Electronics are expensive, and that’s why many people turn to protective cases to fortify their most valuable devices. They’re almost ubiquitous on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. However, protective cases are more of a mixed bag on the best laptops. Some laptop users swear by hard shell cases because they add protection and offer more customization options than a typical computer. Others aren’t a fan of the added thickness that comes with hard shell cases, or the (albeit slight) risk of a case damaging their laptop. If you aren’t sure whether a hard shell case is right for you, this guide goes over everything you need to know about the pros and cons.