Upgrading the factory speakers in a MacBook...

Douglas McLaughlin wrote:
Warranty-voiding actions like modding your Apple computer are usually frowned upon in the Apple Discussions. There may be other forums where more open discussions about work like that may be found. But, off the top of my head, I've never heard of anyone doing anything like that. The space inside the MacBook is so crammed with components, it's unlikely you'd be able to fit anything else inside.

Modifications are one of those gray areas where one meets the intersection of legal protections and manufacturer realities. This is true with things from cars to computers. You mod something and that mod (or something else due to the installation of that mod) fails - it's pretty clear that the original manufacturer isn't liable.

You mod something and something completely unrelated breaks, it should be clear (at least by legal standards) that the manufacturer should be liable if still under warranty or service contract. Doesn't always mean that it gets done, but the law is clearly on the side of the consumer.

You mod something correctly and something that was taken apart during the installation fails, then fingers start getting pointed. Maybe the manufacturer (or appointed representative) can tell that something was taken apart. Who is to blame if the casing cracks after it was taken apart to do a speaker mod? You might run into a situation where you feel everything was done correctly, but the manufacturer insists that it wasn't and that it caused the problem. For high-value items you might have the option of hiring an attorney, but would you if the repair costs less than attorney fees?

Warranty-voiding actions like modding your Apple computer are usually frowned upon in the Apple Discussions. There may be other forums where more open discussions about work like that may be found. But, off the top of my head, I've never heard of anyone doing anything like that. The space inside the MacBook is so crammed with components, it's unlikely you'd be able to fit anything else inside.

-Doug

My Macbook is just over 2 years old, so it's pretty much out of the warranty anyways...

I believe Apple's policy about shying away from warranty-voiding instructions or modifications here is to prevent someone whose computer IS still under warranty from doing something they don't realize will void their warranty.

-Doug

cagecko wrote:
😟 My Macbook is just over 2 years old, so it's pretty much out of the warranty anyways... I figured that someone must have done this by now, with how horrible the original speakers are. Bummer... might have to do some disassembly myself and take a look ...

Photos of the disassembly are here:

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac/MacBook-Core-Duo/86/

I'm pretty it can be done. However - you'd have to find components that properly fit; Fry's Electronics would probably have something that would work, although you might need to splice them into the current setup unless you can find the proper connectors. I'm not sure if you can or want to replace the subwoofer. It might also require the use of some sort of adhesive putty if it doesn't fit exactly; there's nothing worse than a loose component rattling around in there. You could run into a problem if your selected speakers exceed the capability of the amplifier.

In the end it will probably be of considerably less hassle and cost to use a set of passive external speakers.

Douglas McLaughlin wrote:

My Macbook is just over 2 years old, so it's pretty much out of the warranty anyways...

I believe Apple's policy about shying away from warranty-voiding instructions or modifications here is to prevent someone whose computer IS still under warranty from doing something they don't realize will void their warranty.

-Doug

Dude, nothing personal, but if its out of the warrantee and the kid wants to Mod it, HAVE AT IT. who cares if its frowned upon, its your mac, you bought it. Be warned if you mess it up your at fault... I have done mods on may things in the past 1 being my buds macbook , i changes the color of the apple logo to the italian flag colors. GO CRAZY! have fun make your laptop custom, becideds it always feels cool to know you were able to accomplish something that is different, especially when people bash it. haha!

oh and I agree the speakers on these things are bad I mean its a mc , I love them but what happened there its way to low.

if you are out of the warrantee or just dont care check out this website modding e for info on macs. might help you 😀

http://www.applemacbook.com/

its a good site for help anything mac. !!!

enjoy!

-mike