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Has anyone had the bottom case off of the new Macbook?

teerexx52

teerexx52

macrumors 68020
Original poster
May 1, 2005
2,075
184
Florida West Coast
I have one of the new MacBook unibody machines. I have been trying to get the bottom panel off it (safely). After taking the 8 screws out it seems not to want to release along the left and right edges. I think it may snap in there but I am not sure and don't want to force it so waiting to hear if anyone on the forums has taken the back panel off.

I called the Apple store and they claim there are two clips one on either side that hold the cover on but they were no specific in how to get them to release. My wife and I both have tried this and the resistance is such that we are afraid we may bend the case or snap the clips. So has anyone done this yet successfully?
 
teerexx52 said:
I have one of the new MacBook unibody machines. I have been trying to get the bottom panel off it (safely). After taking the 8 screws out it seems not to want to release along the left and right edges. I think it may snap in there but I am not sure and don't want to force it so waiting to hear if anyone on the forums has taken the back panel off.

I called the Apple store and they claim there are two clips one on either side that hold the cover on but they were no specific in how to get them to release. My wife and I both have tried this and the resistance is such that we are afraid we may bend the case or snap the clips. So has anyone done this yet successfully?
Click to expand...

I've opened mine, and the perfection and attention to detail inside is mind-blowing !!
 
teerexx52 said:
I called the Apple store and they claim there are two clips one on either side that hold the cover on but they were no specific in how to get them to release.
Click to expand...
Why didn't you ask them for specifics?

Since the macbook is touted as, "user upgradable" I would take it into the Apple store with all the screws out and just have them lift the back off for you.
 
Richard1028 said:
Why didn't you ask them for specifics?

Since the macbook is touted as, "user upgradable" I would take it into the Apple store with all the screws out and just have them lift the back off for you.
Click to expand...

I did ask them but they wouldn't be specific about it. Trying to save a 2 hour ride to the Apple Store.
 
Posted on Mac In Touch for those interested:

Now the 13" Late 2009 Macbook White... has three clips. One in the middle and one one each side. After removing the screws (in a specific order), you remove the bottom by lifting first from the back, and you'll feel the clip tension (center and sides) as you lift.
Remember that there is a specific order to the screws and there are washers (on the inside of the bottom case). I like to think of the screw order as a Double X (one inside a larger one, starting with the smaller x, then the corners, the larger X). Fortunately, they are all the same size screws, unlike the later MacBook Pros...
 
teerexx52 said:
Posted on Mac In Touch for those interested:

Now the 13" Late 2009 Macbook White... has three clips. One in the middle and one one each side. After removing the screws (in a specific order), you remove the bottom by lifting first from the back, and you'll feel the clip tension (center and sides) as you lift.
Remember that there is a specific order to the screws and there are washers (on the inside of the bottom case). I like to think of the screw order as a Double X (one inside a larger one, starting with the smaller x, then the corners, the larger X). Fortunately, they are all the same size screws, unlike the later MacBook Pros...
Click to expand...

This image might help:

102009teardown1.jpg
 
teerexx52 said:
Yes, you can see the three clips. Wonder if they are plastic, metal? Can they be snapped off? When I tried to do this there was a great deal of resistance to trying to get it off so I left it for now.
Click to expand...

I don't own a macbook so I don't know. The first thing is to make sure all the screws are off. Then I guess just lift from the back till something gives. It shouldn't be very difficult or someone would have posted a caution about removing the back by now.

edit: If you're willing to wait, I should be getting a macbook next week and hopefully I can post a youtube video on removing the back cover.
 
Aadhil said:
I don't own a macbook so I don't know. The first thing is to make sure all the screws are off. Then I guess just lift from the back till something gives. It shouldn't be very difficult or someone would have posted a caution about removing the back by now.

edit: If you're willing to wait, I should be getting a macbook next week and hopefully I can post a youtube video on removing the back cover.
Click to expand...

I am in no hurry as this is a second machine to me. In fact it runs fine with 2gb ram. I just happen to have two 2gb modules from my previous 13" MBP so thought I'd stick them in. Looking forward to seeing your video. By the way the machine is sweet.
 
I just opened it to replace the RAM, I just lifted the right side a bit and it came off, it won't break as it's aluminum under the rubber coating and the clips are pretty loose.
 
sinophilia said:
I just opened it to replace the RAM, I just lifted the right side a bit and it came off, it won't break as it's aluminum under the rubber coating and the clips are pretty loose.
Click to expand...

Are the clips and slots they go in to plastic or aluminum? Is there a clip in the middle of the bottom case as well. Thanks!!!
 
The slots are made of plastic but they seem very flexible, the "clips" are made of aluminum, and yes there is also one in the middle.
 
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