Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

MacBook build quality query

mikelj

mikelj

macrumors member
Original poster
Nov 4, 2011
50
5
Chorley, UK
I've just received my MacBook today and I've noticed that the back panel doesn't 'line up' with the shape of the MacBook around the hinge side/corners. If I press in on the corners of the back panel around the areas of the feet nearest the hinge side, you can see the play in the panel (i.e. pressing in you can get the panel to line up).

I'd appreciate if other MacBook owners could take a look at their machines, so I could know whether this is normal or a build quality issue.

Thanks in advance.
 
Take it back to the store.

A couple of years ago my son purchased a 13" MBA and when he opened the box and set it on the counter the bottom was bowed. The center of the bottom touched the table instead of the four rubber pads causing the computer to rock. Took it back and they handed him a new one.

These things are supposed to be quality, so don't except flaws.
 
I'm not 100% sure what you mean, but I just had a careful look at mine and it looks close to perfection to me.
Do you mean that with the lid closed, the two halves don't match each other's shape properly? In that case, yeah, take it back.
 
Mine lines up perfectly. I think yours has a slight defect. I'd exchange it, but if they're out of stock try to get them to let you use this one until the replacement arrives.
 
Thanks for the replies.

@Kiwi 99; No, the lid lines up fine, it's the underside panel (i.e. held in place by the screws) that doesn't quite line up with the body.

I purchased it from John Lewis (in UK) rather than Apple, so I'm taking it back. I'll see what the stock situation is like, but I haven't yet cancelled my order with Apple, so worst case scenario, I'll just wait for that (normally, I'd always purchase from Apple for the reason stated by Dayv).
 
MacBook build quality query

This one 'as is'
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1431243783.614549.jpg

This one when panel pressed in
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1431243898.735727.jpg
 
Mine looks perfect, just like the second picture, all the way round.
From the photos it looks like a loose screw would look, but I presume it's not that. I see on mine that there are 8 screws across the bottom, so there'd have be lots loose.
It definitely doesn't look right.
 
It looks like there is a screw, closest to the USB-C port, thats a bit loose. This happened to my rMBP 15" 2014 version, which had its screw come off entirely after seeing this small gap.
If the screws are all tightly sealed, I presume this has to do with a fault with manufacturing process. The bottom casing could be bent slightly to have this happen.

If I were you, I would take this immediately and ask if they can check if some of the screws are loose, and if that doesn't fix the problem, ask for replacement.
 
Yeh, even though I didn't purchase it from Apple, I'll be passing their store this morning anyway, so I'll ask if they could have a look at it before I return it to John Lewis. It's the first thing I though of checking but I haven't got any torq screwdrivers anywhere near small enough.
 
mikelj said:
Yeh, even though I didn't purchase it from Apple, I'll be passing their store this morning anyway, so I'll ask if they could have a look at it before I return it to John Lewis. It's the first thing I though of checking but I haven't got any torq screwdrivers anywhere near small enough.
Click to expand...

I would have the Apple store take a look. They should be able to fix this. Note it's not a torq screw, it a pentalobe (even harder to fix) screw. Ifixit sells these https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/P5-Pentalobe-Screwdriver-Retina-MacBook-Pro-and-Air/IF145-090-3
 
MacBook build quality query

Just an update, the Apple Store was more than happy to take a look. They loosened and re-tightened all the screws but bottom panel still flexed when pressed at corners on hinge side. I had a look at the six displays models, but not of them exhibited this behaviour, so I decided to get a refund from John Lewis in the end. I didn't cancel my original order with Apple, so I've decided to wait for that; hopefully I will see some movement on my order by end of this week.
 
I have checked mine and have noticed on the headphone side the bottom case can be pushed in slightly. Now it doesn't look as bad as this one and sits reasonably flush. I am wondering if maybe all of them move slightly when pushed? I have organised a Genius Bar appointment for Friday. Unfortunately I have had it for 3 weeks now so passed the return period. Hopefully the screw is just slightly loose.
 
In my case, the fit/movement was no better after the screws being loosened/tightened. The six display models I checked had no movement whatsoever, so I decided to return it.
 
Glad you got it sorted. I've just returned my second today. The back panel was mm perfect on this one, however the F1 key wasn't quite right; felt like it had 'collapsed' so that the travel was much less than all the other keys.

Still, that's two contributions to the refurb store that someone will benefit from in the future.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back