Anodization wearing off. Im done with apple

[MrMacintoshBlog]

I agree with you, I would be upset too.

You would think the finish would last a lot longer than just 2 years.

See mac's are not supposed to be like pc's where they wear out in 1-3 years.

But I think most people would consider that wear and tear, but again it seems like you have really taken care of it and it seems to be a little early to show that kind of wear.


I know your upset but other than the old thinkpads you will not be happier with new PC laptop. Talking about quality you will not find better than apple.

 

[GGJstudios]

this is not a place to rant, it is a place to solve problems.

...ILL SAY IT AGAIN....THIS IS A FORUM TO HELP PEOPLE NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT PRODUCTS

If that's true, about a third of all threads on this site should be deleted. I don't care for the ranting threads, since they rarely have any resolution, but it's not against forum rules to rant.

...im sick of sorting through these useless threads when im trying to help people i have to sift through these "im done with apple" threads.

It's easy.... when you find the thread is a ranting thread, just move on to another one. Any thread that contains "I'm done with Apple" is a clue.

To the wasteland this will go......

I doubt it. There's nothing in the OP's post that warrants being moved to the wasteland.

You really won't win yourself any points by trying to engage a far more established member than yourself in some sort of argument.

I wouldn't exactly call 8 months and a few hundred posts "far more established".


I agree that there are far more important things to worry about than a cosmetic blemish on a MBP, but I can also understand the OP's dismay, when they obviously take pride in their Mac's appearance. While a rant on an internet forum (where no one has the power to change the situation) may not be the most mature way of addressing it, the OP certainly has the right to voice their opinion and lament. In the same way, other forum members have the right to post statements of agreement or disagreement.

 

[Rampant.A.I.]

So my 2 year old apple macbook pro is losing its adonization on the strip just below the keyboard. I dont have a picture just yet, but it looks like this image, except it is below the left apple key and is much smaller in size:

Before anyone asks:
1. I dont abuse my macbook. it cost me a fortune so i treat it like gold. it rarely leaves my desk, i wipe it down with a cloth once a week(light shammy cloth, the same as you use to clean guitars so as not to scratch them), I dont wear rings and i remove my watch before using the macbook so as not to scratch it.

2. I did not scratch it. I have saw die hard apple fans accusing folks with this issue of scratching the paint off with keys/pens etc, and of even photoshopping the image.

How does adonization come off? I thought it was a coating electronically plated onto the aluminium case? even heavy usage would not cause this, and i dont give it heavy usage at all. its really treated like a baby.

Anyway, as the laptop is 2 years + old i doubt it will be under warranty. I will still be ringing up apple and complaining as its not the only thing that was wrong with this laptop. when i got it first, out of the box, the catch wouldnt work and it had to be sent back. the replacment i got had about 10 dead pixels and had to go back, and i finally got this one which has been fine for 2 years.

This is a true sign that apple's quality control is non existent. This is appalling considering you pay a premium for the "quality" of their hardware.

I dont know what my next computer will be. i like OSX, but as i cant get it legally on a non apple computer i will happly go to another OS if the hardware it runs on is of a better standard. I have a lenovo at work that is a fantastic machine so might look in that direction.

Im not posting this to start a flame war, im just letting folks see my firsthand experience with apple and the falling quality of their products.

That's not annodized. That part of the laptop is painted.

You rub any painted surface for long enough, the paint will wear off.

I was disappointed too, to find out that part of the case is just a painted surface, like the keyboard.
The silver paint doesn't seem to adhere very well, not sure why that is.

 

[notjustjay]

I haven't yet read a majority of the posts in this thread yet, but EVERYTHING is made in China. So I'm sorry, that's a completely moot point to make. The frickin system you're using to make this post is most definitely made in China.

You can't just say "made in China" is inherently bad. It's not like the Chinese are bad at engineering, or metallurgy, or putting things together. Ever been to China? They have some of the most impressive skyscrapers and high speed subways and trains. You'd think with all this talk about China and quality control that their buildings would all by lying in ruins because they fell apart after the first year.

The same company (Quanta) that makes the MacBook Pros also makes Dell laptops -- yet people are always saying the Mac's build quality is better. How can that be? Obviously because Apple spec'd the MacBook Pro higher than Dell -- at higher cost, of course. Metal parts instead of plastic. Tighter tolerances. Higher rejection rates.

The factories in China (or wherever) churn out exactly what they are told to churn out. If the buyer orders crap, they'll make crap. Happily.

 

[ntrigue]

There are some owners with seriously acidic skin in this thread.

 

[kellen]

Check ebay, its a 50 or so dollar part.

 

[SpaceKitty]

The laptop is TWO YEARD OLD!! Do you seriously expect it to be perfect forever just because it is made by Apple?

Be real!

 

[JamesGorman]

I can understand why your upset by this, but it happens to ALL products. Its normal wear and tear. Honestly, I'd be put off a bit in your situation too, but I'd get over it in a couple days. I would not swear off on Apple or any other company for that matter for something as insignificant as this.

 

[SpaceKitty]

My MBP that I bought at the end of September already has shiny keys, especially the space bar. Does that mean my MBP is faulty? No, it means I use it allot. Sure I could put on a keyboard protector but why? It's meant to be used and I'm using it!

 

[alphaod]

I've see people with keys that that worn almost translucent, aluminium polished shiny from rubbing, marks from sweat. That's not so bad with just some paint peeling.

 

[burns863]

Not even going to give this thread enough time to read all the posts. Its utterly ridiculous. People expect way to much from products.

"I'm done with Apple." Why? Because there is minor cosmetic damage to one of your possessions that happens to be made by Apple? Are you "done" with Ikea because their furniture is capable of being scratched/marked? No, I thought not.

One of the posts I did read about the "shocks" from the case causing the issue; I doubt it. Yes, using a plug without an earth pin will incur some slight leakage current which discharges via the casing. This said, I think that the part of the casing in question is plastic. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong!

This sort of issue is similar to the white MacBook's top case developing cracks. We had white MacBook's at our store that never developed cracks. As much as people think the problem is happening more frequently, thats almost always based on the fact that 3 or more people have commented on such an issue via an online forum. This does not account for the majority of users of said product. If it did, then something bigger would be done about it by Apple.

I think I've wasted enough time on this post now...

 

[kroeks]

It's just always that way.
Even if you treat it like gold, It will get damaged.
There's nothing to do about it.

I don't know if it's just me but:
macbooks (how hot as they are) still remain tools.
You use them.
They look awesome, but it's preformance that counts.
as long as you don't have software or screen issues, i suggest you just try and look trough this.

My 3 yr-old white macbook also has cracks, scars and makes some noise
I hate that, but as long as it keeps working you won't hear me complain

 

[harperjones99]

The laptop is TWO YEARD OLD!! Do you seriously expect it to be perfect forever just because it is made by Apple?

Be real!

I cannot understand this...2 years? When did people start believing 2 years was such a long time for something to last? It must be a generational thing with people who grew up when quality was already making things more disposable faster. Most people have items in their home that are 10 years old or more that are used every day and don't lose their finish so fast.

If someone is scratching it with their watch or something it's one thing...but when a finish comes off because it's not applied well or durable enough for normal use there is an issue. It may not bother a lot of people but it's pretty nasty to go railing on someone who does get upset that their 2000 dollar item isn't holding up as well as most are. The "I am so angry the OP dares to say this I am going to put him in his place and then say I wasted my time here" posts are especially cute.

 

[SpaceKitty]

I cannot understand this...2 years? When did people start believing 2 years was such a long time for something to last? It must be a generational thing with people who grew up when quality was already making things more disposable faster. Most people have items in their home that are 10 years old or more that are used every day and don't lose their finish so fast.

If someone is scratching it with their watch or something it's one thing...but when a finish comes off because it's not applied well or durable enough for normal use there is an issue. It may not bother a lot of people but it's pretty nasty to go railing on someone who does get upset that their 2000 dollar item isn't holding up as well as most are. The "I am so angry the OP dares to say this I am going to put him in his place and then say I wasted my time here" posts are especially cute.

You seriously mean to tell me that you expect the laptop to look brand new after two years of usage?

I have an HP laptop that has metal or aluminum covering the area around the trackpad and entire keyboard areas. I can see where the finish is wearing off after 3.5 years. So you're telling me this should not be happening as well? You must be living in a dream world. Sorry nothing is that perfect, not even Apple.

 

[harperjones99]

You seriously mean to tell me that you expect the laptop to look brand new after two years of usage?

I have an HP laptop that has metal or aluminum covering the area around the trackpad and entire keyboard areas. I can see where the finish is wearing off after 3.5 years. So you're telling me this should not be happening as well? You must be living in a dream world. Sorry nothing is that perfect, not even Apple.

There is a big difference between brand new and worn down to the base material. I have a Compaq laptop that's over 7 years old with the finish still intact..no bare material showing. And yes I think a finish should last more than 2 years with normal use. Stop polarizing it into "perfect" and "not perfect"...it is not unreasonable to expect the finish to stay on under normal use...I didn't say shiny and perfect...just "on".

The main thing about posts like this I find telling of people's character are how many feel the need to come in a bash on someone who is clearly already upset and having a bad time. It shows a lot about how people are. When faced with the decision to ignore the post, offer words of sympathy, or take the time to rag on the OP and be snotty they choose the latter. Well done.

 

[uberamd]

I cannot understand this...2 years? When did people start believing 2 years was such a long time for something to last? It must be a generational thing with people who grew up when quality was already making things more disposable faster. Most people have items in their home that are 10 years old or more that are used every day and don't lose their finish so fast.

If someone is scratching it with their watch or something it's one thing...but when a finish comes off because it's not applied well or durable enough for normal use there is an issue. It may not bother a lot of people but it's pretty nasty to go railing on someone who does get upset that their 2000 dollar item isn't holding up as well as most are. The "I am so angry the OP dares to say this I am going to put him in his place and then say I wasted my time here" posts are especially cute.

First off, in my Information Systems classes at college they tell us that you should buy a desktop/laptop to last you 2 years. So according to the experts anyway, 2 years is the replacement cycle (seems a bit frequent to me honestly, but I usually sell/replace my MacBook every 1-2 years anyway).

Second, after rubbing a spot (knowingly or not) for 2 years it is bound to get worn. Heck, some of my PC owning friends have wrist areas on their laptops that are literally solid black (on a gray laptop) from the wear over a year or so.

I had that same MacBook Pro for over a year, issue free. We also had that same MacBook Pro model given back to us at work after 3 years of use and it is in great shape (and mind you we basically rent laptops out to faculty at my college for 3-4 years so they treat them roughly as they don't own them). So clearly the OP issue is not a testament to Apple quality, but to how the owner interacted with an Apple product over the years.

 

[harperjones99]

So clearly the OP issue is not a testament to Apple quality, but to how the owner interacted with an Apple product over the years.

He had other quality issues as well. Obviously people who have no problems will make claims of higher quality than those who have lots of problems.

I am quite sure if you polled 100 average people and asked them if they would find the finish on their laptop being reduced to bare base material acceptable after 2 years they would say no. Regardless of whether that was due to defective application of the coating or simple wear. This website is hardly a fair sample due to the number of 'fans' here.

If people have come to expect 2 years as a reasonable life span for laptops then things have slipped farther than I thought. It is funny how easy we adjust to lower standards. It will only get worse if people are so willing to cave to such standards as well. In 10 years you will have people blasting someone who is upset that their new MBP only lasted 6 months...the nerve of them to be upset! Yeah in this case it is cosmetic but this is hardly the only issue people have...and it points to overall acceptable standards.

If someone is not old enough to remember when extended warranties were not the norm nor needed they probably won't get it.

 

[CrackedButter]

There is a big difference between brand new and worn down to the base material. I have a Compaq laptop that's over 7 years old with the finish still intact..no bare material showing. And yes I think a finish should last more than 2 years with normal use. Stop polarizing it into "perfect" and "not perfect"...it is not unreasonable to expect the finish to stay on under normal use...I didn't say shiny and perfect...just "on".

Anecdotal story, meet Anecdotal story.

The main thing about posts like this is I'm assuming people's character are how many feel the need to come in a bash on someone who is clearly already upset and having a bad time. It shows a lot about how people are. When faced with the decision to ignore the post, offer words of sympathy, or take the time to rag on the OP and be snotty they choose the latter. Well done.

Fixed that for you.

He had other quality issues as well. Obviously people who have no problems will make claims of higher quality than those who have lots of problems.

I am quite sure if you polled 100 average people and asked them if they would find the finish on their laptop being reduced to bare base material acceptable after 2 years they would say no. Regardless of whether that was due to defective application of the coating or simple wear. This website is hardly a fair sample due to the number of 'fans' here.

If people have come to expect 2 years as a reasonable life span for laptops then things have slipped farther than I thought. It is funny how easy we adjust to lower standards. It will only get worse if people are so willing to cave to such standards as well. In 10 years you will have people blasting someone who is upset that their new MBP only lasted 6 months...the nerve of them to be upset! Yeah in this case it is cosmetic but this is hardly the only issue people have...and it points to overall acceptable standards.

If someone is not old enough to remember when extended warranties were not the norm nor needed they probably won't get it.

Since you have far too much time on your hands, I think you should go and poll 100 people and get back to us. "Excuse me sir but would you find the finish on your laptop being reduced to bare base material acceptable after 2 years?" Shouldn't take you long.

Have you spoken to Apple yet and seen what they say?

Nobody ever backs down with intarweb arguments, go see Apple, see what they say and if they are going to do something about it then come back here and say 'I told you so.'

You didn't address my previous points btw, you're selecting what to debate, well done.

 

[harperjones99]

Since you have far too much time on your hands, I think you should go and poll 100 people and get back to us.

How old are you? I am not being sarcastic I am genuinely curious if these kind of attitudes are related at all to age and generational standards in general.

I find it odd too you would think Apple would be who I would trust in regard to what is "fair and reasonable". They are a company who has the singular goal of profit in the end. In regard to the smug "anectdotal story" comment...no kidding eh? That was my point. I will have to go back and read what you meant by addressing each of your points...to be honest I didn't pay that close of attention as when someone is ranting and being a jerk I tend to gloss over it as it bugs me. I did notice however you claimed I needed to keep a certian poster "on my side"...this and other "popularity" and "internet royalty" nonsense is laughable. Be nice and people will like you...rant and rave in all caps because someone doesn't agree with your "opinion" then some won't...easy peasy. I have read good stuff from you and MacMod and I am not someone who is so childish as to "hate" someone and get that bent out of shape over disagreeing.

I am also not the kind of person who would want or need to say "I told you so"...that is really, really pathetic.

 

[Azathoth]

First off, in my Information Systems classes at college they tell us that you should buy a desktop/laptop to last you 2 years. So according to the experts anyway, 2 years is the replacement cycle (seems a bit frequent to me honestly, but I usually sell/replace my MacBook every 1-2 years anyway).

I'm glad they're teaching the kids to be good consumers nowdays.

 

[harperjones99]

I'm glad they're teaching the kids to be good consumers nowdays.

Exactly. I know it sounds so "grumpy old men" like but kids these days expect this level of quality. They were not around when things actually lasted reasonable amounts of time. Of course they will deny this and say we don't get it etc. 'Round and round' it goes eh?

 

[uberamd]

Exactly. I know it sounds so "grumpy old men" like but kids these days expect this level of quality. They were not around when things actually lasted reasonable amounts of time. Of course they will deny this and say we don't get it etc. 'Round and round' it goes eh?

No, you don't get it!

In all seriousness, I do get what you are saying (as a 21 year old). I buy Apple because their systems (in my experiences) actually do last. They hold up better than any other system I have owned. My plastic Dell's, HP's, Toshiba's, etc all get worn over a year or so time and need warranty service. My Apple systems maintain their modern look as well as quality during the entire duration of the time I use them. To me, Apple systems are one of the few systems you can buy that are of the highest quality and have amazing customer support to back them.

Heck, I have a G3 with all original parts that still works like a charm.

 

[JoeG4]

My PB had the exact same problem, that part is just painted metal.

I found it interesting that it took them until the unibody MBP to 'fix' that lmao.

 

[soLoredd]

Frankly, I'm shocked at how good my MBP looks after 16 months. With all of the traveling and use that I get out of it, I thought I'd be looking at another MBP at the end of next year. Unless something drastic happens, I don't see me having to do that.

Of course, my real measurement for this MBP is real-world use and productivity and I have not had one problem to this point with that. I could care less about scratches or dings. My good friend still has her G4 PowerBook 12" from '05 with a huge dent in the lid - and she loves the thing. Has bought 2 batteries for replacement in that time and absolutely will not get rid of it until it dies. I'm hoping the same for my MBP.

 

[HLdan]

My PB had the exact same problem, that part is just painted metal.

I found it interesting that it took them until the unibody MBP to 'fix' that lmao.

Unless you're referring to your Powerbook being the Titanium Powerbook, then yes, it's painted but the aluminum Powerbooks are not, and are anodized the same way as the unibody's.