The Speck hard shell sounded like the perfect way to keep my expensive Mac protected from the world without having to take it in and out of a case every time you need to use it.

I guess in theory it does so, but it fails to execute in almost every situation. I found a number of problems with my case:
-Very poorly constructed. I had to shave down the sides of the back to get it to open and close without catching on the other section of the case and making a loud cracking sound. Very, very poorly measured out. It seems like a bonehead move and I can’t imagine its a widespread problem, but I lined everything up and it definitely doesn’t work.
-Low quality. Just look at the pictures below, this was fresh out of the box without ever putting it on my computer. Brand new.
It had plastic seams, even little cracks all over it. There was some sort of paint or scrapings on the inside that I couldn’t clean off. Again, I’ll iterate that this was brand new out of retail, shrink wrapped packaging.

My conclusion? Do not buy at retail price. For the $50 or so list, it is absolutely not worth it. The case is poorly constructed and very low quality. However, at the price I paid, I’m indifferent.
Not Recommended

Plastic seams:

Residue and bubbling:

Factory cracking (wasn’t broken, but on the way to cracked)