Macbook Air front edge too sharp?

Question

Level 1

3 points

Macbook Air front edge too sharp?

Does anyone else have problems with the front edge of their 13" Macbook Air digging into the palm of their hand when using it on their lap? I find the front edge is so thin that it's actually sharp to a degree and hurts my hand over time from using the trackpad. This is not much of a problem when the computer is on a table, as I tend to use a portable mouse.

It's not a deal killer and and perhaps my palm is too wimpy, but I think form won out over function in this one area. I'm also wondering if anyone make a form-fitting skin or something similar that will wrap around/over the front edge and provide some protection.

Macbook Air 13" and iMac 20", Mac OS X (10.6.5)

Posted on Dec 21, 2010 10:09 AM

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Answer 1

dblaire

Level 1

9 points

Aug 29, 2017 8:08 PM in response to w7ox

I know you posted this 6 years ago, but I've spent hours and hours looking for a way to stop my wrists from being cut up, using painters tape and electrical tape as a band-aid, poring through cases to buy, and I was almost going to get a new computer because of this. But your simple solution... thin report binding... just saved my wrists and my wallet!!! Thank you so much!

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Answer 2

hawleyrw

Level 3

633 points

Dec 21, 2010 4:17 PM in response to marinpaul

I do find the edge there, but don't find it unusually sharp. I do rest my wrists on the sides next to the touchpad, but don't have any issue with the edges.

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Answer 3

marinpaul Author

Level 1

3 points

Dec 22, 2010 5:37 PM in response to marinpaul

Well, in case anyone else has this concern I thought I would post my "solution". I took a piece of clear packing tape and wrapped it around the front edge on the right side. It makes the edge a bit easier on the palm and is virtually invisible. Although I have not bought one, the following case would probably make a difference as well:

http://tbeyond.com/leather-case-for-apple-new-macbook-air-2010-book-type-black-p r-12446.html

All the best,

Paul

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Answer 4

Dec 23, 2010 6:45 PM in response to marinpaul

OMG holly crap you got to be kidding me

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Answer 5

kpry

Level 1

20 points

Dec 25, 2010 1:49 PM in response to marinpaul

I don't find the edges to be sharp at all. I like the slimness compared to the bulky front of the macbook pro.

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Answer 6

Dec 25, 2010 8:57 PM in response to marinpaul

i find the edges extremely sharp as well, painful in fact while doing mouse intensive things, like surfing....would be very interested in finding a solution, like some sort of tape/shield to apply.
I also find the fan extremely noisy,more like an ocean white noise sound than a hum like others are talking about

Message was edited by: katsilver

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Answer 7

Dec 26, 2010 12:50 AM in response to katsilver

You could always get some fingerless gloves like Ebenezer Scrooge.

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Answer 8

Jan 3, 2011 9:38 PM in response to Adam Getliff

I think you're holding it wrong!

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Answer 9

Jan 4, 2011 12:26 PM in response to katsilver

katsilver wrote:
i find the edges extremely sharp as well, painful in fact while doing mouse intensive things, like surfing....

Doesn't it get wet when the wave breaks? 😉

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Answer 10

Rhyd

Level 3

806 points

Jan 4, 2011 3:39 PM in response to katsilver

I have gotten a very lightweight bamboo cutting board which I use under the MBA. It gives an additional handrest plus being able to be put down on cushioned bed and not causing overheat. Try a lightweight curved edge board such as this 3/8th inch cutting board which will solve or prevent many problems.

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Answer 11

Jan 9, 2011 5:00 PM in response to marinpaul

use a electric grinder with 16 grit grinding disk to grind the sharp edge off it .Then use 1 roll of silver duct tape and build up the front edge .make sure you use the whole roll of tape

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Answer 12

NabbyNab

Level 1

0 points

Jan 14, 2011 9:59 PM in response to marinpaul

Just got my Air and I have the same problem. Not a huge deal but my palms are a little irritated. I've adjusted by placing my hands sideways across the trackpad but it'll take some getting used to.

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Answer 13

Mar 26, 2011 5:55 PM in response to marinpaul

I just bought the Air, and I also find the edge the worst feature by far. I like to use the computer on my lap, and prefer to bring it closer to my face (esp. with the small screen size) by bringing my feet and knees up and having the computer supported by my thigh in back and my stomach in front. As you can imagine, it is very uncomfortable with the Air's sharp front edge digging into my stomach, much more so than with my Macbook Pro 15" which is much heavier. If I use the Air on my lap alone, the screen size is too small for me, and I'm constantly having to magnify the screen. Even when using on a desk, I find that unless I "float" my wrists above the computer while typing or whatever, the edge is uncomfortable against my wrist. I would greatly prefer a rounded edge rather than the sharp square edge currently used.

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Answer 14

w7ox

Level 4

2,407 points

Mar 28, 2011 2:21 AM in response to marinpaul

marinpaul wrote:
Although I have not bought one, the following case would probably make a difference as well
http://tbeyond.com/leather-case-for-apple-new-macbook-air-2010-book-type-black-p r-12446.html

Attractive, Paul, but how thick would that make your MBA? If it gets close to a MB Pro 13", seems to defeat part of the purpose of buying the MBA.

Phil

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Answer 15

w7ox

Level 4

2,407 points

Mar 29, 2011 4:24 PM in response to grayparrot

grayparrot wrote:
I like to use the computer on my lap, and prefer to bring it closer to my face (esp. with the small screen size) by bringing my feet and knees up and having the computer supported by my thigh in back and my stomach in front. As you can imagine, it is very uncomfortable with the Air's sharp front edge digging into my stomach, much more so than with my Macbook Pro 15" which is much heavier.

That position is hard to visualize, and sounds painful with or without computer 🙂

If I use the Air on my lap alone, the screen size is too small for me, and I'm constantly having to magnify the screen.

I'm surprised. My vision is pretty bad -- use progressive lens -- and I have no issues with viewing the screen; of course, my "big" laptop is a 13" MacBook and the Air is 11.6", not a huge difference. I have made some font changes in Firefox and Thunderbird for better visibility; the wide screen makes that practical.

Even when using on a desk, I find that unless I "float" my wrists above the computer while typing or whatever, the edge is uncomfortable against my wrist. I would greatly prefer a rounded edge rather than the sharp square edge currently used.

Short of using a file (not recommended) there might be some sort of plastic edging you could put over the offending edge; I have seen such things for some purpose (report binding? .. so maybe a stationary store.

Phil

Message was edited by: w7ox

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