Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

mbvmbmb

macrumors member
Original poster
Jan 5, 2017
48
7
Hi.

I recently purchased a 15 inch MacBook Pro , however the computer does not sit completely flush on every surface. IN some surfaces like my desk , the computer moves around a significant amount diagonally. That means that the lower right portion of my computer rocks up and down diagonally with the top left portion of the computer. I have just gotten home from getting this computer replaced because the last one I had did the same thing.

I notice that the computer rocks less and depending on the surface. the problem here is that if I place my room mates 13 inch 2017 MacBook Pro on the same desk it sits flush without a problem.

I am very frustrated and do not know what to do because I really enjoy the computer but it is acting so weird. in some surfaces it does not move at all but in others it rocks up and down very badly.
 
If you don't like your MBPro, or the case alignment is not acceptable to you, return it.

How much out of alignment is the case? Can you stop the rockin' by placing a coin under one corner, or maybe a spacer the thickness of a sheet of paper?
If the movement distance is quite small, you may be able to adjust that by loosening the bottom cover screws, then retightening in different sequences, until it sits flat again.
If you feel like you shouldn't need to do that on a new unit - I agree, but it's a simple thing to try, and it just might be the right fix for you. You won't know unless you try it out.

Rocking, or not rocking does not depend on the surface where you place it, either a hard surface is actually flat, or it is not flat, or maybe it is just a different texture.
If you find a surface where YOUR MBPro sits flat, does your roomate's then rock on that same surface?
 
  • Like
Reactions: ascender
If you don't like your MBPro, or the case alignment is not acceptable to you, return it.

How much out of alignment is the case? Can you stop the rockin' by placing a coin under one corner, or maybe a spacer the thickness of a sheet of paper?
If the movement distance is quite small, you may be able to adjust that by loosening the bottom cover screws, then retightening in different sequences, until it sits flat again.
If you feel like you shouldn't need to do that on a new unit - I agree, but it's a simple thing to try, and it just might be the right fix for you. You won't know unless you try it out.

Rocking, or not rocking does not depend on the surface where you place it, either a hard surface is actually flat, or it is not flat, or maybe it is just a different texture.
If you find a surface where YOUR MBPro sits flat, does your roomate's then rock on that same surface?

how can it be the case alignment? I replaced the one I had hoping that this would go away but Both of these computers have the issue. My roommates 13 inch does not rock up and down in spots that the 15 lies flat. I'm afraid that if I replace this computer it will have the same issue.
 
how can it be the case alignment? I replaced the one I had hoping that this would go away but Both of these computers have the issue. My roommates 13 inch does not rock up and down in spots that the 15 lies flat. I'm afraid that if I replace this computer it will have the same issue.

I would advise against NOT returning something that is flawed, due to fear. Return, other one will likely be fine as this is not a common issue. If it is still odd to you, get money back, or keep it. Simple. No fear necessary. Good luck.
 
I would advise against NOT returning something that is flawed, due to fear. Return, other one will likely be fine as this is not a common issue. If it is still odd to you, get money back, or keep it. Simple. No fear necessary. Good luck.
I legitimately went to an apple store yesterday to get the machine it had the issue. I went to a different apple store today and it has the same issue.. how can I be this unlucky
 
  • Like
Reactions: James.K.Polk
Oddly enough the new machines can warp a bit when stuffed into a bag and what not. If you have the screen open, make sure it is on a flat surface and press on the opposite corners of the machine and it will level out. My 15” 2017 did the same thing. Nothing to be really worried about. It is a bit freaky if you’ve never experienced it before though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DeltaMac
Oddly enough the new machines can warp a bit when stuffed into a bag and what not. If you have the screen open, make sure it is on a flat surface and press on the opposite corners of the machine and it will level out. My 15” 2017 did the same thing. Nothing to be really worried about.
it hasn't been outside though. I literally came straight home both times and it had this problem. it sucks that this 2000$ + computer needs to be bent back into shape
 
  • Like
Reactions: DeltaMac
I legitimately went to an apple store yesterday to get the machine it had the issue. I went to a different apple store today and it has the same issue.. how can I be this unlucky

I beleive you, but unless your desk or table is funky, you either hit the bad apple lottery, or you have it in a tight bag or something else that is warping it. This is hust not a common problem at all. Take it back, or keep it. Up to you. If you get another wobbly Mac, I'll drink my urine.
 
it hasn't been outside though. I literally came straight home both times and it had this problem. it sucks that this 2000$ + computer needs to be bent back into shape

Things happen in shipment. Plus the machines most likely go through an extensive burn in period before being packaged at the factory. There are many things that could have caused it there as well.
 
I beleive you, but unless your desk or table is funky, you either hit the bad apple lottery, or you have it in a tight bag or something else that is warping it. This is hust not a common problem at all. Take it back, or keep it. Up to you. If you get another wobbly Mac, I'll drink my urine.
It has not been in a bag. both computers where taken out of the box. and kept at home in my desk.
 
It has not been in a bag. both computers where taken out of the box. and kept at home in my desk.

Well... Bad Apple lottery man. Try another. Show them and that way if the next one is like that, you can show then again and maybe they can allow you to check before taking home.
 
Understandable, but it is easily corrected.
by bending the computer into shape? totally not acceptable for something of this price.
[doublepost=1521005585][/doublepost]
Well... Bad Apple lottery man. Try another. Show them and that way if the next one is like that, you can show then again and maybe they can allow you to check before taking home.
yeah.. okay.
 
by bending the computer into shape? totally not acceptable for something of this price.
Well then, I have nothing more for you. It’s aluminum, which is a soft metal. All I can do is offer you a fix. At most it’s 1/16” off. If it is that much of an issue, return it as was mentioned above.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DeltaMac
by bending the computer into shape? totally not acceptable for something of this price.

Seems like you're just looking to complain then? We are offering solutions and your just shooting it all down and complaining. You do have options. If you get a third one with that issue, it's most likely something you're doing.
 
Make sure you are chasing the real problem. Get a level or straight edge and lay it on the table. Check both the vertical and horizontal directions to ensure they are level and there are no dips or bumps.
 
Make sure you are chasing the real problem. Get a level or straight edge and lay it on the table. Check both the vertical and horizontal directions to ensure they are level and there are no dips or bumps.
just checked my desk with the same ruler I use to make the cuts in my graphic design work and it appears to be a straight desk. I checked other surfaces and they appear straight too. not sure as to why the computer is not
 
It sounds like you need to stop by the store and get the new Apple Table.

It has a built-in reality distortion field as well as height adjustment.
Unfortunately the adjustment is powered by Siri only so that probably won't work all the time.

Rest easy though...I'm told Siri is just a few software updates from being great.

It comes in "white glass" only so I do recommend you get AppleCare+ for your Table
 
Hey, just adding my voice to this - I've also had this problem. Had it across several 12" MacBooks, and now my 15" MacBook Pro. I don't know what it is but I also don't know that continually cycling through computers will fix it - it seems to be more common than not. My main desk at home is repurposed lab table top and yes, it wobbles there, too. On glass tables at school - wobble.

Mine is the front left, but across the 2 variety of computers, I've seen both sides. Best advice (IMO) is to forget it.
 
Last edited:
Hey, just adding my voice to this - I've also had this problem. Had it across several 12" MacBooks, and now my 15" MacBook Pro. I don't know what it is but I also don't know that continually cycling through computers will fix it - it seems to be more common than not. My main desk at home is repurposed lab table top and yes, it wobbles there, too. On glass tables at school - wobble.

Mine is the front left, but across the 2 variety of computers, I've seen both sides. Best advice (IMO) is to forget it.

I'd return my MacBook and go buy a premium windows machine if it is this widespread. Warped out of the box is unacceptable for what Apple is charging. I wouldn't even expect this from a $500 Inspiron.
 
I'd return my MacBook and go buy a premium windows machine if it is this widespread. Warped out of the box is unacceptable for what Apple is charging. I wouldn't even expect this from a $500 Inspiron.

Understandably. I'm past the return window and don't want to go a week (or more) just to get a model back with the same issue.... It's acquiescence, really.
 
  • Like
Reactions: turbineseaplane
Warped out of the box is unacceptable for what Apple is charging. I wouldn't even expect this from a $500 Inspiron.

Well said.
There's actually no product other than "pasta noodles" perhaps where I'd accept warped out of the box
 
It sounds like you need to stop by the store and get the new Apple Table.

It has a built-in reality distortion field as well as height adjustment.
Unfortunately the adjustment is powered by Siri only so that probably won't work all the time.

Rest easy though...I'm told Siri is just a few software updates from being great.

It comes in "white glass" only so I do recommend you get AppleCare+ for your Table

Would you need a dongle? :p:p:p

Q-6
 
  • Like
Reactions: James.K.Polk
Would you need a dongle? :p:p:p

Q-6

No dongles. No ports at all in fact. (wireless charging phones only - time for a new iPhone)

It's also totally waterproof, thinner than ever and is powered by a not yet available inductive floor tile that is delayed because it strangely requires AirPlay 2.

I tired to ask Siri about this but she pulled up an irrelevant web search.

My "customer sat" is fluctuating a bit here...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Queen6
My 12" MacBook has this issue to a small degree. I have cut a piece of felt the size the laptop to put under the machine which completely solves the problem. Not elegant but effective.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.