MBP Case Deforms/Bowing?

Question

Level 1

20 points

MBP Case Deforms/Bowing?

Over the past few months, my MacBook Pro's aluminum case has started to deform, or, "bow" in two places. The first place (most noticeable) is right above the screen/lid open button, and the second place is above the DVI output.

I have two questions.

1. Does AppleCare cover the MBP casing? If not, is there a way to fix the casing?

2. Has anyone else experienced this?

Thanks!

17" MacBook Pro, Duo Core 2.16, 2GB Ram - 20" iMac G5, 2Ghz, 2GB Ram - 8GB iPhone, Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on Dec 19, 2008 3:36 PM

Reply

Answer 1

S.U.

Level 6

9,601 points

Dec 19, 2008 3:53 PM in response to Scott Byers

I have read some posts on this sort of thing, and I think Apple treats it on a case by case basis. I don't know of any way to fix it, but if the deformation might be threatening to exert pressure on the display and possibly damage it, I think you could make an argument for having it replaced under warranty.

Good luck!

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Answer 2

Dec 19, 2008 5:41 PM in response to Scott Byers

Hi,

Do make an appointment at the Genius Bar at your nearest Apple Store http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/ as they can make a better judgment of this matter.

Cheers

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Answer 3

Allan Jones

Level 10

81,294 points

Dec 19, 2008 6:34 PM in response to Scott Byers

Immediately check to see if the battery is swelling and causing the case deformation.

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Answer 4

Scott Byers Author

Level 1

20 points

Dec 19, 2008 8:49 PM in response to Scott Byers

Thanks for the informative responses, I'll try to make an appointment this weekend. I don't think I've applied much pressure to the lid/screen (though it seems like the most viable cause), and whenever I travel, I have a separate bag for my MBP.

As for the battery, I have had one battery problem in the past (replaced under AppleCare) because of heat. I always try to use my MBP in a manner to ensure proper ventilation, but about a year ago, the battery temperature rose so high that it actually bulged to the point where the aluminum top of the battery had separated from the body.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Apple can help me out. Thanks again for the responses.

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Answer 5

S.U.

Level 6

9,601 points

Dec 20, 2008 10:45 AM in response to Scott Byers

If the case deformation was caused by the swollen battery, and this happened under Applecare, you should definitely be covered. If the tech cannot authorize the repair, it may be that you would need to speak to the store manager or to Apple Customer relations.

Good luck!

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