Tricking Out The MSI WindOSX – Part 2: Noreve Leather Case

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I’ve now got MacOS X installed on an SSD drive in my MSI Wind. No moving parts means that it really is a device that can be thrown into a bag and taken anywhere. So what it needed was a good case to protect it from the bumps and bruises of daily life; boy did I find the right case!

I’ve always been a fan of Noreve‘s leather cases. They use superb quality leather, they offer polished and professional styles, and they clearly employ excellent craftspeople. Best of all, it just so happens that they have a case designed especially for the MSI Wind.

The case arrived in a lovely presentation box. (I love when high-quality goods are shipped in packaging that says “We care about our products!”.) I was doubly impressed by the fact that the presentation case was sealed in plastic. Noreve clearly wanted to make sure that the case arrived in perfect condition.

Opening the box revealed the case; it’s a simple case that is not only functional but sleek and well-designed, as well. The leather is beautiful and unblemished. The seams are tight and precise.

And the cutouts are absolutely precise. (Nothing makes an otherwise nice case look like garbage than cutouts are sloppy.) A strip of leather holds the case closed around the Wind and snaps securely with a metal closer. A small metal badge had the Noreve logo and the Noreve name is embossed inside the case.

On the bottom of the device there are six cutouts that are protected by metal mesh. Four of them are there for cooling, while the other two allows sound from the (anemic) speakers. The case is open where the battery sits. This is important as it allows you to use the six cell battery and/or swap the battery while using it without needing to remove it from the case entirely.

In the inside cover of the case there are four slots to hold memory cards and two slots presumably for business cards or other small notes. These SD slots are particularly important now that I’ve replaced the 120 GB hard drive with a 32 GB flash drive.

The lower third of the Wind slides into the case and holds it securely. Once inside the leather is all but unobtrusive. In fact, the leather to the left and right of the trackpad offer the added benefit of creating a soft handrest. When closed, the upper portion of the case wraps around the Wind like a sandwich.

When the Wind is open the upper portion falls back. It sounds like it could be inconvenient, but it isn’t in the least. Moreover, the design means that the case never comes off the device; that is a great thing.

When the Wind is in the case it makes a nice professional looking portfolio. When the case is open you immediately have full access to the computer while still protecting its bottom and quarters. In all, this is an absolutely gorgeous case that is both elegant and protected. It’s incredibly functional but good-looking too.

Characteristics
– Elegant case conceived in top quality handcrafted leather
– Compatible with MSI Wind U100
– Slim and padded design
– Access to basic functions (multiple openings on the leather)
– Practical thanks to its snap closure
– Protects the device in an optimal manner
– Four SD card slots
– Two business / credit card slots
– Beautiful interior lining embossed with the Noreve logo

The Noreve MSI Wind U100 Tradition Leather Case is available directly from the manufacturer.

MSRP: $69.99 and up

What I Like: Great looking; excellent materials and construction; craftsmanship is superb; great design that gives a good degree of protection by full access to all of the ports

What Needs Improvement: It was at the high end of what I would pay to protect a net book, but you certainly get what you pay for

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About the Author

Dan Cohen
Having a father who was heavily involved in early laser and fiber-optical research, Dan grew up surrounded by technology and gadgets. Dan’s father brought home one of the very first video games when he was young and Dan remembers seeing a “pre-release” touchtone phone. (When he asked his father what the “#” and “*” buttons were his dad said, “Some day, far in the future, we’ll have some use for them.”) Technology seemed to be in Dan’s blood but at some point he took a different path and ended up in the clergy. His passion for technology and gadgets never left him. Dan is married to Raina Goldberg who is also an avid user of Apple products. They live in New Jersey with their golden doodle Nava.

2 Comments on "Tricking Out The MSI WindOSX – Part 2: Noreve Leather Case"

  1. Dan,

    what made you choose this case over other, similar cases? I agree that $70 is more than I want to spend on a case for this, especially when others can befound for $30-$50.

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