Twelve South's Rutledge BookBook for MacBook: Uniquely yours
The team at Twelve South has done it again; yesterday, they released the Rutledge BookBook for MacBook, an "artisan leather case" for MacBook. Using the familiar antique book format of the classic BookBook, the Rutledge BookBook uses a special process to make each case subtly different. Buying one, you can be assured that you have a completely unique way of protecting your MacBook. According to Twelve South"
"We developed an entirely new technique for applying multiple layers of color, then carefully removing selected elements - revealing a radiant tapestry of hues and patterns. Each cover reveals a slightly different finish, as the brilliant tones follow the natural grain of the leather itself."
Specifications
Price: US$99.99
Dimensions:
11" MacBook Air - 12.3" x 8.3" x 1.25" (312mm x 211mm x 32mm)
13" MacBook Air / MacBook Pro - 13.4" x 9.8" x 1.25" (340mm x 249mm x 32mm)
13" MacBook Pro w/Retina Display - 13.0" x 9.3" x 1.25" (330mm x 236mm x 32mm)
15" MacBook Pro w/Retina Display - 14.9" x 10.5" x 1.25" (378mm x 266mm x 32mm)
Design Highlights
Twelve South is known for its design work, with products like the BookArc, the Compass 2 for iPad and iPad mini, the BackPack for iMac, and PlugBug all having a signature style and class that make them stand out. The Rutledge BookBook for MacBook is no exception. While it's essentially a riff on the original BookBook case (still available for $79.99), the Rutledge BookBook adds a gorgeous patina to the leather cover that just can't be described. There's a depth and warmth to the finish of the cover that makes it look like a museum piece.
But you won't want to hang the Rutledge BookBook on the wall; it makes a great protective cover for your MacBook as well. I always wondered if "hiding" a MacBook or other device in a book-like cover would keep the electronics from being stolen; now the Twelve South site specifically points out that they have many letters from customers who have had a house or car broken into, but the BookBook-disguised MacBook wasn't taken.
The inside of the case is covered with a black, somewhat spongy material that should protect your electronics from the occasional bang or drop, and there's a set of small elastic bands to hold the case onto the MacBook's display. A zipper runs around all but the spine of the BookBook, with two leather zipper pulls making it easy to open and close.
Finally, on the spine of the Rutledge BookBook is embossed with gold foil highlights, a title and volume number. In a word, it's beautiful.
Functionality Highlights
The Rutledge BookBook may look great, but it's also an excellent way to keep your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro looking new. You should note that if you're going to stow the BookBook and MacBook in a bag for travel, you'll need to get a bag that can carry a MacBook "one size larger" than the one you have. For example, for a 13" MacBook Pro w/Retina display, you will want to make sure that your bag can hold a 15" MacBook Pro. For a 15" MacBook Pro, get a bag that holds a 17" laptop.
Conclusion
Anyone looking for a unique and beautiful way to protect a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro should consider the Twelve South Rutledge BookBook for MacBook. It's classy, each case is literally one-of-a-kind, and it might just disguise your MacBook enough to keep it from being a target for theft.
Rating: 4 stars out of 4 stars possible
