When I received my new 16-inch MacBook Pro a few weeks ago, one of my first thoughts was how to keep it protected since I’m planning on keeping it for at least four years. Fortunately, the good folks at Moshi had a solution for me in the form of the Codex case (US$84.95), a leather carrying case that is not only protective, but looks impressive as well.
Design
The Codex resembles a small leather briefcase. If you’re concerned about animals, it’s actually made from “Vegan Leather”, a fancy way of describing a textured plastic coating over a fabric base. It looks like leather, but is much more durable and also weather resistant.
The model of Codex I’m reviewing is for both the retired 15-inch model and the new 16-inch MacBook Pro. The inside of the case is lined with microfiber cloth with a shock-absorbing layer of Viscotex™ memory foam beneath, and there are small silicon feet that sit under the MacBook’s feet to keep things in place. When the case is opened up, the bottom of the MacBook Pro sits on those feet while the top is held into place with a pair of clear plastic “straps”.
What’s nice about the Codex is that you don’t really need to remove the case to use your MacBook Pro — instead, you just unzip the full-length zipper and open it up to get to work. There’s sufficient opening on either side to make plugging in accessories easy.
Size-wise, the dimensions of the Codex are 14.57″ x 0.67″ x 10.47″ (37 x 1.7 x 26.6 cm), and it weighs just 19.4 ounces (550 grams).
Function
Moshi really makes good-looking, durable products. The Codex is no exception to that rule. I tested the Onyx Black version (Burgundy Red is the other choice), and it’s very impressive. During a recent meeting I carried in the little briefcase, popped it open, and started typing away on the MacBook Pro, and it got admiring looks from everyone in attendance!
If I had just one change I’d make to the Codex, it would be to add a shoulder strap to the bag. That would make it a bit easier to carry “hands-free”, and would also add some security to carrying it. As it is, I use the Codex to protect the MacBook Pro, but then slide that combo into a much larger canvas and leather bag with a shoulder strap.
Conclusion
The Codex case is perfect for use in the office and keeps your MacBook Pro protected in transit. The price is right, the construction is top-notch, and you can’t go wrong with the looks.
