Does Apple acknowledge MacBook discoloration?
Over the past few days I followed the support thread on Apple.com regarding the discoloration experienced by early MacBook adopters. Unfortunately, it seems that the machine I use suffers from the same reported issue.
After having the machine for approximately 20 days, a considerable amount of yellow / grey discoloration has appeared in and around the palm rests, trackpad button, and below the spacebar.
Having previously owned an iBook making no conscious effort to prevent dirty hands from touching the computer, I never once witnessed discoloration on the plastic palm rests. Considering I wash my hands religiously before using this MacBook, I am extremly surprised at the rate of discoloration.
- Model: White 2.0GHz MacBook
- Extra: 2GB Ram upgrade
- Serial: 4H619
Hopefully, Apple decides to announce some sort of recall or shell replacement [under warranty] without the need for owners to be without computers. Strangely, the original support thread reporting the issue has since been locked (with no explaination).
Not surprisingly, after dicussing the issue with a Genius Bar rep, I was informed that the discoloration fell under natural “wear & tear” and that cosmetic issues were not covered under warranty. There was also no guarantee that sending in a machine with the discoloration - for up to 14 days - would automatically qualify you for a shell replacement.
My temporary fix? Hover touch typing. Yes, I have begun typing without allowing my palms or fingers to touch any area of the palm rest. Surprisingly, the palm rest continued to darken.
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Alex Hutton
alexhutton.com
Nail Polish
See Apple Blogs.
Jun 15th, 2006 Quote
Derek
5thirtyone.com
Temporary remedy I’m sure. This is something that I wouldn’t hesitate to accept had the computer begun showing signs of this discoloration 6 months into ownership. This is a material defect that should be remedied.
Jun 15th, 2006 Quote
Don
flipstah.com
I was quite concerned about any discoloration when I bought a white MacBook. That’s why I also bought the wireless keyboard and mouse. I haven’t had any problems with any discoloration. But now, I’m afraid to use my MacBook without those two gadgets or suffer the same fate like everyone else. I do hope Apple comes up with a solution for it.
Jun 15th, 2006 Quote
Derek
5thirtyone.com
I’ve always questioned why some individuals would purchase an external keyboard for use on a laptop. I guess the recent discoloration issue is a great reason to reconsider. Although, if I were to go that route, I might as well trade this for a Mac Mini / display setup.
Jun 15th, 2006 Quote
Bruce
bioneural.net
Very worrying to say the least. We (had?) planned to purchase a MacBook in the very near future, but this news is giving us pause. It’s not right that buyers should feel afraid to use the built-in keyboard/ palm rest, or have to modify their use (hover typing etc.) Nor should we have to pay extra for a black one. I guess we can only wait and hope that the many calls for Apple to respond are heeded. But what can be the outcome? A product recall? A class action lawsuit? I can’t see how it can possibly end without causing Apple significant damage.
Jun 15th, 2006 Quote
Derek
5thirtyone.com
I recall the white spot issue on older Powerbooks. Apple recalled and offered fixes under warranty granted your machine was a) within the serial range, and b) had the white spots. I can’t imagine it would be too big of a hit to catch this problem early on and offer fixes for current owners. Future revisions would of course have a different plastic used. Or a better quality standard coming out of factories.
Jun 15th, 2006 Quote
Noah Winecoff
findmotive.com
I’ve been let down by apple’s products a few times. It seems I always get suckered in again to buy one because they all look so freaking cool.
Jun 15th, 2006 Quote
neve
neve.roeleert.nl
I think Apple should help you all out tbh. When you by an Apple machine, you buy it for the looks… That look shouldn’t fade after 20 days
Jun 15th, 2006 Quote
Dylan
nolo.5thirtyone.com
I told you to wait Derek!
Jun 18th, 2006 Quote
TE
In regards to the Macbook discolorations on the white models, I finally had it happened to me, but two months after I bought it! (I was one of the first people to buy it in May the day they came out). Well, I brought it back to the store (los angeles) and they exchanged it no questions asked! I guess they’re acknowledging it now…
Funny, the new model (same speed and configuration) also cured the “mooing problem”.
Jul 8th, 2006 Quote
seusenhofer
seusenhofer.bagshandbag.com
Mmm… Good post
Will watch your blog
Dec 15th, 2006 Quote