The Techshell is just one in a long line of protective cases for the MacBook, but this one differentiates itself by being simple, clean, and easy to use. It is so simple, in fact, that it's easy to forget that it is there.

The Techshell is a protective plastic shell that is form fitted to the MacBook. It includes a top and bottom piece with cutouts for every port, the optical drive slot, case vents, and the battery power level button. It simply snaps on - no adhesives or tools required.

A MacBook without the Techshell cover...

I tested a clear Techshell with a black MacBook. It attached without any problems, and stayed attached without marking the computer case. I was a bit worried at first that it might scratch off some of the black coating, but I couldn't see any marks after repeatedly attaching and removing the shell.

...and with the cover in place.

In day-to-day use, it performed better than I expected. I thought that during regular use the top piece might pop off while I was carrying the MacBook around, but both top and bottom stayed attached without any problems. I did notice that one of the corners on the top piece did seem a bit loose near the lid hinge, but it didn't seem to impact the case performance, nor did the top piece ever feel like it might come loose.

Added bonus: Even though the clear case didn't obscure the MacBook inside, it still hid handprints left behind from lotion.

Inserting and removing CDs and DVDs worked as if the Techshell wasn't even on the MacBook, and FireWire and USB cables attached without any hassle at all. I did, however, have to watch when I attached the power adapter. I usually hold the plug near to the MacBook's connection point, and let the magnets pull the plug in place. Since the Techshell is a couple of millimeters thick, I had to line the plug up with the connector instead. I never had any issues attaching the power adapter, but the case did make me adjust my style ever so slightly.

The MacBook power plug just fits in the shell cutout.

The case I tested was clear, but there are other translucent colors available, too, including blue, green, pink, and red. These are priced at US$59.95 each. More exotic styles with patterns, images, or laser cut etchings cost between $89.95 and $109.95.

The Techshell adds almost no bulk to your MacBook.

The Techshell adds very little bulk to your MacBook, so it should still fit into most carrying bags without any problems. If you have a bag that is already a bit tight on your MacBook, however, this may be just enough to keep zippers from closing or flaps from staying securely closed.

The Bottom Line
I prefer not to hide the beauty that Apple designed into its computers, so its always nice to see a product that protects without obscuring the design that is already there. The Techshell does just that in a durable and reliable package that anyone can install.