives structure and stiffness to the case. Most computer sleeves are just made to go inside a bigger bag. While RADIATOR does this of course, it also works in 2 other useful modes. It comes with high quality shoulder strap with swiveling snap-hooks and the box-stitched carry handles let you use it like a small shoulder bag. Using Civilian Lab exclusive Squidlock lid retainers while hooking shoulder strap to side loops to create "Work-station" mode.

1.) Civilian Lab exclusive innovation - Squidlock(TM) Lid Retaintion System. Easy "Work Station" carry.;
2.) Integrated Mac Remote Control Bay;Thermo-molded protection&High-Tech Sleek Style.Waterproof Surface.;
3.) Remove Iconic Orange Vent-Stopper for Ventilation/; Insulating; Ergonomic; 3 Carrying Options;
4.) All plugs and DVD slot are accessible while using it in the case since its rear sits above the edge.;
5.) Light yet strong! Cushiony foam with soft tricot liner to give your MacBook the ultimate comfort!;

Package Height x Length x Width: 13.5 in. x 13.5 in. x 10.5 in.
Package Weight: 1.1 lbs.