Macbook Top Case not lining up... Anyone else have his problem?

[mademan118]

So I just purchased my Macbook YESTERDAY. I just noticed now that my Top Case (the screen) is not coming down and lining up exactly with the bottom case. On the right side (where you place your Right Palm, same side as the Optical Drive) it hangs off by about 2 MM. Now I know its only 2 MM, but I am extremely anal (more like OCD) about things being flush, and it is driving me crazy right now. My question is, is this normal? Anyone else have this problem? If not, I am going to return it and have it exchanged tomorrow (hopefully I will get a LG/Phillips Screen :P)

PLEASE, any advice would be helpful. My OCD is killing me, I don't even want to use this lap top now!

[Bobjob186]

first...you need to relax and calm down....second, no mine doesn't do that at all.

[patin22]

first...you need to relax and calm down....second, no mine doesn't do that at all.

:D

[andiwm2003]

go to the next apple store and compare to the macbooks there. then ask for an exchange.

maybe wait a few weeks till they update the macbooks and try the exchange then.

i personally wouldn't care at all. it doesn't matter if you suffer now through OCD or in a couple of days when you have the first scratch or dent on it. it's a tool to be used. nothing more.

[nick9191]

Ever been pissed off when someone you know makes a fraudulent insurance claim, and you think damn he's just pushing up the cost of insurance for the rest of us?

Well thats what it feels like.

I'm sorry, I know you should have a good product for the money you pay, but this is getting stupid. Do you even notice it when not looking at it closely, does it hinder your work? No. I can't wait until a few weeks down the line when its covered in fine scratches, and the palmrest area has a glossy sheen to it like every other macbook in the world. They won't replace it then.

[dingus]

My MacBook is the same way, but I'm not from the Isle of Spaz so I really couldn't care less.

[mademan118]

I did take it back to the apple store, compared it to all the other models on the floor, and none of them were like this. I also exchanged it because the corners of my screen were very dim, unlike the rest of the screen.

So far so good though. New one lines-up completely, and I got a Chi-Mei screen instead of a Samsung screen.

[johnsy]

I did take it back to the apple store, compared it to all the other models on the floor, and none of them were like this. I also exchanged it because the corners of my screen were very dim, unlike the rest of the screen.

So far so good though. New one lines-up completely, and I got a Chi-Mei screen instead of a Samsung screen.

Good man, now find some kinda other flaw and change to LG/philips screen. I checked in a Best buy and oh boy, LG/Philips looks awesome compared with chimein junk. LG is more brighter and I would say you can see more colors than chimein.

When you pay top $$$$ you expect flawless stuff and 2 millimeters is way off a standard. I mean how would you feel when you stare all day long to a screen and see this 2 millimeter problem, you might get insomnia just because of that. At some point it is dangerous for your health. You might gain even some extra weight just because of these two millimeters. Don't worry about Apple, you have to let them know that they have poor quality control and besides they should be happy that in such bad economy you buy their luxury stuff. Besides you made someone happy who is looking for refurbished laptop. Apple's market share is growing and we don't want to get cheapened up product, we expect quality, that is why we buy Apple to begin with. So heads up!!!

[ManWithhat]

Mine's the same amount off on the same side. Well, my wife's. I'm afraid if I tell her, she'll make me use hers and buy a new one rather than vice versa.

[mademan118]

Good man, now find some kinda other flaw and change to LG/philips screen. I checked in a Best buy and oh boy, LG/Philips looks awesome compared with chimein junk. LG is more brighter and I would say you can see more colors than chimein.

When you pay top $$$$ you expect flawless stuff and 2 millimeters is way off a standard. I mean how would you feel when you stare all day long to a screen and see this 2 millimeter problem, you might get insomnia just because of that. At some point it is dangerous for your health. You might gain even some extra weight just because of these two millimeters. Don't worry about Apple, you have to let them know that they have poor quality control and besides they should be happy that in such bad economy you buy their luxury stuff. Besides you made someone happy who is looking for refurbished laptop. Apple's market share is growing and we don't want to get cheapened up product, we expect quality, that is why we buy Apple to begin with. So heads up!!!

Haha I wouldnt mind getting an LG/Phillips screen, however I wish there was a way of knowing exactly which one came with an LG/Phillips monitor. I would actually say that my samsung panel was brighter then the Chi-Mein monitor. This colors are pretty washed out, but with some screen calibration it works out okay. To be honest I would have never noticed all the problems if I would have never came to this forum. It wasn't until I came here and appledefects did I start to find all kinds of issues with the laptop. I still might take this one back anyways because of the screen. Although I am nervous about taking it back and getting a cheap another samsung panel. Heck it even says on the receipt:

If you are not completely satisfied with your Apple product......yada yada yada return it for a new one.

If I didn't care about screen quality and a quality computer, I would have picked up a $300 laptop from bestbuy, break it every year, and just buy a new one. But no, I paid $1100 for this laptop, and I want to make sure that everything is perfect (perfect for me). Not only that, I am a college student. I worked hard to be able to afford this, and I want to make sure I get the best thing for my money. Would you take a Ferrari with tons of Overspray and discoloration? I don't think so.

Anyways, get the Incase Hard Case and Logitech VX Nano Mouse.. Both things are pretty cool.

[ryannel2003]

My refurb MacBook does this as well. I've never thought much about it to take it up with Apple, but it can be annoying. Whats more annoying is when the screen is closed you can wiggle it left to right. The MacBook's are very poorly constructed, much more so than my iBook was.

[LondonGooner]

Ignore the people who do not have this problem, and get it replaces/fixed ASAP. I listened to these same people telling me I was being fussy...13 months down the line (and just out of warranty) this problem causes cracks in my machine. I will take pictures later. But basically if you look above the monitor, the 2 latches there will rub against the more delicate plastic and cause it to crack...the only way these 2 latches can be supported is by being PERFECTLY in line with the bottom half of the mac. You paid $1000 for this machine, its your right as a consumer for them to fix this flaw.

my pics similar to these:
http://www.appledefects.com/index.php?s=macbook+crack&submit=

get it replaces, ignore the fan boys

[eidrunner247]

I had this same problem with an old iBook - still under warranty. The Apple store said this was "user" caused, but it wasn't. I called Applecare and they sent me a box and I let them fix it. Nothing out of pocket on my end.

[bc008]

i remember my macbook had this issue, i didnt know i could have gotten it replaced :(

[khunsanook]

yeah mine came back from a repair that way - misaligned a few millimeters (plus a few scratches), but in Thailand, getting anything back from repair in one piece is good enough.;) I realize your MacBook is brand new, but there are bigger things to worry about in life.

[jaikob]

If it makes you feel better, I sent mine in this week because of that problem, and they replaced the display. Only 16 days old. I didn't take it to the apple store, I just sent it in, I called in to find out if they would repair it, and the notes said that the engineer could reproduce the problem, and it said it was replaced. So apparently it is a big problem with a lot of people.

Edit: I have a MPB though. So it probably is different, but be assured you will probably get it replaced.

[M4CBOOK]

mines off about 1mm

[marvel2]

Mine is only off by a hair. No biggie.

[Zadiek]

Mine is off a few mm. I try to not have it bother me, but it still does. LondonGooner, could you post pics of your macbook? I would like to see the damage that could potentially happen due to this problem.

[johnsy]

checked links. Man, I like mooing sound- you get a free spec effect - a cow with every (or at least some, but you have to discover some kinda animal in others too) macbook!!!:)

[LondonGooner]

Mine is off a few mm. I try to not have it bother me, but it still does. LondonGooner, could you post pics of your macbook? I would like to see the damage that could potentially happen due to this problem.

I would love to, but my mac is also suffering from Wifi problems...ill try tonight.

As much as i love the macbook, its got me in a rotten mood these days

[muldul]

I have had the exact same problem. I just got off the phone with apple, and they are giving me a new macbook replacement. I suggest you call them

[Auzburner]

It's normal. Mine has been a little off since day one... And I have had it just over a year. It's off by a very little bit, but because it's not flush you can tell by running your finger on the edge.

[ManWithhat]

My wife has had hers for about 2 months. Does anyone think they'd still replace it?

[eidrunner247]

My wife has had hers for about 2 months. Does anyone think they'd still replace it?

I doubt they would replace it. Odds are they'll replace the display.

[Peace]

I have the same problem with my 3 month old white Macbook. Just noticed it a couple of days ago. Now when I carry it the lid wiggles around. Think I'll call Apple and see what they can do.

[zelet]

My mother-in-law's MacBook did this and they replaced it right away because they said one side of the hinges was probably broken or not tightened right. The "Genius" said it could cause long term problems and it's best to get it fixed right when you notice it.

Sounds like another chronic problem with the MacBook.
Palm rest discoloration: fixed
Cracked top case: fixed?
Bad hinge: Someday!

(I love mine... problems and all)

[mademan118]

When I went to the Apple Store to have mine replaced, the Genius was somewhat rude.


Mac Genius: Well there are varying degrees of perfect. We can't have you constantly opening up as many lap-tops as you want till you find the one that suites you.

Me: I understand that, however you can see that the hinges don't even Line-Up properly, and the corners on the monitor are completely dimmed.

(Me showing him this stuff)

Mac Genius: Well we will replace it, but I suggest looking at the floor models.

Me: I did that, none of them have this issue. Guess I'm the lucky one.

Mac Genius: Oh... (To Mac Specialist) Just replace it.


I am still disappointed with my replacement that I received. I have the Chi-Mei display and all the colors are washed out. Calibrating it worked okay, but it is still annoying. Just don't know if I want to risk getting one with more defects!

[hans3185]

How can you tell what screen you have?

And if you had just gotten your mac yesterday, shouldn't you be able to return it with no hassle?

[mademan118]

How can you tell what screen you have?

And if you had just gotten your mac yesterday, shouldn't you be able to return it with no hassle?

Ha you would think I would be able to return it without hassle. They like to run their mouths a bit before letting you return it.

And check this thread to see which monitor you have:

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=467198&highlight=MacBook+Display+Manufacturer

[LondonGooner]

Hey managed to take some bad pics with the iphone.

the side that cracked first
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm103/PharoaheDoom/IMG_0090.jpg

the side that will soon crack
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm103/PharoaheDoom/IMG_0091.jpg

[SarahX]

Both sides of mine did that. I took it in and thay have to replace the whole keyboard.

[j3yq]

Mine is off as well i would say by 1mm but as long as it does not effect the performance of my mac i d not have a problem with it.

[mannix87]

just came back from the Apple store near our place. went to ask about the cracked handrest issue, they said they would charge me $150 for the replacement since my MB was out of warranty already :(. I asked whether they can give me the assurance that the cracking wont happen again, they said they couldn't since there was an OBVIOUS design flaw in the magnetic locks pressing against the handrest whenever the MB is closed :mad:. they did say that the replacement will come with a new warranty but if the cracking happens after the warranty expires, they'll charge me anew if I go back to them for the repair :eek:. so i said, i'm better off simply by putting some tape over the crack, to which they agreed (!!!!) unless, of course, the cracks (both left & right) get much bigger.:(

this really sucks. for a known and admitted design defect, this is not the way Apple should be treating its customers. :(:mad::eek:

....on the bright side, my MB has been more loyal than a dog, so I still love it. i guess you really can't have everything.

[mademan118]

So I ended having to exchange my 2nd Macbook because the Optical Drive would turn On/Off by itself when the Macbook was closed. Went to the Apple Store, did the exchange for a week 24 white Macbook. Go back 5 hours later to pick it up (they did the data migration for me), and guess what, Top Case doesn't line up. BUT!!! I GOT THE LG/PHILLIPS Screen!!!!! Man this screen looks amazing. So much better then the Chi-Mei and Samsung displays. I don't care about the top-case lining up now, if anything I will check it in under Apple Care to make sure I keep this display. I would rather have the best display since thats what I will be looking at the most!

[hans3185]

Is there any way I can tell what screen I'll have before opening the box?

[mademan118]

Is there any way I can tell what screen I'll have before opening the box?

Not that I am aware of. Really just luck of the draw. I had to go through 3 Macbooks before I got the LG/Phillips Screen.

Maybe try and get one with the serial number that starts with:

W8824

Thats what I have...

[kage207]

Mine lines up right on the dot. And I just got mine Thursday. But who really cares? If it works, I'd be happy and that it still looks good. No one really notices 2MM if you don't go looking for it.

And how do you know what screen it is?

Oh, found where to see what screen you got. And I got a.... 9C5F and it's the LG. And I love the display.