MacBook Air M2: Bent bottom plate

[mrcel]

Hello,

I received my MacBook Air M2 today and am basically in love so far.

However, I just discovered that the bottom panel is a bit wavy and not really straight. It's a little hard to tell from the photos. I'm pretty OCD about this sort of stuff, though, and I'm not sure what to do.

What about you guys, is the bottom of yours completely flat?

 

[Realityck]

Hello,

I received my MacBook Air M2 today and am basically in love so far.

However, I just discovered that the bottom panel is a bit wavy and not really straight. It's a little hard to tell from the photos. I'm pretty OCD about this sort of stuff, though, and I'm not sure what to do.

What about you guys, is the bottom of yours completely flat?

If you have an Apple store close by, bring your laptop to them and show them. Alternatively I be comparing your laptop to the ones in the store, if they all are perfect you could request a replacement. My MBP has a similar panel underneath and its perfectly flat.

 

[TightLines]

It looks to be like the one side just didn’t get aligned correctly when they sealed the bottom in… My bet is this is mostly a cosmetic issue, but may also cause problems if for instance water got spilled around the base of the laptop… that not being properly sealed could allow water in where otherwise i would not be able to get in… just a thought.

 

[fisherking]

if it bothers you now, return it. sure you'll have to wait for a replacement, but later on, you'll be happy you sorted it out.

 

[TechRunner]

Hello,

I received my MacBook Air M2 today and am basically in love so far.

However, I just discovered that the bottom panel is a bit wavy and not really straight. It's a little hard to tell from the photos. I'm pretty OCD about this sort of stuff, though, and I'm not sure what to do.

What about you guys, is the bottom of yours completely flat?

That would be a return for me. I found it very noticeable in your photos.

 

[mrcel]

Ok, thanks for your feedback. Even though it is painful, I will return it. Otherwise, I'm just permanently annoyed about it....

 

[jdb8167]

This is my biggest fear when I buy a new Mac that is massively backordered. What do I do if it has a problem. Live with the defect, if that's possible, or settle in for another 4-6 week wait for a replacement. Luckily, mine came in good condition. A slight light-bleed on the bottom of the display at full brightness in a completely dark room. It doesn't seem noticeable under normal conditions. Good luck OP.

 

[Sowelu]

There are 4 clips that slide into place on that side of the bottom cover. It looks like when they applied it at the factory, one of the clips didn't catch/engage, so that one lid clip may be laying on top of the catch which may be causing the bulge. You can take the bottom cover off and re-apply it making sure to engage all clips. Just be careful, it's a bit tricky. Follow this video:

 

[Alpha Centauri]

Yes take it in to a store for inspection. Given waiting times, perhaps there's other solutions if you're happy with all other components. If it's just the lower plate Apple could maybe order a new one and have it fitted while you wait?

 

[Toratek]

Yes take it in to a store for inspection. Given waiting times, perhaps there's other solutions if you're happy with all other components. If it's just the lower plate Apple could maybe order a new one and have it fitted while you wait?

I suspect it's not that simple, as that plate bears the serial number.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

I suspect it's not that simple, as that plate bears the serial number.

Right, fair call. For some reason thought they stopped doing that.

 

[BanditoB]

If you do return it, and you should, be sure to call Apple and explain the situation. They should be able to expedite a replacement rather than just putting you back into the regular order queue.

 

[Wokis]

I'm leaning toward @Sowelu 's explanation. One of the hooks supposed to go under an internal screwhead seems to have landed on top instead.

It's up to you if you want to just unscrew and correct it yourself. If you're not used with opening up electronics I'd advise against it. Maybe an Apple store can do it for you, though.

 

[NotApplicable]

This is my biggest fear when I buy a new Mac that is massively backordered. What do I do if it has a problem. Live with the defect, if that's possible, or settle in for another 4-6 week wait for a replacement. Luckily, mine came in good condition. A slight light-bleed on the bottom of the display at full brightness in a completely dark room. It doesn't seem noticeable under normal conditions. Good luck OP.

For my BTO that has a display issue and a several week wait according to the Apple Store, Apple is having the replacement manufactured/shipped to me before I need to return the original computer, no matter how long that takes.

Contact Customer Service if this type of issue occurs; it took no teeth pulling to sort out.

 

[mikethemartian]

Return it and get a replacement. I bought an iPad from the online Apple Store once that came out of the box with some adhesive on the back. When I called them about it they put me through to Apple Care and they were a pain to deal with. However the person at the Apple Store asked me if I just wanted to return it for a refund which was apparently easier than dealing with Apple Care.

 

[Madhatter32]

Faulty assembly. Probably easily corrected ... but maybe not. If it bothers you return and get a replacement. If I noticed it, I would probably return it just because I want my devices to be up to spec out of the box. If I want a wavy bottom case, I would do it myself.

 

[mrcel]

Thanks again for all your advice. I talked to Apple support, I'm getting a new Macbook sent to me. Shipping in 1-2 weeks.

I could keep the wavy Macbook until then, however I will send it back directly. I don't enjoy setting everything up when I know I have to send it back.

 

[BanditoB]

Keep in mind, you can set up the wavy-back MBA and then simply migrate from it to the replacement when you receive it. So, you can have fun now and not have to repeat the process again after you get the replacement.

 

[frostrambler]

I also have some bending, not as bad as yours, but I only checked after your post, I bet everyone has some, it’s a super thin piece of aluminum and the middle and sides connect to hinges but the inner areas don’t.

 

[erkanasu]

the build quality feels way cheaper on m2 than m1, a cheap thin layer of metal that can bend is no where to be seen on the m1. I was viewing the plate at Best Buy - I'm guessing ALOT of people will bend this plate during ownership

 

[Toratek]

Weird- mine is so seamless by comparison, you couldn't slip an eyelash in there. Something's not right with the examples shown.

 

[foldpages]

I have two Silver M2 MBA here and they are both a little wavy but unless you hold the device at that specific angle it's impossible to notice.

 

[jav6454]

Hello,

I received my MacBook Air M2 today and am basically in love so far.

However, I just discovered that the bottom panel is a bit wavy and not really straight. It's a little hard to tell from the photos. I'm pretty OCD about this sort of stuff, though, and I'm not sure what to do.

What about you guys, is the bottom of yours completely flat?

Manufacturing defect, take it to Apple.

 

[Stev150]

I ordered a silver Air and it has this same issue . im not bothered as im sending it bk and keeping MacBook Pro 14.

 

[songerista]

I have a similar issue, although it's not that noticeable. What do you guys suggest that I do with my order, given that there is no Apple Store in my country, and I don't think I can wait weeks to a month for a replacement since my medschool classes resume in 2 weeks?