I’ve got a MacBook Air 11″ that I use religiously, especially when I’m abroad. I don’t have a case for it per se. Instead I stick it into one of my suitcase pockets. Not good, I know. It’s asking for trouble. So I’ve been on the lookout for something decent to protect my Air in transit for a little while.
I might just be sold on Thule’s fantastic looking Gauntlet Sleeve:
The Gauntlet is stitch-free. Seams are heat-welded and there’s an extra fold inside to provide water-resistance. The interior is lined with soft nylex to avoid scratches. If you bought the 13″ MacBook Air, don’t worry, there’s a Gauntlet for that too.
You can pick one of these up at the Apple Store for £39.95 (link). A perfect gift — but, really, I think this is actually something that’s more likely to be purchased by the owner. I’m giving serious consideration to it.
It’s de rigueur nowadays to have a decent case for your iPad. Those cheap, black rubbish plastic monstrosity shouldn’t be allowed. Either keep your iPad naked or get a decent case.
And if you’d like to bring a bit of a traditional contrast to your iPad, then this is precisely what you need: The Tweed Case from the Unique Boutique company!
Because you need a proper case for your iPad
It’s handmade so delivery time is a minimum of 4-weeks. For the purists reading, I’m not sure if it’s Harris Tweed, Donegal Tweed or perhaps standard tweed. I’ll get on to Unique Boutique and find out.
This is precisely the sort of thing that wives might consider giving to their husbands-who-have-everything (particularly if they’re not that into Fish & Chips). But I also reckon this is a smart gift for chaps to give other chaps. It’s a safe one, isn’t it? You can’t go wrong, even if you don’t-really-know-them-that-much. If they don’t have an iPad, then you’re flattering them by presuming they do. If they have an iPad, the chances are they’ve got a rubbish cover (or non at all). Just, make sure the chap doesn’t work for RIM or Motorola, makers of the iPad rivals.
Now then, the cost? Well, it’s not at all crazy. Handmade? I was thinking this might well be one of those half-the-price-of-the-iPad style covers. But no. It’s a highly reasonable £75.
I have to point out that I haven’t seen or held one in the flesh but from the photos — I’ve included a close-up photo of the stitching below — it does look very good quality.
Because you've got everything else -- and sometimes the chip shop doesn't have any wooden forks left
Right then, we’ve all had this problem now and again I’m sure: You find yourself in one of the smarter village High Streets surrounded by 16th Century tumbledown cottages that you remember seeing for sale in excess of £1m in Country Life. There’s the occasional Knight Frank sign. There are one or two super-gastro pubs. Bentley Continental GTs everywhere. Oh, and Range Rovers.
You decide to pop to the very smart chip shop for a traditional Fish & Chips. But wait, what’s missing? I’ll tell you! It’s a critical requirement for any right thinking gentleman: The Fish ‘n’ Chips case.
This does look utterly gorgeous.
Have a look, first of all, then I’ll explain:
Because you've got everything else -- and sometimes the chip shop doesn't have any wooden forks left
So as you can see, it’s a nicely sized case that looks like it will sit perfectly on your shoulders. It’s described as the ultimate indulgence and although I can’t disagree with that statement, the utilitarian in me does see a use for it. Inside the handmade lined rosewood case, you’ll find two important additions to elevate the standard gastro-Fish & Chip experience: A hip flask and a fork.
But, of course, it’s not just a standard hip flask. No. This one is hand-glazed ceramic. The fork? Silver.
And you know what, eating Fish & Chips without a fork is a little bit annoying. Forks are the way ahead — but I do find those wooden ones that most chip shops offer a little bit temporary. So the fork, genius.
As for the flask, fill it with your favourite tipple.
I can think of about 4 people in my immediate circle who would love this. One chap I can positively guarantee would manufacture opportunities to actually use this Fish ‘n’ Chips case at least twice a month. Above anything, I think he’d really appreciate the way the case sits on his tweed blazer.
Given the case is handmade and the flask is hand-glazed, there’s an 8 week lead time for any orders.
And the damage? £1,400.
I’m definitely filing this under ‘for the chap who has everything’ because I’m pretty confident, he doesn’t yet have one of these.
The case retailer, The Unique Boutique Company, has a wide array of other goods that you should take a look at. I’ve signed up to their newsletter. I’m delighted I’ve found them. Plus it looks like they do a nice line in hampers too. (That’s something else I need to look at soon.)
Because you’ve got everything else — and sometimes the chip shop doesn’t have any wooden forks left
