MacBook rocking case

Question

Level 1

10 points

MacBook rocking case

Hello, i wonder if anyone can help.

I bought a new black MacBook last month and over time it started to rock, like if the bottom case was bent. So if i put two credit cards under the bottom right foot it wouldn't rock. I took the MacBook back to the apple store for repairs and they replaced the whole bottom case. But that still didn't solve it. Then they found that one of the feet on the bottom (the one with the battery on) was causing the problem. apparently it was run down? So they replaced the battery for me.

All was well when i brought i back, but its been two weeks and again its starting to rock again when i type. There is nothing wrong with the software or anything but its just so annoying when i start typing and you can feel the MacBook going up and down.

Is anyone getting the same problems?

Black MacBook Early 2008 Model, Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on May 26, 2008 1:52 PM

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Answer 1

Bob Lang1

Level 5

4,090 points

May 26, 2008 3:33 PM in response to freeman24

Sorry to ask such an obvious question, but are you sure the problem is with the MacBook and not the surface it's resting on? The bottom of the MB gets very hot and this might be enough to distort whatever is underneath.

I habitually rest my MacBook on a thick plastic chopping board to give myself some shielding from the heat and allow free air circulation underneath. The chopping board was perfectly flat when I bought it, but now it's bowed in the middle simply from repeated heat exposure.

Bob

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Answer 2

Jul 28, 2008 9:24 AM in response to freeman24

Reviving this topic...

I noticed my macbook rocks between the back left and front right corners about 3 days after receiving it in the post. It is definitely not the surface, as the rocking is the same no matter what flat surface the macbook is lying on. Does anyone else have any suggestions as to what I can do about this? There are no other problems with the computer, but lying flat seems quite important to me!

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Answer 3

gabeB

Level 1

15 points

Jul 28, 2008 9:34 AM in response to Haijiezai

It could be the battery again.

My girlfriend's powerbook rocked too (granted it's quite a few years old). The heat from the computer caused her battery to expand ever-so-slightly.. resulting in some rocking. After being replaced with a new battery (for a recall) it didn't rock nearly as much.

How many batteries has Apple tried replacing? Maybe your computer is running hotter than normal.. warping your replacement battery/batteries.

I'd ask for one more battery.. then start questioning the machine.

Good luck!

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Answer 4

Jul 28, 2008 9:40 AM in response to gabeB

Thank! The machine has been running fairly hot, and I had some loud fan noise for a few days too, but the battery doesn't look misshapen. It feels as though the bottom right-hand corner of the computer (where my right palm rests) is lighter than the rest, causing it to stick up in the air. Will try calling Apple support and asking them too...

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Answer 5

Jul 29, 2008 6:56 PM in response to Haijiezai

Hey, it sounds like I am having the same exact problem. The closest right pad does not touch almost any surface I put the macbook on and it rocks around when I type. Computer works fine, but this is really annoying during typing. Mac support has been REAL unresponsive to my complaints. My computer just came off its 14 day return/exchange policy, so sounds as if all they can do is replace my bottom shell or battery?

Please let me know what they end up doing for you.

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Answer 6

Sep 19, 2008 3:00 PM in response to Dobdobelina

I am having the same rocking issue. At first I thought it was the surface I was working on but that it not the case. As mentioned, the right front where the sleep light is located is ever so slightly higher. If I place two credit cards underneath the computer works fine.

Please let me know if you were able to find a solution with Apple.

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Answer 7

troy enn

Level 5

4,250 points

May 26, 2008 3:08 PM in response to freeman24

If it's still 'rocking' then they didn't fix it.
Unfortunately you'll have to bring it back - or modify it yourself - or live with it. I haven't seen many complaints about this.

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Answer 8

freeman24 Author

Level 1

10 points

May 26, 2008 3:43 PM in response to Bob Lang1

yea ive tried it on every surface, still get the same problem.

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