Some accessories that claim to protect your MacBook might not actually do a good job. In fact, they could even be detrimental and end up with you booking an appointment at an Apple Store. Here are the MacBook accessories I’d avoid and why.
1 Hard Shell Cases
Most of us use cases for iPhones, iPads, and even AirPods, so it seems logical to do the same for a MacBook, right? Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Many hard shell cases are heavy and add extra weight to your MacBook’s hinges. Over time, this extra stress on your hinges can cause them to wear down and loosen. Eventually, this may prevent your MacBook from staying open at certain angles.
Additionally, for MacBooks with cooling fans, there’s also a chance that a hard shell case could block the vents. Since MacBooks do tend to overheat easily when you’re running multiple apps simultaneously, a case that isn’t designed with heat management in mind could trap heat and end up harming the performance of your MacBook.
Hard shell cases could also dent your MacBook’s exterior, which is essentially the opposite of what you want. While these issues may not occur with every hard shell case you purchase, there’s a high probability that they could. Personally, this isn’t a risk I’d be willing to take.
If you primarily use your Mac at your desk, you likely don’t need to take extra steps to protect your device. However, if you travel everywhere with your MacBook, I recommend investing in a well-cushioned and padded laptop sleeve for that extra layer of protection.
2 Webcam Cover
We all fear accidentally leaving our webcam on during a Zoom call. After all, no one wants their teacher or boss to see them lounging in bed during a meeting. This is one of the primary reasons many choose to use webcam covers for their MacBooks. While webcam covers are incredibly tiny, they still create a layer between your Mac’s screen and the keyboard when you close it.
Apple states that closing your Mac laptop with a camera cover installed might damage your display. This is because the clearance between your Mac’s display and keyboard is designed to very tight tolerances, which aligns with what I mentioned earlier.
Although this may not be as big of an issue with older Mac models, it’s a concern for newer ones. A webcam cover can also cause your Mac’s ambient light sensor to stop functioning, disabling features like automatic brightness and True Tone. Instead of relying on a webcam cover, it’s best to watch for the green camera indicator light that glows when your camera is active.
3 Keyboard Cover
I’m the type of person who always has a drink and a snack next to me at my desk when I’m working on my MacBook. If you’re like me, you’ve likely considered getting a keyboard cover to protect against accidental spills and prevent dust and crumbs from getting under your MacBook’s keys. Keyboard covers also help protect the original keyboard from wear and tear, so I definitely see their appeal.
However, the same concern applies here as with webcam covers. Since the gap is designed with very tight tolerances, a keyboard cover shouldn’t be between the screen and the keyboard when you close your Mac’s lid.
If you’d like to be extra careful, you could consider using the keyboard cover while working and removing it before closing the lid. According to an Apple Support article, you should remove the keyboard cover before closing your device, as it may interfere with the display or cause damage to the screen otherwise.
However, as someone who easily forgets things, I would probably end up forgetting to remove the keyboard cover, and this isn’t a risk I’d take. Instead, I try to be cautious around my Mac and clean my MacBook’s keyboard before closing it.
4 Screen Protectors
Similar to how we all rush to Amazon for a screen protector when we get a new iPhone or iPad, you might feel tempted to do the same for your MacBook. However, the same logic doesn’t apply here since you frequently close your MacBook, unlike an iPhone or iPad.
Essentially, the same issues that apply to keyboard and webcam covers also apply here. Most screen protectors, especially those made from glass, are quite thick and can prevent your MacBook from closing properly due to the design of the gap. If you accidentally close your MacBook lid with a bit too much force, you could end up cracking your screen.
The real concern arises when it’s time to remove the screen protector. Since MacBook displays have an anti-reflective coating, the adhesive on the protector may peel away that coating. There’s also a chance your screen protector could shatter while you’re taking it off, which is obviously dangerous and could damage your display. Even users on Reddit have shared their negative experiences and warned against using glass protectors.
After purchasing such a premium product, the last thing anyone wants is to spend hundreds of dollars on repairs. It’s only natural to feel protective of your device and want to take preventive measures to protect your MacBook from drops and scratches. Although some people claim to have good experiences with the accessories I mentioned above, I’d rather not risk it.
