Outer Case Buckling - RIght by the CD drive.

This normally should not happen. What it may suggest is that whomever last opened the machine to install something probably missed a screw, or the plastic seal. The question is, what kind of repair history has the machine seen?

By the way, the melting point of aluminum oxide is 2050C, so it is unlikely any heat from the computer could have actually melted it. The maximum reported temperature of any computer because of malfunction has been just over 100C.

Whether or not you get your machine fixed under warranty is entirely at the discretion of the repair person. So be proactive, calm, yet firm that in no way you could have caused this problem, if you believe that to be the case. If for any reason you think you could have caused the issue, it is unlikely to be covered under warranty, because warranty does not cover user caused damage. It only covers obvious manufacturer defects. Read your warranty coverage carefully.

Well, I know the PowerBooks and MacBook Pros did have one in a bunch that would be sold in the box with a non level bottom. The apple store geniuses would take it in the back and just bend it with their hands. I've seen this on multiple occasions. Some were bad where when the screen was closed, you could see a big gap on the right side and barely and gap on the left.

As for yours getting "warped" with use, this could happen, but since there is feet and everything, as long as you have it on a flat surface, it should have been okay. And for buckling out, seems hard to happen by normal use to. Don't be surprised if they say it was abuse.

Make sure when using your MBP it is getting the proper ventilation so it does not get too hot. Heat can cause buckling.

The MBP is not a laptop. Therefore, you should not use it on your lap, on a pillow, etc. Check the user manual that came w/your computer. There you will see the following:

+"Proper handling Set up your MacBook Pro on a stable work surface that allows for adequate air circulation under and around the computer. Do not operate your MacBook Pro on a pillow or other soft material, as the material can block the airflow vents. Never place anything over the keyboard when operating your MacBook Pro."+

So you can't close the lid and use an external monitor and keyboard because the keyboard is covered?

I think they're talking about something like an iSkin keyboard cover which might tend to block the air flow through the keyboard, or maybe a screen protector like you use when you shut it. Just closing the lid by itself does not create an air tight seal, so that should not be a problem since air can still flow through the keyboard to cool the computer.

Check your homeowners insurance.

Message was edited by: Host

You can always try and get a second opinion from a different store.

Luck-

-DP

"...Over time and extreme use of my MacBook Pro..."

Could you elaborate on extreme use?

That kind of usage sounds like it's within normal parameters. Many people never turn off their Macs. If it gets hot on a regular basis, that could be a factor. Aluminum melts at a high temperature, as was pointed out earlier, but it could possibly warp at a much lower temperature.

Could you post a picture so we can see what we're talking about?

I agree with getting a second opinion from another Apple Store--Apple guys are human beings, and can see things in different ways. Also speak to the store manager.

I don't have a link, but I think there have been numerous postings on warpage. It might be worth searching out these and seeing how those compare to yours.

Even if the damage was accidental, your homeowner's might cover it. If you paid with a credit card, you might get coverage through it for accidental damage.

Good luck!

You can also get a 2nd opinion from an AASP. Apple stores are not the only places to have your computer repaired with or without a warranty.

Looks to me like exposure to extreme heat not "extreme use."