USB port scratched

Hi s,

USB ports are divided roughly in half, vertically. One half is white, while the other half is open, allowing the plug to slide in. Is this white half of the plug what you are referring to?

Any chance you could post a picture?

The MBP is not painted; it is solid aluminum with an anodized (aluminum oxide) surface that is electrochemically bonded to the underlying metal. Scratches on the surface have no effect on the operation of the machine, and they can't be repaired. If you are concerned about the cosmetic appearance of the machine, the only remedy for scratches is to replace the scratched part.

The hairline scratches on the bottom of my MBP's case (from bits of grit on which I've set it down from time to time) appear dark in most lights, but if tilted to the right angle they appear lighter than the surrounding surface. It's entirely dependent on how the light is reflected from them.

Could you post a picture of this.

"1. Has any scratches come in patches?"

If I understand the question correctly, not on my MBP. But I'm not sure I do understand the question.

"2. Are USB cords sharp enough to make sratches on the aluminum."

If very crudely made, yes, I imagine there are low-quality USB cables whose poorly finished plugs could scratch the case if handled very clumsily.

"If there any way to make the scratches less noticeable?"

There's nothing at all you can do to the surface to make them less noticeable. Anything you try will just make it more obvious that the surface has been tampered with. If the scratches are all below the ports, then the best way to conceal them will be to plug something into the ports. But fussing over this is just pointless obsessiveness. No one else is paying any attention to your USB ports’ appearance, and if you are, you can simply decide to stop.

If you had the case re-anodized the scratches would be less noticeable. All of the components would have to be taken out first, but it could be a good project for a rainy afternoon.

Ciao.

I can't imagine how anyone could mistake oil and sweat fror scratches on metal, or the reverse. So please do finally post a picture so we can see what on earth you're talking about.

Just get some really dark glasses and you won't be bothered any more. 😝