Sharp Edges on Mac Book Pro

The sharp edges on the mac laptops hurt arms a lot while working. It almost cuts the arms during typing on apple laptops hence making impossible to work. I have got marks on my arms now due to the sharp edges.

Mac book pro, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Jun 22, 2010 4:37 AM

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Posted on Jun 28, 2010 12:31 PM

In defence to Michael he is correct

Taken from http://www.safecomputingtips.com/laptop-ergonomics-tips.html

"9. Avoid resting your wrists while typing. Keep your wrists as flat as possible. Use whole hand and arm movements to navigate the Laptop Ergonomics keyboard. Avoid bending your neck and head forward to see the screen. This is the way to arrange your seating posture to avoid Ergonomic Laptop disorders."

I can understand that resting your wrist on that area hurts, but even if it were rounded off
#1 the design would look funny from a side profile view.
#2 Components would have to be smaller as the fillet in the aluminum would need support as to not deform under pressure.

and lastly and most important.
#3 "Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist." resting your wrist on that area wether sharp or rounded WILL CAUSE CARPEL TUNNEL. In fact one reason why I like that it is sharp is that it keeps my wrists off it. Must like a stove is hot so you won't touch it.

I hope you can easily correct your habits. In fact Michaels suggestion is a great easy fix form most people. But if you insist doing work on your lap they make pads/stands for that.

FYI Apple does not recommend the use of their notebook computers on laps, for several reasons. Air flow is restricted and people tend to use bad ergonomics. Apple recommends the use of their notebook computers on a flat surface like a table or desk.

http://www.apple.com/support/macbookpro/care/
"General Safety Instructions
Read and follow all instructions marked on the product and in the manual before operating your MacBook Pro. Be sure to keep the instructions handy for your reference and for others.
Set your MacBook Pro on a stable work surface.
Keep your computer away from sources of liquids, such as drinks, sinks, bathtubs, shower stalls, and so on.
Protect your computer from dampness or wet weather, such as rain, snow, and fog.
The MacBook Pro power adapter port contains a magnet. Do not place magnetically sensitive material or devices within 1 inch (25 mm) of this port.
Never push objects of any kind into the MacBook Pro ventilation openings."
69 replies

Dec 31, 2013 6:54 AM in response to Steve Lessard Jr

Nobody is talking about carpal tunnel symdrome. They are talking about irritations on or under the skin caused by the razor-like sharp edges. Your two points are silly. First, take any Introduction to Design class and you will hear the most basic discussion about form vs. function.


The form or such sharp edges reduces the ability to function. The high sharpness of the edges was nothign but an Apple design issue. They have nothing to do with case strength, as evidenced by Apple itself responding to this with reuctions in sharpness.


You seem to be one of these people who just likes to hear themselves opine, regardless of whether you have anything real to add. The amount of edge that would need to be beveled would have exactly zero to do with the strength of the case.

Jun 2, 2014 4:53 PM in response to mnq

I AM ABOUT TO GO BUY WRIST GUARDS! I didn't use my computer for extended periods of time when I first purchased it. I wish now that I had. After about a half an hour on my 2012 Macbook Pro, my wrists have several marks on them and the pain starts to grate on my nerves.


It's terrible!!!!

As for all of the ergonomic suggestions, I've had PLENTY of laptops and none of them have cut into my writsts like this.


I am about to try to find those wrist bands people wore in aerobics class in the 1980's.


This is a serious design fail on Apple's part and did not happen with my first Macbook G4 or with any PC I have used.


I love the computer and the retina display but I'm a writer.


OUCH!!!


It should have come with a warning!


Can anyone suggest anything other than than funny laptop contraption? I love my computer but need to be able to write without the prominent slices in my wrist!


I am petite. Is that part of the problem here? Whoa.

Dec 11, 2014 9:04 PM in response to mnq

I just brought the new Mac Book pro with a retina display… this is my first Apple computer although I have used iPad and iPhone for years. I've only had it two weeks and Love it for the exception of the ridiculously sharp edges that hit my wrist. I just did research on the issue and see that it has been a problem for years. It looks like they have no intention of fixing the problem. I literally have to cut a sock up to put it over my wrist to use my laptop. I read many people saying that if you use it properly your wrist won't hit the edges. I find that it should be up to me how I use my laptop and I should not be in pain with the way that I use it. I have never had this problem with a PC laptop. Don't get me wrong I would never go back to a Windows machine but this is a significant issue. I have really considered filing the edges down on my new Machine but I am worried that it will take away from the look. Not sure there is any other solution besides wearing ridiculous wristband to use you laptop. I am just disappointed to find that this is not a new issue and that it is one that has been around for years. Again, I think Apple is a wonderful company but I do not compare apple to a Windows machine I compare apple to watch Apple could be. Even the latest IOS on the iPhone has several glitches that I'm sure Steve Jobs would never have approved. For example when you use voice for texting the little weekly line does not go away. Steve jobs would be like what the…

Apr 5, 2011 7:14 PM in response to mnq

I'm not a big feedback guy. I never write letters to companies or fill out comment cards 🙂 But, I have to say something about this just because I'm a huge fan of Apple. I love everything about Apple. I love the OS. I love your hardware. The design of your products. Everything. I have pretty much every mac product. But I have to give up on using a Mac as my main computer due to this sharp edge problem. I've tried putting up with it. I've tried different models (MBP 15, MBP 13, MBA). And they are all fine when using them at a desk. But when using them in any other position (what laptops are for!) is just downright painful. I can't use them for more than 10 mins without getting soar. I see that other people have no problems with it.... maybe it's just the makeup of my arm/hand length. I dunno. But, I just know it's not comfortable at all. So just letting you guys know! I don't want to do it... but I put in an order for a pc laptop (bleh) for the sake of my wrists. Hopefully I can get Mac OS loaded on it 🙂

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Sharp Edges on Mac Book Pro

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