Can you post a pic of the damage?
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I just dropped my Macbook Air M1...
- Thread starter johnkree
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You likely need a new top case and clamshell. It's been a few years, but clamshells were about $600 or so and top case with keyboard were around $300 or so? I can't remember exactly. Honestly, it won't be worth it.
I remember when I did this to my iPhone 5S back in the day. Much like you I was fortunate to only have cosmetic damage. It sucked but I eventually got used to it. At the end of the day, if the only thing damaged is the aesthetic, the correct answer is to be thankful (even if it still feels ******) and try to learn from the mistake and be more careful (because if there is a next time there's a good chance the damage won't just be cosmetic)
(I really do feel your pain though, I'd cry if I dropped my MBP...)
It's a full year, but after 60 days you need to make a Genius Bar appointment for them to look at the machine first. If they see damage, they aren't going to sell you AppleCare+.
That reminds me of the time I accidentally dropped my lovely, aluminum all around Windows (gasp!) laptop. It hit the floor (no carpet) and now one of the corners is bent, the power button on that corner doesn’t work consistently and I’m still pissed at… well, basically myself.
I am quite overprotective of my stuff, too. I’m trying to remind myself that these are articles of daily use and theres going to be wear and tear no matter what.
Like one thing I absolutely hate but can’t avoid - keyboards on laptops becoming shiny over time.
So yeah, I think I know how you feel OP, but I like what someone else said here about it being battle scars 😅
I am quite overprotective of my stuff, too. I’m trying to remind myself that these are articles of daily use and theres going to be wear and tear no matter what.
Like one thing I absolutely hate but can’t avoid - keyboards on laptops becoming shiny over time.
So yeah, I think I know how you feel OP, but I like what someone else said here about it being battle scars 😅
Hard case + sleeve. Always.
The great thing is, since the M1 Air is virtually identical to previous MBA, the cases are very cheap, often under $10.
Forget about fixing your M1 Air as you'll need to replace the entire chassis and display. Hang on for M2 Air.
The great thing is, since the M1 Air is virtually identical to previous MBA, the cases are very cheap, often under $10.
Forget about fixing your M1 Air as you'll need to replace the entire chassis and display. Hang on for M2 Air.
Like others say, put stickers on it. Hey, put a band-aid over the boo-boo!
If you can afford $900 for a new case, that might be between a third and half the way to a new machine anyway.
I see what you did there!
It's a healthy patina, so why would you want to get rid of it?
when did you purchase it? many credit cards offer insurance in the first 90 days of purchasing a product.
you can cover it with a nice case like this
IBENZER Compatible with New MacBook Air 13 inch Case 2022 2021 2020 M1 A2337 A2179 A1932, Plastic Hard Shell Case with Keyboard Cover for Mac Retina Display with Touch ID, Black, MMA-T13BK+1A
IBENZER Hard Shell Case is compatible with Macbook Air 13 inch Model M1/ A2337/A1932/A2179 release in 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018.
www.amazon.com
all scratches will be hidden
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I guess your MBA isn't really as light as Air... Go grab a case for your laptop and cover its scars. If it does not function properly, take it to Apple for service.
In case of sharp edges that can't be covered by a case, I recommend the following:
Buy some fine sand paper, 240 grit or higher. Switch off the MBA and position it in a way that any aluminum sanded off can't get into the keyboard or speakers. Gently sand the sharp edge smooth. Really, take your time! I had a MBP with some sharp edge at the front, and this was super easy to fix. Yes, you sand off a bit of the anodized surface. But it makes the MBA useable again. Just be careful.
Buy some fine sand paper, 240 grit or higher. Switch off the MBA and position it in a way that any aluminum sanded off can't get into the keyboard or speakers. Gently sand the sharp edge smooth. Really, take your time! I had a MBP with some sharp edge at the front, and this was super easy to fix. Yes, you sand off a bit of the anodized surface. But it makes the MBA useable again. Just be careful.
Pics please!
Yes always annoying when you do this - I like my machines. Personally, i'd put up with it; I managed to catapult my work 2015 15" into a steel window frame - the display no longer sits flush and it has a big dent in the top and bottom. It's worked fine for a few years since and the worst of the bottom case damage went with the last battery swap.
You don't *have* to get Apple Care - contents insurance can cover this for less if you don't do it too regularly and they will replace old for new if you have the right policy.
Yes always annoying when you do this - I like my machines. Personally, i'd put up with it; I managed to catapult my work 2015 15" into a steel window frame - the display no longer sits flush and it has a big dent in the top and bottom. It's worked fine for a few years since and the worst of the bottom case damage went with the last battery swap.
You don't *have* to get Apple Care - contents insurance can cover this for less if you don't do it too regularly and they will replace old for new if you have the right policy.
But AppleCare doesn't cover cosmetic damage, does it? It literally wouldn't have helped here.
If it does not help then why is the forum littered with threads of people asking for help when they have dropped their Apple device (iphone, ipad, macbook) wanting the cosmetic damged to get fixed and the number one reply from experienced Apple owners is 'Go get Apple care'. Are they all wrong then and MR mod's should be removing such posts due to members giving missinformation?
Out of sight out of mind. Get a full body case for it. Or skin.
OP, I'd like to add my voice to the chorus telling you not only to continue using it if everything works, but also to not lament the damage. As other posters have pointed out, we all accumulate scars and slight wear, it's a part of life. Isn't it amazing that your computer that you love using went through this (unfortunate) adventure and came out the other side working perfectly, with some added marks of character?
Steve Jobs allegedly said something relevant, in an excerpt from this article (in the journalist's voice):
Everything wears, nobody goes through or gets out of life in perfect condition, and I think it's pretty neat that your MacBook Air is still trucking along despite taking a pretty good fall. I say get AppleCare on your future tech if you tend to be clumsy, but then keep using it until you can't anymore or decide to upgrade. If you give yourself a few weeks (time heals many things) I think you'll warm up to the battle scars on your computer and continue to enjoy using it for the great tool that it is.
Steve Jobs allegedly said something relevant, in an excerpt from this article (in the journalist's voice):
Everything wears, nobody goes through or gets out of life in perfect condition, and I think it's pretty neat that your MacBook Air is still trucking along despite taking a pretty good fall. I say get AppleCare on your future tech if you tend to be clumsy, but then keep using it until you can't anymore or decide to upgrade. If you give yourself a few weeks (time heals many things) I think you'll warm up to the battle scars on your computer and continue to enjoy using it for the great tool that it is.