This is one of the most rugged laptop sleeves out there. The sleeve is fitted and the MacBook Air slides into it smoothly and snugly. It is probably the most aptly designed sleeve for MacBook Air that I have come across. However, it can also be used with one an “ultrabook” or even for an iPad, albeit this is far from ideal. The sleeve is very solidly built and will probably protect your computer from occasional bumps or scratches. It also seems largely waterproof, although I have not tested it to verify this (nor do I intend to). I would definitely not recommend it for an extended exposure to any kind of wet conditions, since it is not hermetically sealed nor is it intended for such occasions. The waterproofing is mainly for the situations when you get caught in the sudden rain, or you accidentally spill a drink. The sleeve doesn’t come with a handle or a pocket for your power supply, so again it’s not meant to be used as a full-functioning laptop case/bag.

You may still be laughed at by an immature teenage girls when they see you working on your MacBook Air at Barnes and Noble (not that something like that would ever happen to me), but this sleeve’s rubberized exterior definitely screams ruggedness and no-nonsense application. It may not qualify you to become a military subcontractor in some far-flung outdoorsy environment, but it will definitely make you feel like you could become one if you just applied.

My only real issue with this sleeve is its price. You can get a whole laptop bag with an included detachable sleeve for the amount that Thule sleeve is selling. However, if your main concern is protecting your precious MacBook from accidental bumps, spills, or rain, then this is a very reasonable price to pay for such an accessory.