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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

31 replies

w7ox

Level 4

2,407 points

Mar 29, 2011 4:25 PM in response to brnrubber

brnrubber wrote:
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

🙂

Phil

w7ox

Level 4

2,407 points

Mar 29, 2011 4:29 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....would be very interested in finding a solution, like some sort of tape/shield to apply.

Look in a stationary store. I think there are such things for binding thin reports that tend to grip.

I also find the fan extremely noisy,more like an ocean white noise sound than a hum like others are talking about.

I've never heard the fan although I've read there is one. You should have Apple look at it or try an SMC reset. What you're hearing sounds not right, and could result in wear in the fan itself -- or mean your fan has bad bearings or some such.

Phil

slyguy_28

Level 2

187 points

Mar 29, 2011 7:18 PM in response to marinpaul

I've noticed a sharp edge too, but it's a small price to pay for a thin, sexy and cool to the touch MBA...
Sly

w7ox

Level 4

2,407 points

Mar 30, 2011 12:13 PM in response to w7ox

w7ox wrote:

katsilver wrote:
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.

Look in a stationary store. I think there are such things for binding thin reports that tend to grip.

I just looked at Office Depot and did not find what I was thinking of. But I'm sure there are other (non Duct Tape!) solutions.

Phil

Mar 30, 2011 2:44 PM in response to w7ox

If anyone thinks the new MBA has a sharp leading edge, its nothing compared to the old polycarb MB's. Now that edge really was bothersome.

I find the MBA to be quite tolerable, almost un-noticeable.

w7ox

Level 4

2,407 points

Mar 30, 2011 8:03 PM in response to SP Forsythe

SP Forsythe wrote:
If anyone thinks the new MBA has a sharp leading edge, its nothing compared to the old polycarb MB's. Now that edge really was bothersome.

How true! I had the original 2006 Black model and it could be painful.

Phil

Mar 31, 2011 1:26 AM in response to w7ox

A strip of aerobics mat foam. High density, great thickness, non slip, light, cheap, cut to personal size and shape. Lay it in front of puter.... voila !

Apr 5, 2011 8:48 AM in response to marinpaul

I can see what you guys are talking about though it doesn't bother me at all. I did buy the Speck clear case when I purchased the Air, and this case adds almost no weight nor thickness to the MBA and it does cover the edge on the lip where you lift the screen to open the laptop just enough so that I never notice it. The case was 50 bucks so not exactly cheap, but well worth the protection and I guess the comfort of not noticing that edge.

Aug 11, 2011 9:41 AM in response to marinpaul

The edges are way too sharp!! I use it on my lap all the time and it is very uncomfortable. Yes, it is fine when you use it at a table but on your lap...not so much. Bummer!

skull234

Level 1

0 points

Feb 13, 2012 4:23 PM in response to marinpaul

I am delighted to say that I have found a good solution the sharp edges. Here is the link to an inexpensive case that covers the edges with soft faux suede and is a good carrying case. This is for the 11 inch, but they have a 13 in one too. Only about $20. If you fold back the top when you put it in your lap it is also effective at keeping the air flow open so that the fan does not go off so much.

http://www.amazon.com/CaseCrown-Leather-MacBook-MC969LL-11-6-Inch/dp/B004QD9E54/ ref=pd_vtp_e_1

Mar 30, 2012 7:27 AM in response to marinpaul

I just received my mba 11 and I have had a similar issue. The front edge digs into my palm especially when I am typing. it was really annoying especially since I will be using this on the go to create written reports. My solution was just to put black electrical tape at the front where my palm hits. I will see how that works. For now it seems to be good. As stupid as it sounds this was really annoying for me mostly because i had never experienced any issue like this on a comuter before. Maybe it's just me but a lot of people who are having an issue like this on the 11 say its confined to using the touchpad. For me that fine. It's the keyboard that's an issue. Hopefully the solution will remain a solution permanently.

abl69

Level 1

0 points

Nov 1, 2014 11:20 AM in response to marinpaul

I found this little gizmo on kickstarter. Looks like an elegant (but pricey) solution. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/appliedinc/ledge-for-macbook-made-in-usa?re f=nav_search

Jan 7, 2015 3:21 PM in response to marinpaul

I had the same problem. I saw lots of articles online with people sanding the edge off their MacBook with a file. I just couldn't bring myself to do that. I did, however, find a solution that may work for some of you. I put a very thin piece of tape along the sharp edge. This definitely fixes the problem of the edge digging into your hand. I am using 'Industry Tape' which is supposed to be known for not leaving any residue behind. I guess we'll see for sure how well that works, but I intend to keep this on for a while. You can see in the picture, it's not terrible looking. Maybe that helps some of you.

Jun 17, 2015 6:39 PM in response to nateblair

Great solution. I did the same with a long trimmed piece of duct tape and it feels SO much better. I doubled it up with two layers and it even feels like a normal laptop again.

Jun 18, 2015 12:47 AM in response to stanchovy

inceptioned!

Macbook Air front edge too sharp?