SeeThru Cover - MacBook Pro 15" Score: 80% Developer: Speck Device Type: Accessory

Function: The SeeThru is aimed at owners of the last generation of MacBook Pro laptops. We reviewed the product designed to fit a 15" laptop, but Speck also sells versions for 13" and 17" formats. The shortest description we could present to describe the SeeThru is a "laptop shell." Unlike a sleeve or case you'd buy to grant some level of protection, SeeThru isn't much more than two fitted pieces of hard plastic. The SeeThru ends up being more like a quick enamel solution for your Mac, preventing scratches or perhaps stray food particles from reaching the laptop's casing. The other unannounced use we noticed while this was attached to our laptop was that it shielded our sensitive little legs from the baking heat that comes from long sessions with our MacBook. The bottom of this laptop is usually scorching enough to require something, a book or magazine, as a buffer. SeeThru makes mention of "heat dissipation" in reference to all the vents it includes, but this just refers to the fact that attaching the case doesn't obscure the vents built into the laptop. Similarly, you'll be able to enjoy the benefits of SeeThru without sacrificing access to your ports. The final piece of why someone would use SeeThru is that it serves as a skin for your rig. In our case, using the black SeeThru dramatically changed the look and feel of our previously silver/gray MacBook. SeeThru comes now in nine colors, so it's almost like a quick mod for those folks that are really serious about making a statement with their Mac. And that pretty much describes all Mac owners, so there you are...

Performance: Venting and access to ports is a given, really. Anything that cut you off from some functionality would be an instant flop. The SeeThru really does make a difference in the amount of heat you feel from the bottom of the laptop. This alone might justify the purchase of a SeeThru for some MacBook owners. If you've worked a few hours and touched the bottom of your laptop, you'll know what I mean... Examining the SeeThru in its package and having it installed on your Mac are two different things. The first impression you'll have of the SeeThru is likely to be modest, but it looks damn cool after you install it. The installation itself is a snap... literally. You put a corner of your screen into one SeeThru piece and snap the other corners in, then repeat with the bottom half of the SeeThru. The instructions showed a more involved process than this, which involved wedging something between the SeeThru and the laptop for a tight fit. We didn't follow this process and still managed to get a very tight fit. Hats off to Speck for molding this thing exactly to the dimensions of the MacBook!

Features: Hard Plastic Shell for Scratch Protection Vented Design for Heat Dissipation Complete Access to All Ports Rubber Feet for Added Support Fits Older MacBook Pro 15" (with Silver Keys)

Drawbacks & Problems:: There aren't any obvious issues with the SeeThru, but it does add some weight to the laptop. Depending on how you use your unit, this may not be a problem. The irony of a clear plastic case is that it shows some of the detail on the MacBook (the glowing Apple logo does shine through), but ends up making the laptop look like something different. In an age where many people are grasping for individuality, this might be a fine thing, but any Mac owner that tells you he or she doesn't feel a bit of status for toting their hardware around is just fibbing. Mac purists especially may balk at having anything covering their precious baby. Nothing about the SeeThru seems to have the potential to damage the MacBook, which would be another one of those instant deal-breakers. The SeeThru is a harmless accessory, but we wonder if most people are better off spending their money on a soft, padded sleeve. If you're looking for something that will provide very modest protection, SeeThru meets that bar. Scratches on this baby won't mar the finish of your MacBook. The cool look of the SeeThru is a subjective benefit. We liked the look, but we happen to like case-mods and PC design in addition to being Mac fans. The biggest benefit that sold us on the SeeThru was the heat buffer it provided for our laps. Considering the price break Speck is offering on these, now that the new MacBook models have been released, it might be time to get a SeeThru. If nothing else, your lap will thank you.

-Fridtjof, GameVortex Communications AKA Matt Paddock

Minimum System Requirements: MacBook Pro 15"   Test System: MacBook Pro 15"