Hardshell Case for Macbook Pro

Question

Does anybody use hardshell cases such as Techshell or Speck with any keyboard covers? Are there any heat build-up issues? I heard that Macbook Pro vents hot air from keyboard area upward. Are there any problems covering keyboards with protective cover all the time? I'm thinking about getting one of these hardshell cases to protect my MBP from dust, scratches, etc to use along with the keyboard cover which I always leave it on. I'm especially curious about case from Techshell since their hardshell cases don't have vent holes on the bottom... Any comments will help!
Thanks,

Answer 1

I have the Techshell case with an iSkin keyboard cover. I keep those on the majority of the time (for internet browsing, playing iTunes, word processing, other light tasks) and have no issues with heat. However, it is the middle of winter where I live and ambient temps are about 65*F, so keep this in mind for the following numbers. My processors are currently at 39*C, with fans set at minimum (2000rpm) and the case/keyboard cover on; my computer has been on for about 3 hours.
The processors jump up to around 50-60*C when using Photoshop and other more intensive programs for a decent amount of time, but even then it's still fine. I only take the bottom of the Techshell off when I'm in Bootcamp and planning on playing 3D-intensive games for a few hours, because the shell does slow down the dissipation of heat enough to be noticeable when gaming. I also crank the fans up to around 3500 rpm and put the computer on a stand to give it some airflow around the bottom; CPU stays under 80*C, GPU around 60-70*C, with this setup--compare this to an over 80*C CPU and GPU with fans running at full blast--6000rpm--if I try keeping the bottom shell on while playing games. I keep the keyboard cover on full-time; it doesn't seem to affect much and when I peel it back, the keyboard is usually fairly cool.
I highly recommend the Techshell; it has yet to scratch the aluminum casing even though I often remove the bottom shell (very easy after you get the hang of it). And it has definitely saved the aluminum from a few dents.