Some MacBooks plagued by discoloration
Several owners of Apple Computer's new MacBook computers are expressing concerns after noticing that portions of their shiny white notebooks have inexplicably turned shades of orange.
The problem appears to be affecting the palm rest and other areas of the computer on both the white 1.83GHz and 2.0GHz models. The first signs of the discoloration tend to appear after 2-3 weeks of use, according to posts in an ongoing thread on Apple's support forums.
It's unclear precisely what is causing issue -- some MacBook users speculate it may be a heat-related issue while others are chalking it up to a chemical reaction in the notebook's plastic enclosure.
Adding some support to the latter theory, one user reported that his Toshiba Satellite P30, which utilizes similar polycarbonate plastics, has also experienced the same form of discoloration.
Users have so far found little success in attempting to rectify the problem with a variety of off-the-shelf cleaning agents. According to posts on the Apple support forum, users have tried everything from iKlean and Windex to Ajax and Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser product.
"All the white MacBooks are showing discoloration on the trackpad button and palmrests, though I'm not sure if it's the same as people are describing here," wrote one poster who swung by the Apple Store Soho in order to investigate the issue further. "The ones at the Apple Store were just darkish looking, more gray than yellow."
As of Monday afternoon, Apple had yet to acknowledge the issue internally. However, AppleCare representatives have offered at least one MacBook owner the opportunity to send his notebook into the company's repair depot in Austin, Texas for closer examination.
Apple's computer warranties typically do not cover "cosmetic" issues, which is precisely how some of the company's customer support representatives have categorized the problem.
Apple began shipping the 13-inch widescreen notebooks less than one month ago.
The problem appears to be affecting the palm rest and other areas of the computer on both the white 1.83GHz and 2.0GHz models. The first signs of the discoloration tend to appear after 2-3 weeks of use, according to posts in an ongoing thread on Apple's support forums.
It's unclear precisely what is causing issue -- some MacBook users speculate it may be a heat-related issue while others are chalking it up to a chemical reaction in the notebook's plastic enclosure.
Adding some support to the latter theory, one user reported that his Toshiba Satellite P30, which utilizes similar polycarbonate plastics, has also experienced the same form of discoloration.
Users have so far found little success in attempting to rectify the problem with a variety of off-the-shelf cleaning agents. According to posts on the Apple support forum, users have tried everything from iKlean and Windex to Ajax and Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser product.
"All the white MacBooks are showing discoloration on the trackpad button and palmrests, though I'm not sure if it's the same as people are describing here," wrote one poster who swung by the Apple Store Soho in order to investigate the issue further. "The ones at the Apple Store were just darkish looking, more gray than yellow."
As of Monday afternoon, Apple had yet to acknowledge the issue internally. However, AppleCare representatives have offered at least one MacBook owner the opportunity to send his notebook into the company's repair depot in Austin, Texas for closer examination.
Apple's computer warranties typically do not cover "cosmetic" issues, which is precisely how some of the company's customer support representatives have categorized the problem.
Apple began shipping the 13-inch widescreen notebooks less than one month ago.
Comments
I doubt very seriously APple would put together a computer and then send it directly to market. It goes through quality control and such ... if it were a widespread problem among all MBs, then I'd have to guess Apple would just say hey .. fuck it, let's piss everyone off and ship them anyway.
I look forward to seeing what the real cause of this is though
bring back the tangerine ibook yeah.
Any other course risks underreacting
PS, if it does happen to you, be polite but firm, and get a fresh palmrest--maybe the warranty doesn't cover the color, but Apple still has the discretion to fix your issue if you persuade them. But it would be smart to wait until AFTER Apple has identified the issue before seeking a solution.
Originally posted by CaptObvious
People need to stop eating Cheetos while using their computers.
Psh. We ALL know they are NOT Cheetos. They are Tigeros. Soon to be Leopardos.
Also, is there any trend of other manufacturer's products being more likely to be cosmetically perfect than Apple's?
I'm not sure there is an actual Apple trend here...
Oh, and we can expect another class-action lawsuit in short order...
It's just that they switch colours every 6 months.
The Doctor looks it over, finds everything is fine. He is perplexed, and asks, "Well, nothing is wrong with it, ummm, well, tell me about your day?"
"Well, every day is pretty much the same....go to work, come home, grab some cheetos and watch some dirty movies on my Macbook."
Several owners of Apple Computer's new MacBook computers are expressing concerns after noticing that portions of their shinny white notebooks have inexplicably turned shades of orange.
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Sorry for nitpicking, but I'm a stickler for typos in news stories. I figure if you're writing something that is intended to be read by thousands of people, you should be able to click Ctrl-S and wait 10 seconds for spell-check.
Originally posted by CoolHandPete
intended to be read by thousands of people
optimistic surely?
This is only if it's on the surface (obviously). Also works with small scratches and such, just takes a long time to get them out. Trust me, bought my iPod used and it looked like crap.
Originally posted by SpamSandwich
Chalk up another reason to spring for the black version...
Oh, and we can expect another class-action lawsuit in short order...
Not funny. My 13" 2.0Ghz white Macbook should arrive by tomorrow. I went to the Apple store today after seeing this post and guess what? I've noticed the complaints that both the white and black Macbook owners stated.
I bought my Macbook and I do not want to have the discolouration problem noted on these boards.
Apple seems to cave-in to concerns only when it reaches a critical mass. If I encounter this problem, I too will complain.
{end rant}
Umm, I wonder if I should return my CTO Macbook for a black one...err maybe a Macbook Pro (but that's a $1000.00 extra).
Ugh!