MacBook case defect - Should I return?

[AClark]

Hi,

I just received a new Macbook the a few days ago and there are some slight defects with the case. To the left side of the monitor hinge the plastic of the base of the laptop is pulled in too far towards the grayer colored keyboard area. I've included a picture of this. It looks like a screw was tightened too much. In addition, on both sides of the laptop there is a slight gap between the white colored base and the gray keyboard panel. The gap is large enough that I can push the plastic down so the plastic meets. A creaking sound is made when I push the panel down.

This laptop is only two days old. I already returned a refurbished macbook a few weeks ago because of major case warping above the large apple logo and a broken head phone jack. Everything works fine on this new macbook, the casing is just misaligned. I feel like a should return this laptop as well but I'm wondering if the exchange is going to be just as bad, if not worse. Should I just accept that the MacBooks have lots of case defects, or should I keep returning it until I get one that is put together properly?

 

[gazfocus]

...

Can't really see what you're talking about on the pictures but if you're not happy with it, don't put up with it.

 

[bogg]

So let me get this straight:

You buy a refurbished macbook, and return it for hardware defects. You get a new macbook which is a fragment of a mm off on a spot and a bit squeeky?

I wouldn't have returned it as it is only smaller cosmetic issues.

Even my macbook is as you describe with the part nearest to the LCD hinges a fragment of a mm closer to the edge than the corresponding part at the edge. Also the "corners" is a little bit "above" the rest of the casing (this though was a result of me dropping the macbook once)

 

[JML42691]

Hey, if you get anywhere with apple on the gap between the keyboard palm-rest and the white casing tell me, because mine has that problem in about 4 spots and they are growing everyday, and it is not because of my use as far as I can tell, because I left it at my house for a weekend and the 4th one appeared. And my computer is only about a month & a half old. It is causes creaking and cracking noises as well.

 

[AClark]

Hey, if you get anywhere with apple on the gap between the keyboard palm-rest and the white casing tell me, because mine has that problem in about 4 spots and they are growing everyday, and it is not because of my use as far as I can tell, because I left it at my house for a weekend and the 4th one appeared. And my computer is only about a month & a half old. It is causes creaking and cracking noises as well.

I brought my MacBook to an authorized service provider and they fixed in the picture. They just loosened a screw. However, they said the improperly sealed case was the result of either an over tightening of screws or a misalignment of internal components. They said they could give me a new keyboard panel, but that most likely the misaligned internal components would cause the panel to warp again. They said best to send it back to apple.

After three calls to Apple today I managed to get an exchange. After my first call they wanted proof from an authorized service provider that the case defect was not a result of me dropping the unit. I got the service provider to back up my case, and then I called apple back. The technician transfered me over to the sales department, but instead of transferring me, she hung up! I called back and waited another 15 minutes and finally spoke to another person. This representative transfered me to the hardware department and put me on hold for about 45 minutes. I did finally make it to sales to get an exchange, but it was a gib time pain in the butt.

If you've had your MacBook for over 14 days, then probably the best you can do it get a new keyboard cover from a service provider. My service provider seemed to think that any warps that develop in the casing can be fixed under warranty.

 

[JML42691]

<big post>
If you've had your MacBook for over 14 days, then probably the best you can do it get a new keyboard cover from a service provider. My service provider seemed to think that any warps that develop in the casing can be fixed under warranty.

It isn't that big of a deal to me now, so I'll probably keep it the way it is.

 

[AClark]

Third Macbook with case defects

After returning one Macbook for a broken headphone jack and case warps, and returning that replacement because the case was had gaps between the parts of the casing in many places, my third Macbook still has major separation (1mm +) on the right side of the computer above the superdrive as well as smaller separation in other locations.

I feel like returning this Macbook as well, but enough's enough. I can't go any longer without a computer. Sucks that I have to put up with horrible Apple quality control.

 

[GavinTing]

Well, for a sexy machine like an MB, there are bucket loads of defects. I've decided to live with it. I've even decided that scractches are not a problem. I'm just going to use this machine to finish my education and get an MBP when I'm done. For now, I'll just treat this as a cheap laptop (it's technically cheaper than a dell for the configuration)

Don't worry. The stress and the urge to cry will eventually go away. Sighs.

 

[heatmiser]

Apple Quality Control strikes again! I feel you man. My Macbook hasn't started disintegrating yet (besides the ill-fitting battery), but I know it's just a matter of time.