I’ve been using Incase neoprene laptop sleeves for the past 3 or 4 years.
I’m not sure why.
I wanted a sleeve that would enable me to recognize it amongst a pile of laptop cases. Just about every sleeve follows the same formula as Incase: form-fitting neoprene and a zipper. One of the few manufacturers making something different is ColcaSac (formerly AppleSac). What they make is basically the opposite of the Incase sleeve: natural materials, velco flap, and not formfitting.
One of the first steps in reverse engineering a product is understanding how it works. Ideally I would have access to the actual mold-a-rama (MAR), however they are rare and expensive. I could find an operating installation, but the closest operating MAR is at a zoo several hours away. I also have been unable to find pictures or video of the mechanics below the cabinet. The only parts visible from the images I’ve seen are the molds, mold rams, and ejector. All the complicated bits are hidden from view in the cabinet. The last avenue is products documentation in the form of manuals and patents. Fortunately I am an awesome google-er and have found both. The operation and repair manual can be found here:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/37301298?secret_password=1ehb8rphnat7ykzt6zu3
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