Are the M2 MBAs more prone to screen damage/scratches than the M1 MBAs?

[ISignedUpToAskThis]

I used to have an M1 MBA from new and had it for 18 months. I never used a screen protector or case/shell, but was extremely careful with it - gently placing it down, only keeping it in a bedroom etc. I would clean it regularly with a microfibre cloth and a damp cloth and the screen would always be immaculate, I would always make sure even tiny specs of dirt/dust were removed before cleaning so they didn't cause scratches. - not a single scratch, mark etc. When it came to selling, the whole laptop essentially looked as new.

Earlier this year I bought a new M2 MBA, and cared for it the same way.

However within a few months I noticed about 5 tiny pinpoint/pinprick indentations on the screen coating (which I can feel with my nail), as well as a few tiny surface level scratches (which I can't feel). None of these marks are visible with the screen on and there's no damage to the LCD, just the surface coating.

I cannot think at all how these have happened - however sometimes when cleaning I can see the faint impressions of the keyboard keys on dirty glass. To me this makes me think the screen is too closely pressed against the keyboard when closed.

Has anyone else noticed this?

Any explanation for how this has happened?

Is it possible I have a faulty unit in some way?

Thanks

 

[boss.king]

Devices are going to show wear over time. If you want to keep a laptop completely pristine, leave it in the box. Who knows what happened with your M2 machine — maybe some debris got into the case, maybe you weren't as careful with it as you think you were, maybe it really is a defect. But if they're not even visible, why does it matter? How did you even find them? Do you regularly drag your nails over the display looking for defects?

 

[ISignedUpToAskThis]

Devices are going to show wear over time. If you want to keep a laptop completely pristine, leave it in the box. Who knows what happened with your M2 machine — maybe some debris got into the case, maybe you weren't as careful with it as you think you were, maybe it really is a defect. But if they're not even visible, why does it matter? How did you even find them? Do you regularly drag your nails over the display looking for defects?

I definitely was as careful, it's babied like it's a priceless vase all the time and never leaves a bedroom, was never dropped etc.

As for how I found it - when I was cleaning the screen (with the screen off), the light in the room reflecting off the screen showed the scratch and the indentations. I then ran my nail across them to see how deep they were.

I agree in principle though - it doesn't really matter, I'm just thinking when it comes to selling (which I will do in the next 6-12 months), there are people who care about this kind of stuff and it'll give them a reason to barter down on price.

 

[Isamilis]

Personally I don’t see any downgrade in term physical durability between the two. But M2 is more comfortable to my eyes.
Speaking on OP concern, I would suggest pls stop doing that. Laptop is just a tool, a power horse. It will “expired” eventually (due to old tech or wear in SSD). You will just make yourself difficult.

The resale price is also limited due to the old cpu, low ram, SSD, smaller/lower screen etc compared to the new one.

 

[Agneev]

Yeah I noticed this within weeks on my M2 MBA. I used to use a 13" 2015 MBP before and while that also managed to get scratches, it was surprising how fast it managed to get scratches.

Ever since, I don't really wipe the screen like I used to, I tend to use a large microfiber cloth to simply wipe the dust away making sure to clean the cloth after each swipe. Sucks but this is one of things like ****** Wi-Fi that I've grown accustomed to.