The Mac (not Book) Pro as a portable computing device?

A baker’s dozen years ago, when I owned a PowerMac G4 Cube, Willow Designs—a since departed maker of excellent cases for Apple products—offered a carry (more like lug) case for Steve Jobs’ cubular fancy. Despite the optimistic shoulder strap, it was actually more akin to steamer trunk than a computer case, and a dolly to roll it about was more than just a convenience, but a near-necessity if you were traveling more than a few steps.

Fully loaded with the Cube, a keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, and so forth, the total tonnage came to to 42.5 lbs. for the whole desktop setup. Needless to say, the Willow Cube case, although a craftsmanlike piece of work, was, like the Cube itself, a slow seller.

I reviewed one of these cases in 2001, and I still have it (although the Cube itself is long departed — swapped even for a Pismo PowerBook which, incidentally, still is in service today). Currently, the Cube case is jam-packed with dozens of Mac and iDevice peripherals, and I don’t move it around much.

Anyway, I anticipate better prospects for Waterfield Design’s new Mac ProGo Case, released just in time for WWDC next month. For one (very important) thing, the size and weight of the new cylindrical Pro and its peripherals are much more real-world reasonable, and will be able to keep Apple’s diminutive powerhouse and its associated bits safe in transit. WaterField Designs suggests a Mac Pro and Mac Pro Go Case combo will make the ideal rig for travelling gamers, developers, video editors and any others who prefer to take their systems with them, and miss the late, lamented 17-inch MacBook Pro. For some duties a 15-inch display—even if it does support Retina resolution—is just to small, and connectivity, expandability, and upgradability have all taken a dive with Apple’s recent tranche of MacBook designs.

The rugged Mac Pro Go Case case holds everything you’ll need for a portable power-user setup except a monitor panel: Mac Pro and an Apple wireless keyboard a mouse, cables, and power cord plus small computer accessories. Waterfield Design doesn’t make desktop display carry cases, but a variety are available from Amazon.com or other resellers.

Skinned with tough ballistic nylon, the Mac Pro Go Case surrounds the computer with internal padding and a plush liner, while a tough plastic plate protects the bottom of the Mac Pro. A removable softly-lined pocket for accessories fits atop the computer inside the bag. An Apple wireless keyboard slides into a front, scratch-free pocket. Carrying options include a nylon grab handle and a removable suspension shoulder strap. Two loops at the bottom of the case allow Mac Pro users to remove the computer easily and carefully from its bunker.

“The Mac Pro Go Case allows power-hungry users to bring Mac Pro capability with them on the road,” shared Gary Waterfield, company founder. “With this sturdy case they can carry just about everything they need with confidence.”

The Mac Pro Go Case is available now exclusively from SFbags.com, and sells for $129. Like the Mac Pro itself, the case is available in any color you like…as long as it’s black.