Sharp Edges on Mac Book Pro

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

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.

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!

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.

Hi,

Did you have to ship the machine to Apple or did they do it for you at the Apple store? There's no Apple store near where I am right now (Ashland, Oregon), nor is there one where I live in South Lake Tahoe, CA. There's one in Reno, NV. I also wonder whether they would do this just because it hurts me, even though there's nothing apparently wrong with the computer. Sounds like in your case, they were doing something else and the replaced top case solved your other issue of the sharp corners.

Yes, my replacement was done in store and it was for another issue. You'll most likely need to make a genius appt. and show them the issue with your computer compared to a display one to get proper support. Also, you'll need to leave it there for about 2 days.

I think this will be the solution for me:

http://www.grifiti.com/products/grifiti-fat-wrist-pad-17-keyboards-and-large-lap tops

I will probably get the 12 inch one. (Wish they had a 14 inch). It is 3/4 of an inch high, which is a little too high, but they don't have 5/8 of an inch. My ideal product would be 14 inches wide x 5/8 inch high. The other solution that helped with the edges was the case but I read too many critiques of it so will go with this low tech solution.

Bandit, I use my Macbook mostly on a dining room table. It looks like the iLap can be used with or without that front roll. Without it, it doesn't protect you from the sharp edge. With it, it looks like it raises it up 2.5 inches. I like the idea of it being higher, so it is easier to see the screen. But isn't that uncomfortable for your forearms to be up that high? Maybe that is not an issue or varies for each person. This product is somewhat pricey but I would buy it if it met my needs. I wonder if they have them at Apple stores?

When I have used it on the dining room table I have rolled the padded area under to get it out of the way. That seems to work fine for me. I just keep my wrists up in the proper position while typing that way.

I do believe I have seen it at the apple store online. If you decide to purchase it, check return policies so that you can return it if you find it does not suit your needs.

Hi Bandit, It's not the typing that causes me to encounter the sharp edges. It's using the trackpad. And, it's more comfortable resting my hand somewhere when using a trackpad. I like the added height that the iLap gives for visibility but it could interfere with arm position. I wish there was one to try somewhere! I live in South Lake Tahoe, CA and there's nothing around me.

Oh, I undersand what your talking about. I agree about resting your hand (or wrist) while using the trackpad. iLap, for me, provides that comfort. It's not cheap, but I would buy another in a heart beat if I need it. Matter of fact, the first one I bought was for my black macbook. When I upgraded to a 15in macbook pro, I bought one to fit that size.