Discoloration on the aluminum macbooks

My laptop is not a MB(P) (Macbook Pro). It is a 13 inch Macbook--the new unibody, purchased late 2008. Btw, how do you know the MB Pro covers were annodized? Either way, I can't imagine that Apple expects their customers to clean the laptop after each use, just to prevent permanent discoloration. Does the instruction manual warn us about this? I've had many laptops in the past, different brands, and I've NEVER had to clean them after each use, and they never got discolored.

Also, if the aluminum cover is treated PROPERLY (iridite or annodize) then it wouldn't be necessary to wipe the laptop after each use. I love both my Macs, but this is unacceptable.

"how do you know the MB Pro covers were annodized?
Apple states that the covers are anodized. When I worked with Apple's Product Design team, I was involved with the testing of the anodized material.

"Does the instruction manual warn us about this?"
Warn about what: that the covers are anodized aluminum? Yes. Warn that the user should take take in the maintenance and handling of the computer? Yes.

"I've had many laptops in the past, different brands, and I've NEVER had to clean them after each use, and they never got discolored."
I bet that none of them had aluminum covers.

"if the aluminum cover is treated PROPERLY (iridite or annodize) then it wouldn't be necessary to wipe the laptop after each use."
The covers are anodized ("iridite" is a completely different process) properly, and it is up to you to maintain your computer properly.

Just because Apple states they were anodized doesn't mean it was actually done, or done correctly. Especially if the work was sent overseas. For instance, unfortunately there have been tons of quality control issues coming out of China recently.

I still have my Fujitsu Lifebook laptop, and it's made of aluminum where my palms would rest. Guess what? No discoloration! Hmmm, they must've anodized the aluminum correctly.

Yes, of course it's up to me to maintain my computer correctly. Every computer I've ever had I've protected like a mother hawk. Apple did not warn me that the sweat and oils from my hand could cause this unsightly white discoloration (on the aluminum). In fact, Apple's toll free tech support folks aren't even aware of it, or why it would happen, or that I should wipe my computer after each use.

I'm making a Genius appt at the local Apple store. It'll be interesting to find out what they have to say...

"Just because Apple states they were anodized doesn't mean it was actually done"
If you had any knowledge of aluminum, you'd realized that bare aluminum oxidizes quickly. Despite what you believe, the covers are anodized, and they are anodized properly.

"I've ever had I've protected like a mother hawk."
A mother hawk with dirty feet.

"Apple did not warn me that the sweat and oils from my hand could cause this unsightly white discoloration"
Apple's documentation mentions that you need to care for your computer. Individuals use their computers differently, and it is not up to Apple to pretend it's your mother. It's up to you to take care of it. Do you put away your dishes without cleaning them first?

"I'm making a Genius appt at the local Apple store. It'll be interesting to find out what they have to say"
I'm sitting on the edge of my seat.

Have you had any luck with Apple? My computer has the same discoloration that yours seems to have but Apple is not responding to any inquiries. We took it to an Apple store and they said nothing could be done because it was cosmetic, but we are trying to remedy the situation. Let me know if you've had any luck. Thanks!

actually, i'm embarrassed to admit that I haven't taken it into the store yet to show them the discoloration.

on the phone the store manager said they'd try a special cleaner to get rid of the "stain" and if it didn't work they would most likely replace the laptop. i hope this turns out to be true. problem is, the discoloration is not a stain, so the cleaner won't work. the discoloration is a reaction to my skin oils (maybe also lotions) reacting to the aluminum. This shouldn't happen at all. At the very least it should take YEARS and YEARS, not months. There should've been a proper warning also.

bottom line. i love this laptop but it wasn't anodized correctly. plus, apple markets their computers as sleek and fashionable, computers for the hip, etc. They emphasize Form every bit as much as Function. So, the way it looks is obviously a selling point. These discolorations are not acceptable.

"There should've been a proper warning also."

Apple's documentation reads that you should keep your computer clean. I'm sure that the documentation doesn't read "be sure your hands are sticky and greasy, and you shouldn't bother cleaning your computer".

Guys, after all this back-and-forth, my problem was solved today. I used iKlear cleaner (a cleaner/polisher recommended by Apple to clean most Apple products). And so far all the white splotches have gone! The Macbook looks brand new!

I'm still not sure why the marks would appear in the first place. I've had other silver metal laptops and never did I have this problem, even after years of use. Plus, the Apple phone support folks told me to try rubbing alcohol, which didn't work. The employee at the Los Angeles Grove Apple store recommended iKlear.

iKlear is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and safe to use. On the label it actually states that it won't absorb into your skin. So, if you have reactions to strong chemical/cleaners (like me) then you should be fine with this. It also cleans the glossy display and the keyboard. It does say to avoid using it on the trackpad (not sure why).

Bottom line: iKlear works. I'll let you know if the spots reappear and if iKlear continues to work. It'll probably be a ritual of me cleaning my aluminum Macbook unibody with iKlear once or twice a month. No big deal. Though, again, I've never had to be so concerned with wiping down a laptop before. But Macs are worth it!

If I were you I'd take it to that store and have it changed. I've had my MacBook for 3 months now, it's been running perfectly and there's no discoloration on the body of the MacBook 🙂

"It is exactly like rust as this term refers to iron."

Wrong. Rust refers to oxidation of all metals. Another poster commented that pedantically = technically. That's wrong too.

You touched the computer, and did not clean it after you used it.

Do the Mr. Clean magic erasers work well to clean the aluminum MacBooks? They work like a charm on my white MB and my fiance's black one.