What issues did you decide to just LIVE WITH on your Alu MB?

[VSMacOne]

I am just curious what issues people just decide to live with (at least for the time being).
My MB makes a clicking noise when i rest my hand on the right side of the trackpad, I can hear the HDD whining all the time, battery cover is a little loose (have not yet take pliers to it to remedy) and when closed, the lid is a little off to the right from the bottom.
BUT I just decided to live with these issues. My first two Alu MBs had loose covers/VERY loud HDDs/slanted keys so they were returned. This one seems better.
What do you think? What has your experience been thus far?

PS. just for the record, i don't intend to ask for an exchange based on your answers. I am quite happy with my MB :D

[acfusion29]

a little dust under the screen... but i think EVERYONE has dust.

if you take a flashlight and shine it on the screen while it's off/dimmed, then you can see a bunch of little dust particles stuck there...

there is one that is a LITTLE noticeable on a white screen, but i don't really care because the macbook is otherwise perfect... no broken latch, no scratches. etc

[iphoneCDN]

I am just curious what issues people just decide to live with (at least for the time being).
My MB makes a clicking noise when i rest my hand on the right side of the trackpad, I can hear the HDD whining all the time, battery cover is a little loose (have not yet take pliers to it to remedy) and when closed, the lid is a little off to the right from the bottom.
BUT I just decided to live with these issues. My first two Alu MBs had loose covers/VERY loud HDDs/slanted keys so they were returned. This one seems better.
What do you think? What has your experience been thus far?

PS. just for the record, i don't intend to ask for an exchange based on your answers. I am quite happy with my MB :D

As my first Mac, my new 13" MacBook has been quite the computer for me! I'm loving it to pieces and I'm still learning the ins and outs of OS X.

The battery cover is an issue for me too, however mine is not really "loose" per say, it seems as though the cover is just too small for the space there is a tiny, tiny gap.

Aside from the laggy trackpad issue, you can call me a happy camper. :)

[VSMacOne]

As my first Mac, my new 13" MacBook has been quite the computer for me! I'm loving it to pieces and I'm still learning the ins and outs of OS X.

The battery cover is an issue for me too, however mine is not really "loose" per say, it seems as though the cover is just too small for the space there is a tiny, tiny gap.

Aside from the laggy trackpad issue, you can call me a happy camper. :)

Laggy trackpad issue? I wasn't aware of that... what exactly do you mean?

[DeusInvictus7]

i got 1 dead pixel right by the battery indicator, and a speck of dust a couple inches to the right of the isight...neither really bothers me...since everything else is perfect

[08mxkfx]

slanted f keys. Its not too bad and everything else is good so i fgured i would deal with it instead of taking my chances with another macbook

[Farkum]

My first mac following a line of dells and HP business class laptops was a white macbook. I bought it slightly used (5 months warranty left) and decided I was going to give it a fair shot so I put away all my other computers and lived with the problems it had, which turned out to be a lot more than I thought I would have with a mac. It had issues with the screen being complete crap (in comparison to my HP nc8430) and the plastics all sucked on it. Either they didn't line up right or cracked where your wrists go (which was apparently common). Anyways, I fell in love with the computer and decided to go wiht a brand new Aluminum Macbook. There is NOTHING that I have to live with on this computer. Everything is up to par with my HP's and my Dells if not better. I am thrilled with the new aluminum case as well as the new Nvidia graphics. No issues with the screen and the keys are all straight. I realize this is not the case with some people but I feel as though the people who generally comment are the people that have problems and you don't hear from the ones that don't have problems. I do wish the best for everyone with the problems and I hope they don't decide they have to settle because when you do get one thats right it is absolutely wonderful.

[Halon X]

Zero problems...

[MacinJosh]

Red stuck sub-pixel... I have to live with it...:mad:

[MacJenn]

My first mac following a line of dells and HP business class laptops was a white macbook. I bought it slightly used (5 months warranty left) and decided I was going to give it a fair shot so I put away all my other computers and lived with the problems it had, which turned out to be a lot more than I thought I would have with a mac. It had issues with the screen being complete crap (in comparison to my HP nc8430) and the plastics all sucked on it. Either they didn't line up right or cracked where your wrists go (which was apparently common). Anyways, I fell in love with the computer and decided to go wiht a brand new Aluminum Macbook. There is NOTHING that I have to live with on this computer. Everything is up to par with my HP's and my Dells if not better. I am thrilled with the new aluminum case as well as the new Nvidia graphics. No issues with the screen and the keys are all straight. I realize this is not the case with some people but I feel as though the people who generally comment are the people that have problems and you don't hear from the ones that don't have problems. I do wish the best for everyone with the problems and I hope they don't decide they have to settle because when you do get one thats right it is absolutely wonderful.

The screen on the new ones are trash and the blacks especially suck. I owned a previous MacBook and the screen was better. Heck even 2 employee at the Apple store agreed. I bought the new 2.4 and traded it for the pro. I refuse to live with a garbage screen for the price I paid. Cheap dells have better screens. I know many people who like the new ones and own them, but are honest and say the screen is worse or the same as the previous MacBook. Most honest people would admit that. I guess if you own the new one you don't want to see that though. I also compared the old one to 5 new ones to make sure and same conclusion. There are numerous independent articles that say the same thing. Thank God I got rid of that subpar joke of a screen.

[penfool]

I am going to have to live with the fact that I dont deserve such an amazing piece of kit.
I am going to have to live with the fact that I now have trouble free computing.
I am going to have to live with the fact that Football Manager 2008 runs like a dream.
I am going to have to live with the fact that I have hard drive space again.
I am going to have to live with the fact that every day I have to leave my macbook and go to work and use my crappy office PC.

:)

[PeterQC]

My keys are slightly slanted and I'm going the live with it since my 15 days period is finished. But my S keys is broken and I'll get it repaired, no matter what. At least, there's an Apple repair centre not to far from me.

[daneoni]

I think i will be buying a macbook again even though i don't like the screen. However it would be the lesser of 4 evils

-I bought a MBP Classic and its GPU is already faulty
-I bought a MBA and it kernel panics anytime i try to re-install the OS AND its underpowered
-I dont see myself buying the new MBP because its bigger/heavier and beyond my budget

which leaves me with the macbook. The screen is subpar but its usable so i'll be living with it

[AlecM]

I bought my 13.3. , 2.0 Ghz Alu the day after the announcement (I needed a machine I could use mac and Windows on ASAP for school - and my old PowerBook w/ Virtual PC just couldn't cut it for SAS).

Went on trip right after - took me a few days to notice slanted F keys... and then a while to catch up to the fact that it was considered a defect that people were returning for! (I thought it was just an odd design decision!).

I've kinda gotten used to them actually - not even going to try to fix them. Certainly wouldn't go through returning and setting up my laptop all over again. I can see how it would drive others crazy.

As for the trackpad problems in Boot Camp/ Windows XP - crazy making but I'm fine with a mouse as a **temporary** solution. Actually - I would still live with it to be honest, because I'm just lovin' my machine. Still, hoping they fix it soon.

Oh, I live w/ the annoyance that that they didn't put a backlit on my model machine - money was tight and I couldn't see spending the extra hundreds just for that and for the 0.4 K speed improvement. (as opposed to, say AppleCare and the copy of Windows XP I had to buy).

AlecM in RI

Alu Macbook 13.3", 2.0Ghz, 2GB Ram
Powerbook 12", 1.33 Gh
iMac 15"flat screen (1st model)
iPod 30G
iPhone Gen. 1, 8G

[Jpoon]

I am going to have to live with the fact that I dont deserve such an amazing piece of kit.
I am going to have to live with the fact that I now have trouble free computing.
I am going to have to live with the fact that Football Manager 2008 runs like a dream.
I am going to have to live with the fact that I have hard drive space again.
I am going to have to live with the fact that every day I have to leave my macbook and go to work and use my crappy office PC.

:)

Be thankful you were one of the lucky people to get a perfect product! hehe

[silverblack]

Be thankful you were one of the lucky people to get a perfect product! hehe

It more like 'one of majority lucky people' according to this poll -
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=593773

[hogfaninga]

It more like 'one of majority lucky people' according to this poll -
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=593773

I wouldn't be showing that poll. Lets say those results are true for everyone (outside of this site) who bought the Macbook. No company would be proud of 30% problems on a new product. That is horrible and if that is the case then Apple should be ashamed. I know, I know, only complainers post (which isn't true because a lot of Apple apologists post also even when Apple does something wrong).

[silverblack]

No company would be proud of 30% problems on a new product.

Absolutely. I wanted to make a point that he was not 'the one' lucky person who had a perfect MB. There are many, and most are indeed.

On another note... let me remind the readers of a couple past episodes of new product issues:
- white MB plastic turning yellow; and then cracks developed
- Macbook air core shut down, which flooded the MBA forum much worse than it is for the problems with the aluminum MB

They are much worse in my opinion comparing to slanted keys, loose battery covers, and not-as-good quality screens compared to MBA/MBP.

[roland.g]

I am going to have to live with the fact that I dont deserve such an amazing piece of kit.
I am going to have to live with the fact that I now have trouble free computing.
I am going to have to live with the fact that Football Manager 2008 runs like a dream.
I am going to have to live with the fact that I have hard drive space again.
I am going to have to live with the fact that every day I have to leave my macbook and go to work and use my crappy office PC.

:)

Nice, well put.

I am not a recent convert. Been using Macs since my Apple ][e long ago. I have had as of recently a G4 PowerMac, a 12" PowerBook, a Mac Mini and now still use a 24" Aluminum iMac. I got my MacBook on Sunday and all seemed well with it, but when I looked at it last night I noticed that the battery cover was loose. I could take my fingers and slide it back and forth only about 1 mm which to me didn't seem like a real problem, since I don't know how tight they should be and if there should be any play to them at all. But when I look at it across the bottom, I can see a bit of warp to the cover and when I hold it like a tray in my hand you can see it hanging a little low on the CD side, and it taps just a bit when I press on it.

I'm not sure how big a deal this is, but I'm worried that it might get worse. Considering how much I spend on Apple products, including the price of this machine, I think I should take it back. But at the same time I have no dead pixels, the screen seems fine for what it is, and no slanted keys, so my worry is that I might exchange one problem for another, etc. My iMac from last year had 4 dead pixels originally and as a BTO I had it replaced. The replacement had 1 stuck/dead pixel 1/4 inch from the right side of the screen, half way up. So I decided that was ok. I really didn't want even one pixel this time round. So I am a bit torn on the battery cover, but like I said don't want to get worse and don't want to live with it when I don't think I should have to.

[morphalex]

I have no problems besides keys that are slightly slanted which I'm not concerned about fixing. The battery latch is ever so slightly lose but I only hear the rattle when I set my mac down on a table (omg I'm goig to whine about that!!!). But no not concerned about that either because everything else is perfect. This is also my first apple laptop. 2.4ghz version. Yay!

[frenetic]

No problems whatsoever. I was a bit afraid to buy a first version but then my powerbook's HD crashed. And I have to say that it is absolutely perfect and feels extremely well-built and solid.

[Lurchdubious]

No problems man. This thing is great. I ordered minutes after the keynote & I'm totally happy so far. I did notice that my screen is not as good as some, while watching a movie in complete darkness the blacks on-screen are not dark enough, but that is a very rare occurrance for me, so I'm good.

[hogfaninga]

Absolutely. I wanted to make a point that he was not 'the one' lucky person who had a perfect MB. There are many, and most are indeed.

On another note... let me remind the readers of a couple past episodes of new product issues:
- white MB plastic turning yellow; and then cracks developed
- Macbook air core shut down, which flooded the MBA forum much worse than it is for the problems with the aluminum MB

They are much worse in my opinion comparing to slanted keys, loose battery covers, and not-as-good quality screens compared to MBA/MBP.


Cracking was mostly solved last gen.. Then again I have owned 2 and no cracks, wife's is 2 years old and she isn't as careful as me and no cracks, and 3 friends with them and no cracks. Sure there were people who had problems, but to imply the vast majority of people did isn't true ( I know the people who have cracks will say, I did, I did--no need to hash that old argument again). Besides Apple fixed them even out of warranty. Having a below average screen for the price, slanted keys and loose fitting battery covers (which rattles a little with my friends 2.0 new one) are worse than a crack which Apple fixes in 30 minutes in many cases.

[silverblack]

Hi hogfaninga, you do like arguing with me, don't you :)

Here you go -
1. I never implied that most people got a crackbook. I merely list examples of problems Apple previous had with their new product, to address your statement above. That is, if it is true, Apple had many (or even most) products that they cannot be proud of.

No company would be proud of 30% problems on a new product.

2. I respect that you think the problems with the aluminum MB are more serious. But I think many people will not agree with this interpretation of yours on the new MB's screen. Some hate it, many think there's nothing wrong.
Having a below average screen

[hogfaninga]

Hi hogfaninga, you do like arguing with me, don't you :)

Here you go -
1. I never implied that most people got a crackbook. I merely list examples of problems Apple previous had with their new product, to address your statement above. That is, if it is true, Apple had many (or even most) products that they cannot be proud of.



2. I respect that you think the problems with the aluminum MB more serious. But I think many people will not agree with this interpretation of yours on the new MB -

Argue? Nope, just like for people to see differences of opinion without all the fanboyism that is on here all the time. Funny it mostly comes from newbies to Apple who don't want any criticism of their new Macbook.

2. There are dozens of threads saying how disappointed people are in the new screens. Are you suggesting they are good? Hell, Apple has never put in decent screens in their reg Macbooks and they didn't again. I hope you aren't defending Apple for charging a premium for a laptop and putting a screen that isn't even as good as a $700 Dell or HP. That is a big weakness of ALL reg Macbooks. I thought that was common knowledge. Maybe this is your first experience with Apple or first laptop and don't know the difference.

[roland.g]

Personally I don't think it is the greatest screen, especially when compared to my 24" iMac. However I chose not to get an MBA or an MBP, so I for one understand what the consumer notebook comes with. I made the decision to get it even after reading all the threads. I don't think it is fantastic, nor do I think it is crap. Somewhere in the middle. The viewing angle pretty much sucks, but I don't think the blacks are bad. And I know I'm really picky and OCD when it comes to my stuff, especially my Apple stuff. But no dead pixels and no serious backlight bleeding leaves me happy with my MacBook given I knew its fault(s). The battery cover on the other hand does bother me. I want my case to fit flush and true.

[hekokimushi]

living with:
slanted keys
viewing at acute angles
speakers don't have bass
99.3% of the battery status is NOT full
USB ports too close together. card reader and the mouse receiver can never be in the machines at the same time

PS. by the way, my battery case wasn't flush to the case when the genius installed the upgraded RAM on my AluBk, i complaint. and i was kinda making fun of him perhaps he was screwing the screws too tight. and that fixed it. see if u guys can unscrew a few turns on those middle screws to see if that helps. mine is all flush now.

[silverblack]

There are dozens of threads saying how disappointed people are in the new screens.

Note my choice of word, 'many people', to point the many people in these threads that claimed they have no problem with the screen.



Are you suggesting they are good? Hell, Apple has never put in decent screens in their reg Macbooks and they didn't again. I hope you aren't defending Apple for charging a premium for a laptop and putting a screen that isn't even as good as a $700 Dell or HP.

No and no. In another thread, I posted a screen comparison and already concluded that the new MB screen is not as good as the MB-Air screen. It is what it is. I am just saying that, it is not as issue for me personally for the work that I do on my MB.

[PeterQC]

99.3% of the battery status is NOT full

Ir's a feature of the battery. It's to avoid damage with over charging.

[morphalex]

I dont understand why people complain about the screen. I'm a webdesigner and graphic artist and I adjusted the screen with a calibration tool. It's fine now. All blacks are black and all shades are correct. People that have a problem with their screen needs to go to a store and check it out before they buy or return it if they are so annoyed by it instead of trying to grab attention on a forum.

To the other poster with a lose battery cover there are four small hinges at the back of the cover. If you tighten the gap on those hinges it will tighten your cover. There's also a thread posted here on that.

[hogfaninga]

I dont understand why people complain about the screen. I'm a webdesigner and graphic artist and I adjusted the screen with a calibration tool. It's fine now. All blacks are black and all shades are correct. People that have a problem with their screen needs to go to a store and check it out before they buy or return it if they are so annoyed by it instead of trying to grab attention on a forum.

To the other poster with a lose battery cover there are four small hinges at the back of the cover. If you tighten the gap on those hinges it will tighten your cover. There's also a thread posted here on that.

Here is a thought. If you don't like reading about the problems or lack of a quality screen concerning the Macbook or anything then don't read the thread. It is obvious what this thread is about. My friend and I used 3 different calibration apps and had the Apple tech do it also on 3 different Macbooks and it still looked bad. He kept it because that is his only issue. I told him originally that all reg Macbook screens are pretty bad compared to PC's half the price. We compared it to many PC laptops and it is true. Many people who have owned Macbooks have learned to live with it because the positives outweigh the negatives.

BTW I work as a photojournalist (since you want to throw out careers--I'm also a grad student), but I don't use my Blackbook as my primary computer for it because of the screen. My next laptop will be the Macbook Pro and a major reason is screen quality (and lack of FW--what a joke). The Blackbook is fine for now though and the new Macbooks screen isn't any better (yes I have tested it side by side with the new ones) so that isn't an option.

[Ozzymandos]

I am going to have to live with the fact that I dont deserve such an amazing piece of kit.
I am going to have to live with the fact that I now have trouble free computing.
I am going to have to live with the fact that Football Manager 2008 runs like a dream.
I am going to have to live with the fact that I have hard drive space again.
I am going to have to live with the fact that every day I have to leave my macbook and go to work and use my crappy office PC.

:)

This.

Honestly, I bought mine the second day they were out, and it is perfection.

[steve31]

1 dead pixel.:( But its in the lower corner so its easy to live with.

[morphalex]

I never said the macbook had the best screen but if you haven't read the posts well maybe you should because the people complaining seems to be the one that doesn't understand the notion of either returning it or looking at it first in person. How many threads do you think there are about the screen problems? Reitterating the same probelm over and over again in new countless threads do no good. I understand the topic of this thread and it said problems, not a screen you're not satisfied with. That's not a problem that's your choice...a problem would be a defect or manufacturing error that someone choose to ignore. Like the slanted keys or dead pixels. I don't know who calibrated your screen but if you want I'll gladly give you a copy of my profile. But it sounds like you won't be buying the mb or the newer version of mbp anyway since you're a photographer, you'd be better off with a matte screen

[roland.g]

To the other poster with a lose battery cover there are four small hinges at the back of the cover. If you tighten the gap on those hinges it will tighten your cover. There's also a thread posted here on that.

Do you have a link. If I can fix it from being loose, I have no other issues.

[hogfaninga]

I never said the macbook had the best screen but if you haven't read the posts well maybe you should because the people complaining seems to be the one that doesn't understand the notion of either returning it or looking at it first in person. How many threads do you think there are about the screen problems? Reitterating the same probelm over and over again in new countless threads do no good. I understand the topic of this thread and it said problems, not a screen you're not satisfied with. That's not a problem that's your choice...a problem would be a defect or manufacturing error that someone choose to ignore. Like the slanted keys or dead pixels. I don't know who calibrated your screen but if you want I'll gladly give you a copy of my profile. But it sounds like you won't be buying the mb or the newer version of mbp anyway since you're a photographer, you'd be better off with a matte screen

Sure they have a choice, but the screen has been a issue (I consider it an issue--lets don't get into a war of what a certain word means) with Macbook owners for a long time. You are right. They can choose not to buy it, but as I said before most choose to overlook it because the positives outweigh the negatives. That doesn't mean they don't have a legitimate gripe when they pay a premium for a average at best screen.

As I said before, I don't use a laptop for my primary work computer, so a glossy screen doesn't bother me in a laptop. I will be buying the Macbook Pro in January. Maybe Apple will have the matte option back, but if not I will still get it. I'm used to it now.

[morphalex]

You're right there's no need to get into a flamewar over this discussion as the screen is a love it or hate it thing. The MBP is a great laptop definitely go for it if you don't mind the gloss as I rarely have problems with mine.

To the poster with the lose cover. I don't know where the thread lies but a search on google will bring up multiple links on the solution. Something like...how to fix aluminum MacBook cover. It is an easy fix indeed as it took me five minutes to fix mine. Just be careful and GL

[silverblack]

the screen is a love it or hate it thing

... or couldn't-care-any-less thing, in my case ;)

[iFanaddic]

the only issue on my macbook is the caps lock key needs to be pressed much harder than the other keys.

[ref26]

the only issue on my macbook is the caps lock key needs to be pressed much harder than the other keys.

I think that's actually a "feature" so that it doesn't get pressed accidentally. It's the same on my blackbook.

[iFanaddic]

I think that's actually a "feature" so that it doesn't get pressed accidentally. It's the same on my blackbook.

Get I play around with that feature? I hate it lol.

[VSMacOne]

This thread is not the place for you to argue about what screen is better or what Apple should have done, etc. Just state the problems you decided to LIVE WITH!!!!

[hogfaninga]

This thread is not the place for you to argue about what screen is better or what Apple should have done, etc. Just state the problems you decided to LIVE WITH!!!!

I didn't realize you own this board. :rolleyes:

[shady825]

I see countless threads about this kinda stuff, i guess im lucky! My MacBook is absolutely flawless! No complaints what so ever! :apple:

[agentphish]

I am going to have to live with the fact that every day I have to leave my macbook and go to work and use my crappy office PC.

:)

Amen. It makes me not want to go to work in the morning :)

[hihater]

Bunch of whiners, they buy Apple's cheapest laptop and expect the screen to be the same as their more expensive one, you can go and buy you 700 dollar Dells. :rolleyes:

[roland.g]

I am going to have to live with the fact that every day I have to leave my macbook and go to work and use my crappy office PC.

I solved that by taking mine with me. Though it just stays in the sleeve at work.

Amen. It makes me not want to go to work in the morning :)

True that. Though not much to be done about it.

[VSMacOne]

I didn't realize you own this board. :rolleyes:

No but I started this thread not to hear people complaining about what Apple did or didnt do with these Macbooks. Read the title and the initial post. :eek:

I solved that by taking mine with me. Though it just stays in the sleeve at work.

Haha, I just take mine with me to work and use it next to my work PC. It's kinda slowing my work down tho' so that might be a problem... :eek:

[MacJenn]

No but I started this thread not to hear people complaining about what Apple did or didnt do with these Macbooks. Read the title and the initial post. :eek:

Then pass over their posts. It is their right to post their complaints also. You don't own this board or this thread. You started a thread and should be thankful people are posting in it. There about a dozen just like this everyday, but you thought you were special to start a new one.

[VSMacOne]

Then pass over their posts. It is their right to post their complaints also. You don't own this board or this thread. You started a thread and should be thankful people are posting in it. There about a dozen just like this everyday, but you thought you were special to start a new one.

I'm sorry, you must be a little slow today. Once again, I didn't say i own this thread or post. I just started it for a completely different reason than to hear people argue over issues that HUNDREDS of other threads are dealing with.
This is for the people who are having small issues and decided they are not worth get their MBs replaced.

[marsbaby]

After reading alarming reports at the forum on the quality of the screen I felt almost nervous to start up my alu MB the first time. Indeed this was not apple worthy... I just got my spider out, calibrated the screen, and now looking at very decent screen (including the blacks). I just bugged me why Apple did not put in decent colour profile...

furthermore I really love this machine.

I really like the effect this little aluminium thing has on others... they want to look at it, touch it, even caress it... grown up guys (no ladies....) just dripping...

jw

[MacJenn]

I'm sorry, you must be a little slow today. Once again, I didn't say i own this thread or post. I just started it for a completely different reason than to hear people argue over issues that HUNDREDS of other threads are dealing with.
This is for the people who are having small issues and decided they are not worth get their MBs replaced.

You must be the slow one because evidently people see this as an issue. Some think it is small, some big. As I said there has been numerous threads on this, but you felt so special to start another one to bog down this board.

Maybe next time if you don't want certain things said in "your" thread then be more specific. Then you won't have to get your panties in a wad next time because your precious thread wasn't going in the direction you wanted it to.

[phoobo]

I dont understand why people complain about the screen. .



I'm one of those people that got headaches from the MBA screen (gen 1) because its high contrast made the os x-rendered fonts look "fuzzy". I lasted about 20 minutes with it - and over and over I had to stop working and rescrew my head on. Had 2 of those machines, and ultimately returned them.

I had the same problem with the old (white) MB - so never bought one.

The aluminum MB, though, does not give me any such problems while reading all day long. It's the first Apple notebook about which I can say this.


_______________________

Generally delighted with the machine, though the HDD vibration bothered me enough to order a SSD, which I will be installing tomorrow. Should solve everything.

The chicklet keyboards can pound your bones a bit if you type 15+ pages a day. This problem can be alleviated with one of those silicone keyboard-protector pads.

[VSMacOne]

You must be the slow one because evidently people see this as an issue. Some think it is small, some big. As I said there has been numerous threads on this, but you felt so special to start another one to bog down this board.

Maybe next time if you don't want certain things said in "your" thread then be more specific. Then you won't have to get your panties in a wad next time because your precious thread wasn't going in the direction you wanted it to.

:eek: OOOO!! Get'em girl!!!
Anyway, moving right along..... :p

Has anybody tried putting two macbooks with different screen models side by side and seeing whether or not there actually is a difference? The only reason i ask that is because what may look good to one person, might look bad to somebody else...
Mine is not really bothering me, but then again I might just not know better... :confused:

[Bengt77]

Mine is perfect, really. After a thorough calibration (did it several times, until I had it quite nailed), even the screen is fine. When seen from upfront, that is. From the sides or from above it's still quite bogus, but that's a non-issue, really. Apart from that, it's an absolutely lovely machine.

[StingerT125]

I have had no issues that I decided to live with.

There have been no problems with the fit and finish on my Aluminum MacBook and I have no other complaints with it.

I am very happy with my purchase, bought it the day after they were announced.

[leman]

The only issue with my new MB was the loose battery cover, which took me 5 seconds to repair myself. I don't see why I should send this wonderful machine back because of one bent aluminum pin...

And BTW, the display is very good! Blacks, colors and brightness are much better then old MB!

[Lurchdubious]

I pulled my macbook out of my bag just now and I GOT A SCRATCH!!!! Ghey. But, I'll 'live with it.' It's about 2.5 mm or so and no one will notice it but me. ...need to get a better cover or at least a better case, I guess.

OH, what are you guys using to CALIBRATE your MB screens??

[hogfaninga]

The only issue with my new MB was the loose battery cover, which took me 5 seconds to repair myself. I don't see why I should send this wonderful machine back because of one bent aluminum pin...

And BTW, the display is very good! Blacks, colors and brightness are much better then old MB!

You are the first person to say that (honest people)(not some homer who will defend the new one b/c they have it) Most will admit they are about the same (blacks better in old one and brightness better in new one), but then again you just signed up here so this is most likely your first Mac and have no idea what you are talking about. Now you will tell me you have owned several before. :)

The screen sucks in all the Macbooks. New and old. Even the hardcore fanboys admit that. It is usually the new people to Mac who say differently.

[Gamoe]

Nothing is perfect. However, a machine may be within acceptable parameters, some more acceptable than others, depending both on its level of perfection and the user's perception of perfection. ;-)

As long as nothing's physically broken or malfunctioning on the machine and the finish is generally in tact, I'm fine with it. Trouble is, after paying so much for a MacBook or MacBook Pro, the expectation for perfection is so much higher for many people, that Apple may not be able to meet that expectation,though this does not, in any way, liberate Apple from its duties.

As for what I "live with": Some slanty F-keys, and a rather loud touchpad button (the former is no real issue, and I figure the latter will subside with time. As long as it doesn't get any louder it's okay).

[leman]

You are the first person to say that (honest people)(not some homer who will defend the new one b/c they have it) Most will admit they are about the same (blacks better in old one and brightness better in new one), but then again you just signed up here so this is most likely your first Mac and have no idea what you are talking about. Now you will tell me you have owned several before. :)

The screen sucks in all the Macbooks. New and old. Even the hardcore fanboys admit that. It is usually the new people to Mac who say differently.

I own a last revision white MB. The display on that notebook was always sufficient for my needs (programming, writing, reading, watching movies). The new MB display is better. So I see no reason to complain. Yes, MBPro display is better then the MB display. So what? This machines belong in different price categories.

I did screen-to-screen comparison of old vs. new MB: the new one is brighter and has better (or at least as good) blacks (the factory profile was awful, I used a profile from this forums).

For me, the display is satisfactory, and this is everything I care about. I have no reason to complain and after seeing my notebook I must assume that most people either hyperbolize or are used to super high quality displays (I am not, I never had money for that – but I don't work with images either).

And please restrain yourself from theories about my signup date/MB experience, this is childish.

[VSMacOne]

You are the first person to say that (honest people)(not some homer who will defend the new one b/c they have it) Most will admit they are about the same (blacks better in old one and brightness better in new one), but then again you just signed up here so this is most likely your first Mac and have no idea what you are talking about. Now you will tell me you have owned several before. :)

The screen sucks in all the Macbooks. New and old. Even the hardcore fanboys admit that. It is usually the new people to Mac who say differently.

Why do you keep attackin people for having an opinion? I don't understand how it affects YOU if someone says that they like the screen on the new MB. I like them too! For what i need to use it, it's great. I don't have any trouble watching movies on it or doing work. YES, it could be better, but then again what COULDN'T?! There's always room for improvement.
I understand you wanted Apple to put better screens on these, BUT for some of us who are on our first macs, these will do just fine. :D

[MacJenn]

Why do you keep attackin people for having an opinion? I don't understand how it affects YOU if someone says that they like the screen on the new MB. I like them too! For what i need to use it, it's great. I don't have any trouble watching movies on it or doing work. YES, it could be better, but then again what COULDN'T?! There's always room for improvement.
I understand you wanted Apple to put better screens on these, BUT for some of us who are on our first macs, these will do just fine. :D

Look who is being hypocritical. How about practicing what YOU preach. The other guy has a right to his opinion and if that hurt your or anyone elses who have the new ripoffbook, oh well. Some of you people who own the new one get so mad that someone could actually dislike it. Stop taking everything personally.

[tMac85]

You are the first person to say that (honest people)(not some homer who will defend the new one b/c they have it) Most will admit they are about the same (blacks better in old one and brightness better in new one), but then again you just signed up here so this is most likely your first Mac and have no idea what you are talking about. Now you will tell me you have owned several before. :)

The screen sucks in all the Macbooks. New and old. Even the hardcore fanboys admit that. It is usually the new people to Mac who say differently.

gosh you are so negative. you this way in real life? youre almost trolling this thread shoving your blackbook in our face. chill.
and please dont quote me and write back defending your self. you have done that enough on here.


im living with a loose battery cover. but just barely. i dont really have a problem with mine. lets hope i dont come across one!

[MacJenn]

gosh you are so negative. you this way in real life? youre almost trolling this thread shoving your blackbook in our face. chill.
and please dont quote me and write back defending your self. you have done that enough on here.


im living with a loose battery cover. but just barely. i dont really have a problem with mine. lets hope i dont come across one!

Another new MacBook owner who gets mad if someone doesn't like his new ripoffbook. A look at your posts show you bring nothing at all to this place so it is funny you attack someone else for that.

[Vulcan]

gosh you are so negative. you this way in real life? youre almost trolling this thread shoving your blackbook in our face. chill.
and please dont quote me and write back defending your self. you have done that enough on here.


im living with a loose battery cover. but just barely. i dont really have a problem with mine. lets hope i dont come across one!

He did enough damage by making new MacBook owners realize that their computer is all that, or any MacBook owner in general? Should we worry about telling the PPC owners that their computers are out of date to prevent hurting their feelings? What about those poor, poor 23" ACD users who just got discontinued. We can't talk about that either, we might make someone feel bad about their purchase.

[tMac85]

Another new MacBook owner who gets mad if someone doesn't like his new ripoffbook. A look at your posts show you bring nothing at all to this place so it is funny you attack someone else for that.

i have owned 5 models of laptops by apple. please dont tell me that i am new to this whole apple computer thing or that i dont bring anything thing to this forum.

you can comment on a persons purpose on this forum when you are here longer than 5 minutes.

he hasnt offended me. he is just one of those people... glass half full.

[hogfaninga]

Another new MacBook owner who gets mad if someone doesn't like his new ripoffbook. A look at your posts show you bring nothing at all to this place so it is funny you attack someone else for that.

LOL. They are very sensitive. I basically stated ALL Macbooks--old and new screens are subpar for the price. That includes mine.

That poster has attacked me before. I just read many of his former posts and he calls me NEGATIVE. He has attacked many people on here.

[VSMacOne]

LOL. They are very sensitive. I basically stated ALL Macbooks--old and new screens are subpar for the price. That includes mine.

That poster has attacked me before. I just read many of his former posts and he calls me NEGATIVE. He has attacked many people on here.

OK... you think all macbook screens are crap, others of us more "inferior" in your world think they are good enough for what we do. Is that ok with you?! :confused:

[Vulcan]

OK... you think all macbook screens are crap, others of us more "inferior" in your world think they are good enough for what we do. Is that ok with you?! :confused:

That's the point. You're allowed your opinion, and very much likewise he is allowed his. We aren't telling you to go throw your MacBook out the window, but we are saying what seems to be a problem for us on the new machines.

[VSMacOne]

That's the point. You're allowed your opinion, and very much likewise he is allowed his. We aren't telling you to go throw your MacBook out the window, but we are saying what seems to be a problem for us on the new machines.

Yeah but he doesn't need to call people names! Just as he doesn't like the screen, there are others whose opinion is just as important as his, who like it. There's no need to call people HOMERS and such for expressing their opinion. :confused:

[gospel9]

I had to live with a very strange, but quite noticable cut above the F3 key in the aluminum. Yes it is actually a cut (or a hole however you want to interpret it).

My battery cover is not completely slug, but hardly a problem (it wasn't as loose as the one I saw on video at all).

Everything else seemed perfect and since I bought mine with the DVI adapter with 4GB of ram preinstalled, I would not be able to exchange it in the Apple Store anyway (sending it back and waiting for a new one is too much of a cost for me).

[hekokimushi]

It's a feature of the battery. It's to avoid damage with over charging.

i can appreciate the overcharing protection for the battery as a programmable logic means. Surely 99% aren't full as we all know 100% is FULL. seems like there is a protection range anywhere above 99%. so why can't they present it in such a way if it is 99% display Full or round it up.

such a percentage of battery status obviously is an algorithmic value. why can't the protection algorithm put this protection range to read Full = 100%.

so im just accepting the fact that the battery overcharging protection presentation and algorithm is not perfect. thats all. :D

[Totti]

i have owned 5 models of laptops by apple. please dont tell me that i am new to this whole apple computer thing or that i dont bring anything thing to this forum.

you can comment on a persons purpose on this forum when you are here longer than 5 minutes.

he hasnt offended me. he is just one of those people... glass half full.

Don't mind MacJenn...The majority of posts i've seen him/her make have either been about how **** the new MacBook's screens are, or how glad he/her is that she swapped it over for a Pro. Gosh, it's almost as if you regret it and are trying to reassure yourself! Keep telling yourself that.

Oh, and before you start on me, I'm a long-time lurker first-time poster; but I've been around long enough to see more than a few people have enough of the dribble you spit about the screens in the MacBook's.

[allmIne]

There are an *awful* lot of people on this forum that seem to be more than a little jealous of the macbooks. Sure would skew the opinion polls.

[silverblack]

Don't mind MacJenn...The majority of posts i've seen him/her make have either been about how **** the new MacBook's screens are, or how glad he/her is that she swapped it over for a Pro. Gosh, it's almost as if you regret it and are trying to reassure yourself! Keep telling yourself that.


Isn't that obvious? I'm sure she'll come back and defend herself more. But action speaks louder than word.

Likewise for hogfaninga, I think the whole world know by now that he hates the new MB. But saying that people are 'newbies' or don't know what you're talking about when they think their new MB's perfect is by no means professional. He has his chance to voice his opinion already. Let's hear from others.

When a product is bad, there'll be 100s of people posting negative experience, not 100s of postings by a small percentage of people. Time will tell. But so far, his action is definitely supporting the later case.

[Roller]

I have no problem with the posters who decided that their MacBooks weren't up to their standards and returned them. But I do object to those who take every opportunity to refer to the MacBook with silly names and let us know that they exchanged theirs for "a real computer."

It's ironic that a Mac user would adopt the same derogatory phrase that some Windows users used to put down Macs 10 or 15 years ago.

Guess what? I'm not any less discerning than you, I easily could have afforded the MacBook Pro, and I know that the MacBook's LCD panel has limitations. But I've been using my MacBook to do productive work for several weeks now, and it's been great - far better for my needs than either the MacBook Air or the MacBook Pro would have been.

[zombie1210]

The majority are happily using their new MB's and not posting about them. The minority are here bitching about them. That's how it works with any product, in regards to internet forums. Doesn't matter what the product is. It makes it look like there are a lot of problems, when its just a bunch of negative nellies pounding their chests.

[Blue Velvet]

Yeah but he doesn't need to call people names!

True. Let's keep this strange thread — where it seems you can complain about your machine's faults — but not complain... well, let's keep it civil, thank you.

[VSMacOne]

True. Let's keep this strange thread — where it seems you can complain about your machine's faults — but not complain... well, let's keep it civil, thank you.

Haha... That's what makes it different than the other 1345 threads that JUST complain. :D Thank you.

[VSMacOne]

The majority are happily using their new MB's and not posting about them. The minority are here bitching about them. That's how it works with any product, in regards to internet forums. Doesn't matter what the product is. It makes it look like there are a lot of problems, when its just a bunch of negative nellies pounding their chests.

I agree. But there are other people who actually have minor issues but decided they were not as important compared to things like dead pixels, bad trackpad, etc. Like I said in the first post, in the first 2 days i went through 3 MB's and am on the fourth one (third one was just opened in the store and we noticed it had the same issues as the previous two) so instead of taking it back (read first post for issues) I just decided to live with it.
Worst case scenario, Apple has it on record that i have a couple of issues and if they develop into something bigger I will be able to get it repaired/exchanged. I plan on buying the additional Apple Care at the end of this year.

[roland.g]

Thanks BV for the common sense. Really folks, try to have a discussion without getting so bent about it. Some of these comments have really taken the thread off track.

On another note, I fixed the cover on my MB, by bending the tabs as suggested. It didn't take away all the play, but reduced it significantly. There is still the slightest drop on the CD side that you can press it up when holding the MB like a tray, but no clicking sound or unevenness on a desk or table. If I bend it any further it won't close because it is now really tight getting that one tab on there.

Interestingly, not sure if everyone has this as I hadn't read about it, but the tabs on the far ends of the cover are not attached to the cover, but rather flex away. I was surprised about that and figured that added to the looseness factor, not sure why apple would have done that.

[Totti]

I was gunna take the plunge and invest at the end of the month, when i finish my final exams and head into work full-time. But i think, as I wouldn't be doing anything really to benefit getting a mac before Xmas ends, i'm gunna wait until after MacWorld for the following reasons:

1. By January, hopefully most of the quality control issues would have been resolved.
2. If by some freak of nature Snow Leopard is released i'd rather get it for free.
3. I need a external display as well, so any developments would be worth waiting for

Also plan to do the same in getting an iPhone... I'll be a little sad if they don't announce some sort of revision.

[VSMacOne]

So I'm getting my macbook replaced... I'm not excited about going without my laptop for a whole week or so, but after talking to Apple Care product specialist i decided to go for it. I called to ask about the HDD sounds, and he said they could replace that for me. Then as we spoke I told him about my other issues with the clicking case, loose HDD plastic casing, screen not sitting well on bottom case.... and he said "we need to go ahead and just send you a new one". So i'm going for it.
I know the replacement might have other issues, but at this point i'm willing to take the chance. The prod specialist assured me that he would take care of any other issues with the new one.
Here's to hoping that MB number 5 will be the MAGIC one for me!! :(

[zombie1210]

I smell fish.

[SnowLeopard2008]

I really doubt you or anybody else went through 5 MBs. I'm not saying you're all liars, but it's suspicous....

[VSMacOne]

I really doubt you or anybody else went through 5 MBs. I'm not saying you're all liars, but it's suspicous....

First one on Friday the 17th. Took it back that night because it was running louder than my friend's Blackbook. Second one Friday night. Saturday i noticed the bad battery cover and bent keys (this was before i knew about the fixes) and Sunday i took it back. The third one they brought out had worse battery cover and big scratch on the top. Fourth one is the one i currently have that Apple Care is replacing.
These were all from the same store, the first batch that went out after the keynote..
Don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing Apple or anything... This stuff happens. It's still an amazing laptop and i LOVE it.

[mac jones]

5?

Gosh I haven't even returned mine once.

Do you think there's something wrong with me?

[mac jones]

duplicate

[Boston Fan]

Zero problems, but if there were any, I would not choose to simply live with them.

Dropping $1,500 for a computer that looks, acts, or does anything less than what is is supposed to is simply not an option I would ever consider. I find it amazing that anyone would be okay with such a situation.

[VSMacOne]

Magic number 5 came in and it was surprisingly easy to work with Apple Care..
I have to say it has the same Toshiba HDD than the previous and still making the woosh sound. Mayb that's just hot Toshiba HDDs are...
Other than the HDD, a few slanted keys, but no biggie. My screen is 9C8C and it works just fine. I have to confess I've started using a calibration profile (Spyderpro got it from one of the threads on here) and it looks great.
One thing that I did notice... the MB has a different SuperDrive than the previous one. It's the HL-DT-ST DVDRW GS21N and I've noticed that it makes less noise when botting up. Just as a fact...
So I'm a little dissapointed that the HDD noise is not all the way inexistent, but will live with that as everything else seems to be working great...
Awesome laptop.

[mac-a-delic]

As my first Mac, my new 13" MacBook has been quite the computer for me! I'm loving it to pieces and I'm still learning the ins and outs of OS X.

The battery cover is an issue for me too, however mine is not really "loose" per say, it seems as though the cover is just too small for the space there is a tiny, tiny gap.

Aside from the laggy trackpad issue, you can call me a happy camper. :)

There is a trackpad firmware update available. I just got it recently.

[mirmir]

-- My slanty function keys. I thought it was my lighting at first... The space I use my laptop has blue from the left and no color from the right, so I just assumed the rights looked higher because of the light. Until I googled it, and apparently I'm not the only one whose keys are actually slanted. But they don't affect my usability, so...

-- The other thing was an aesthetic thing. I don't like having the up/down arrows attached, when the others have aluminum separations. It was the first thing I noticed about the keyboard when I took it out of the box, but I realize how minute of a detail it is, and definitely accept it.

-- And I have horrid typing posture, so the sharp edge hurts my wrists... But that's my fault.

-- My screen gets dirty very fast. My old screen was an iBook (you could poke and make it bubble) so I notice things on this super glossy screen immediately.

But I absolutely adore my MacBook. It's stunning, fast, and it "scrolls like butter". Plus, coming from Panther, Leopard is so much more magical.

[yOyOYoo]

I never knew that my Function keys were slanted until I started reading this board!!!

My macbook seems otherwise fine, so I suppose that I will just live with these slanted keys, instead of risking returning the macbook and getting another one that's more messed up!

[Mackan]

Mine's perfect, except... yeah, the screen. Like many have reported, the blacks are more gray at the lower half of the screen, really washed out. And the viewing angles are horrible. But then so was the screen on my previous Asus laptop, now 2 years old. I don't expect too much of a notebook screen anyways, serious work is done on big external screens.

[agurlnamedgoo]

It's funny for me to read that people actually send their computers back for such things. From the day I got my laptop (not a macbook), I've had a slightly-slanted keyboard (the keys on the right are higher up), and one or two other similar things like that. The battery kept coming unlocked, so I put a piece of scotch tape over it...
I just never even considered complaining to apple about it!

[MacGuy84]

I get a strange click sound when I open my screen for the first time of the day (usually in the morning). I know its not normal but I guess its better than problems my first 3 had; Blown speaker, Warped body causing it to wobble and unresponsive SHIFT key.

[Solemony]

Loving it so far. No problems so far. And hoping to keep it that way so far..:)

[VSMacOne]

I get a strange click sound when I open my screen for the first time of the day (usually in the morning). I know its not normal but I guess its better than problems my first 3 had; Blown speaker, Warped body causing it to wobble and unresponsive SHIFT key.

Does it come from the speakers or from the hinge?! The black plastic on my screen hinge is slightly warped and will click now and then when i press it or when I just open my screen.
HOWEVER, i get a slick from the speakers sometimes as well, like after not using the speakers for a while, when i do turn the music on they will make a clicking/crackling noise...

[99MustangGTman]

The fact that you CAN'T actually click anywhere on the trackpad. The leds are different kinda bright at different angles.

Otherwise I love it!

[Lurchdubious]

The fact that you CAN'T actually click anywhere on the trackpad. The leds are different kinda bright at different angles.

Otherwise I love it!

You can't click anywhere on the pad? I can...

[99MustangGTman]

You can't click anywhere on the pad? I can...

At the very top of the trackpad and the upper right and upper left hand corners.


Is it just me or does anyone else have the same issue?

[tMac85]

i cant either. only the lower half pretty much.

[VSMacOne]

At the very top of the trackpad and the upper right and upper left hand corners.


Is it just me or does anyone else have the same issue?

That's normal. About half an inch from the top is where it really starts CLICKING because of the way it's built. If you take your battery out you will notice that at the top of the trackpad there are a few screws that connect it to the body. The rest of the trackpad is free to move when pressed. Makes sense if you think about it...
But how can anybody complain that the WHOLE trackpad is not clicking?! There is a RIDICULOUS increase in trackpad size from the previous gen MB so that in itself is amazing.

[Lurchdubious]

sure, the lower half clicks easier, but the very top of my pad clicks as well. I enabled the "touch click" anyways, as I usually use my mac in very quiet places and the click can be rather annoying if used constantly in a quiet library.

[paolo-]

Mine is pretty damn flawless. A couple of slightly slanted F keys. I can move my battery cover around ever so slightly but is definitely not loose. Also, the inability to practically click on the higher parts of the trackpad. Mind you I think it's getting better as I use it.

Another odd thing I noticed is that if I push on the top of the computer, near the white illuminated apple logo, the whole top part flexes. I'm curious to know if the computer was designed that way or if mine is wrong. It doesn't bother me much other that the flexing, over time COULD, quite unlikely, lead to failure of the aluminium top.


Oh well, no firewire and 1300 bucks less in pockets are also things I decided I could live with.

Very satisfied with the product.

[Lictor]

The screen sucks in all the Macbooks. New and old. Even the hardcore fanboys admit that. It is usually the new people to Mac who say differently.

The screen sucks in all notebooks anyway, almost per design. If it's a notebook, it's meant to be used off the plug. So, power consumption is an issue. TN is the technology with the lowest power consumption, by far. It's also the cheapest technology.
But, sadly, also the one unable to render proper colors (14 bits color with dithering instead of 16 bits) and it has very poor vertical viewing angles (making color rendition awful however you calibrate it).

I don't know of any notebook with a power hungry IPS pannel or even a (M/P)VA. Notebooks are not meant to do any kind of critical color editing. Likewise, they're not meant to watch movies either - they're too small anyway. So, the only thing that matter with notebook screen is that they're bright enough to be used outdoor, that they use as little power as possible and that you can read what's on them in most situations.