Most people buying an iPhone want to protect it with a case as soon as possible. Something Apple has recommended for over a decade. Recently, this behavior has carried over to MacBooks. With users attaching plastic covers to protect their investment. But this may be doing more harm than good. Since a MacBook’s low-tolerance clamshell design can be damaged by a case that’s poorly designed or fitted improperly.

Unlike iPhones, MacBooks have a hinge that allow the lid to open and close. And cases can apply unnecessary stress to the hinge in a variety of ways. First, being excess weight.