MacBook Has Sharp Edges In Front Casing

Question

Level 1

106 points

MacBook Has Sharp Edges In Front Casing

Hi, my new MacBook has sharp case edges in front of the mouse pad. Also, the mouse hesitates when I push it across the pad sometimes. The edge of the casing almost has a 'Lip" overhang. It is starting to become uncomfortable when using the mouse pad. I switched to my Wacom pad and wireless mouse. Should I take the laptop to the Apple Store and have the Genius Bar check it out, or send it to Apple and see if they can file the edges or do something to smooth it out.

Anyone else notice sharp edges on their MacBooks? If so, can anything be done. I have Apple Care too.

Thanks for any advice

steve

MacBoo 2.2 Ghz 160 GB HD, 2 GB RAM, Mac OS X (10.5.1)

Posted on Jan 22, 2008 10:15 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Macaby

Level 3

923 points

Jan 22, 2008 10:59 PM in response to Steve B5

No sharp edges here on my MacBook although I guess that really depends on what you mean by sharp. When I got my MacBook, the first thing I did was get my Bluetooth mouse up and running. I hate touch pads and have mine turned off as long as the computer detects a mouse is available.

Reply

Answer 2

Feb 2, 2008 3:05 AM in response to Steve B5

Hate to tell you, but this is a standard design flaw in the MacBook, and from what I've read (after examining my own wrists and palm in horror) it has been for a while. If you've ever tried opening your MacBook after showering, washing dishes, etc, you may also notice that the notch is quite well sharpened, too; I managed to carve a sizable chunk from my thumb on it.

Why would Apple design a laptop with the apparent goal of maiming the user? Hard to say. All I know is that I'm done paying for products which put design first, and user comfort a sad, sad last. This is the Mac that cuts through 20 years of brand loyalty in 15 minutes of use...the first Mac I ever hated. Good job, Jobs!

Reply

Answer 3

DJSjr

Level 1

5 points

Feb 7, 2008 9:55 PM in response to Steve B5

Just upgraded from my iBook G4 after 4 years to a new MacBook and the front edge is killing my hands!! Yes, it's sharp enough that I'm thinking of taking some fine sandpaper to it to bevel the edge.

My iBook had smooth rounded edges and this is a bummer!!

Anyone found any solutions?

Thanks
David

Reply

Answer 4

Steve B5 Author

Level 1

106 points

Feb 9, 2008 6:25 AM in response to DJSjr

Folks, what I have tried to compensate for the sharp casing edges on the MacBooks is, I had some white artist tape that is very adhesive and very strong and cut some to shape around the sharp edges and it really helped. I took the laptop into the Genius bar for them to look at, but there was no explanation on their part other than possibly replace the casing. I checked out all the MacBooks on display at the Apple store and most if not all had the same casing. This is perhaps some kind of design flaw and since the MacBooks are made in China, quality control may have taken a substandard result. If Apple has a recall on certain models because of the design flaw, I may send mine to correct, but I hate being without my laptop for any extended time.

Try out the artist's tape for a temp fix. Order it from any online artist supply house or your local art store.

steve

Reply

Answer 5

Feb 21, 2008 12:28 AM in response to Steve B5

These sharp edges are nearly making my computer unusable. I was very dissatisfied with an answer I got at the Genius bar when they said that sanding down the edges would affect the warranty. I don't know what to do, I'm seriously considering returning the computer and switching to a Linux PC despite having been a Mac fan since the 80s. I love the usability of Macs but my wrists are in agony - no slick GUI is enough to make up for physical pain.

Reply