The folks over at iSkin sent me some products to review in the blog and the podcast over the next month or so. It’s always interesting to get products, and the first thing I look at is packaging. The SOHO had me from hello (did I just type that)

The iSkin SOHO Laptop Sleeve is one sexy beast. I got one for my Macbook that is all black with red colored stitching (like the picture above). Although the outside is simulated premium leather finish, it does not feel or look cheap in any way. Also the sleeve has a reinforced, outer Shell that makes it fit well under my arm like a portfolio. The SOHO also has iSkin specific features, like color-matching outside cover, padded lining and a zipper designed by iSkin that they call “Sure grip.”

Once you open the SOHO sleeve you are treated to a solid red lining that is smooth as silk and looks like it would not hurt your Mac in any way. One of the simple design elements that got to me right away was the two diagonal elasticized retainers that slip up over my laptops lid to hold the machine in place. I had this puppy in bed with me the first night, helping me get my geek on while keeping my thighs from burning. Yes I’m still talking about the SOHO .

The SOHO only fits the laptop so you won’t have room for your power-cord, USB cables or extra hard-drives. This sleeve is meant to be used when you need to carry your laptop into a meeting, local coffee shop or other mac-gathering while showing some class, but with a minimalist approach. Unfortunately there is no handle or any way to put in over your shoulder, but again it does fit neatly and securely underneath the arm or just by carrying it like you would a book or other business portfolio.

If you want your won SOHO you can order it in different color combinations, including black with pink (my wife is dying for one of these), as well as black with blue, black with red, black with orange, and black with blue. The cost is US$59.99 for 13 inch versions and $64.99 for 15 inch versions.

With these prices, the SOHO may not be for everyone because of the price, it is a well designed product that is going into my “use everyday” bin today. Look for other iSkin reviews in the coming weeks.