2011 MacBook Air 13" Screen Cracked - Replacement Options?

skibbz · Mar 9, 2012, 06:30 PM

My 2011 MacBook Air 13" screen cracked under insanely slight pressure and Apple wants $450 to replace their ****** screen, what other repair options are there? I see that TechRestore offers a replacement for around $450 as well.

From what I've read, some people claim that the entire top clamshell needs to be replaced - is that actually true? I thought the 11" screen could be replaced with careful application of a heat gun to soften the glue that adheres the screen to the bezel... Is that the same with the 2011 13"? Is this something that I could DIY? If so, does anyone have personal experience with any of the companies that sell replacement screens of similar quality?

I'd like to repair this as cheaply as possible since I'm just going to be selling it and purchasing another ThinkPad, my tryst with Apple laptops has been filled with nothing but disappointment and frustration

eric/ · Mar 9, 2012, 06:35 PM

You shouldn't place any pressure on the screen.

skibbz · Mar 9, 2012, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eric/

You shouldn't place any pressure on the screen.

Consumer products should be designed to handle real world use - this isn't an original painting, it's a consumer laptop.

Get real, fanboy.

skibbz · Mar 9, 2012, 08:14 PM

I think I'll just go with one of the repair services, I can't seem to find replacement screens available anywhere that looks reputable. PowerbookMedic offers a replacement for around $350 and I've found a couple other companies in the same ballpark. Win-Win - cheaper and I don't have to deal with the idiots at the Apple store!

allieverything · Mar 10, 2012, 08:22 AM

For a 100 dollars though you should got Apple. I know it's more, but at least you know what you're getting.

prvt.donut · Mar 10, 2012, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skibbz

Consumer products should be designed to handle real world use - this isn't an original painting, it's a consumer laptop.

Get real, fanboy.

You say, "insanely small amount of pressure" But TFT displays are very fragile and are easily broken. The MBA has a standard design and is no more weak than other displays. I think you are over exaggerating your description of what happened.

But I feel for you, it sucks to have broken something so expensive. You could check on ebay for replacement screens and change it yourself!

Here is an example for $77! just make sure you buy the correct model, and follow the guides on ifixit or youtube.

I have a co-worker who regularly jabs his finger at screens, I wince every time he does it! DON'T PROD THE SCREEN PEOPLE!

If you want a Tuff screen, get a model with glass of the front such as the Macbook Pro.

ClassObject · Mar 10, 2012, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skibbz

I think I'll just go with one of the repair services, I can't seem to find replacement screens available anywhere that looks reputable. PowerbookMedic offers a replacement for around $350 and I've found a couple other companies in the same ballpark. Win-Win - cheaper and I don't have to deal with the idiots at the Apple store!

So you'll deal with idiots in general? I prefer known idiots.

jenzjen · Mar 11, 2012, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skibbz

I think I'll just go with one of the repair services, I can't seem to find replacement screens available anywhere that looks reputable. PowerbookMedic offers a replacement for around $350 and I've found a couple other companies in the same ballpark. Win-Win - cheaper and I don't have to deal with the idiots at the Apple store!

Make sure you disclose that you had someone other than Apple repair the screen when you finally sell it

Buildbright · Mar 15, 2012, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skibbz

Consumer products should be designed to handle real world use - this isn't an original painting, it's a consumer laptop.

Get real, fanboy.

Don't insult this guy. You noticed its not a common problem? Mines not broke. Most people on this forum don't have broken screens. I bet you sat on it.

lbfjrmd · Apr 13, 2012, 08:57 PM

add me to the list of cracked screens. 11 months ols and never been of desk! Apple says i abused unit!! This is a load of crap!

n1tut · Apr 14, 2012, 06:55 AM

Does your home Insurance policy not cover it, mine does both in and out of the house, and I would have claimed on it when I cracked mine if Apple had not replaced it for free.

tut

Nikomanz · Apr 14, 2012, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClassObject

So you'll deal with idiots in general? I prefer known idiots.

Ditto that.

lbfjrmd · Apr 14, 2012, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n1tut

Does your home Insurance policy not cover it, mine does both in and out of the house, and I would have claimed on it when I cracked mine if Apple had not replaced it for free.

tut

high deductible furthermore this is an APPLE issue, not a hurricane damaged roof!

n1tut · Apr 14, 2012, 10:22 AM

It is not an Apple issue if it was damaged by the owner. Home contents Insurance is there to cover accidental damage which includes a laptop.

I do not know what your excess is in the States, but mine is £75 so well worth claiming.

tut

davidwarren · Apr 14, 2012, 10:27 AM

I found my 3 year old standing on top of my 13 inch MBA once. It is fine. I figured they were pretty strong.

drsox · Apr 14, 2012, 11:14 AM

If the MBA screen is so fragile, how do MBA users clean it ?
Mine is now 6 months old and getting a bit flyspecked, so time to do something.

bogatyr · Apr 14, 2012, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbfjrmd

high deductible furthermore this is an APPLE issue, not a hurricane damaged roof!

Get a rider for the laptop with a lower deductible in the future. Usually a better deal than other accidental coverage insurance options.

Homeowners covers a lot more than the home. Even icluding stolen items from your car.

justinnum1 · Apr 14, 2012, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drsox

If the MBA screen is so fragile, how do MBA users clean it ?
Mine is now 6 months old and getting a bit flyspecked, so time to do something.

very gently

Cyndi · Nov 26, 2012, 12:06 PM

Mine also cracked and I had not dropped it or apply pressure on it. Just been using it like my other Lap tops. I bought mine for less than a month. I have never had a screen cracks on all my previous non lap tops. How unlucky .

danistyping · Nov 27, 2012, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyndi

Mine also cracked and I had not dropped it or apply pressure on it. Just been using it like my other Lap tops. I bought mine for less than a month. I have never had a screen cracks on all my previous non lap tops. How unlucky .

Out of curiosity...this is the type of thing that is covered under the initial one year warranty, right? Or do you have to buy applecare? Or does none of that cover this stuff and you just have to pay if you mess your computer up?

uhslax24 · Dec 13, 2012, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danistyping

Out of curiosity...this is the type of thing that is covered under the initial one year warranty, right? Or do you have to buy applecare? Or does none of that cover this stuff and you just have to pay if you mess your computer up?

Applecare only covers manufacturer's defects, not user negligence, accidents, or general mistreatment.

Mar 9, 2012, 06:30 PM	#1
skibbz macrumors newbie Join Date: Mar 2012	2011 MacBook Air 13" Screen Cracked - Replacement Options? My 2011 MacBook Air 13" screen cracked under insanely slight pressure and Apple wants $450 to replace their ****** screen, what other repair options are there? I see that TechRestore offers a replacement for around $450 as well. From what I've read, some people claim that the entire top clamshell needs to be replaced - is that actually true? I thought the 11" screen could be replaced with careful application of a heat gun to soften the glue that adheres the screen to the bezel... Is that the same with the 2011 13"? Is this something that I could DIY? If so, does anyone have personal experience with any of the companies that sell replacement screens of similar quality? I'd like to repair this as cheaply as possible since I'm just going to be selling it and purchasing another ThinkPad, my tryst with Apple laptops has been filled with nothing but disappointment and frustration
	-1

Mar 9, 2012, 08:14 PM	#4
skibbz Thread Starter macrumors newbie Join Date: Mar 2012	I think I'll just go with one of the repair services, I can't seem to find replacement screens available anywhere that looks reputable. PowerbookMedic offers a replacement for around $350 and I've found a couple other companies in the same ballpark. Win-Win - cheaper and I don't have to deal with the idiots at the Apple store!
	-4

Apr 13, 2012, 08:57 PM	#10
lbfjrmd macrumors newbie Join Date: Mar 2012	add me to the list of cracked screens. 11 months ols and never been of desk! Apple says i abused unit!! This is a load of crap!
	-1

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Mar 9, 2012, 06:35 PM	#2
eric/ Guest Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Ohio, United States	You shouldn't place any pressure on the screen.
	5

Mar 10, 2012, 08:22 AM	#5
allieverything macrumors member Join Date: Feb 2012	For a 100 dollars though you should got Apple. I know it's more, but at least you know what you're getting.
	2

Apr 14, 2012, 06:55 AM	#11
n1tut macrumors regular Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Old Deer, Scotland	Does your home Insurance policy not cover it, mine does both in and out of the house, and I would have claimed on it when I cracked mine if Apple had not replaced it for free. tut
	0

Apr 14, 2012, 10:22 AM	#14
n1tut macrumors regular Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Old Deer, Scotland	It is not an Apple issue if it was damaged by the owner. Home contents Insurance is there to cover accidental damage which includes a laptop. I do not know what your excess is in the States, but mine is £75 so well worth claiming. tut
	0

Apr 14, 2012, 10:27 AM	#15
davidwarren macrumors 6502a Join Date: Aug 2007	I found my 3 year old standing on top of my 13 inch MBA once. It is fine. I figured they were pretty strong.
	0

Apr 14, 2012, 11:14 AM	#16
drsox macrumors 6502a Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Xhystos	If the MBA screen is so fragile, how do MBA users clean it ? Mine is now 6 months old and getting a bit flyspecked, so time to do something.
	0

Nov 26, 2012, 12:06 PM	#19
Cyndi macrumors newbie Join Date: Nov 2012	Mine also cracked and I had not dropped it or apply pressure on it. Just been using it like my other Lap tops. I bought mine for less than a month. I have never had a screen cracks on all my previous non lap tops. How unlucky .
	0