Apple Acknowledges MacBook Staining

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Jason O'Grady posts on his ZDNet blog (http://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/index.php?p=232) that Apple has acknowledged and identified the cause of a staining issue that was affecting a small but significant number of MacBook owners.

It appears that the original MacBook plastics were too porous which led to staining after oils become embedded in it from prolonged use.

Apple changed the formulation of plastics in the production line already, so the newest models arriving in retail stores shouldn't have the same problem. The newer top case is reportedly much smoother to the touch than the previous MacBooks which feel slightly rougher.

While Apple typically does not support cosmetic issues that does not affect the operation of the computer, users that have the issue can contact AppleCare to arrange for a replacement of their top casing.

[jaxstate]

Sheesh, Apple is having all types of hardware problems. Good thing they acknowledging the problem. So what do they plan on doing with the MacBooks that were too porous.

[iGary]

At least they did something about it finally.

God, I'd hate to work at AppleCare.

[WildCowboy]

Nice to seem them acknowledging and fixing the problem both on the assembly line and in those already sold, but this sort of problem should have appeared during testing prior to release.

[sethypoo]

This is great news! Now, let's hope that they address the MacBook Pro heat and whine issues. I almost burned myself this morning :mad: .

[THX1139]

.... but this sort of problem should have appeared during testing prior to release.

Maybe testers wash their hands more often? :rolleyes:

[nagromme]

Problem identified, problem acknowledged, problem solved AND existing users given an exchange EVEN though the issue isn't covered by warranty.

We Apple users don't know how good we have it :) Apple hardware reliability and support isn't perfect... merely the best in the industry.

Keep complaining about any and all issues... sometimes it gets them fixed!

[longofest]

Revision A products SUCK (well, mostly)

[dav]

Top casing is the off-white area around the keyboard and trackpad, correct?

[rdowns]

At least they did something about it finally.

God, I'd hate to work at AppleCare.

It's not so bad. Not all customers are like you. :D

Revision A products SUCK (well, mostly)

Never had a problem with any Apple product I've owned including Rev. A iMac G5, iBook G3/900 and numerous Rev. As in he 90s.

[iGary]

It's not so bad. Not all customers are like you. :D

*drum crash*

Ah ha...ah ha ah ha ah ha...:rolleyes:








:D I still loves me some rdowns

[SC68Cal]

Well, we finally get an explanation and a fix!

[WillMak]

When did they switch plastics? Like what week of production?

[mkrishnan]

Top casing is the off-white area around the keyboard and trackpad, correct?

Yes. Sounds like they're just going to pull that whole piece of plastic off and replace it. ;)

[mark88]

When did they switch plastics? Like what week of production?

exactly, and how do people know whether they are buying a macbook with good or bad plastic?

I'm sure lots of stores still have macbooks left from the first batch.

[WillMak]

I have a 22nd week model and I'm going to leave my topcasing all oily to see whther or not it stains.

[runninmac]

I'm sure lots of stores still have macbooks left from the first batch.

I highly doubt that they have them from the first batch, when I was looking for my MacBook the store didn't have any for 4 days.

(I ended up ordering online)

[iGary]

I have a 22nd week model and I'm going to leave my topcasing all oily to see whther or not it stains.

LOL

"I'm going to try and stain it." :rolleyes:

[Core Trio]

Its nice to see that they've acknowledged the problem and have worked towards a solution. Now I guess we can lay the color issue to rest right?:rolleyes:

[dejo]

So what do they plan on doing with the MacBooks that were too porous.

I take it that was a question? If so, the answer was right above your query, not inches away! "...users that have the issue can contact AppleCare to arrange for a replacement of their top casing". I guess you missed that part. :p

[chairguru22]

Top casing is the off-white area around the keyboard and trackpad, correct?

i kinda like the fact that its a little rough.

[dmw007]

At least they did something about it finally.


True. :)


God, I'd hate to work at AppleCare.


I was thinking the same thing- poor Apple tech support technicians. :(

[Abstract]

I think my casing feels smooth, so I'm just going to not bother. My machine is a week 23 machine, though.

Now I guess we can lay the color issue to rest right?:rolleyes:

Wrong. Colour will always be an issue in our world. :eek:

[081440]

Are there any pics of the discoloration?

[WildCowboy]

Are there any pics of the discoloration?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tswartz/165320581/

[Pokeon]

Thats great timing... My MacBook is just starting to strain

[Mal]

I'm afraid mine wouldn't even show up. It's very faint, fortunately. Ugly in the right lighting though.

Anyone here actually called AppleCare? I'm considering it, but mine's not bad and I don't want to go through a ton of hassle if it's not worth it, but it did look bad in the right lighting, and I'd hate for it to get a lot worse if Apple's willing to fix it for free.

jW

[mrweirdo]

I went black because of this reason so its somewhat of a catch 22 but actualy I have come to like the black casing beter now that I have had it for about a week anyways. Heres hoping to them doing the same with the mooing problems next or at least releasing a firmware patch before I go insane from the fan noise :P

[dejo]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tswartz/165320581/

Wow! Looks like Cartman's MacBook. Methinks those are Cheesie Poof stains... ;)

[dontmatter]

Hmm, interesting. Reminds me of the black marks left from corroded aluminum due to sweating on your hot PB.

But please guys.

"While Apple typically does not support cosmetic issues that does not affect the operation of the computer, users that have the issue can contact AppleCare to arrange for a replacement of their top casing"

The second does should be "do'

And how about this sentence for weird.

"The newer top case is reportedly much smoother to the touch than the previous MacBooks which feel slightly rougher."

Perhaps I'm wrong in assuming that smooth and rough are opposites, but if the new case feels much smoother, shouldn't the old feel mouch rougher?

Jeeze, and the NY Times missed a space after a period in the front page (online) article on blood doping of professional cyclists.

As evidenced by these and apple... it seems that the price paid for putting out flawed products and then fixing them is less than the price paid to make everything right in the first place.

[kerisimasi]

Hey all, I know the questions has been asked once already, but there doesn't seem to be any replies yet. I bought my macbook june 1st for medical school. I haven't had the need to use it too much other than internet, so I am worried that the stains will show up later. Does anyone know if all the original macbooks are succeptible to the stains? and is there a date at which this porous plastic was taken off the market?? thanks for any help you guys can offer. I am already upset that I messed the free nano by a few days as well as a discounted microsoft office...blah, that's what I get for getting the macbook too early.

[PanicRoom]

Nice to seem them acknowledging and fixing the problem both on the assembly line and in those already sold, but this sort of problem should have appeared during testing prior to release.

As far as I understand it, Apple's secrecy surrounding new products means that there is NO significant user testing beforehand. This is precisley why Rev A products should be avoided: Rev A purchasers are Apple's de facto product testers.

[steve_hill4]

The 'r' on my MacBook Pro has fallen off, I wonder how many others have had this problem with theirs?

Doubt Apple would believe it fell off quite easily because since then I managed to dent the corner of the machine. Have chickenpox at the moment and as I wandered through Dover last weekend, trying to find a guest house with a single room for the night, got very hot and tired, held my bag incorrectly and it slowly slipped out. Working great still, with only cosmetic damage, but doubt Apple will believe any problems I ever get with it are unrelated.

[generik]

Problem identified, problem acknowledged, problem solved AND existing users given an exchange EVEN though the issue isn't covered by warranty.

We Apple users don't know how good we have it :) Apple hardware reliability and support isn't perfect... merely the best in the industry.

Keep complaining about any and all issues... sometimes it gets them fixed!

Turn off that fanboism :rolleyes:

The staining issues should not have occured in the first place. You sound just like a mother who go "Even though my boy got crushed by the school bus, but it is a good thing that the school still paid up promptly even though it is entirely the fault of the bus driver, all without me having to sue them! Thank you <insert school name>! That money will help me carry on!"

[Stridder44]

I'm afraid mine wouldn't even show up. It's very faint, fortunately. Ugly in the right lighting though.

Anyone here actually called AppleCare? I'm considering it, but mine's not bad and I don't want to go through a ton of hassle if it's not worth it, but it did look bad in the right lighting, and I'd hate for it to get a lot worse if Apple's willing to fix it for free.

jW

Why wouldn't you fix it?? They want to fix it for you! Sounds more like procrastination and laziness. It's gonna get bad one day anyway.

Turn off that fanboism :rolleyes:

The staining issues should not have occured in the first place. You sound just like a mother who go "Even though my boy got crushed by the school bus, but it is a good thing that the school still paid up promptly even though it is entirely the fault of the bus driver, all without me having to sue them! Thank you <insert school name>! That money will help me carry on!"

Agreed.

[Finn]

There is a website of affected customers:

http://www.stainedbook.info/

Finn.

[netdog]

Turn off that fanboism :rolleyes:

The staining issues should not have occured in the first place.

Mistakes happen.

[Macnoviz]

Turn off that fanboism :rolleyes:

The staining issues should not have occured in the first place. You sound just like a mother who go "Even though my boy got crushed by the school bus, but it is a good thing that the school still paid up promptly even though it is entirely the fault of the bus driver, all without me having to sue them! Thank you <insert school name>! That money will help me carry on!"

Actually, they would revive the boy after a few weeks.
I always knew <insert school name> practiced necromancy...

[TimUSCA]

So, THIS is what the extra $200 was for to get the black model... :p

[Kingsly]

Soo... a little stain gets an investigation and replacement... but a MBP that burns my hands and whines like a small child gets nothing?

:(

[mark!]

Soo... a little stain gets an investigation and replacement... but a MBP that burns my hands and whines like a small child gets nothing?

:(

burns your hands huh :rolleyes:

[jmmo20]

Problem identified, problem acknowledged, problem solved AND existing users given an exchange EVEN though the issue isn't covered by warranty.

We Apple users don't know how good we have it :) Apple hardware reliability and support isn't perfect... merely the best in the industry.

Keep complaining about any and all issues... sometimes it gets them fixed!

Sorry but that's not accurate

-> The problems hasn't been identified, theyre still investigating

-> Apple hasn't officially acknowledge anything, they're just extending the warranties

-> Warranty does not cover cosmetic issue, but this is not such, this is a manufacturing deffect, not a issue arising from user's wrong use of the computer

and most of all, apple is only replacing those units under 14 days of age, those of us who's got the laptop for longer have to stick with a normal warranty repair which takes weeks (Weeks!!!!)

And you are forgetting thtat no EVERY user with this is getting the positive response. Many people in europe (in general anywhere in europe but spain) are not getting the warranties extended in order to repair this problem. They're told it's cosmetic.

More info: www.stainedbook.info

[madmax_2069]

God, I'd hate to work at AppleCare.


I would give anything to work there, I love working on Mac's . almost more than life it's self


but that is just a dream and wont come a reality cause i didnt graduate

[Stridder44]

What the update?? No?? You've got to be kidding me....


No Rev. A's thank you. Ever.

[it5five]

So does anyone know when they started shipping good MacBooks? Mine is a week 21, and feels really smooth, but I don't have anything to compare it to.

[p0intblank]

At least they finally acknowledged this problem.

[Mal]

Why wouldn't you fix it?? They want to fix it for you! Sounds more like procrastination and laziness. It's gonna get bad one day anyway.

Umm, what? I laid out my reasoning very clearly, and I don't appreciate being called lazy by someone who has read a single post of mine without any thought behind it. Apple's never stated that they want to fix it for me, for one thing, even if reports say they're willing to do so. I asked if anyone had done it and if so, if it had been excessive hassle. For a little light staining, I don't wanna bother with a long drawn out process that results in a week or more without my computer, as that would set me back far more than simply letting my computer get a bit yellowed. Take your idiot thinking somewhere else, I'm tired of getting called names for perfectly reasonable posts.

jW

[MrCrowbar]

:p
I'm so glad I got the black one. But I'm with you, white Macbook owners out there. Don't give up!

[kingtj]

Revision A products SUCK (well, mostly)

I'd have to agree with this, overall. That doesn't mean I refuse to ever buy a new Apple product. On the contrary, I got a Macbook Pro about 5 weeks into production, and a PowerMac G5 dual 2.0Ghz tower very shortly after they first appeared on retail shelves.

Still, each time I've done so, I've realized it's a bit of a gamble. Apple products almost always receive some worthwhile revisions by the second or third revision - so early adopters don't get quite as a nice of a system for their dollar. On the other hand, that's the price of having the latest technology first.

EG. My PowerMac G5 tower was always a little "flaky". I could never pin down a specific, repairable issue with it (RAM was tested ok and even swapped a few times, hard drives checked out OK and were swapped once too, etc.) - but it just tended to crash with the spinning beach ball or a hard freeze a little too often. It never felt quite "right", though it was largely still usable. A fresh format and reinstall of OS X never ironed anything out either. I finally just sold it and bought a newer revision of the identical system and by comparison, it's rock solid. I'm still using it today to write this very message. My Macbook Pro arrived completely dead on arrival too, but to Apple's credit, they shipped me a replacement that has been flawless so far.

[weg]

Problem identified, problem acknowledged, problem solved AND existing users given an exchange EVEN though the issue isn't covered by warranty.


Design is one of the more important reasons why people buy Apple, so I'd say that the stain problem is a major deficiency. Ugly notebooks are available for significantly less bucks.. so they SHOULD cover this (it's not exactly an advertisement when your friends ask you why your notebook looks so ugly and you have to say "well, it's one of those new Apples").

[khunsanook]

Anybody know about info on serial numbers for the faulty macbook cases?

[knackroller]

This reminds me of the iBook discolorations....

[mccldwll]

I posted something a couple of weeks ago about 303 Protectant (303products.com) before Apple acknowledged the problem. I just spoke to person at 303 about use on laptops to prevent oils/dirt from penetrating porous surface. Couldn't find anything on the website. Said had been using it on laptop cases and screens for years. Anyone concerned about staining on old formulation or new might want to look into product. Not sure I would want to use it on black since probably would impact matte finish. It was developed for aerospace and aviation purposes. It has been the highest regarded UV screening product available for years. I have absolutely no affiliation with or other interest in the company.

[rdas7]

MacBook discoloration aside, it's no surprise that O'grady reports false news. He's disabled comments on his website for the past however long because most of his "news" articles are just his own idle speculation. I deleted the so-called "power" page from my bookmarks a couple months ago.

[fatties]

So does anyone know when they started shipping good MacBooks? Mine is a week 21, and feels really smooth, but I don't have anything to compare it to.

yeh how smooth does it have to be? like a baby's butt?

[Mal]

I'm not sure you'd be able to actually feel the difference. It's more porous, but not necessarily more rough to the touch, at least not to a level that you'd be able to detect.

I think I'll give AppleCare a call sometime after I actually purchase it (money prevented me from buying immediately, but I can do it soon). They treat you better when you have the policy than if you're just under warranty from everything I've seen and heard.

jW

[geodome]

Is Apple acknowleging the problem officially and providing laptop/casing replacement? If not, do you think a public campaign on Macbook staining will affect Apple's judgement?

[it5five]

So, according to coconutbattery my MacBook is 2 months old (only owned it for 1.5 weeks), so apparently it was sitting in the store quite a while. I just hope it stains soon so I can get the better piece of plastic.

[OdduWon]

does the current mbp enclosure stain too? or is it just an issue with the plastic they used and not that of acidic oils in the skin? I,ve been to a few apple stores and have noticed that some of the mbp have discoloration in the metal as well maybe we should all where gloves:p

[Kingsly]

burns your hands huh :rolleyes:
Sorry, perhaps I should've been more clear: too hot to rest my hands on for any useful amount of time-therefore negating the purpose of a built-in keyboard.
Was that better?

[QCassidy352]

ok, my gf says I'm nuts, but I swear that my macbook is beginning to yellow on the trackpad button and the edge of the right wrist rest. It is slight... but I can definitely see a difference; the plastic in those areas is noticably yellower than the rest of the top case. :( I am getting tired of having problems with my macbook...

[El Carbonite]

Apparently my most recent AppleCare authorization sheet mentions the following:

REPAIR COSMETIC PLASTICS DAMAGE: No

[JosiahPB]

Is this staining worth paying the extra money to go for the Black model?

[emotion]

Is this staining worth paying the extra money to go for the Black model?


Doesn't that one suffer from showing up fingerprints too much? (I've yet to touch a real one)

[netdog]

Doesn't that one suffer from showing up fingerprints too much? (I've yet to touch a real one)

It seems to at the beginning, but then not.

[emotion]

It seems to at the beginning, but then not.

Ooh that's good to hear. As soon as they level the black/white pricing I'm on it :)

[shadowmoses]

I just noticed that my MacBook keyboard has gone a brown orange color as well as the track-pad doing the same..... On top of this my trackpad button now makes a weird noise and is awkward to click, I am going to call apple this morning and talk to them about this problem see what they have to say,

SHadoW

[JosiahPB]

Care to tell us what happened during your call Shadowmoses?

[ashley]

I'm not sure if anyone has posted about this, but just in case ...

I've had my Macbook for about a week, noticed some staining today, and called Apple.

After a very brief conversation, where I explained I'd had it for a very short time, had used a wet cloth and Mr. Clean to try and clean it, and didn't use any cosmetics that could have stained it, they're replacing the top casing!

So, good news for anyone with stained cases - call Apple and they should replace it. Somewhat of a pain, but still! :)

[fiercetiger224]

I'm not sure if anyone has posted about this, but just in case ...

I've had my Macbook for about a week, noticed some staining today, and called Apple.

After a very brief conversation, where I explained I'd had it for a very short time, had used a wet cloth and Mr. Clean to try and clean it, and didn't use any cosmetics that could have stained it, they're replacing the top casing!

So, good news for anyone with stained cases - call Apple and they should replace it. Somewhat of a pain, but still! :)

Really? So Apple finally acknowledges the problem?! HOORAAAY!!! Mine started staining two weeks after I got my MacBook, but now I also have Applecare. I'll probably call them sometime this week to get it sent back in for a new top casing!

[SeaFox]

It seems to at the beginning, but then not.

Yes, because by then you have throughly saturated the casing with your oily hands and the figerprints have a surface not pourus enough to hold onto anymore. BWAHAHAHAHAHA!

[superted666]

i can confirm this too,

Excpet i went to a store and a top case is on order :)

[mccldwll]

ok, my gf says I'm nuts, but I swear that my macbook is beginning to yellow on the trackpad button and the edge of the right wrist rest. It is slight... but I can definitely see a difference; the plastic in those areas is noticably yellower than the rest of the top case. :( I am getting tired of having problems with my macbook...


Huh?? I've been tracking the staining problem since I was about to order one, but wanted the problem acknowledged/resolved first. Isn't this your post from a few weeks ago when the discoloration issue first surfaced, questioning the hygiene of users?

<<"lol I'd never even heard of this problem until I read about it on this forum yesterday. And now people are acting like every macbook has it. It's white plastic, so yes, it's going to show stains if you use it with dirty hands.

Dunno about you all, but I'm getting sick of a few careless people "discovering" a new "defect" with one or another mac model and starting a panic about it. This is the plastic over the vent all over again. These things get absurdly blown out of proportion, both in terms of prevalence and seriousness.

If you take care of your macbook it's going to look just fine. Seriously."">>

[QCassidy352]

Isn't this your post from a few weeks ago when the discoloration issue first surfaced, questioning the hygiene of users?

I was wrong. I have owned ibooks before, and have often heard people complaining about how the plastic discolored (which doesn't actually happen on ibooks unless you are careless). When I heard about this problem with the macbooks I assumed the macbooks were the same as the ibooks in this regard. Clearly, that is not the case, and I shouldn't have jumped to a conclusion.

That said, I still think that the seriousness and prevalence of this problem is overstated. I do have some mild discoloration on my macbook, and apple is repairing it under warranty. The problem has been acknowledged and better plastic is being used on new macbooks and repairs. Even many older macbooks do not show this problem. So this certainly should not stop anyone from buying one.

I also think that people do jump to conclusions about so-called problems way too quickly. Remember the plastic over the vent or the peeling black macbook? I thought this was one of those, but I guess I shouldn't have assumed that.

[mccldwll]

I was wrong. I have owned ibooks before, and have often heard people complaining about how the plastic discolored (which doesn't actually happen on ibooks unless you are careless). When I heard about this problem with the macbooks I assumed the macbooks were the same as the ibooks in this regard. Clearly, that is not the case, and I shouldn't have jumped to a conclusion.

That said, I still think that the seriousness and prevalence of this problem is overstated. I do have some mild discoloration on my macbook, and apple is repairing it under warranty. The problem has been acknowledged and better plastic is being used on new macbooks and repairs. Even many older macbooks do not show this problem. So this certainly should not stop anyone from buying one.

I also think that people do jump to conclusions about so-called problems way too quickly. Remember the plastic over the vent or the peeling black macbook? I thought this was one of those, but I guess I shouldn't have assumed that.

Assume nothing. The seriousness was not overstated. The prevalence, and cause, was unknown. One sick canary means nothing. Two could be coincidence. Three or more is a problem. While the peeling blackbook was a nostart, discoloration issues had been documented and discussed on other forums for some time. People suspected the new plastic. It seriously impacted appearance and value. [I take it you're not too happy now that you're suspecting discoloring. How much worse would you be feeling if Apple had not acknowledged the problem?] Posts about issues such as mooing, whining and overheating, etc. are not overreacting--without this information sharing it's the individual against the corporation, and the individual's chances for success are slim to none.

[QCassidy352]

The seriousness was not overstated... Posts about issues such as mooing, whining and overheating, etc. are not overreacting--without this information sharing it's the individual against the corporation, and the individual's chances for success are slim to none.

I disagree that the seriousness was not overstated. It's annoying and problematic, but it's also minor and cosmetic only. It should be addressed and it is being addressed. The degree to which people have freaked out is disproportionate to the seriousness of the actual issue. And I say this as someone who has this issue badly enough that apple is repairing my MB.

I also think that the posts about whining, mooing, and overheating have largely blown the issues out of proportion. (and again, I have these issues: my MB both whines moos, tho it's fine on heat.) If you look around this forum you'll see that I'm concerned and upset about these issues. I have no inclination to give apple a free pass on this. But we need to keep a little perspective here. Only in rare cases do these issues become actual impediments to function; for the most part they are minor annoyances at worst.

You make it sound like apple wants to screw people here, and we can only get repairs done if we band together and fight against the big evil corporation. That's not my experience. Every single time something has gone wrong with one of my macs apple has repaired it at no cost to me, even when the issue is both minor and undocumented.

Do I think the macbooks have problems, including whining, mooing, discoloration, and overheating? Yes. Do I think apple should address these problems and take them seriously? Absolutely. But based on my experience, apple deserves the benefit of the doubt here. They've always done right by me in the past. Show them that something is not working as intended and they will work with you to fix it whether or not there's an internet campaign about it.

[dcmonks]

I just called AppleCare and, within 1 minute of talking to the operator (though I was on hold for about 10 minutes first), had a box shipped to me in order to have the top of the case replaced.

They just ask you some simple questions trying to get you to admit fault such as: Have any cosmetics come in contact with the computer? Could any clothing have caused the discoloration? As long as you answer no, you should have no problem getting it fixed.

Hopefully the new case will be less pourous, but I plan on buying Marware's protection kit just in case.

Good luck!

[craigatkinson]

When I bought my first powerbook I bought a marware protection pack with it because I thought it was common sense. I mean your sweaty, oily hands are going to be resting against a painted surface for hours everyday. These things are not made of cast iron, it's going to take its toll on the computer. I just bought a macbook pro and bought the marware protection pack again. It might be cool if apple provided a protection pack like this for their computers when you buy them, but it's not their responsibility and it's not Apple's fault when the inevitable happens. If your going to buy a notebook computer and you want the wrist pad to continue to look nice, then buy something like the marware protection pack to keep it looking nice.


I just called AppleCare and, within 1 minute of talking to the operator (though I was on hold for about 10 minutes first), had a box shipped to me in order to have the top of the case replaced.

They just ask you some simple questions trying to get you to admit fault such as: Have any cosmetics come in contact with the computer? Could any clothing have caused the discoloration? As long as you answer no, you should have no problem getting it fixed.

Hopefully the new case will be less pourous, but I plan on buying Marware's protection kit just in case.

Good luck!

[QCassidy352]

I've thought about getting an invisible shield for my macbook... that would protect the top case quite well also.

[Hemingray]

I took my StainedBook to the nearest Apple Store over this past weekend. I was given the run-around by one of the resident so-called "Genius"es:

Him: "So, what seems to be the problem?"
Me: "Well, I have one of the stained MacBooks, I'm here to bring it in for repair because apparently you guys are taking them back."
Him: "Oh really? Where did you hear that?"
Me: "It's been all over the Mac news sites and Apple forums."
Him: "If it's not on Apple.com, it's not official."
Me: "How about the Apple Forums?"
Him: "Those are provided as a place for customers to discuss, they aren't official."
Me: "I understand that. Anyways, here's my case number. You're welcome to call AppleCare if you want..."

He finally ended up checking in my laptop for repair, and after a few days of "On Hold - Parts on Order", my MacBook is on its way back and hopefully should be here within the next few days.

I'm just hoping they bothered to replace the plastic bezel around the screen as well (up by the iSight) or I may be taking it back in again. Oi. At least they're fixing them.

And as for the Apple Genius, he should live up to his title by staying informed of all things in the Mac community and not necessarily just what the mothership feeds him. Just my 2 cents of course. :rolleyes:

[samarharb]

Hi, I'm new to this website since I just bought this laptop about a month ago. I was actually searching on google what to clean my laptop with and this website popped up. i read the whole spheel about the macbook staining issue...i'm jsut curious to know how do i know if the laptop i have will stain or not? i have the white intel 13" macbook. I just bought it its the lastest one i bought it about a month ago. If someone has some more info on this please let me know cuz its kinda wierd this whole staining story:confused:
anyhow thanks:)

[QCassidy352]

got mine back with new, smoother plastic. Kudos to apple for acknowledging this issue and fixing it. :)

[Mal]

Alright, I finally got down to the Apple Store to investigate the process, and the guy at the Genius Bar was great. He knew instantly what was going on, told me it would be 5-7 days as a regular customer but only 1-2 as a ProCare Member, which is annoying but expected. Does anyone know if AppleCare repairs get done faster than traditional warranty repairs, or is it only the ProCare that they push in the stores that helps with that? I'll be bringing it in later this week to actually do the repair, but I've been planning to get AppleCare anyways, so if it would help it would be worthwhile.

jW

[Katharine]

Does this count as acknowledgement? http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304058

[Mal]

LOL, detailed article. Yes, I'd say that counts.

jW

[JackSYi]

Do you think Apple will replace staining on black models? My keyboard has oil stains that do NOT come off.

[Anoi]

I assume i have to send my MacBook off for this and that they won't just send me a new top panel.

[fiercetiger224]

So uhh, if I have AppleCare, does that mean I can take it to an Apple store and they can repair it right then and there...? I don't want to depart from my MacBook for too long... *sighs* :-(

[craigatkinson]

If it's only staining where your wrists rest and you can't be apart from your computer for long, then I'd just buy a marware protection pack from the apple store to keep it from getting worse and to cover up the eye sore. I had a protection pack on my powerbook and now on my macbook pro. I love it.

So uhh, if I have AppleCare, does that mean I can take it to an Apple store and they can repair it right then and there...? I don't want to depart from my MacBook for too long... *sighs* :-(

[BackInTheSaddle]

FWIW, AppleCare has always resolved any issues (software and hardware) that I've had, promptly and courteously. And by someone who can speak American English :)

[Mal]

So uhh, if I have AppleCare, does that mean I can take it to an Apple store and they can repair it right then and there...? I don't want to depart from my MacBook for too long... *sighs* :-(

See my post above. If they have the parts in stock, ProCare Members would get it back in one day, two if they have to order the part. If you just have regular AppleCare or a product warranty, it's 5-7 days. Unless AppleCare includes ProCare (it should, but never seen any indication of that).

jW

[transistorJ]

I just purchased one (macbook) last week and was told that the staining was no longer an issue. It is already filthy looking.

I am not impressed with this issue nor the sharp edges one.

I am also finding it hanging regularly.

[ITASOR]

I just purchased one (macbook) last week and was told that the staining was no longer an issue. It is already filthy looking.

I am not impressed with this issue nor the sharp edges one.

I am also finding it hanging regularly.

The palm rests still get dirty, at least mine do, but it actually washes off with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (just like the iBooks), unlike the previous MacBook casing, where it was permanent.

[Souljas]

Sorry for bringing up an old thread...How can you tell what revision your macbook is? I bought mine in a UK store about 2 weeks after release and you can certainly see staining, but it is not as bad as some pics I have seen of some peoples MB's. Also if I was to send it into apple are you allowed to remove the hard drive before you send it?

[coventry]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Jason O'Grady posts on his ZDNet blog (http://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/index.php?p=232) that Apple has acknowledged and identified the cause of a staining issue that was affecting a small but significant number of MacBook owners.



While Apple typically does not support cosmetic issues that does not affect the operation of the computer, users that have the issue can contact AppleCare to arrange for a replacement of their top casing.

Hi,Buddy,I think the palmrest protector which I find on ebay.uk,maybe you can have a try.:)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=008&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=180082090534&rd=1&rd=1

[milo2020]

FWIW, AppleCare has always resolved any issues (software and hardware) that I've had, promptly and courteously. And by someone who can speak American English :)

American English? "You want fries with that?"


Any news on whether the problem of 'pitting' on the macbook pro palmrest area is going to be addressed?

[princealfie]

I took my StainedBook to the nearest Apple Store over this past weekend. I was given the run-around by one of the resident so-called "Genius"es:

Him: "So, what seems to be the problem?"
Me: "Well, I have one of the stained MacBooks, I'm here to bring it in for repair because apparently you guys are taking them back."
Him: "Oh really? Where did you hear that?"
Me: "It's been all over the Mac news sites and Apple forums."
Him: "If it's not on Apple.com, it's not official."
Me: "How about the Apple Forums?"
Him: "Those are provided as a place for customers to discuss, they aren't official."
Me: "I understand that. Anyways, here's my case number. You're welcome to call AppleCare if you want..."

He finally ended up checking in my laptop for repair, and after a few days of "On Hold - Parts on Order", my MacBook is on its way back and hopefully should be here within the next few days.

I'm just hoping they bothered to replace the plastic bezel around the screen as well (up by the iSight) or I may be taking it back in again. Oi. At least they're fixing them.

And as for the Apple Genius, he should live up to his title by staying informed of all things in the Mac community and not necessarily just what the mothership feeds him. Just my 2 cents of course. :rolleyes:

Apple Geniuses are not allowed to surf websites like appleinsider.com and macrumors actually. They can get fired for doing so.