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Is there aluminum pitting on unibody MacBook Pro's?

L

lkjnw31

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Feb 26, 2011
6
0
I have an old MacBook Pro (pre-unibody) that has a bunch of black pits from where my palm rests due to sweat and what have you. I was wondering if this still occurs in the new MacBook Pro's for those who have owned the unibody designed models for a while? It appears on the Magic Mouse as well which has me a bit worried and would like to know whether I should use a palm wrist protector right from the start to avoid this.

Example of pitting on a pre-unibody MacBook Pro:
macbookpropitting.jpg


Magic Mouse pitting:
img2121p.jpg
 
I did but I couldn't find too much on it in relation to the unibody MBP's so I was assuming that it wasn't an issue anymore or not as badly as it used to be. I'm hoping to hear from a few more people on the subject but if not then I will likely buy the Moshi PalmGuard just to be safe.
 
I would probably go with the palm guard because you are apparently predisposed to the corrosion. Some people have issues with it, some don't - but IMHO it is due to body chemistry, not manufacturing variances.

In other words, I don't have any wear or corrosion whatsoever on my 18-month old unibody, but that doesn't necessarily mean the aluminum finish is better than on your older machine.
 
woow, that doesnt look to good. i have no problems with my gear thankfully. I wasnt even aware that this could happen at all.
 
Not that I've ready every thread, but on the unibody MBP's most of the problems I've seen have been at the sharp edge where the palm rest "joins" the front of the case. That's not a surprise since an eased edge is usually something to strive for if possible when a finish is applied (not that anodizing is applied like paint, mind you... but still). I'm not sure I've seen any on the flat part of the palm rest like on the pre-unibodies.

Some people's sweat seems to exacerbate this, and since your computer has done it, I think if I were you I'd get a palm guard. Granted, it does not wrap around the corner, but the Moshi at least does go right up to the edge.

I have read where some people have applied one of the clear palm guards (BSE, etc.) and instead of centering it have placed it "down" lower so that it can wrap around the edge. This was to pad the sharp edge but it might be an option in your case.

I have the Moshi. I did not like it AT ALL on the trackpad, but it's quite nice on the palm rest. Since it's so precisely cut I would recommend taking care not to let it overrun the bottom edge at all as it feels sharper if you do. I may get another one for this reason.
 
Just to add to the thread, there is most definitely the possibility that pitting will occur on a unibody MBP. I also believe that this is a result of body chemistry, not manufacturing defects. The attached photo is the pitting on my 18-month-old MBP where my soft right palm rests while working. Although the pits are quite rough I can assure 100% that absolutely nothing abrasive has come into contact with the problem area. The pits started as small black dots but have evolved to become deeper and more widespread.


MBP_Pitting.jpg
 
This is a direct result of ones PH. It's actually not as uncommon as many realize. Once you're aware, a terrific solution is to use Purell before each computing session. The alcohol that helps it to dry quickly will remove the acidic component in ones skin oil that corrodes the Aluminum.

In addition even if others are not seeing the distinct marks pictured, chances are it will appear at some point in the future, although not as notably.
 
Wow!

I had the first unibody up until a month ago when I upgraded. I had no pitting whatsoever...and there were some times where I had to wipe sweat off from my palms. Must be your body secretes more acid or something.
 
SuperCachetes said:
but IMHO it is due to body chemistry, not manufacturing variances.
Click to expand...

BINGO !!!

Aluminum as a metal will react differently to deposits left behind from contact with the users skin. While most people will have an average skin pH level, some may be higher or lower.

We have several Apple notebooks the oldest being an old G4 Powerbook - no pitting on any of them.

Preventive Measures:

1) Do not eat while using your Macbook
2) Wash your hands before using Macbook
3) Clean your Macbook Pro after using

Keeping the offending substances from the Macbook Pro surface is important.


.
 
guitar players have been dealing with this for years. Acidic sweat can destroy strings in a few songs. Your in almost constant contact with the dock area of your laptop. It's only natural that you will transfer some sweat, body oils, to the surface and a chemical reaction will occur.
 
When I look at the abuse my girlfriend's MBP has to endure (hair spray, make up and some beauty stuff I'm not sure what it's good for), I'm amazed I haven't seen anything like this before.. :eek:
 
After 1129 days of heavy use I have the first signs of a tiny bit of pitting. If you take reasonable care of your MBP it shouldn't be a problem.
 

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