Mobilis Skin

The Mobilis Skin protective cover (for laptops up to 17-inch) is a good compromise between protecting your investment and saving on weight and bulk. Slim and weighing in at just 1.21 pounds, the Skin uses a rigid screen protection system that promises to shield your laptop on your travels. In reality, the neoprene structure feels solid but lacks the additional security (and bulk and weight) offered by a more traditional laptop case.

The Slim is designed so you can use your laptop while still in the case; a modest use of Velcro and elasticated straps helping to keep everything in place. Four additionally padded areas on the base offer extra support on your desktop or your lap. Unzipped, the open design easily accommodates any power cord and peripherals. The compact, slim design means the Skin can be easily carried and stored in another bag and hidden away for safe keeping.

On our travels, the Slim proved a comfortable well-balanced carry, although the handles could use a little padding. The Skin is more functional than fashionable and includes a rather odd transparent window, which at least means you can flash your Apple logo on your laptop. For businesses, Mobilis provides a customizing service to add your own logo.

Macworld's buying advice

The Skin cover isn't the most protective or attractive of laptop bags on the market, but it does feel solid despite the light and compact design. If you are looking to lighten the load (and who isn't) the Skin is certainly worthy of your consideration.