Concerned about flex: Can you please advise?

[The Cockney Rebel]

Couldn't sleep last night, and ended up watching YouTube videos.

The last video I watched was (yet another) M2 MBA review.

I don't know why I watch them, as I own my M2 MBA.

Anyway, in this review, the reviewer (actually a nice fella, who I watch for Mac tips) said that the new MBA's keyboard "flexes" when you press down on it, and he demonstrated it.

He was (not aggressively) pressing down on the keys/case in the middle of the keyboard, and you could see the case slightly flexing in.

Now I'm worried that this will happen to mine.

I shouldn't have watched the bloody video, but I did, and as someone who suffers with clinical OCD, now I can't get it out of my mind.

Can you please advise: Have you heard of this, or seen this before?

I presume you're not a psychologist, but as a fellow Mac enthusiast, can you please advise me with regards to how to process this?

Thank you in advance, and I wish you all well.

 

[MBAir2010]

The keyboard on the MacBook Air M2 is the same as the M1, eh?
mine does not flex and types fine!

you can go back to sleep now!

 

[adamlbiscuit]

As far as I know, all notebooks have a bit of flex in them. Especially now with them being so thin. It depends what material they're made out of too. Usually the thin plastic notebooks have a lot more flex in them even when you're just typing on them normally. MacBooks being made of Aluminum don't flex as much, but of course if you really wanted to push it you could probably make it flex - but you'd have to go out of your way to do it.

Flex tests have been going on for a long while, similar to bend tests and drop tests people do with phones. I remember someone flexing the old 2015 MacBook Air and concluding that, while it did flex, it was the best when compared to other ultra-thin laptops of the time.

I wouldn't worry about it and just use your MacBook as intended. Don't go putting pressure on it deliberately because if you really wanted to go looking for it, you probably would find it.

I don't have clinical OCD but I do have symptoms and I often find myself tempted to test these things 'just to check' and it doesn't make me feel better. I now just use my devices in the intended parameters and don't go out of my way to find issues like flex etc. bear in mind that YouTubers will be stress testing these machines in a way that the average user would not. Sometimes just for educational / informational purposes, other times for those elusive clicks.

 

[ericwn]

A bit of flex should be normal. Besides, two weeks of return period. Return if you’re not happy.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

As far as I know, all notebooks have a bit of flex in them. Especially now with them being so thin. It depends what material they're made out of too. Usually the thin plastic notebooks have a lot more flex in them even when you're just typing on them normally. MacBooks being made of Aluminum don't flex as much, but of course if you really wanted to push it you could probably make it flex - but you'd have to go out of your way to do it.

Flex tests have been going on for a long while, similar to bend tests and drop tests people do with phones. I remember someone flexing the old 2015 MacBook Air and concluding that, while it did flex, it was the best when compared to other ultra-thin laptops of the time.

I wouldn't worry about it and just use your MacBook as intended. Don't go putting pressure on it deliberately because if you really wanted to go looking for it, you probably would find it.

I don't have clinical OCD but I do have symptoms and I often find myself tempted to test these things 'just to check' and it doesn't make me feel better. I now just use my devices in the intended parameters and don't go out of my way to find issues like flex etc. bear in mind that YouTubers will be stress testing these machines in a way that the average user would not. Sometimes just for educational / informational purposes, other times for those elusive clicks.

Hello Adam,

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply with such constructive feedback.

I may sound melodramatic, but you really have helped.

To be honest, I haven't taken my medication for a couple of days, and my mind is starting to race. As well as OCD, I also have a personality disorder (just wanted to let you know where I'm coming from) and as per usual, my mind is latching onto everything. It actually goes beyond finding things to be worried about, to (as you so rightly put) searching for things to worry about.

OCD is merciless, but you really have helped.

Do you have an M2 MBP? If so, how are you liking it?

Thank you very much, and I wish you a merry Christmas.

 

[circatee]

I know we spend a lot of money on our gadgets. However, I would not lose sleep over it. Use the device, if you encounter an issue, contact Apple.

PS: Did you purchase Apple Care? Maybe something to consider...

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

I know we spend a lot of money on our gadgets. However, I would not lose sleep over it. Use the device, if you encounter an issue, contact Apple.

PS: Did you purchase Apple Care? Maybe something to consider...

Thank you.

My mind is on overdrive, because I stopped my medication. Going to restart it again, tonight.

I haven't bought AC+, but I may consider it?

I bought it for my AW S8, as it's always with me & at risk of damage.

Do you have the M2 Air? If so, what do you think of it?

Thanks again, your advice/perspective is appreciated.

 

[circatee]

Do you have the M2 Air? If so, what do you think of it?

No, I have a MBP. But, at the same time, I understand spending so much on these units, and one merely wants them to last a 'long' time, without issue. So...

 

[adamlbiscuit]

Hello Adam,

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply with such constructive feedback.

I may sound melodramatic, but you really have helped.

To be honest, I haven't taken my medication for a couple of days, and my mind is starting to race. As well as OCD, I also have a personality disorder (just wanted to let you know where I'm coming from) and as per usual, my mind is latching onto everything. It actually goes beyond finding things to be worried about, to (as you so rightly put) searching for things to worry about.

OCD is merciless, but you really have helped.

Do you have an M2 MBP? If so, how are you liking it?

Thank you very much, and I wish you a merry Christmas.

You're welcome - glad I could be of some help

I have an M1 MacBook Air that I purchased earlier this year to replace my intel one. When I first got it I had it in a hard shell case but now I have it case less and focus on enjoying my time using it. I think at first I was very overprotective of it and was in overdrive looking for things wrong with it (especially as it was a refurb) but now I just use it and am super pleased with it

Merry Christmas to you too!

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

No, I have a MBP. But, at the same time, I understand spending so much on these units, and one merely wants them to last a 'long' time, without issue. So...

It's nice when people on here reply with understanding, rather than just being spiteful.

Thank you, and I wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year .

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

You're welcome - glad I could be of some help

I have an M1 MacBook Air that I purchased earlier this year to replace my intel one. When I first got it I had it in a hard shell case but now I have it case less and focus on enjoying my time using it. I think at first I was very overprotective of it and was in overdrive looking for things wrong with it (especially as it was a refurb) but now I just use it and am super pleased with it

Merry Christmas to you too!

Genuinely, thank you.

And you speak the truth: All this overprotecting can (and usually does) simply fuel the "fear factor" when it comes to things (usually Apple devices!).

I have an Apple clear case (MagSafe) on my 14 Pro Max, but once those things are on, they are on (!) so you just forget about them. Contemplated getting a "case" for my Apple Watch, but reconsidered and thought it a bit ridiculous (no offence to anyone) so decided not to. I do worry quite a lot about my Apple Watch (stainless steel) but I have AC+ for it, to help with the anxiety.

I think the M1 MBP is probably the most recommended laptop ever made, right? So much power, for such (relative) value.

Anyway, going back to worrying about your products ... you/I/we really do not get the best out of them, when stuck in this "mode." When we just say "oh well" and enjoy them, is when we get our full money's worth.

Sometimes it's easier said than done, though, but I'm glad you're there 👍.

 

[Unami]

A little bit of flex should be normal. Whether it flexes or not, those macbooks are manufactured to very low tolerances, so, whatever it does in this regard, it‘s what it‘s designed to do. No worries

Enjoy your macbook and happy festivus!

 

[antiprotest]

Have you tested yours to see if it actually flexes? Or does that risk making things worse?

 

[cateye]

I think the previous advice about getting Apple Care was sound. I'm normally not a fan of any extended warranty, nor do I generally recommend them—the reason why Apple (and everyone else) pushes them so hard is they're a tremendous profit center since the vast majority of people will never use them. Apple pockets that money and you get nothing in return. Most people are far better off putting the $300 (or whatever) in a savings account and tapping it if you ever need to pay out of pocket for a repair.

But: if you think of it less as payment for services and more as a hedge against stress, a way to feel like "if something, anything does go wrong, I know I have a pathway to resolve it," it may help you keep the more annoying demons in your head at bay. No matter what your mind may come up with, you can push back: Apple will solve this so it's OK. The terms of Apple Care are relatively generous, and you're not dealing with a third party warranty provider like SquareTrade, you're dealing directly with Apple.

Honestly, these are expensive devices. Most of us aren't made of money so a laptop, a smartphone, a whatever, are all investments. Even the most "stable" among us (whatever that means) can stress over the money we've spent if what we've bought in any way feels imperfect. It's OK. Take whatever steps you feel you need to to regain the confidence that you've spent your money wisely, because as long as what you've bought works well and fulfills your practical needs, you have.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

A little bit of flex should be normal. Whether it flexes or not, those macbooks are manufactured to very low tolerances, so, whatever it does in this regard, it‘s what it‘s designed to do. No worries

Enjoy your macbook and happy festivus!

Thank you.

You too.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

Have you tested yours to see if it actually flexes? Or does that risk making things worse?

I was typing earlier, and looking to see if it flexes.

I don't think it does?

Having said that, if I go looking (with OCD, it's known as seeking certainty) it could just escalate things.

I just have to stop watching reviews & such, and just try to enjoy it.

Thank you.

 

[ILoveCalvinCool]

All kinds of physical objects both natural and human-made have flex built into them. There's a good reason trees sway in the wind instead of resisting stiffly. Your laptop is fine and you need to stop watching so many youtube videos. Enjoy that awesome machine! 😀

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

All kinds of physical objects both natural and human-made have flex built into them. There's a good reason trees sway in the wind instead of resisting stiffly. Your laptop is fine and you need to stop watching so many youtube videos. Enjoy that awesome machine! 😀

Thank you.

 

[wowee]

Does the “flexing” actually create any functional problems? I am not aware of this issue. If it doesn’t actually create any problem, and you don’t even have the flexing then what is the actual fear? Think about that. What is the worst outcome here? Did you put your life savings into this computer? Maybe you did and then the stakes are high. But did you buy with a credit card? You have 1 year warranty through apple and if you used your credit card you likely have an extended warranty matching the 1 year which now gives you 2 years warranty.

Can you relax knowing that if it is a defect you will have 2 years of coverage?

Sounds like maybe the issue is that you aren’t happy with the MacBook for some reason and looking for justifications to return it etc


Was there a different model you really wanted instead?

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

Does the “flexing” actually create any functional problems? I am not aware of this issue. If it doesn’t actually create any problem, and you don’t even have the flexing then what is the actual fear? Think about that. What is the worst outcome here? Did you put your life savings into this computer? Maybe you did and then the stakes are high. But did you buy with a credit card? You have 1 year warranty through apple and if you used your credit card you likely have an extended warranty matching the 1 year which now gives you 2 years warranty.

Can you relax knowing that if it is a defect you will have 2 years of coverage?

Sounds like maybe the issue is that you aren’t happy with the MacBook for some reason and looking for justifications to return it etc


Was there a different model you really wanted instead?

I can see how this kind of thread would agitate you.

Believe me, it agitates me, too.

It's OCD, pure and simple. It can get so bad that it's literally the fear of fear. Unless you have this horrible disorder (OCD) to the level that I have it, you wouldn't be able to understand.

Basically, I watched a video, and it triggered me. It's as simple as that.

My eyes are like lasers, and my ears are like radars, and I can sniff out an imperfection like a greyhound with a fox.

I hope there are no imperfections with my unit, but seeing that video (I stopped it, as soon as it triggered me) has set my mind off.

I love the computer, and it was paid for in cash. Yes, it was expensive, but it's not the money. It's just the fear of imperfections, which plague my OCD mind.

Hope you understand a bit better, now?

I think the best thing for me is to unwatch this thread, stop watching these kinds of videos, and just get on with enjoying my computer.

Take care.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

I read much of this thread and the responses you've received so far are ring true: 1. A bit of flex is normal and 2. If something seems off, in your own use, contact Apple support.

Another comment though. I recommend keeping anything personal like this off the internet, especially in a social media context. Lots of people struggle with mental health and we would do better to remove the stigma of getting proper therapy. However, displaying that you're on medication and have a personality disorder is not necessarily something you want to publicize. If you choose to take my advice and edit your post, reply here and I will follow and edit this response accordingly. I did try to DM you but your profile doesn't allow for that.

Just my recommendation.

Thank you.

Your advice has been taken onboard, and I respect your views.

👍

 

[Bug-Creator]

As far as I know, all notebooks have a bit of flex in them.

A bit OT, I often see tech-tubers (LinusTechTips and the like) claiming that Windows laptop ### has only minimal deck and topcase flex while contorting them with minimal effort. Something I would need to use brute force to still not achieve on the same level with 12" rMB......

 

[Atomic1977]

In my honest opinion technology should not flex unless it was designed to. Thank you and have a great day.

 

[maerz001]

In my honest opinion technology should not flex unless it was designed to. Thank you and have a great day.

Well the whole world flexes ever heard about gravitational waves?
And everything on this planet when any force is applied to.
You might not see it because its small. But thats the nature of things as everything is made of atoms who tend to move around themselve and behave like a „rubber“

So the big difference is elastic deformation which means the keyboard will go back to its original position under normal use.
And then there is plastic deformation when you hit it really hard

 

[patmondal]

Thank you.

My mind is on overdrive, because I stopped my medication. Going to restart it again, tonight.

I haven't bought AC+, but I may consider it?

I bought it for my AW S8, as it's always with me & at risk of damage.

Do you have the M2 Air? If so, what do you think of it?

Thanks again, your advice/perspective is appreciated.

I had the M1 Air; gave it to the wife and have the M2 Air. As others have mentioned... flexing is normal, but really really really hard to achieve. I would joke and say take a chill pill; but as someone who takes meds each day, I won't!

On a more serious note, OCD is one thing, but super anxiety about stuff is probably not a good thing... hope the meds help and don't skip/get off them without doc supervision.

Not sure how this M2 MBA thread became a psy-meds chat. But yea, flexing is normal; but extremely hard to achieve.