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

Return MBP15 due to uncomfortable edges?

Do the sharps edges on the MBP15 hurt your arms?

  • Yes and I will/have return(ed) it

    Votes: 3 6.5%

  • Yes but I will keep it

    Votes: 14 30.4%

  • No problem

    Votes: 29 63.0%
  • Total voters
    46
Y

Yinmay

macrumors regular
Original poster
Apr 19, 2010
159
8
Hi, I bought the MBP15 i7 2.2 ATI 6750. In terms of power it's great. I've been able to run every game I've thrown at it.

The problem is that it's very uncomfortable to use. I've been using a MBP13 until now. On the 13" the tip of my fingers reach the function buttons while the base of my palms would rest at the bottom edge. My forearms would therefore not touch the edges.
On the 15" however, the base of my palms rest about 2 inches from the edge resulting in my forearms touching the sharp edges below the trackpad at about 2 inches below my wrists and it's been very uncomfortable so far.

I hope my explanation make sense: the MBP13, although it has the same sharp edges, thanks to the position of my wrists relative to those edges, I was never bothered by them. On the MBP15 I feel them all the time and it's leaving marks on my forearms.

I'm thinking of returning it just because of this. Am I doing something wrong? Will I get used to the edges eventually? Is there an easy fix?

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
Yinmay said:
I'm thinking of returning it just because of this. Am I doing something wrong? Will I get used to the edges eventually? Is there an easy fix? Thanks.
Click to expand...

Do I think it's worth returning it? No, but you're not the only one who feels like this. It's something that people have been complaining about since the unibody. I have learned to get used to it.
 
ECUpirate44 said:
Do I think it's worth returning it? No, but you're not the only one who feels like this. It's something that people have been complaining about since the unibody. I have learned to get used to it.
Click to expand...

Thanks. Have you used both the 13" and the 15"? Do you confirm that the 13" doesn't have the same problem (even though the edges are equally sharp?). Or does it depend on each person?
 
Meh - the edges don't really bother me.

If they're an issue, just put on the Speck Seethru Satin or a similar case... they "extend" the edges out, and the edges of the case are much softer than the edges of the unibody.
 
Yinmay said:
Thanks. Have you used both the 13" and the 15"? Do you confirm that the 13" doesn't have the same problem (even though the edges are equally sharp?). Or does it depend on each person?
Click to expand...

I have used both, but I really don't ever notice it. I really just think it depends on the person. My girlfriend has a speck case on hers and that seems to help.
 
As someone who just switched from a PC, I'll second your annoyance.

The sharp edged on my MBP 13 cut into my wrists rather sharply. It's really annoying.
 
BlaqkAudio said:
:confused:

If you're truly worried about ergonomics, you shouldn't be resting your arms on the "palm rests" while typing anyway.
Click to expand...

In theory I'd agree. But:
1. When I'm sitting at my desk using an ergonomic chair set at the perfect height (bottom of the elbows on the same line as the top of the keyboard), I still feel the edges, but they don't hurt since I'm not applying any pressure.
The only way not to feel the edges at all is to set the armrest higher -> even less comfortable.

2. When I'm using it on my laps, there's no way around it: the edges hurt and my posture/ergonomics can't be blamed there I think.

3. When I'm using it anywhere else (which by definition happens often for a portable), e.g. at a coffee shop, on the plane, on any chair with no adjustable height/armrests, it'll hurt.
 
Actually, I found the edges on my 2007 MBP to be much more uncomfortable. These don't bother me at all.
 
Yinmay said:
I'm thinking of returning it just because of this. Am I doing something wrong? Will I get used to the edges eventually? Is there an easy fix?
Click to expand...

dremel-pedicure-manicure.jpg
 
My wrists don't find the edges uncomfortable because I never rest my hands over them; if the table I'm using a bit tall for whatever chair I'm on, I will stand up or place the computer on my laptop therefore negating any issues.
 
BlaqkAudio said:
:confused:

If you're truly worried about ergonomics, you shouldn't be resting your arms on the "palm rests" while typing anyway.
Click to expand...

People seem to bring that up whenever there is a complaint or note about the sharp edges, but even if one types with perfect position, what about when one is just surfing the web? That's when it really bothers me. If I'm simply web-surfing or interacting with the web, I am using the trackpad only the vast majority of the time. So my right hand is on the trackpad and my wrist......well, it's getting deep red grooves from the edge of the computer.

I can't imagine that many people hold their wrist up in the air when using the trackpad by the hour. I know I don't. I rest my palm on the... palm rest!

I've had Apple laptops ever since my Duo. Both it and the iBook had very comfortable, rounded edges. Again, not such a big deal when typing (although why have them be sharp at all :confused:), but a major plus when web surfing and there were no marks and no pain from the edges. Those were the days. I can't WAIT until the unibody is changed. I tried to hold out but gee, my iBook got a bit outdated.

OP, it's funny, I was wondering if a 15" would be better. Not for typing as much, but for web surfing. I find that on the 13-er, now that we have the "one big trackpad/button" that in order to use the palmrest and trackpad when I'm websurfing, I have to put my forearm at an awkward sideways angle. I think that's because there is so little room between the bottom of the trackpad and the front edge of the computer, but I'm not sure. It might not be so noticeable if the edge were not sharp, because then I would not be trying to keep my wrist from accidentally touching the front edge of my computer!!

It could be worse though: The first MBP I got had super sharp edges; it was like they had not even filed off the machining schkuzz before anodizing it. I returned that one and got one that is nice and smooth ---- or, as smooth as possible within the sharp design parameters.

I did originally buy a Speck hard case figuring I could wet-sand the edges of the case and thus have a nice smooth front edge. But.... the case adds one pound (and some thickness) to my nice light MBP! It would be nearly as big and heavy as my 2001 iBook! Noooooo! So for now I have not even opened the Speck case.

Anyway, as one who tends to type with "good posture," I STILL feel your pain when I'm web surfing. If only these new-fangled computers just had keyboards and not these crazy trackpad thingies :rolleyes:

;)

Miss Terri
 
Last edited:
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Learn to type and use the trackpad properly. My wrist never touch the edges and I dare say my ergonomics are fine.
 
snaky69 said:
Learn to type and use the trackpad properly. My wrist never touch the edges and I dare say my ergonomics are fine.
Click to expand...

When seated properly at a proper desk, using proper typing posture, I agree that there is no problem with the edges. But many of us buy laptops because we need to use a computer in a variety of settings and positions. We can't always be proper. When circumstances call for improper laptop posture, the sharp edges can be irritating.

The OP is not alone in disliking this. According to the informal poll results above, 30% of current responders are annoyed by this part of the MBP design. Sharp edges and human flesh are not a happy combination. I still believe that Apple's use of this "edgy" design is a triumph of pure style over ergonomics. This is something Apple could really improve in the next design, if they're so inclined...
 
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