How bad is the hinge problem?

[PQTrojan]

Hi guys I love the MBA and want to buy one. Problem is the hinge that people are saying breaks or loosens. While I wouldn't think is too big of a problem as long as Apple covers it but I hear they no longer do that. Since you guys are actual owners of the MBA is it still a laptop you would recommend of should I said til Apple resolve this issue (if ever)?

[Unprocessed1]

Hi guys I love the MBA and want to buy one. Problem is the hinge that people are saying breaks or loosens. While I wouldn't think is too big of a problem as long as Apple covers it but I hear they no longer do that. Since you guys are actual owners of the MBA is it still a laptop you would recommend of should I said til Apple resolve this issue (if ever)?

Nope just the opposite. They'll replace it now under AppleCare, just make sure you don't have any dings or dents!!!

[PQTrojan]

Really? Wow ok that's awesome...I think I know what my next step is lol. Thanks a lot

[Unprocessed1]

Really? Wow ok that's awesome...I think I know what my next step is lol. Thanks a lot

I'd just make sure to get a definitely get a Rev B and maybe have accidental insurance just in case.

[PQTrojan]

Are Rev B models less likely to have hinge problems? I'm not too concerned about the overheating issues. This is a secondary laptop for work (thus no gaming) so I won't be using any graphic intensive use...unless there is something about Microsoft Office I need to know about lol.

[Unprocessed1]

Are Rev B models less likely to have hinge problems? I'm not too concerned about the overheating issues. This is a secondary laptop for work (thus no gaming) so I won't be using any graphic intensive use...unless there is something about Microsoft Office I need to know about lol.

Even if you plan on watching youtube videos in high quality (or sometimes ever normal quality!), Rev A machines could be a problem lol.
Based on what people have said, Rev B machines can have bad hinges but it's not as likely.

[stoconnell]

Are Rev B models less likely to have hinge problems? I'm not too concerned about the overheating issues. This is a secondary laptop for work (thus no gaming) so I won't be using any graphic intensive use...unless there is something about Microsoft Office I need to know about lol.

I think only time will tell. The hinges on the Rev As have had more cycles on them. It's not clear what kind of load cycle these hinges were designed for. Some folks on this forum have had issues with the hinges on their Rev Bs. There was poll a while back. Most of the Rev B entries fell under the "too new to tell" category. I've had mine for less than 2 months with no apparent change in the hinges.

[PQTrojan]

Would SSHD decrease the chance of overheating?

[stoconnell]

Would SSHD decrease the chance of overheating?

Would an SSD drive reduce overheating (I'm guessing you don't mean secure shell daemon -- sshd)? I don't think it would make that much of a difference in terms of heat. It does make large difference for application start times, boot times and therefore perceived speed. Once most apps are launched the difference would lesser unless that particular app is doing a lot of I/O.

Using Safari Ad block and/or ClickToFlash while browsing (or their firefox analogs if you are not a Safari user) make a huge difference in terms of triggering load and therefore heat.

Some swear by Coolbook to undervolt the CPU which can make a huge difference, your mileage may vary.

[mshaf]

Would an SSD drive reduce overheating (I'm guessing you don't mean secure shell daemon -- sshd)? I don't think it would make that much of a difference in terms of heat. It does make large difference for application start times, boot times and therefore perceived speed. Once most apps are launched the difference would lesser unless that particular app is doing a lot of I/O.

Using Safari Ad block and/or ClickToFlash while browsing (or their firefox analogs if you are not a Safari user) make a huge difference in terms of triggering load and therefore heat.

Some swear by Coolbook to undervolt the CPU which can make a huge difference, your mileage may vary.

No problems here with my REV A refurb HDD love it! I use it for light applications like you suggest. Never had a problem with video either. I use coolbook but probably didnt need it.

[EnderTW]

Mines has a weird problem. Like when I open it, it is stiff, however the point I leave the monitor up I can push it back and forth like 1/2 an inch. when typing it doesn't wobble, but it is a little loose.

It's not a big deal right now. I'll probably take it in 2 months before 1 year apple care goes out.

[Scottsdale]

I haven't seen/read about a single rev B MBA hinge breaking. I have read many with rev A MBA hinges breaking.

Has anyone here had a rev B MBA hinge break or read about any rev B MBA hinge breaking? Here or at any forum?

I do think it's a flaw with the hinge, and I do think Apple should replace them for free when they break. The problem seems that Apple is trying to make a profit off its own problematic hinges by charging $800+ to repair it forcing the owner to replace display and whole upper lid. SAD!

[stoconnell]

I haven't seen/read about a single rev B MBA hinge breaking. I have read many with rev A MBA hinges breaking.

Has anyone here had a rev B MBA hinge break or read about any rev B MBA hinge breaking? Here or at any forum?

I do think it's a flaw with the hinge, and I do think Apple should replace them for free when they break. The problem seems that Apple is trying to make a profit off its own problematic hinges by charging $800+ to repair it forcing the owner to replace display and whole upper lid. SAD!

As an example, the poster's hinge was on the gluide path to breaking...

http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=7451159&postcount=107

[justforfun]

The hinge on my Rev A went completely out. The screen was a full 180 degrees from the keyboard.

Took it in. They said they had never seen it that bad. They weren't sure if Applecare would cover it. In the end, it did. They replaced almost the entire casing.

But then a week or so after getting it back, every time I put any pressure on the left side of the keyboard the screen would completely freeze, requiring a restart. I was so busy with work and kept rescheduling appointments that finally I just bought a new Air. Not the wisest move financially, but I needed a working machine. When things slow dow I'll take my original one in for repair.

[Unprocessed1]

The hinge on my Rev A went completely out. The screen was a full 180 degrees from the keyboard.

Took it in. They said they had never seen it that bad. They weren't sure if Applecare would cover it. In the end, it did. They replaced almost the entire casing.

But then a week or so after getting it back, every time I put any pressure on the left side of the keyboard the screen would completely freeze, requiring a restart. I was so busy with work and kept rescheduling appointments that finally I just bought a new Air. Not the wisest move financially, but I needed a working machine. When things slow dow I'll take my original one in for repair.

I wonder how much money Apple wasted on the faulty hinges. Sorry to hear, but at least you'll be able to regain most of your loss if you get it fixed and sell it.