Corrosion/Pitting in Macbook Pro Case

Hi All,

It would appear that I have some corrosion/pitting occurring where I rest my palms on my Macbook Pro. Initially, I thought it was dirt or some residue, but after cleaning I noticed it was untouched. Further examination (with a 10x loupe) showed that they are indeed pits forming small cavities in the surface. Keep in mind, I wear no jewelry/watches, and work in a laboratory so my hands stay very clean. It would seem that there is some sort of chemical reaction pitting the surface.

Have any of you noticed this unsightly wear on your computers? Is it covered under AppleCare? Is there something I can do short of wearing gloves while I type?

Below are two (large) images of what I'm talking about. They were taken with Super-macro mode on my camera. I can take pictures through the lens of the loupe tomorrow when there's sufficient light.

http://home.utah.edu/~u0481624/P1110144sm.jpg
http://home.utah.edu/~u0481624/P1110145sm.jpg

Thank you for your replies,

Kris Olson

Macbook Pro 2.4GHz, Mac OS X (10.5.6), 4GB RAM

Posted on Jan 11, 2009 5:15 PM

22 replies

sig

Level 8

35,862 points

Jan 12, 2009 2:21 AM in response to mrkristofo

I would also make it a point to keep your hands washed thoroughly before you use your MBP.

marc7955

Level 1

0 points

Jan 13, 2009 8:21 AM in response to mrkristofo

You say you work in a lab. Could it be an air quality issue? any volotiles or sulpher gases in the environment?

Jan 20, 2009 9:41 PM in response to mrkristofo

I've got the same problem with mine. I wish I woulda got the Marware protection stuff when I was thinking of it a few months ago. I don't wear a watch, but the heat from that area of the palmrest does my my hands sweat alot.

Jan 22, 2009 8:49 AM in response to Community User

Probably has something to do with the pH of your sweat. Chances are, its more acidic than basic/neutral.

Mar 19, 2009 7:44 PM in response to Glossolalia

Has anyone talked to Apple about this? If you have AppleCare will they just replace this top piece?

mrkristofo Author

Level 1

1 points

May 15, 2009 3:29 PM in response to Glossolalia

For what it's worth, skin pH is a BS answer. I am a chemist, and the pH necessary to do this kind of damage is not physiologically feasible.

jpma

Level 1

60 points

May 15, 2009 4:05 PM in response to mrkristofo

I think the moshi palmguard looks good for this.

I never use it myself but it looks very close to aluminum

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Corrosion/Pitting in Macbook Pro Case