FAQ

Below are some Blackbox Case Frequently Asked Questions. If you don’t find your answer here, we would love to talk.

Q: Are Blackbox Cases more beautiful in person than in photos?
A: YES!  It is very difficult to grasp the full beauty of our bamboo and wood cases from our images.  When you first hold a Blackbox Case, you will say wow - and then notice how light and beautiful they are :)

Q: Will you be making a case for the awesomely GIANT Apple iPad Pro?
Yessiree!  Due to the size of Apple's new iPad Pro, which we like to call the "GIANT"... a Blackbox Case will be the perfect form of protection for such a large tablet.  This will be the largest and most interesting Blackbox Case we have ever created and will guarantee the "GIANT" will be ready for you when Apple decides to ship this product sometime in November.

Q: Which Apple iPad models does a Blackbox Case fit?
A: Our iPad cases fit every iPad model Apple has ever shipped — *except* for the original 1st generation iPad released on March 2nd, 2011.  If you have an iPad mini or iPad Air, we have you covered, just be sure to select the correct model from us.

Q: Do Blackbox Cases fit with Apple's iPad Smart Cover?
A: Yes!  Our iPad mini, iPad Air, iPad 2/3/4 cases fit with and without Apple's Smart Cover which magnetically attach to the side of your iPad.  They will *NOT* fit with Apple's Smart Case which covers your entire iPad and provides scratch protection, but little to no protection against dropping or compression fractures.  We believe a Blackbox Case paired with an Apple Smart Cover is the ultimate form of stylish protection that works together nicely.

We have yet to decide whether or not we will include Smart Cover compatibility with the new iPad Pro.  We are also thinking of making a case that will supper the iPad Pro with the new Smart Keyboard, but are going to wait to hear from customers on whether or not they would like to have this functionality built into a case.  If you have a request, please let us know!

Q: Does Blackbox Case make an iPad Air 2 Case?
A: The new iPad Air 2 released on October 16th, 2014 definitely fits perfectly in our iPad Air case.  The original iPad Air was 7.5mm thick and the new iPad Air 2 is 6.1mm, a small but noticeable difference of 1.4mm.  To put this into perspective that is just under 2 credit cards of thickness.

Q: Are Blackbox Cases TSA Approved?
Yes!...and no.  Per the TSA website,

"TSA will not approve or endorse any bag design or manufacturer. TSA will only allow laptops to stay in bags through screening if they provide a clear and unobstructed X-ray image of the laptop."

Since TSA does not officially endorse any laptop bag or case manufacturer, Blackbox Case is no exception... but we do guarantee your Blackbox Case is TSA Friendly.  You will still have to remove your Apple device from your carry on — but leave it happily stored in your Blackbox Case.  TSA's x-rays will clearly see through the case providing a completely clear look at your computer.  You will rarely have to remove your computer from the case and risk scratching the underside in those ridiculously scratchy and crappy plastic tote trays.  Remember, people put their shoes in those things - yuck!

Q: Will you make a Blackbox Case for my MacBook Air?
A: YES! We have this case on the drawing board... again.  It will be available probably before you read this.  Like right here (11" MBA) and right here (13" MBA).

Q: Is Neoprene really for old people with bad knees?
A: Haha - you caught us! During our Kickstarter campaign we jokingly referred to neoprene cases being for old people with bad knees. In reality, neoprene does not protect your computer from drops or compression fractures and provide zero additional lap protection.  Blackbox Cases provide superior hard shell protection for your Apple device as well as air flow and lap protection when using your laptop computer on your actual lap.  We call it built in ball saver mode ;) — simply remove your computer from the safety of your Blackbox Case, flip it over and put your computer on top of it using your Blackbox Case as a barrier between your computer and your lap.  You will be able to work freely and comfortably without heating (or in some cases burning) your lap.  Your computer will also have excellent air circulation keeping temperatures down and fans off.

Q: Do you offer international shipping?
A: We are shipping to all countries in the world now, however there are variances in shipping depending on where you are located. If you have any questions about how much shipping is to your country, you will always be able to see the total including shipping before accepting to purchase your Blackbox Case.

Q: How long does shipping take?
A: We suggest the shipment option of USPS Priority Mail, which takes 2-4 days in the United States. Internationally there are first class mail options, but we are slowly removing those due to lack of tracking information and completely random delivery times of up to 6 weeks. Using USPS Priority International you will receive your case in a fraction of the time.

Q: What if my case becomes backordered?
A: First, we will let you know that we don’t have your case in immediate stock, and give you an estimated time-to-ship. We will never claim your credit card payment until your case has shipped.  Lately we have been very good about tracking our inventory to perfection... and there are very few times that you will be able to actually purchase a case that we don't have in stock!

Q: How do I know you guys don’t suck?
A: We stand behind our product. If you aren’t happy, we will make it right. We are engineers and professional woodworkers and we have been fine-tuning this design to perfection for the past 5 years (and it’s patent pending). We're pretty sure you’ll love it! 

Q: What’s on the inside?
A: High quality wool felt. When you receive your case, you may have to blow out a couple burlap particles from the burlap sack we ship your case in, but beyond that the black wool felt will provide scratch protection throughout the life of your case.

Q: How much does a Blackbox Case weigh?
A: The weight of our cases completely depends on the size of the Blackbox Case you are using, but to simplify this answer into one statement for all cases... "they are surprisingly lighter than you would think :)"

Apple Case Size Apple Weight Blackbox Weight 12oz Coors Light Cans
iPad mini 331g 230g 20 empty cans
iPad Air 469g 342g 1 full can
iPad 2/3/4 652g 388g 1.06 cans
iPad Pro - the GIANT 713g 540g 1.47 cans
12-inch MacBook 920g 401g 1.10 cans
11-inch MacBook Air 1080g 412g 1.12 cans
13-inch MacBook Air 1350g 528g 1.44 cans
13-inch MacBook Retina 1570g 588g 1.61 cans
15-inch MacBook Retina 2020g 692g 1.89 cans

 

Q: What happens if I spill water on it?
A: Your case will be okay! Just wipe it off. If the inside of the case is wet, don’t put your computer in it until it has had time to dry.

Q: How do I take care of it?
A: Your case will age very well... it will probably outlive the computer it is protecting. Mostly, we just recommend keeping it clean with a rag damp with windex, water or wood floor cleaner and try to avoid overly sharp objects - like harpoon guns. Ladies who throw your iPad's into purses with giant key rings and hundreds of other items... your Blackbox Case will protect your Apple investment from danger.

Q: What if I drop it?
A: Your case will probably incur some damage if dropped on an edge. We think of it like a bicycle helmet breaking to protect your head... a Blackbox Case may break if dropped from a significant height to protect your computer. It took us 3 drops to physically break an iPad case when testing... from 20 feet up. However, as with any electronic product out there, please avoid dropping your computer. But accidents like a computer bag falling out of the back of a fully loaded vehicle do happen... which is why you bought a Blackbox Case :)

Q: Does a Blackbox Case make static electricity?
A: No - but it does make friends.

Q: Can I use my Blackbox Case as a wine and cheese plate?
A: Most definitely!  Maybe even a cutting board if your don't mind some knife marks and character on your case. We've actually been testing one of the first ever laser engraved Blackbox Cases from 2011 by using it regularly in the kitchen. It has been wet and worked and is still serving and protecting!

Q: Do you offer factory tours?
A: Not Currently.  But we do like entertaining our customers when they are visiting Golden, Colorado.  We are a very easy stop off I-70 on your way to or from the Rocky Mountain powder snow ... so please contact us if you are going to be in the area.  If you select our Free shipping method of "Pickup and Beverages in Golden, CO" please coordinate with us on when you are planning your trip to Colorado and we will laser engrave your case when you pick it up!  Over beers of course :)

Q: Why the name "Blackbox?"
A: Our original Blackbox Case creator, Lance Atkins, decided to chase his childhood dream and became a pilot. In an airplane the "black box" is a crash-proof box where all valuable flight data and information is protected and stored. Your Blackbox Case will serve the same purpose by protecting your Apple investment and your valuable data.

Q: Where have you been the last two years?
It has been a long road of learning and transitioning with Blackbox Case... but to be completely transparent with a one word short answer - Egypt.  For something a little more from the heart, read this.

Q: Gosh, you guys are neat. Where can I hear more?
A: Thanks! You Rock. Keep up with our inventive journey via: Blog, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or sign up for our randomly periodic newsletter - trust us, we will make it worth it :)

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