Level 1

0 points

Yellow Discoloration

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I have a three week old Macbook. The plastic on the palm rest and on the screen bezel where you open the screen has begun to have a yellow discoloration. At first, I thought it was dirty so I cleaned it with the stuff that I used to clean my iBook with and it had no effect (tried several things, a damp cloth, Windex, Magic Eraser). I thought it was some dirt from touching it but then I noticed that it was starting to appear at the bottom of the screen, where I have never touched this thing. I am concerned that there is a problem with the plastic that they made the palm rests out of. It is a different material than what was used on the iBook, I think.

So, does anyone have any insight into what caused this or how to clean it off? I know it doesn't affect how it operates but I don't want a brand new laptop that looks like I chain-smoked three packs a day while using it.

PowerMac G5 2x2GHz, Macbook 1.83, Mac OS X (10.4.4)

Posted on Jun 10, 2006 11:00 AM

262 replies

Keith B.

Level 1

10 points

Jun 12, 2006 2:44 PM in response to Bono UK

Could you give the first four digits of your serial number? It would be interesting to see if this has anything to do with a particular batch that just happened to get an inferior or flawed plastic...

PaulNYC

Level 1

105 points

Jun 12, 2006 2:44 PM in response to VivaLaCaz

I went to the appl store today and the white ones looked pretty bad. The black ones didn't look that great either, but at least the only problem was smudges and scratches underneath from crazy mac zealots trying to find out if they scratch easily. Looked liked they used keys on it and, yes, they did managed to scratch it! Being a mac zealot myself, and curious about the scratch resistance of the blackbook, I used my nail and tried as hard as I could to scratch it - it had no effect whatsoever. That's enough for me. As long as they don't start flaking....

I decided to order another black macbook to replace the one that was returned. I'm also hoping that there will invisible shield available for the macbooks soon as that will provide good protection.

Black it is.

Jun 12, 2006 2:48 PM in response to tswartz

That is nasty, man!

Communist-era old a ss rusting broken down appliances comes to mind...and this is the look of a few week old brand new Apple MacBook? Yikes!

stauffere Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 12, 2006 2:58 PM in response to VivaLaCaz

It isn't the glossy part that is a problem, it is the softer, more porous inside that is a problem.

PaulNYC

Level 1

105 points

Jun 12, 2006 3:06 PM in response to stauffere

Yes, I know. The grey palmrests and trackpad all looked bad at the Apple Store. I check 5-6 units. They might have just been dirty though, rather than permanently stained.

Jun 12, 2006 3:07 PM in response to PaulNYC

Mr Clean Magic eraser is called "Don Limpio Borrador Mágico" in Spain, almost same product but with an additional sponge attached to it (which is useless for this use).

I tried and it made it looked better but most of the "shadow" stayed. Mine is not yellowish, rather like a shadow of grey, like the descreption another user made a few post before me.

Jun 12, 2006 3:08 PM in response to tswartz

My serial number starts with 4H62, as well.

My serial number starts with 4H61.

Jun 12, 2006 3:13 PM in response to stauffere

I have this yellow discoloration with my Apple remote's buttons. Took longer than three week to appear, but probably wasn't used as intensively as a MacBook would be.

Are remotes the same kind of plastic as MacBooks?

Jun 12, 2006 3:14 PM in response to MacFan-Fl

you need to give one ore digit or it'll be useless

4H61 ? that means..

factory 4H
6 -> 2006
1 .. made on the week 1x

mine's 4H621 .. meaning week 21st of 2006

Jun 12, 2006 3:36 PM in response to Jose M Olaya

you need to give one ore digit or it'll be useless

4H61 ? that means..

factory 4H
6 -> 2006
1 .. made on the week 1x

mine's 4H621 .. meaning week 21st of 2006

Here you go... 4H619

Jun 12, 2006 3:37 PM in response to Jose M Olaya

4h619 is my model number. I've had it for about 3 weeks, and so far (knock on wood) so good. . .

tswartz

Level 1

0 points

Jun 12, 2006 3:46 PM in response to stauffere

Sending it in to Apple, not specifically for this issue but they said they'll take a look at it as well.

Jun 12, 2006 3:56 PM in response to stauffere

well i used to own a window company that made upvc windows, what i can say is that windows made from cheap or reconstituted plastics turned yellow when exposed to the sun etc etc so i guess that apple has been cutting corners where the plastic is concerned!

Jun 12, 2006 4:08 PM in response to Keith B.

How do I find my serial number? Sorry to take this thread off topic for a post hehe.

Sorry just found out it was under the battery. Stupid me!

Im experienced no disclouration or mooing that people have reported (only he heat what seems normal) so im happy. Mind, havent even had it a week yet! 🙂

Jun 12, 2006 4:06 PM in response to PaulNYC

I'm also hoping that there
will invisible shield available for the macbooks soon
as that will provide good protection.

I emailed Victor @ vixinc.com, creators of the TiArmor product and he told me they are about to release a MacBook version very soon.

Will keep all informed. In the meantime, I'm going to Millenia mall with my MacBook on Wednesday and see what's up (if I get my Intel iMac which I bought on March and its on the shop because the DVD drive died. Whatever happened to solid built products?)

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Yellow Discoloration