Cracked palmrest on Blackbook

[Cybergypsy]

Precisely why I upgraded to the MacBook Pro. I didn't want to hassle with the faulty cases and all of the cracking.

Does anybody know if the cases have been revised to accomodate for this roblem in the new revision of MacBooks?

Like the Pros are not having problems....😛

 

[Igantius]

Exactly the same problem on my 1st gen, lowest of the low white Macbook. Unfortunately I'm a couple weeks out of Applecare.

Technically, Applecare is no good because it doesn’t affect cosmetic problems and this is a cosmetic problem… not my opinion but Apple’s.

Given that people have reported that they’ve got their MBs fixed no question asked, I would give it a go – it might even help pointing out that you don’t expect it to fall apart was soon as it’s out of warranty. Not saying that you’ll get joy for sure, but what have you got to lose?

Okay then. Let me rephrase.

Doesn't this problem almost always appear opposite the raised portions of the lid? If so, isn't it obviously caused by the impact or pressure from these raised portions on the palmrest?

It can be argued the palmrest needs reinforcement, but at the same time isn't it obvious that the user needs to take care by gently closing the lid and by not squeezing the lid by picking it up by the front edge when closed?

Rob

🙂

I can’t give you a scientific answer on that one – but hey, it’s a forum so no surprise there. I can only give an opinion on what I’ve read on other forums and sites.

As I say, the palmrest area does seem to be the most common place affected, but if I had to put in percentage terms according to reports I’ve read, it’s more like 60-65% rather than almost all.

Apple has changed the plastic (which most people attribute to the discolouration problem) and weakened the magnets.

Maybe it is caused by people picking it up by the front, but considering that most laptop users (IMO) think they could do that without causing problems and that the MB is advertised as having a tough polycarbonate enclosure, I think it’s not unreasonable for owners to expect not having to wear kid gloves in order to prevent bits falling off.

 

[basicfiend]

You can order a replacement if your MB is out of Apple Care for about ~$150 on a few different sites. PowerBookMedic.com is one, but there some others too. You end up replacing the entire top portion (keyboard, mouse, palm rests) b/c it's all one piece. Search for "macbook replacement keyboard" or something similar.

I have the new generation MB (black) and there's still a hollow space between the palm rest and the battery. No problems yet though.

I'm thinking you could put something in there give it a little support.

 

[RCElectricFlyer]

Maybe it is caused by people picking it up by the front, but considering that most laptop users (IMO) think they could do that without causing problems and that the MB is advertised as having a tough polycarbonate enclosure, I think it’s not unreasonable for owners to expect not having to wear kid gloves in order to prevent bits falling off.

Agreed. The MacBook design and/or materials is an issue. I'm suggesting what seems wise given what we know...

Rob

 

[Nipz]

Same with me...

Hey,

i had the same prob as you, well i dropped mine when my strap snapped!

I looked into buying a new case etc etc but it was about 75 pounds!

Hope all is ok now, i no how i felt when i noticed mine 🙁

 

[yoda13]

I just wanted to say that when I use my laptop, I never treated it with kid gloves, but I never abused it either...I always take care of my stuff and I didn't put too much weight on it etc. However, I may very well have picked it up by the front of the computer when it was closed and I am sure I frequently closed the lid rather stoutly.....I still close the lid normally as I have always done with my laptops, but I am trying to take care to pick it up by the other side when it is closed etc....we shall see what happens...🙂

 

[discodave]

Just wanted to add to this thread for other people having the same problem - don't let an Apple tech guy tell you 'no' to this.

My MB recently suffered the exact same problem in the exact same place as described in the picture by the OP. If you have a crack that looks exactly like this (in a straight line, that aligns below the ridge on the lcd bezel) then you are entitled to get it fixed.

I was informed by Apple tech that Apple has procedures in place to repair this type of crack only (therefore, they must know of a cause), and I had to take it to be examined before they would agree to the repair. With that in mind, like I said, this MUST be a known issue at Apple.

 

[Igantius]

I was informed by Apple tech that Apple has procedures in place to repair this type of crack only (therefore, they must know of a cause), and I had to take it to be examined before they would agree to the repair. With that in mind, like I said, this MUST be a known issue at Apple.

I'm sure it is, but Apple has been officially silent on the subject - so it's good to know that... and that you're getting it fixed!