MacBook case cracking, AGAIN!

Question

Level 1

9 points

MacBook case cracking, AGAIN!

I noticed today that there is a crack again forming in the left palm rest area of my laptop deck, FOR THE THIRD time. I also noticed that on the inside of the top case, the two raised bars on either side of the isight each also have cracks on the topside as well. The last time the bottom case was replaced was just in May of this year. I have now been on hold with Customer Care for 27 minutes and counting. The guy who answered told me "if I wanted a new computer, that wasn't happening". I immediately told him that I didn't WANT a new computer, I simply wanted the one I bought to stay in ONE piece. What I do find interesting is the newer version of the white MacBook has a new top deck design- hmm.

Has anyone else had this repeated problem with their computer, and what was the remedy?

Macbook, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Sep 22, 2010 4:12 PM

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Answer 1

reensjp Author

Level 1

9 points

Sep 23, 2010 9:03 AM in response to AON

Aon,

I agree with Leo, the best option is to call Apple Support and explain the problem. My case is being replaced. It is a known defect, and they will fix it, regardless of how long you've had the machine (and if it happens again).

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Answer 2

b leo

Level 1

135 points

Sep 23, 2010 3:20 AM in response to reensjp

I had this problem 4 times, among other hardware problems, and even after 2.5 years Apple just replaced my machine. There's really nothing to avoid this problem, as it's a design flaw, which is why the case gets replaced for free whenever required.

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Answer 3

Sep 30, 2010 4:28 AM in response to Mark Harvey

Iv had this problem once, and you will be happy to know that this is a common fault with most white macbooks. Simply take it to your nearest Apple Store and they will replace it for free, as they are aware of the fault. They did it for me.

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Answer 4

a brody

Level 10

85,308 points

Sep 22, 2010 6:23 PM in response to reensjp

Some tips for keeping cables secure may prevent cracking because the ports are attached to the case, and are easily damaged if you don't remove cables properly*

http://www.macmaps.com/frayguide.html

Also only use the machine with dry hands. Do not allow food or drink near them.

Shut down machine before transit anywhere, unless you are going to use it immediately a lot.
The heat buildup in a bag can damage the machine if the display accidentally turns on while the display lid is closed.

Pay attention to the spec heat limitations of the machine on the outside

- * links to my pages may give me compensation

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Answer 5

a brody

Level 10

85,308 points

Sep 23, 2010 5:14 AM in response to AON

This is a user to user board. Only by calling AppleCare, or going to an authorized service center can they determine that for certain.

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Answer 6

AON

Level 1

0 points

Sep 23, 2010 4:58 AM in response to b leo

I've had the same problem. Very soon after I had purchased my MacBook, the top case was cracking around the hinges. Now my back case is warping and falling off also. What should I do? Is it covered by my guarantee?

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Answer 7

reensjp Author

Level 1

9 points

Sep 23, 2010 9:05 AM in response to a brody

Brody, with no disrespect intended, I already do all of those things. The cracking that I am experiencing is due to a materials failure. Apple has an unlimited repair policy in place for this issue, I was simply trying to find out how many others have experienced this issue, and what the resolution ended up being for them. I'm tired of having to keep going back to the store to get this fixed every few months.

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Answer 8

reensjp Author

Level 1

9 points

Sep 23, 2010 9:08 AM in response to b leo

Leo, I can only hope they'll do that for me. I'm tired of spending my time having to address this on the phone and in the stores. It has nothing to do with the functioning of the actual computer, yet, but I am growing increasingly frustrated by how frequently it's happening.

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Answer 9

Sep 24, 2010 2:36 PM in response to reensjp

My macbook bottom case is cracking again... also for the third time. The past two replacements were done at the apple store under applecare, which now has expired. But don't I get some type of applecare coverage for replacement parts?

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