Macbook Slip Case - In Canada

Dark Moon

I'm shopping for a slip case for my Macbook and am looking for some advice. The biggest sticking point I have is that I would like to buy the case in Canada to save on both the currency conversion, which the credit cards rape you on, and the various fees at the border, which are massive. The case that I would really like is The Soft Cell, sold by Tom Bihn. Unfortunately this does not meet my not-US requirement. Does anyone know of any similar cases that would be available either online in Canada or perhaps even locally (in Winnipeg, MB)?

Pheezer

As a fellow Winnipegger and Apple laptop owner (iBook 12") I would strongly suggest that you investigate Mountain Equipment Co-op. They've got that big store downtown across the street from the MTS Center. Their gear is really high quality stuff meant to last a long time and it's dirt cheap. You just need to be a member, which costs all of $5. Plus they're all Earth friendly and that shit.

I bought my laptop case there anyhow. It's a slick little single strap backpack style thing with a built-in laptop pocket and all that. I do believe they also carry slip cases. I think www.mec.ca would be their website but I mean really if you've never been they're worth a visit anyhow.

EDIT: okay I checked the website and they don't have slip cases online so probably not in the store. Any reason why you need a slip case and not a laptop bag?

AtomBomb

I see this mentioned a lot and I'm curious. What are the border fees to get something to Canada that is not a "gift"? For example, if you bought that bag, and it cost $30 US, how much would you have to pay?

Sorry that this post isn't really help or advice.

Dark Moon

Thanks for the replies so far. DrD, I actually already own a laptop bag, but I'd really like to have just a little slip on/zippered case for the extra protection when the laptop isn't packed away and for additional protection when it is nestled in the bag. I've checked out all of the other usual places I find computer supplies (Computer Boulevard and Computer Avenue around the airport, Futureshop/Best Buy) and have yet to find anything. TigerDirect also has nothing that would fit this particular laptop.

Atom, I am honestly not sure how duty and such are calculated, but between even a low duty rate and the exchange rate given on credit cards it makes far more sense to buy locally.


Off topic: There are entirely too many people from Winnipeg on this forum. Two mods and at least 8 other users and counting...

Pheezer

Winnipeg is a boring city filled with people who work in call centers and Penny Arcade has popular forums.

To be honest I'm not sure where else you'd look. You're definitely right about the exchange rate on credit cards being shit, but ordering online might be your only option anyhow. The duty charged will be dependent on what value the package is marked at and how it's shipped, I know if you get it by mail or by Fedex and it's low value ($20 or less) you can expect to probably get away with not even being charged. UPS however will fuck you any chance they get by ensuring that not only is duty charged, but that they pay it up front, and then charge you for that service as well, thereby greatly increasing the amount you have to pay to get a hold of something you already paid for.

Lewisham

Silly observation: Since practically all laptop bags come from the US, aren't they going to export them with a markup to take into account exchange rate fluctuations?

I would expect them to be cheaper in the US.

Nozz

Lewisham wrote: »

Silly observation: Since practically all laptop bags come from the US, aren't they going to export them with a markup to take into account exchange rate fluctuations?

I would expect them to be cheaper in the US.

Have you seen the exchange rate recently my friend?

Ruckus

Bestbuy does have this slipcase, but it's a toploader with handles. Instock at St.James and Regent.

[edit] There's also this case at London Drugs.

embrik

I'd recommend a Radtech product. According to their retailers page, they have several Canadian retailers, most with a web presence.
I have some of their stuff for my Powerbook, and it's very nice indeed. I don't own what you're looking for, but they appear to sell them.

Edit: Looks like they'll ship directly from their web store, so that's an option too.

Deadshot

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10086852&catid=20184

Supposed to be pretty good.

They go on sale occasionally, too.

saggio

AtomBomb wrote: »

I see this mentioned a lot and I'm curious. What are the border fees to get something to Canada that is not a "gift"? For example, if you bought that bag, and it cost $30 US, how much would you have to pay?

Sorry that this post isn't really help or advice.

You have to pay customs duties and GST.

Pheezer

Nozz wrote: »

Lewisham wrote: »

Silly observation: Since practically all laptop bags come from the US, aren't they going to export them with a markup to take into account exchange rate fluctuations?

I would expect them to be cheaper in the US.

Have you seen the exchange rate recently my friend?

Credit cards will fuck you on exchange rates no matter what.

I remembered something important though: Advance Electronics. On Portage Ave., near Polo Park. Might be a tad inconvenient to get to, but they sell Apple hardware and they carry such oddities as Mac games even, so maybe. They're a high end electronics retailer anyhow, and they do sell a lot of laptops. Their website is crappy though, and I can't remember it off hand anyways.

Also, check with London Drugs. They also sell a lot of laptops and Macs and will likely carry slip cases. Their website is better than Advance's, www.londondrugs.ca