royally pissed, my crackbook

[techshellmacbook]

MY macbook has cracked the top keyboard / tappad housing 3 times now, it is going on its 4th repair as of now. I am ROYALLY pissed about this because i have the warranty, but now its going onto the applecare extended warranty and im just sick of this. I got this macbook last feb. and my first macbook had a few dead pixels, decided to return that one and get this one, this one was great, until it decided to go ahead and crack these keyboards.


I dont slam the lid shut either. This is REALLY pissing me off. It is cracking right above the power status LED and its done it in the same place. I LOVE the macbook itslef for the hardware, hate the dang thing for its durability. Hardware seems great, but this quality is sub par. Is there a number i can get for customer relations or something, this is really sad. I love my macbook.

[Nadasive]

Maybe its from how hot your macbook pro gets?
i've herd stories of macbook pros literally cracking up or blowing up

Like this:
http://www.dabbledoo.com/ee/images/uploads/appletell/MacBook-Pro-Fire_thumb.jpg
its not exactly the same issue but its close, right?



i also found this... Lets hope this never happens :O
http://www.appledefects.com/images/burning-ibook.jpg

Check your macbook's Tempature... If thats not it, then i don't know what is . . .

[flyinmac]

Man, that sucks.

You can call the standard Apple 800 number and ask for who you want.

They can be tricky though. I've asked to be escalated to a supervisor many times, and all but one time I've been told that they don't have supervisors at Apple.

The one who admitted that they do was quite amused and we had a good laugh about the idea of a company with nothing but employees and no supervisors.

So, depending on who answers your call, you could be in for some fun. But, give it a try and ask for who you want. Hopefully they'll have one...


As for keyboards, I'm not surprised. I actually had one of the regular desktop keyboards that came with my iMac G5 crack on me. It wasn't cracked when I went to bed, but it was cracked when I got up in the morning.

The clear plastic just cracked by itself during the night. Just sitting on the desk.

I think some of their molding processes likely create stress points in the material that eventually just pull themselves apart.

[asme]

When #5 rolls around, call them and ask politely for a replacement unit. Don't go to the genius bar and ask for a replacement, as that comes out of the store's own stock, and the store hates that, call the 800 number. They have a stash of computers that are destined to be replacements for lemon units.

It worked for me, although admittedly I'd had some more logic-board-ey issues.

[flyinmac]

They have a stash of computers that are destined to be replacements for lemon units.

Yeah, the other lemons that got returned and repaired :)

[asme]

Yeah, the other lemons that got returned and repaired :)

Refurbished units are fine because they go through actual quality control, but most often you get a new unit.

[flyinmac]

Refurbished units are fine because they go through actual quality control, but most often you get a new unit.

Not the refurbs I've gotten. Those weren't even cleaned. They were worse than used. Actually (and quite seriously), I've gotten better looking computers from the land fill.

Sorry, but I don't buy the refurbs get looked at more closely. The last one I got was boxed badly, and was defective when it arrived. Not to mention thoroughly coated in the last owners grime and mud.

I had to thoroughly and heavily scrub it with industrial cleaners to get the grime off of it. Of course, that still didn't get rid of the cracks and chips in the plastic case of the computer or the mouse.

If they looked at it, they had their eyes closed.

I don't think I'll ever go refurb again. Salvation Army's computers look much prettier.

I did eventually get them to fix all the issues with the machine (with more refurb parts). But, it was a fight since Apple claims that (even on new machines) cosmetic issues are not covered under the warranty (even if they arrive cosmetically damaged).

I had to fight that one for months to get it all looking the way it should have. The thing never did quit breaking down though. Repair after repair after repair it just kept dying. They wouldn't replace it. So, I eventually sold it for a loss and considered it a lesson learned about Apple and their thorough refurb process.

Sure, you can get a nice refurb (many do). But, don't expect that it's always going to be good. Just as many refurbs have issues as other machines. Your odds of getting a good one are no better with a refurb. I'd actually say your chances are much better of just inheriting someone else's headache.

[techshellmacbook]

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg122/cvpiftw/DSC09884.jpg

[flyinmac]

Yep, I'd say that is a from a weak spot being in a place of stress (palm pressure over weak plastic).

[hexonxonx]

The previous generation MacBooks had that problem. All you have to do is search any of the Mac Forums including the Apple discussion forums and you will see for yourself. Not sure if the current generation will have that problem since they are only months old.

[silverblack]

Here's a solution:

- find the piece that cracked and came off
- glue it back; and
- apply this palm guard
http://www.moshimonde.com/palmguard.htm

This is a perfect fit, and it will cover the crack.

[techshellmacbook]

I have a warranty. Ill be taking this in.

[SFStateStudent]

Express your disatisfaction via Apple Support email, and request a new MB. :(

[mpw]

...hate the dang thing for its durability. Hardware seems great, but this quality is sub par...
It's pining for it's twin;
http://att.macrumors.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=119950&stc=1&d=1213405172

Also on it's 3rd case and in nee of a 4th! :mad:

[Cheffy Dave]

Not the refurbs I've gotten. Those weren't even cleaned. They were worse than used. Actually (and quite seriously), I've gotten better looking computers from the land fill.

Sorry, but I don't buy the refurbs get looked at more closely. The last one I got was boxed badly, and was defective when it arrived. Not to mention thoroughly coated in the last owners grime and mud.

I had to thoroughly and heavily scrub it with industrial cleaners to get the grime off of it. Of course, that still didn't get rid of the cracks and chips in the plastic case of the computer or the mouse.

If they looked at it, they had their eyes closed.

I don't think I'll ever go refurb again. Salvation Army's computers look much prettier.

I did eventually get them to fix all the issues with the machine (with more refurb parts). But, it was a fight since Apple claims that (even on new machines) cosmetic issues are not covered under the warranty (even if they arrive cosmetically damaged).

I had to fight that one for months to get it all looking the way it should have. The thing never did quit breaking down though. Repair after repair after repair it just kept dying. They wouldn't replace it. So, I eventually sold it for a loss and considered it a lesson learned about Apple and their thorough refurb process.

Sure, you can get a nice refurb (many do). But, don't expect that it's always going to be good. Just as many refurbs have issues as other machines. Your odds of getting a good one are no better with a refurb. I'd actually say your chances are much better of just inheriting someone else's headache.

My refurb was mint in every respect, the one I bought for my wife,arrived 3 days ago, was mint as well. Four of my friends went the refurb way, specifically after seeing my first one,all of theirs were spotless/flawless too.
I /we just love our BMB's and would do it again in a heartbeat. 6 perfect refurbished BMB's in one area of Florida,all purchased at different times, speaks legions,as to your statement,"I've gotten better laptops from landfills", yeah, ok:rolleyes:

[Fenir]

Hey my macbook has those cracks on both sides.

My nearest Apple store (2 hrs away) wanted $300 to fix it.

And you were pissed with one side cracking. 1st gen macbook here. I politely told that to the Apple store, they didn't seem to care. No luck on a return trip either. :(

[techshellmacbook]

Express your disatisfaction via Apple Support email, and request a new MB. :(

I am getting a call tag, gotta ship this one out, they are shipping me a brand new macbook

[flyinmac]

My refurb was mint in every respect, the one I bought for my wife,arrived 3 days ago, was mint as well. Four of my friends went the refurb way, specifically after seeing my first one,all of theirs were spotless/flawless too.
I /we just love our BMB's and would do it again in a heartbeat. 6 perfect refurbished BMB's in one area of Florida,all purchased at different times, speaks legions,as to your statement,"I've gotten better laptops from landfills", yeah, ok:rolleyes:

Great that you all got good ones. It just needs to be understood that it's not always the case. If you had seen what I saw (and had to clean), you would never buy a refurb from them. The risk just isn't worth it.

Sure, I could clean the grime from them. That just took an hour of heavy scrubbing. But, the physical damage was quite a fight to get fixed since they claimed it was only "cosmetic".

And, yes, I have gotten landfill computers that looked better. I come from a family that will salvage anything. It's just that in recent years, I've gotten enough money to just buy new (and learned not to buy refurbs).

Sure, I could get a nice looking system as a refurb. But, I could also get another beater that needs intensive care. The savings just isn't worth the risk of the battle to me.

Great that you were happy with yours.

The main point of my story, is that fighting to get a system exchanged for a refurb, isn't necessarily going to get you something better. It could be worse.

If they'll give you brand new in exchange, then go for it.

[flyinmac]

I am getting a call tag, gotta ship this one out, they are shipping me a brand new macbook

That's great news. I hope this one works out much better for you.

[asme]

Outstanding. Refund the Applecare and sell your new one.

[DaBrain]

My refurb was mint in every respect, the one I bought for my wife,arrived 3 days ago, was mint as well. Four of my friends went the refurb way, specifically after seeing my first one,all of theirs were spotless/flawless too.
I /we just love our BMB's and would do it again in a heartbeat. 6 perfect refurbished BMB's in one area of Florida,all purchased at different times, speaks legions,as to your statement,"I've gotten better laptops from landfills", yeah, ok:rolleyes:

I'd chalk his experience (other poster) to a fluke! Many here including myself got their refurbs in new condition and no way could anyone tell they were not new! If I would have received one in the condition he/she described I would be on the phone pronto and tell Apple I want another one or my money back. However, I have found so far dealing with Apple they really do a great job trying to resolve the issue and make you happy. Just got a refurb wireless mouse a month ago (my 2nd one) and this was for my current refurb black book. It was defective on arrival. I called Apple, they said do what you will with it and were sending you a NEW one and sorry for the problem. In just 2 days I received my brand new wireless mouse! I could not be happier with their attempt to resolve this issue. Just saying most receive working refurbs in great condition. Im sure some do not and they should call Apple immediately to resolve it. Apple will work with you!;)

[CPD_1]

Mine cracked early last week, and I took it into the Apple Store today. 20 minutes in and out the door. Looks as good as new if not better. I'm certainly hoping it doesn't happen again, and I do feel a genuine difference in the new casing. Hopefully it wil last me for another couple of years.

[techshellmacbook]

Outstanding. Refund the Applecare and sell your new one.

Why would i sell it

[SFStateStudent]

I am getting a call tag, gotta ship this one out, they are shipping me a brand new macbook

Awesome, that's the way Apple Customer Service should work. Taking care of their customers. Good onya'! (Make sure you back up everything, that way you can just download from your external hard drive). :p

[stevin]

Hey guys,

I have the exact same problem. Its kind of ridiculous considering I baby this thing like you wouldn't believe... granted its already 1.5 years old *got it last feb*.

SOOO... Its only cracked on one side.. (right above the power led) i've seen a friends have the crack on both sides. It started as a crack.. but now its hanging on by one side.. I'm sure it ill be completely detached like the pictures you've posted in a day or so.

Funny thing is that I would say 70% of the time I have my macbook in my room attached to an external monitor and bluetooth keyboard/mighty mouse combo.. so i def haven't even typed on it all that much.


Can you tell me what exactly you did in order to get a new replacement sent out to you? I picked up applecare before my warranty ran out so I should be well covered :D

Thanks!

[alphaod]

That looks bad mate; hope they take care of it for you.

[stevin]

I am getting a call tag, gotta ship this one out, they are shipping me a brand new macbook

I guess you guys arent checking this thread anymore :rolleyes:

I don't know how you scored a new macbook but i'll give them a call tomorrow i guess... though i'll probably just end up being told to having it replaced at the genius bar... sigh... would have liked a new lappy

[jnc]

This has just happened for the 4th time on my MacBook. Luckily its initial 12 month warranty is up in ten days.

I phoned to complain and I'm getting a 3 month warranty extension plus a "free gift" (who knows what) and a promise of a replacement machine should it happen again.

I don't know what to think to that... I know it's just a cosmetic issue but for it to happen four times in under a year is pretty bad, and puts no confidence in the repair service at all. Least it happened within warranty and I get a new machine should it happen for an incredulous 5th time...

[mpw]

...and a promise of a replacement machine should it happen again...
Get that in writing, I got the same promise over the phone and then when it happened again Apple said they would never make such a promise.:rolleyes:

[stevin]

This has just happened for the 4th time on my MacBook. Luckily its initial 12 month warranty is up in ten days.

I phoned to complain and I'm getting a 3 month warranty extension plus a "free gift" (who knows what) and a promise of a replacement machine should it happen again.

I don't know what to think to that... I know it's just a cosmetic issue but for it to happen four times in under a year is pretty bad, and puts no confidence in the repair service at all. Least it happened within warranty and I get a new machine should it happen for an incredulous 5th time...

let us know what the gift is when you get it!
i'm going to call apple tomorrow

[jnc]

Get that in writing, I got the same promise over the phone and then when it happened again Apple said they would never make such a promise.:rolleyes:

Yikes. The Customer Service rep gave me their name and direct line, I kicked up a real fuss - I don't think they'd dare try and pull something like that :p

let us know what the gift is when you get it!
i'm going to call apple tomorrow

I was told I could have an accessory (within reason) from the Store but I don't really want anything. Maybe just store credit?

[flyinmac]

This has just happened for the 4th time on my MacBook. Luckily its initial 12 month warranty is up in ten days.

I phoned to complain and I'm getting a 3 month warranty extension plus a "free gift" (who knows what) and a promise of a replacement machine should it happen again.

I don't know what to think to that... I know it's just a cosmetic issue but for it to happen four times in under a year is pretty bad, and puts no confidence in the repair service at all. Least it happened within warranty and I get a new machine should it happen for an incredulous 5th time...


While perhaps not exactly what you meant, you should notice that being disappointed in the repair service is placing the blame in the wrong place.

The issue is the inferior parts / construction of the parts.

So, the issue is not with the person who performed the repair, but rather with Apple (the manufacturer) who supplied the parts / designed the parts.

So, if you had the repair performed by a local company / service center, they are not really the ones to blame.

Also, I do agree with the other poster, get it in writing, and note the first and last name and date and time of the person you spoke with regarding the promise of future replacement.

I've had representatives at Apple promise to replace my iPod, and then the other representative cancel the replacement, and then the other agree to replace it, to have another cancel it, to have another agree, to have another cancel it.

Finally, after the last person I spoke with who canceled it, I called and got bounced all over the place with everyone (including supervisors) denying the repair or replacement that I had been promised.

I was told that if I did send it in, that I would have it shipped back unrepaired and be billed $100 for the service of evaluating it. No one I spoke with after that would budge.

To be honest, I've never gotten any useful service out of Apple directly though. All I've ever gotten from Apple computer is the run around.

But, I have gotten absolutely stellar service from the local service centers (Which are independently owned). If it wasn't for them, I'd have an awful lot of dead Apple stuff sitting around the house. Fortunately, in every case that Apple denied, the local service center agreed to perform the repair themselves and bill Apple (as opposed to me sending it to Apple - which Apple refused to allow since they were denying repair).

And, yes, those situations were all with machines and accessories / iPods that were only a month or so old (or less) and also had the full 3-year AppleCare contract purchased (2-year AppleCare in the case of the iPod).

Actually, the iPod was brand new when Apple was denying to even look at it.

One of the Mac machines was denied on the day I received it - Broken (fortunately the local service center stepped up and performed the repairs).

Well, actually, I do take it back. Apple (directly) has honored repair on one item directly. They did replace a mouse that failed to work properly (sticky clicker).

But, for that one that they honored, some of what they denied included:

Cracked keyboard - Broke on it's own

Burned / etched LCD screen (because the iMac overheated and cooked the screen image into the plastic of the screen). The service tech was amazed at that one when he saw it.

Damaged case (for a machine that arrived damaged).

Replacement for my power supply that went up in smoke (literally) for the iMac G5 when they knew of the issue / bad batch which caused them to fail (remember the recall on those). Local service center got it fixed for me instead.

Failing backlight for another iMac G5 system's screen

Failed Ethernet port on a machine the day it arrived

iPod Nano which arrived with physical damage / imperfections.

The replacement battery I was promised for an iBook due to the fire recall issue (they cancelled the replacement without telling me).

A failing SuperDrive

And lots of other stuff.


But, the Mouse they replaced.

Fortunately, where Apple (as in Apple the company) failed to honor their own warranties, the local service center (independently owned) handled the repairs for me without issue.

I won't even bother dealing with Apple anymore for repairs.

The sad thing, is that none of my other computers from other manufacturers have ever died or had a failure requiring service.

So, my absolute only warranty experiences are with Apple. And, sadly, they have failed on every attempt.

If it wasn't for independent shops willing to make their own assessments, and perform the repairs, then I'd stay as far away from Apple's computers as possible. If it wasn't for the local shops, they just wouldn't be worth the risk for me.

Fortunately, the local independent shops come through every time for me (at least the ones around here - can't speak for others). So, it takes some of the gamble away.

And, for some of the small stuff, I've started buying it at a grocery store (like iPods). Then, I can return them up to 30 days later for any reason I choose. Far better than if I receive a dud with Apple. If there's any physical damage, I just take it back to the store. Apple denies anything with "cosmetic" issues and instead insists that I did it.

[flyinmac]

Yikes. The Customer Service rep gave me their name and direct line, I kicked up a real fuss - I don't think they'd dare try and pull something like that :p



I was told I could have an accessory (within reason) from the Store but I don't really want anything. Maybe just store credit?

A credit would be a good option. Otherwise, pick something that you think would be an easy sale (as in something in demand). Let them send it to you, then sell it here for a few bucks.

[jnc]

While perhaps not exactly what you meant, you should notice that being disappointed in the repair service is placing the blame in the wrong place.

The issue is the inferior parts / construction of the parts.

Yeah, that is actually what I meant. Sorry if it wasn't clear.

[stevin]

Yeah, that is actually what I meant. Sorry if it wasn't clear.

so there is little chance that i'll get them to send me a new macbook if this is the first time its chipped right?

mind you i've only opened and close it a couple hundred times max in the year i've owned it

[jnc]

so there is little chance that i'll get them to send me a new macbook if this is the first time its chipped right?

mind you i've only opened and close it a couple hundred times max in the year i've owned it

No, they'll repair it especially as it's just an external issue. The only reason I pushed for a replacement is it happened so many damn times and it's now on the brink of warranty.

[flyinmac]

No, they'll repair it especially as it's just an external issue. The only reason I pushed for a replacement is it happened so many damn times and it's now on the brink of warranty.

You know, if I was in your position, I'd buy AppleCare for that replacement machine.

It would literally terrify me the idea of getting a totally unknown machine right at the near end of my warranty period.

My concern would be that the new machine may have some unknown issues that may need worked out. The one you have now has a known history. And, you could probably be certain that it's only issue is likely to be weak plastic. The new one may have some main board issues or something like that come up and surprise you.

I would be a lot more comfortable with the extended warranty on that machine than starting over with a new machine and nearly no warranty.

The new one may exhibit a few issues after a couple of months, and then you might be stuck.

I think it's probably worth getting the AppleCare warranty for that one.

[jnc]

You know, if I was in your position, I'd buy AppleCare for that replacement machine.

It would literally terrify me the idea of getting a totally unknown machine right at the near end of my warranty period.

My concern would be that the new machine may have some unknown issues that may need worked out. The one you have now has a known history. And, you could probably be certain that it's only issue is likely to be weak plastic. The new one may have some main board issues or something like that come up and surprise you.

I would be a lot more comfortable with the extended warranty on that machine than starting over with a new machine and nearly no warranty.

The new one may exhibit a few issues after a couple of months, and then you might be stuck.

I think it's probably worth getting the AppleCare warranty for that one.

Definitely. But "hopefully" on this 5th occasion my trusty MacBook will never exhibit this issue again.

[flyinmac]

Definitely. But "hopefully" on this 5th occasion my trusty MacBook will never exhibit this issue again.

Yes, I hope so as well. Make sure find out whether you need to get the AppleCare before the original warranty expires or before the new 3-month warranty expires. That could be a touchy one.

[John01021988]

Mines @ the apple store right now, hopefully they will give it back tomorrow. Stupid Hairline cracks....... My Lower case was full of them, but not anymore :P

[DarkFlame]

Same issue here, right above the power led. And I got my macbook in February of this year! Didn't buy applecare, but I shouldnt need it right?

two more questions:

1. Anyone else feel a genuine difference in their replacement casing? I am going to replace it no matter what but I was just curious.
2. Do they mend the specific area where there is the crack? Or do they just replace that matte top piece over the keyboard, or do they actually replace the entire exterior?

[SchneiderMan]

I am getting a call tag, gotta ship this one out, they are shipping me a brand new macbook

do you have applecare?

[mpw]

...1. Anyone else feel a genuine difference in their replacement casing?...
...2. Do they mend the specific area where there is the crack?...
Based on my experience you'll get a new 'lower case'; the matt palm rest that is cracked, new keyboard/trackpad.

But it's no different to the original, which is why so many people are on 3rd/4th replacements.

[oligore]

Even though the case is not that durable to cracks it sure can protect the hardware. I dropped mine onto concrete from 1.2m and it escaped only with a bung hinge which broke due to the plastic cracking.

[CPD_1]

Based on my experience you'll get a new 'lower case'; the matt palm rest that is cracked, new keyboard/trackpad.

But it's no different to the original, which is why so many people are on 3rd/4th replacements.

It may be wishful thinking, but mine feels a little more sturdy, like there's less give when I push down a bit on the palm rest. Of course, it could just be me.

[Fontenette Yo!]

One way to keep this from happening is to use a mouse. Keeping your wrist on the frame of the Macbook while using the touch pad is what causes the stress to the structure.

[krye]

Maybe, call me crazy, but maybe just try and ease off on the palm rest a bit. My MacBook is 2 years old and it doesn't have a single crack. And yes, I use it every day.

[mpw]

Maybe, call me crazy, but maybe just try and ease off on the palm rest a bit. My MacBook is 2 years old and it doesn't have a single crack. And yes, I use it every day.

I have big hands though, and you know what they say ;);I imagine you have little hands, soft like a lady's:p

[stevin]

One way to keep this from happening is to use a mouse. Keeping your wrist on the frame of the Macbook while using the touch pad is what causes the stress to the structure.

I hate to be the guy that responds like this but.... ITS A LAPTOP... You buy them so that you can use them on your lap (or wherever else you want) and are made to not need a mouse!

That being said. Like I said earlier. My macbook is about 1.5 years old and I can easily say that about 95% of its usage has been with it closed.. hooked up to my monitor... and to a bluetooth keyboard and mighty mouse.

Butttt... it still cracked.
I haven't called apple today, but I'll get on that. Was hoping they'd replace the whole thing, but if they replace the keyboard and trackpad I'd be just as happy.. I like fresh things!

[DarkFlame]

Anyone know how long apple keeps your macbook for when it is cracked like this? I'm dreading taking it in cause I have nothing else to use for the next two months. I'll prob just take it in september, I bought it last feb with no applecare

[jnc]

Anyone know how long apple keeps your macbook for when it is cracked like this? I'm dreading taking it in cause I have nothing else to use for the next two months. I'll prob just take it in september, I bought it last feb with no applecare

If you can take it into a store, call ahead and check they've got the part. I was without mine for two weeks the first time this happened because of a shortage.

If they have the part, they can perform the repair on the spot in about 15 minutes. If you have to send it in, I have no idea...

[rmwebs]

Ok....Now I am pissed off.

Seriously, I am sitting here with my MacBook....I decided to read this post...I've been fortunte not to have anything go wrong with mine....until 6 seconds ago!!!!!

The damp plastic above the power LED just cracked....I didn't touch it!

Looks like I'm going to be phoning apple....do they repare/replace the plastic or swap out the entire macbok? :/

[jnc]

Ok....Now I am pissed off.

Seriously, I am sitting here with my MacBook....I decided to read this post...I've been fortunte not to have anything go wrong with mine....until 6 seconds ago!!!!!

The damp plastic above the power LED just cracked....I didn't touch it!

Looks like I'm going to be phoning apple....do they repare/replace the plastic or swap out the entire macbok? :/

It's only a cosmetic issue so they'll just replace the plastic. You won't get a new MacBook unless maybe you just recently purchased it and complain a little.

[rmwebs]

It's only a cosmetic issue so they'll just replace the plastic. You won't get a new MacBook unless maybe you just recently purchased it and complain a little.


Thats ok...not too bothered about how they do it....any idea ho long the UK guys take? (Weeks, months?),

I think I'll be selling it soon and getting a MacBook Pro...at least that cant crack!

[mattniles007]

That sucks I hope you get it fixed right, Apple is the best there is when it comes to customer service

[mattcube64]

Hey guys, I have a Rev A Macbook that's a little over two years old now, I think. Anyway, I have the crack above my LED, but no Applecare. :( Seeing as how this is a pretty known issue, is there any chance I can get it replaced at the Apple Store near me free of charge?

[mpw]

Hey guys, I have a Rev A Macbook that's a little over two years old now, I think. Anyway, I have the crack above my LED, but no Applecare. :( Seeing as how this is a pretty known issue, is there any chance I can get it replaced at the Apple Store near me free of charge?

All you can do is try.

[jnc]

Thats ok...not too bothered about how they do it....any idea ho long the UK guys take? (Weeks, months?)

Provided they've got the part, in-store... minutes. If you have to send it off, not sure.

Hey guys, I have a Rev A Macbook that's a little over two years old now, I think. Anyway, I have the crack above my LED, but no Applecare. :( Seeing as how this is a pretty known issue, is there any chance I can get it replaced at the Apple Store near me free of charge?

It's been known to happen. From MacNN Forums (http://forums.macnn.com/69/mac-notebooks/313408/white-macbook-crack-anyone-else/2/):

I just went to an apple store today and they replaced the top-case for free even though my macbook is out of warranty due to the problem being a known issue. The repair took less than an hour with heavy amount of customers despite the estimate of 2-3 days. So, i'm happy about it.

[rmwebs]

In that case I'll probably just go into the shop...I'll leave it until next week though otherwise I'll get caught up in the iPhone 3g launch.

I'll also ring them on monday to check they have the part in stock.

Edit: Do I just book an appointment at the genius bar?

[jnc]

Edit: Do I just book an appointment at the genius bar?

Yes, book online and then call ahead to have the part placed on hold for your Genius Bar reservation.

[nyzballa12]

Look into the internal data of your MB and the way you care it.

[MacIllini]

If you can take it into a store, call ahead and check they've got the part. I was without mine for two weeks the first time this happened because of a shortage.

If they have the part, they can perform the repair on the spot in about 15 minutes. If you have to send it in, I have no idea...

same experience here with my MacBook. they had the part in stock and was replaced in 24-48 hours (less than that for me). all covered under Apple Care.

the two pressure points from the top lid screen may have something to do with the cracks consistently appearing near the palm rest location

[mannix87]

Hey my macbook has those cracks on both sides.

My nearest Apple store (2 hrs away) wanted $300 to fix it.

And you were pissed with one side cracking. 1st gen macbook here. I politely told that to the Apple store, they didn't seem to care. No luck on a return trip either. :(

same thing here. I glued them back as the other poster did but they came off as well. pretty bad quality; too bad the machine does really well in all other aspects.

[rmwebs]

Little bump here!

Finally got mine fixed today. I took it into the Brent Cross store at 5:00PM and they had it ready for pick-up about 45mins later! Looks great. Cant see any differences in the plastic though...looks exactly the same as the old one.