Yeah, the cracking seems to be a pretty widespread problem with the MBs. It is rather unfortunate, but at least Apple will replace the case even if it is out of warranty - or so I've heard.
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The MacBook plastic
- Thread starter Mackan
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I posted earlier about the issue of my case cracking at the wrist rest. I made an appointment and took it into the 5th Ave Apple Store this week. My MacBook is no longer under AppleCare, so obviously they were hesitant to repair this at the Genius Bar. But after a couple minutes of discussion, talking about how this is a known issue with the MacBook case and it hasn't been subjected to anything other than normal usage, they took my MacBook in for service for free. A day later, I have a new case and keyboard. I'm very impressed by Apple's response here. Hopefully they would do the same for others.
it's a design flaw
I am not so sure that what this AASP said it's true or correct, considering that I have already changed my topcase 3 times (the last one only a month ago). I would think that by now the replacements are made with this new plastic composites, and yet people keep complaining.
I think this is a design flaw. A very thin layer of (quite cheap) plastic, hit time and again by the lid always in the same place and pulled by a magnet. It's just a bad combination.
I had the same cracking issue with my MacBook after about 6 months of usage. After seeing this happen to my roommate's MacBook, I was always careful with closing it, and the problem still occurred. I took it in to an AASP, and was told it is a known issue with the earlier models due to faulty plastic composites, and was covered under warranty. I'm bringing it in tomorrow to get the new casing put on.
I am not so sure that what this AASP said it's true or correct, considering that I have already changed my topcase 3 times (the last one only a month ago). I would think that by now the replacements are made with this new plastic composites, and yet people keep complaining.
I think this is a design flaw. A very thin layer of (quite cheap) plastic, hit time and again by the lid always in the same place and pulled by a magnet. It's just a bad combination.
I've had the plastic casing replaced on my computer 3 times so far, and my Macbook doesn't travel... it just stays on a desk. I just replaced the casing on my computer a little over a month ago, and just today I found a hairline crack along one of the back hinges, again, along with noticing the plastic casing around the LCD is popping apart Applecare is awesome though, they are going to replace my 2007 Macbook with a brand new midrange Macbook since I have brought it in 4 times within the span of a year. I do admit that the plastic they are using feels much more sturdy then the older models, the Macbook is an awesome machine but make sure you get Applecare its definitely worth it.
Applecare is awesome though, they are going to replace my 2007 Macbook with a brand new midrange Macbook since I have brought it in 4 times within the span of a year. I do admit that the plastic they are using feels much more sturdy then the older models, the Macbook is an awesome machine but make sure you get Applecare its definitely worth it.my mac cracked twice
My mac top cracked about 6 weeks after I purchased it in Sept. 07.
I had it replaced for free in March 08 (I live 100 miles from apple store).
Two weeks later, I noticed it was cracked again.
I haven't made the long trip yet to have it replaced again.
Obviously, they are still using the same defective material as a replacement.
My mac top cracked about 6 weeks after I purchased it in Sept. 07.
I had it replaced for free in March 08 (I live 100 miles from apple store).
Two weeks later, I noticed it was cracked again.
I haven't made the long trip yet to have it replaced again.
Obviously, they are still using the same defective material as a replacement.
Two cracked macbooks
Hi all,
landed (again) on this forum after a google search for cracks in our macs.
We have a 2 year old macbook and a 1 year old, both now with the surface edge coming loose above the pulsating light. Problem is one is bought in Holland, one in Sweden, and now we live in southern Italy far from Mac Stores. I'll call Apple and let you all know how I get on.
So far not too impressed with the quality - my oldest macbook is also the version that has the screen flicker occasionally. Working on the Macs every day does not make it easy to have them fixed for these little snags.
I feel the Apple products should be better for the price.
Hi all,
landed (again) on this forum after a google search for cracks in our macs.
We have a 2 year old macbook and a 1 year old, both now with the surface edge coming loose above the pulsating light. Problem is one is bought in Holland, one in Sweden, and now we live in southern Italy far from Mac Stores. I'll call Apple and let you all know how I get on.
So far not too impressed with the quality - my oldest macbook is also the version that has the screen flicker occasionally. Working on the Macs every day does not make it easy to have them fixed for these little snags.
I feel the Apple products should be better for the price.
Happened to me earlier this month on a MacBook purchased in May. Apple replaced it right when I mentioned the the position of the crack (right side where top case meets magnet).
My 2006 Macbook has developed the crack of the wrist edge. Still got 3 weeks of the shops warranty left (was 2yrs), but as Apple seem to acknowledge this is a design fault hopefully it'll get repaired.
Genius told me plastic has changed
My macbook had its top case replaced a couple months ago due to the track pad button breaking. That was the only thing wrong with that top case, no scratches, no cracks. The replacement top case scratches much too easily. I can actually put a permanent scratch in it with my fingernail! The keys are getting shiny too. I mentioned this the next time I had to take it in for repair (something breaks on it every month) and the genius said Apple went with softer plastics on the new top cases so they wouldn't crack.
To their credit, they offered to replace it along with the top lid and bottom case, which are cracked.
My macbook had its top case replaced a couple months ago due to the track pad button breaking. That was the only thing wrong with that top case, no scratches, no cracks. The replacement top case scratches much too easily. I can actually put a permanent scratch in it with my fingernail! The keys are getting shiny too. I mentioned this the next time I had to take it in for repair (something breaks on it every month) and the genius said Apple went with softer plastics on the new top cases so they wouldn't crack.
To their credit, they offered to replace it along with the top lid and bottom case, which are cracked.
The shop has it back now, they'll be sending it off to their repair agents early next week. So I have an oldish Toshiba, though it's running ubuntu which isn't too bad (despite it not liking my wifi). Should have it back in a few weeks (hopefully).
Indeed, but I didn't buy it from Apple (12.5% discount and 2 year warranty with another store). Still baby is due any time now (6 days late) so I probably wont miss it.
not one
i had a early 2008 mb 2.4 and it cracked on the right side just as described. replaced the top cover twice. i am careful with the computer it just slams shut the last couple of inches and causes the cracks. my brother has a 2.2 same problem.
The cracks are a common problem. Those who haven't experienced the problems are just lucky. One way to tell it's a design flaw is that the cracks for the most part appear in the same spot. You can't explain that one away which is why Apple has been replacing the cases for free.
Slight change of plan for mine, went to the Apple store and they said they'll do it. FOC of course Should have it back by tomorrow
Should have it back by tomorrow 
Slight change of plan for mine, went to the Apple store and they said they'll do it. FOC of course
YAY !!!!
Just to share my experiences. My MacBook 3.1 never cracked. I see some "wear" on the plastic body where the rubber feet have touched it. But thus far, about a year or so, have not "cracked". I'm careful with my laptop since the day I got it which was last black friday. The newer plastic MacBooks have few, if any at all, reports of the plastic topcase cracking.
YAY !!!!
Yay indeed!!!
The store I bought it from, normally sends it away to a 3rd party company (as with all their laptops), they think that the 3rd party probably would have charged them for the repair even if apple supplied the bits FOC.
So I've saved them a bit of cash, which in turn helps to improve my wifes bonus (as she works for them!).
Got it back today, new keyboard and mousepad are taking a while to get used to as they aren't worn smooth!.
Credit to Apple, they've acknowledged a fault and have addressed it
Credit to Apple, they've acknowledged a fault and have addressed it
I started to notice mine cracking along the left side magnet about 3-6 months into ownership. It was just a teeny tiny hairline so it didn't really bother me. But now 1.5 years of owning this the hairline had gotten bigger and stretches further a long the front of the unit. I guess it will only get worse in time, I didn't even know it was a known issue until I started googling it this month.
Another thing that just happened is the iSight just stopped working. I tried every repair method out there and the best I was able to get is for the iSight green light to come on but black picture in Photobooth or iChat. Which is crazy since I barely use my isight other than to take an occasional photo once in a while.
Very disappointed with the quality of the macbook. Considering it is only 1.5 years old I don't believe it should start breaking like this. I guess it is my fault for not getting Applecare, I know so many people who have ibooks and pc laptops and abuse the heck out of them and never had any problems (other than hard drive issues). Me, I treat my laptop like a baby and I'm the one with problems. Live and learn I guess.
Debating whether to bring it to Apple for repair estimate or just dump it on craigslist and get a new aluminum macbook.
Another thing that just happened is the iSight just stopped working. I tried every repair method out there and the best I was able to get is for the iSight green light to come on but black picture in Photobooth or iChat. Which is crazy since I barely use my isight other than to take an occasional photo once in a while.
Very disappointed with the quality of the macbook. Considering it is only 1.5 years old I don't believe it should start breaking like this. I guess it is my fault for not getting Applecare, I know so many people who have ibooks and pc laptops and abuse the heck out of them and never had any problems (other than hard drive issues). Me, I treat my laptop like a baby and I'm the one with problems. Live and learn I guess.
Debating whether to bring it to Apple for repair estimate or just dump it on craigslist and get a new aluminum macbook.
I think that's why they switched to the alum. Macbook to many people are complaining about the cracks, You think they would have learned from there mistakes. Look at the 3g iphones they are cracking also in the back and some are only a 1 week old.