The average MacBook costs between $1,000 and $3,500, making them some of the priciest laptops. That’s why it’s crucial to protect your MacBook from falls, spills, and electrical surges. But what are the best ways to keep your MacBook protected?
Here are six ways to keep your MacBook protected:
- Invest in a waterproof and impact-resistance case.
- Carry your MacBook in a cushioned bag.
- Use wireless earbuds to prevent cracked screens.
- Apply a waterproof keyboard cover.
- Keep your MacBook connected to a power source.
- Get into the habit of being gentle with your MacBook.
This guide will explore these tips in greater detail, ensuring that your MacBook stays in tip-top condition and enjoys a long lifespan.
1. Invest in a Waterproof and Impact-Resistant Case
Spills and drops are some of the most common sources of MacBook damage. After an extended study session, it’s very easy to accidentally spill your drink onto your MacBook. At the same time, the sleek design of the MacBook makes it prone to slipping out of your fingers and onto the floor.
Investing in a waterproof, impact-resistant MacBook case is an excellent idea.
After you’ve invested more than $1,000 in buying a MacBook, spending another $30 to $100 on a case to keep it safe from liquid damage and impacts is more than worthwhile.
Naturally, there are several different types of cases from which to choose. But when browsing for a protective case, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. For example, the ideal MacBook case should be:
- Designed explicitly for your MacBook model and type.
- Made of waterproof materials that prevent liquid damage.
- Capable of withstanding impacts and falls without cracking.
- Easy to remove for regular cleaning.
If you own a newer MacBook with a 13” (33cm) screen, the IBENZER Heavy Duty MacBook Pro Case on Amazon is a fantastic budget-friendly option. It features a unique honeycomb design that helps distribute pressure from impacts and has rubber-clad corners that absorb shocks. Take a look for yourself here.
This case also has small vents that allow your MacBook to stay ventilated, preventing overheating. Besides, it comes in three unique colors, allowing you to customize the appearance of your MacBook.
Naturally, if you’re using an older-model MacBook or one with a smaller screen, this case might not be the right fit for your laptop. That said, you can find a high-quality case that fits your MacBook by paying close attention to:
- Case compatibility
- Material
- Waterproofness
- Ease of use
Do I use a case? I traveled thousands of miles with my MacBook M1 Air in my backpack, and it’s still running fine. If you want to know more about how I keep it safe while traveling, I suggest you read my post.
2. Carry Your MacBook in a Cushioned Bag
An impact-resistant case can do a lot to keep your MacBook safe from hard impacts and sudden drops. But even the highest-quality cases can crack or degrade over time, especially if you’re not using cushioned laptop bags to prevent everyday wear and tear.
For that reason, you’ll likely want to invest in a cushioned carrying bag for your MacBook.
Padded laptop bags come in various sizes, which means you’ll find an option that fits your device. They’re also one of the most affordable devices to protect your MacBook and its case.
The cushioned MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack on Amazon is a perfect choice. It’s large enough to accommodate any MacBook smaller than 15.6″ (39.6cm) and several much-needed school supplies. In addition, it comes in various colors, such as gray, black, blue, and red, to suit every style. It even features an external USB port for convenient smartphone charging.
3. Use Wireless Earbuds to Prevent Cracked Screens
Standard wired headphones are compact, lightweight, and easy to use. But they’re also easy to forget. If you plug your headphones into your MacBook and then toss them onto the keyboard when you tend to other tasks, you might soon find yourself with a cracked MacBook screen.
That’s because it’s easy to forget that your earbuds are still on the keyboard, making you try to shut your MacBook with them still present. In addition, when those hard plastic outer shells touch the sensitive MacBook screen, cracks can quickly develop.
The better alternative is to invest in wireless earbuds. Although they are pricey, I can HONESTLY say AirPods has changed my life. I listen to so MANY more books and podcasts than before. It’s because they are so small and accessible. Unfortunately, the third generation is often sold out. Take a look to see if you’re so lucky.
If you’ve purchased your new device in the US, you may be eligible to receive free AirPods. Of course, if you’re not interested in using AirPods with your MacBook, you can also opt to invest in wireless earbuds or headphones that are compatible with Apple products.
Going wireless is a fantastic way to prevent accidentally slamming your MacBook screen onto your forgotten wired earbuds.
4. Apply a Waterproof Keyboard Cover
A waterproof, impact-resistant case can protect your MacBook when it’s closed, but it might not be able to save an opened device. That’s why investing in a waterproof keyboard cover for your MacBook is also an excellent idea.
While a keyboard cover might not protect your MacBook from sudden impacts, it can save your device from unexpected liquid damage. So, if you typically enjoy sitting down at your MacBook while enjoying a refreshing beverage, installing a waterproof keyboard cover should be a top priority. Although you should NEVER have a drink with your MacBook on a table, the risk is too much.
As you might expect, keyboard covers vary depending on your MacBook model and type. So when choosing a keyboard cover for your device, you’ll want to select one that’s:
- Designed for your MacBook model.
- Made of waterproof materials.
- Easy to apply and remove.
The CaseBuy Premium Ultra Thin Keyboard Cover on Amazon is an excellent example of a durable, waterproof MacBook keyboard cover. It’s the one I have; it’s transparent, easy to apply and peel off, and features zero gaps between keys. Take a look for yourself on Amazon.
Still, this cover is only compatible with newer MacBook Air devices. If you own a different type of MacBook, you’ll need to select a keyboard cover designed for your specific model.
I do not recommend cases as they can overheat your MacBook, but I 100% recommend keyboard covers. I have a lot of dirt on my keyboard, but it looks brand new when I remove the cover. You can read my article to learn more about the protection they offer.
5. Keep Your MacBook Connected to a Power Source
Unlike other laptops, MacBook devices utilize a specialized form of charging that allows them to remain plugged in at all times. For example, most laptop manufacturers warn users against plugging their device into a power source when the battery is fully charged.
But when a MacBook battery reaches a full charge, it stops accepting a current. Instead, the device draws power directly from the outlet, ensuring the battery remains safe and in excellent condition.
All laptop batteries, regardless of type, only last a specific number of charging cycles.
So, if you’re constantly using your MacBook’s battery power, the battery may experience a shorter lifespan.
Apple recommends ensuring you use Apple-certified chargers for your MacBook. However, when using third-party chargers, there is no guarantee that they charge your MacBook correctly. You can get an original MacBook Pro charger from Amazon here.
By keeping your MacBook plugged into an external power source as often as possible, you can reduce the number of charging cycles imposed on the battery. Consequently, your MacBook battery could last several years longer than if you primarily used battery power.
Remember, while Apple does offer battery replacements for MacBooks, these services can be expensive. For example, out-of-warranty MacBook battery replacements typically cost $130 to $200.
Taking excellent care of your device’s battery can reduce repair costs.
For a complete guide to your MacBook battery healthy, I highly recommend you read my detailed post here.
6. Get Into the Habit of Being Gentle With Your MacBook
Keeping your MacBook closed when it’s not in use is an excellent way to prevent dust or debris from settling into the tiny cracks between the keyboard keys.
However, there is a right and wrong way to open and close your MacBook.
If you tend to slam or snap the lid of your MacBook shut during use or open it with one hand while letting the device dangle slightly in the air as you pull, you could be doing unintentional harm to its hinges. So please treat it with respect.
Unfortunately, MacBook hinges don’t last forever. After many years of repeated opening and closing, they can shatter, break, or warp. As a result, you’ll need to invest in a MacBook repair service, which can be expensive when this happens.
But you can prolong the lifespan of your device’s hinges by getting into the habit of treating your MacBook gently. For example, you’ll want to close the screen slowly and softly and open the MacBook with both hands. These small habits can significantly affect the lifespan of your device’s hinges.