There’s little exciting about a laptop sleeve. Usually made of neoprene or some other soft flexible material, it has one job and often it stays hidden if the user carries a backpack or messenger bag.
But in anticipating a refresh of the MacBook Pro, WaterField Designs did a fitting — and dare I say attractive? — refresh of the unsung laptop sleeve.
The Maxwell Sleeve looks great under an arm or around a shoulder and, providing what you carry is tightly edited, could serve as the only bag you need.

Photo: WaterField Designs
The Maxwell Sleeve offers three choices for exterior finish, all with leather accents.
The texture pops on the Nano-Tex fabric cover, which is water-resistant and stain-repellent. It comes in four bold colors: Kelly green, cardinal red, cobalt blue and slate gray.
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The ballistic nylon sleeve comes in classic black, while the waxed canvas cover comes in tan. An optional strap are available so for the sleeve that can be carried in a vertical or horizontal profile.
The Maxwell Sleeve’s neoprene interior stays hidden on all models, serving as shock-absorbing padding that envelops the MacBook.
In fairness to WaterField Designs and the humble laptop sleeve, the San Francisco company has produced other attractive sleeves. Operating since 1998, WaterField is a small shop based in San Francisco that designs and produces under one roof all kinds of tech bags and cases with attention to fine detail and quality.

Photo: WaterField Designs
WaterField Designs is offering early-bird pricing on the Maxwell Sleeve until Oct. 27, when Apple is expected to unveil the new MacBook Pro.
The black nylon sleeve runs $79, the tan canvas sleeve costs $89 and the colorful Nano-Tex sleeves will set you back $99. The strap costs $22 and the list price is expected to rise $20 after Oct. 27.