MacBook Pro packaging question

[travelingfar]

I am new to this site and may not be posting in the correct location but I have a question regarding a new 16" MacBook Pro that I purchased directly from Apple. As soon as I opened the white box it is packaged in, I was hit with a terrible musty, moldy smell. I had someone else confirm the smell was coming from the inside of the box. I noted the warehouse from which it came and contacted Apple and they agreed to a return. I then decided to order a replacement through Amazon and, it too, has the same smell, but not as bad as the first. This computer came from the same warehouse and it's serial number is close to the last one . It's interesting that the smell seems to be concentrated on the inside of the box rather than outside. The cord for the charger has picked up the odor. Should I be concerned that there may be mold contamination? Anyone else experience this?

 

[LeeW]

I was hit with a terrible musty, moldy smell.

was it sealed? As in you had to remove protective wrapping to get to the box? If so, are you mistaking it for the normal smell of all Apple boxes I wonder? I know some people interpret it as a mouldy smell. My wife, for example, thinks a new mac smells mouldy on opening the box.

 

[travelingfar]

It was factory sealed. It just had an overwhelming odor. Made my eyes, and throat itchy and my sister-in-law yelled at me for making her smell it...ha, ha. I put this latest box in a sealed bag to keep it from stinking up the room.

 

[applesed]

I wonder if it's not mold just some strong factory smells that come with the outgassing. I notice it stronger in some units versus others. By the way, how do you know which warehouse your computer was assembled in?? That seems like hard info to come by.

 

[travelingfar]

Hi, I don't know where it was assembled (I'd guess somewhere in China). The shipping box listed a warehouse in PA. Both computers were shipped from there so I was wondering if there was an issue at that storage facility.

 

[4sallypat]

My 16" MBP had a strong metallic smell which I attributed to the manufacturing solvents, glues and chemicals used to assemble.

Some people are very sensitive to that odor of a new Mac.

It's normal - just run the Macbook awhile and let the heat and fans push out the smell.

 

[travelingfar]

Well, the smell is most prominent in the box...as if it had mold. The computer doesn't seem to be at issue.

 

[Aboo]

Well, some people were actually paying to re-live this new Mac smell:

The candle that smells like a new Mac got an update

The Verge is about technology and how it makes us feel. Founded in 2011, we offer our audience everything from breaking news to reviews to award-winning features and investigations, on our site, in video, and in podcasts.

www.theverge.com

I guess times have changed lol!

 

[C DM]

Well, some people were actually paying to re-live this new Mac smell:

The candle that smells like a new Mac got an update

The Verge is about technology and how it makes us feel. Founded in 2011, we offer our audience everything from breaking news to reviews to award-winning features and investigations, on our site, in video, and in podcasts.

www.theverge.com

I guess times have changed lol!

It sounds like that might be a somewhat (if not entirely) different smell.

 

[Shadowbech]

Hi, I don't know where it was assembled (I'd guess somewhere in China). The shipping box listed a warehouse in PA. Both computers were shipped from there so I was wondering if there was an issue at that storage facility.

Most MBP's are assembled in China and stock models typically then gets stored in the warehouse in PA, CA, and TN.

 

[robvas]

Mold? Lol

just when I think I have heard it all

 

[New_Mac_Smell]

If the computer is running fine then there shouldn't be an issue, as others have stated, it's probably a combination of factory conditions - as these boxes are sealed there. If it was manufactured recently, there's likely a stronger use of anti-bacterial sprays being used in the factories, which may contribute to an overly musty smelling box.

Of course you can also investigate the box itself, if it has mould in it, then you have an answer. Otherwise just hook up a pine tree and enjoy that fresh smell.

 

[pwm86]

The German classical poet Friedrich von Schiller (10 November 1759 – 9 May 1805) is said to frequently have had a bowl with MOLDY APPLES on his writing desk; he thought its smell stimulated his creative muse.
Maybe, this is a very subtle marketing trick invented by his namesake Phil Schiller aimed at creative customers ;-)

 

[LVBruin]

I am new to this site and may not be posting in the correct location but I have a question regarding a new 16" MacBook Pro that I purchased directly from Apple. As soon as I opened the white box it is packaged in, I was hit with a terrible musty, moldy smell. I had someone else confirm the smell was coming from the inside of the box. I noted the warehouse from which it came and contacted Apple and they agreed to a return. I then decided to order a replacement through Amazon and, it too, has the same smell, but not as bad as the first. This computer came from the same warehouse and it's serial number is close to the last one . It's interesting that the smell seems to be concentrated on the inside of the box rather than outside. The cord for the charger has picked up the odor. Should I be concerned that there may be mold contamination? Anyone else experience this?

I just open a new HomePod Mini and it had a very musty/moldy smell. Probably exactly that with shipping from China. Hope it isn't infected with something worse and I'm not joking.

 

[arche3]

It's the tears from underage kids working in apple factories in China that you are smelling.