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Jason O'Grady posts on his ZDNet blog that Apple has acknowledged and identified the cause of a staining issue that was affecting a small but significant number of MacBook owners.

It appears that the original MacBook plastics were too porous which led to staining after oils become embedded in it from prolonged use.

Apple changed the formulation of plastics in the production line already, so the newest models arriving in retail stores shouldn't have the same problem. The newer top case is reportedly much smoother to the touch than the previous MacBooks which feel slightly rougher.

While Apple typically does not support cosmetic issues that does not affect the operation of the computer, users that have the issue can contact AppleCare to arrange for a replacement of their top casing.
 
Sheesh, Apple is having all types of hardware problems. Good thing they acknowledging the problem. So what do they plan on doing with the MacBooks that were too porous.
 
Nice to seem them acknowledging and fixing the problem both on the assembly line and in those already sold, but this sort of problem should have appeared during testing prior to release.
 
This is great news! Now, let's hope that they address the MacBook Pro heat and whine issues. I almost burned myself this morning 😡 .
 
Problem identified, problem acknowledged, problem solved AND existing users given an exchange EVEN though the issue isn't covered by warranty.

We Apple users don't know how good we have it 🙂 Apple hardware reliability and support isn't perfect... merely the best in the industry.

Keep complaining about any and all issues... sometimes it gets them fixed!
 
iGary said:
At least they did something about it finally.

God, I'd hate to work at AppleCare.

It's not so bad. Not all customers are like you. 😀

longofest said:
Revision A products SUCK (well, mostly)

Never had a problem with any Apple product I've owned including Rev. A iMac G5, iBook G3/900 and numerous Rev. As in he 90s.
 
dav said:
Top casing is the off-white area around the keyboard and trackpad, correct?

Yes. Sounds like they're just going to pull that whole piece of plastic off and replace it. 😉
 
WillMak said:
When did they switch plastics? Like what week of production?

exactly, and how do people know whether they are buying a macbook with good or bad plastic?

I'm sure lots of stores still have macbooks left from the first batch.
 
mark88 said:
I'm sure lots of stores still have macbooks left from the first batch.

I highly doubt that they have them from the first batch, when I was looking for my MacBook the store didn't have any for 4 days.

(I ended up ordering online)
 
Its nice to see that they've acknowledged the problem and have worked towards a solution. Now I guess we can lay the color issue to rest right?🙄
 
jaxstate said:
So what do they plan on doing with the MacBooks that were too porous.

I take it that was a question? If so, the answer was right above your query, not inches away! "...users that have the issue can contact AppleCare to arrange for a replacement of their top casing". I guess you missed that part. 😛
 
I think my casing feels smooth, so I'm just going to not bother. My machine is a week 23 machine, though.

Core Trio said:
Now I guess we can lay the color issue to rest right?🙄

Wrong. Colour will always be an issue in our world. 😱
 
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