You must be on a carrot only diet to have the proper PH to touch this laptop.
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Aluminium corrodes (?), any "cleaning" solution ?
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You must be on a carrot only diet to have the proper PH to touch this laptop.
Just because Apple isn't concerned with it doesn't mean it's not a common enough issue. The hinges on the 5300 and G4 series laptops had serious problems Apple "wasn't concerned with." All it means is people are still buying the computers, so they don't have to worry about changing it. Models like the Powerbook G4 had a painted keyboard and areas of the top case, and they eventually changed that with the UMBP because people complained about wear.
As far as tools, here's an example of a hard anodized aluminum tool that regularly gets exposed to heavy solvents, acids, salt air, dropped, and spends hours a day in-hand:
Even with chipped anodizing, corrosion is not an issue.
Quality hard-anodizing of aluminum costs about $30/pound. You mean to tell me Apple can't afford to include that in the price of a $1000 laptop, or even on their $2800 models?
Since I don't know all of the factors involved in their choice of material, I couldn't begin to guess (nor can you). I love the material, I've had 3-4 of the aluminum macbooks and aside from the occasional scratch, I've never had an issue with wear. I understand some have, but you have to understand it's likely not a widespread issue - it's clearly not widespread enough that Apple feels any need to change the material. There are plenty of other laptop choices out there.
The anodising on the Apple products is suitable for the majority of users who never have an issue and probably take care and/or don't expect them to be rugged items. But Anodizing is not totally bullet proof, in the same way that any other paint finishes aren't, and most other coatings you can apply, they all have their limits.
Anodozing is a process which effectively turns a very thin layer (probably around 15-30 microns) of the surface of the aluminium to aluminium oxide. This is what would happen to raw aluminium anyway over time, but anodising just speeds the process up and colour is normally added to the equation in most cases (silver included).
As a point to note, increasing the thickness of the anodising does not make it more durable, BUT it does increase the cost of the process significantly - so with most applications there is generally little point in going past 30 microns.
I don't understand why people expect a laptop finish to so indelible? You spend more money on a car and that is far more likely to be scratched and dented but people don't moan that paint is not tough enough, they get it fixed or leave it.
If people are really that bothered then either wrap it cotton wool (if thats your thing) or get it re-anodized.
For me though, well I just use it for what it is, a laptop, and get on with life.
Excellent explanation. I would add that Hard Anodize is the same as anodize excepting that the process is slightly different to facilitate a thicker anodize surface. Colors are a dye that the anodized part is dipped in with a chromate sealant applied, again as a dip.
If I'm not mistaken, basic or alkaline solutions or anything over a pH of 7 will tend to etch away the anodized surface over time. Sweat typically is acidic, so I wouldn't expect it to be any particular problem.
Seriously? Every time? I just have not seen a rash of oxidizing aluminum Macbook palmrests - I really wouldn't worry about it this much.
Those are chips. That is what happens when you do this with your laptop.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byCiTN4F1dg&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byCiTN4F1dg&feature=related
All aluminum oxidizes, it just depends on the alloy of the aluminum on whether it is rust resistant.
I do not know what type of aluminum apple uses but if the anodizing chips away and you start to get a dark color, that is oxidation which is good. That means the aluminum is forming a thin layer to protect against rusting.
Marine grade aluminum which is used for boats is specifically designed to oxidize so that when it comes in contact with salt water it doesnt rust because of that protect oxidized layer.
I do not know what type of aluminum apple uses but if the anodizing chips away and you start to get a dark color, that is oxidation which is good. That means the aluminum is forming a thin layer to protect against rusting.
Marine grade aluminum which is used for boats is specifically designed to oxidize so that when it comes in contact with salt water it doesnt rust because of that protect oxidized layer.
Incorrect. It's pitting from corrosion. I and many others have the same problem. It is caused by acidic sweat and in my case showed up gradually after a few years of use. It only occurs where the soft palm of my right hand rests as I work with the trackpad all day. This has been a documented problem for a long time with Apple's aluminum PowerBooks/MacBooks.