Level 1

8 points

Blue ink stain near trackpad

When opening my Macbook this morning I discovered several blue ink marks (even though I haven't used blue ink in several days?) around the trackpad area. I've tried everything I could get my hands on, including ethanol without it moving. I'm really worried in 3-4 months time I'm going to have a Macbook which is covered in stains.

Why is the area so porous? I haven't had any yellow discolouration and (Macbook is week 21), do the Macbooks which have the "correct/fixed" surface still so prone to easily absorbing ink from your hands?

Does anyone have any suggestions for tackling this?

On an unrelated question, do the newer Macbooks have a significantly more rounded corners? Really thinking I might have to sell this machine due to a few things which I can't ignore, despite it being the best computer I've have in so many other respects.

Macbook 1,83ghz Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Posted on Jul 3, 2006 10:47 AM

31 replies

MacSmurf

Level 1

14 points

Jul 7, 2006 6:16 AM in response to maccml

I think this blue staining issue is still relatively new so it is not surprising that your local store had not heard about it. Then again, they should have followed the adage of 'the customers always right' and at least put a call into AppleCare.

It's also likely that there will be many other MacBook owners who are less vocal and are simply putting up with the staining. A handful of posts on this forum is probably just the ‘tip-of-the-iceberg’.

Give Apple there due, at least they acknowledge the issue. It would be very easy for them to simply ignore the problem - especially with the way the staining appears to come and go.

Jul 7, 2006 6:47 AM in response to jeromeperry@mac.com

Hi samer here too. My Macbook has a few faint blue stainsjust were the trackpad button is, there not directly on the button just to the right of it, i say they are faint but they are noticable. i have also noticed that a around the edge of the case, where the groove is the hard plastic not the shiny base plastic has started to turn a bit darker than the rest of the case

Missy L

Level 1

34 points

Jul 7, 2006 9:06 AM in response to ogdoad

My Macbook, barely 2 weeks old, developed two blue ink-like streaks on the right side of the trackpad. I was absolutely sure I did not use any pen nearby nor were there any stains on my hands! In addition, on the bottom right, there is now a brown spot like a big freckle. OMG....

I am bringing this thing back to Apple.

enebb

Level 1

10 points

Jul 7, 2006 9:22 AM in response to ogdoad

I have obviously seen a lot of pictures that show the yellow discoloration. Does anyone by chance have images of this blue staining? Are we thinking that it's of a similar origin as the yellow discoloration? There is obviously an issue with this plastic.

Are any of these newer models? Supposedly Apple replaced the plastic or there were rumors of a different plastic being used. I'm just wondering if this new plastic is causing these blue stains or if it is the older plastic or BOTH.

Good luck to those negotiating with Apple Care.

ogdoad Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 7, 2006 1:55 PM in response to enebb

Well, here too. It appears to have faded somewhat, however still present.

It hasn't been in direct contact with sunlight though (UV?).

Very very odd.

MacSmurf

Level 1

14 points

Jul 7, 2006 4:14 PM in response to enebb

Ours is a Week 23 build.

Jul 7, 2006 4:43 PM in response to MacSmurf

Mine week 19......

Jul 7, 2006 7:41 PM in response to ogdoad

I've stained my macbook several times with black ink from a bic pen -- I didn't bother to apply anything in order to get it off, and it actually rubbed off with regular use after a little over a week's time.

ase623

Level 1

0 points

Jul 7, 2006 8:44 PM in response to CooperSmith

I just got my MB and I was over a friends house writing out letters with a sharpie. Then I picked up my computer and started talking to a friend, resting my hands on the palm rest area. I lifted my hand up and there it was...a big blue stain. I hope what you said about the bic pens works with the sharpie.

If anyone else has stained it with a sharpie, please let me know if you got it off and or how please. Thanks

Jul 8, 2006 7:23 AM in response to ase623

Its not that kind of stain, first I use no pens,,,,and the stain seem to appear.....mine is a light blue looks like if you had water color water, and a drop fell on the case, mine is not dark....

Jul 12, 2006 8:47 PM in response to CyberGypsy

I recently noticed a very slight blue stain on my trackpad button, i can only see it in the light and it look slike a series of little dots... i dont use blue pens or markers at all and im the only one that uses the macbook, should i go to the mac store or contact apple care?

michjg

Level 1

0 points

Sep 16, 2006 3:37 PM in response to ogdoad

same here with the blue marks but mine are on the left end of the trackpad button and also on the left side of the wrist rest.... I use a wireless mighty mouse about 99% of the time and rest both wrists on each respective side. I am going to check with my local apple care.

Sep 26, 2006 2:09 PM in response to ogdoad

Hey i to have had blue stains appear arond the edge of my Macbook.This is getting so annoying as my video i pod has developed a problem also.I live in Northern ireland but bought my Mac in Florida.So what am i to do we dont have a Apple store even in this country i think.lol.So will i have to ring India again and like when i got my Nano fixed wait two weeks for it to return from Holland.Please someone help i have lost all faith in APPLE.

Sep 26, 2006 2:25 PM in response to Maverick252000

Here's a locator for service providers:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304398

Sep 26, 2006 6:27 PM in response to ogdoad

I have a similar problem to yours! Except mine is turning a weird orange color on my mouse pad and where my arms rest! I have tried cleaning it with a couple different things and I can't get it off!!! If You hear anything let me know!!

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Blue ink stain near trackpad