Sharp Edges on Mac Book Pro

Dec 2, 2010 11:07 PM in response to sn4p2k

Hey there...

I posted in this thread a few months ago because of the problems I was having with the edges on my MBP.

I bought a case for it, the one by Speck, and I got the "Satin touch" models, which is just great. It pushes the edges into the case, so the edges are not exposed and your wrist only rests on the satin-like plastic. It basically protects you from the sharps edges, while protecting the computer itself.

A great buy.. and I haven't had any wrist problems since.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=softcasemacbook&cid=12197437363159250449&os=reviews

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artwire

Level 1

9 points

Jan 8, 2011 8:19 AM in response to coreytodds

I would think a case like that might cause the macbook pro to overheat. Having had temperature problems with my earlier macbook pro I'm hesitant to seal this one up, but will have to come up with some kind of solution. My new 17 inch i7 has razor sharp edges and a brutally sharp area in the front center where the lid latch used to be. Because of the placement of the trackpad and the fact that the click sensitive area is closest to the edge, you really cant avoid that part of the machine. The keyboard is set far back on the 17, also complicating ergonomic matters. The reality is, we bought laptops to use them in unconventional, admittedly imperfect, positions. This is not a desktop machine -- it is used on the couch, in a chair, in bed, while traveling, etc. Since day one, I've sported deep indentations on the heel of my palm when using the trackpad, as well as angry red war wounds on my forearms while typing, and I even got jabbed by the sharp indentation where the lid-latch used to be while using it on my lap. I finally ended up (temporarily) taping about five layers of cloth medical tape on the front and left edges- I dont want to mess up the surface with duct tape or anything sticky, but blood will stain, too, and I'd much rather the mac wore the bandages instead of me! I had even considered taping on some Dr. Scholl's moleskin around the edges, but that would look ridiculous.Clearly this is only a temporary solution -placing band aids on the mac wont work long term, and I can't believe that Apple would want us walking around advertising the problem with make-shift solutions. This machine has a perfect screen and seems to be functioning well, so I didnt' want to return it, but this is becoming intolerable. If Apple would offer the opportunity to take these in and have them honed down at the Apple store by certified 'technicians', then they'd save themselves a lot of returns. I dont think we should have to bring out power tools and clamps in order to make a $3000 computer safe enough to use. I dont know if they're all like this, or if it's a manufacturing issue on some of the units... the design is ill considered.

What should we do? Is Apple addressing this on more than a case by case basis? I would be happy to provide photos of my scratched and swollen arms, if that will add some incentive.

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Jan 22, 2011 10:53 AM in response to coreytodds

I too bought the same case for my 17 MBP. I did get some relief from the sharp edge, but it still was uncomfortable. I ended up rounding the edges of the case with a file. It was easy to do, and it looks like it was done at the factory. Now, it feels much better.

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Mar 4, 2011 9:19 PM in response to mnq

I really like the sharp edges. Hopefully they will keep them. Part of the industrial design.

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wie715

Level 1

4 points

Mar 24, 2011 12:52 AM in response to mnq

I readily admit that my ergonomics are appalling. I slump, I type on my lap, on crap desks in the back of developing market focus groups, in hotel beds and on planes. That's why I have a portable computer. Maybe I will get carpal tunnel, but I'll also get my email out by the end of the day today. If only the computer I otherwise love didn't make my wrist look like I'd hurt myself in the process. Can't we accept that my technique isn't perfect and just make it work for me anyway? I'd lose weight getting up to change the channel, too, but I do like using the remote. P-lease.

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Mar 24, 2011 6:00 AM in response to searching996

I like the sharp points + dish in the center. no latch, aaaahh.

They are fun to poke at while i'm reading a webpage. I had no idea people hated the sharp edge on the wrist side. I didn't even notice it was sharp until I read the complaints here. And I'm usually laying down or slouching over typing on this thing/using the touchpad.

It doesn't really seem that bad.

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tjk

Level 9

51,116 points

Mar 24, 2011 4:11 PM in response to wie715

wie715 wrote:
I readily admit that my ergonomics are appalling. I slump, I type on my lap, on crap desks in the back of developing market focus groups, in hotel beds and on planes. That's why I have a portable computer. Maybe I will get carpal tunnel, but I'll also get my email out by the end of the day today. If only the computer I otherwise love didn't make my wrist look like I'd hurt myself in the process. Can't we accept that my technique isn't perfect and just make it work for me anyway? I'd lose weight getting up to change the channel, too, but I do like using the remote. P-lease.

😉

Product Feedback

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Mar 26, 2011 7:30 PM in response to mnq

I don't experience any sharp cutting into the wrists from the edges of the MacBook Pro, but I do when my wrist swings across the area where the magnetic latch is. There's a wide opening where you put your fingers when the MacBook Pro is closed to lift the lid screen up. When the laptop is open, the pointy edge of that opening is exposed. It scratches me all the time but no blood... yet.

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stan

Level 3

598 points

Apr 3, 2011 10:16 AM in response to mnq

Hi mnq,
Welcome to the Apple Discussions.
Compare your MacBook Pro with another one in a store.

It is possible that there is a slight difference in the case that you are sensitive to.

If there is no detectable difference in the construction, try finding another position for your hands.
Various keyboard pads and accessories are available for this purpose.

Try finding another position for your MBP. I found that by inclining [~ 19.7°) ] the MBP keyboard, I can type for hours without discomfort. (I also use the built-in DSK layout which increases speed and my efficiency while diminishing the possibility of CTS—carpal tunnel syndrome.)

I hope this helps.

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TBDO

Level 1

30 points

Apr 5, 2011 2:46 PM in response to mnq

mnq If you use the ergenomics rules you'll be fine. Also there are many laptops with this problem. Lastly why would anyone go as far as to sand down their laptop?

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Jun 14, 2011 11:50 AM in response to Steve Lessard Jr

Screw ergonomics... I am more productive sitting in my chair as if I were riding on a chopper; but that's just 45 years of experience talking... Funny, never had a problem with this until the ridiculously razor sharp edges on the MBP17". I guess I am just finding myself in the "Sharp edges belong on knives, swords, and other offensive weapons" camp. Maybe that was an easter egg of the case design; that you can use it to slit someone's throat?

All I need to know at this point is, if I file that mother down, is it going to void my warranty?

-DJG

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Jul 25, 2011 3:58 PM in response to mnq

Found and easy solution to the sharp edge. It is selling on ebay. Simple to apply and looks good too. Search for: MacBook Pro 15" sharp edge adhesive strip.

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goodfood

Level 1

4 points

Feb 3, 2012 9:36 PM in response to mnq

I got a MBP last year and the edges regularly hurt my wrists. Recently Apple change the top case of my laptop b/c something was defective inside. The new top case seems to have a slightly beveled edge which has eliminated all the pain issues associated with the edge cutting into my wrist. My suggestion for anyone who has this issue is to go into the Apple store and have them replace your top case...you won't regret it.

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Jun 16, 2012 10:45 AM in response to goodfood

Hi,

I just received my refurbished MBP 15 inch, release date April 2010. I can live with the sharp edges but I can't live with the sharp points in that small recessed area right below the track pad that you use to open the cover. The points keep poking my thumb when I am using the trackpad to browse. I have now called Apple twice and they said they'd call me back but haven't. I can still return the machine but then I still need a new one. Not sure what to do! This one was a very good price and I like it otherwise but those points hurt!

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eww

Level 9

53,028 points

Jun 16, 2012 10:52 AM in response to Chandra25

The front edge-of-case design has been unchanged for three and a half years, and it's not going to change now, nor will (nor can) Apple give you anything else in place of what you chose. It is what it is. Get used to it, cover it up with something, change your hand position, change the computer's position, or return the computer. Those are your options.

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