Do rub-on decals void the warranty?

Question

Level 1

30 points

Do rub-on decals void the warranty?

I have a MBP and Apple Care on it... I'd like to customize the outside of my laptop with some cool rub-on decals that I found in a scrapbooking store. I tested it with a very small decal and it looks great there, and it isn't raised like a sticker would be. I haven't tried to get it off... it says to use acetone to remove it, but I don't want to put acetone near my computer, so once it's on, it would likely just need to stay put. (So please don't say, "just take them off before you send it in," because I don't think that will be an option.) I would really like someone from apple to let me know if this is okay or if this application would, for some reason, void the warranty. They wouldn't be applied over any speakers or important areas like that... just the cover, basically, and not over the apple logo. Thanks!!

MacBook Pro 2.0gHz, Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Mar 6, 2007 9:53 PM

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Answer 1

Mar 7, 2007 10:19 AM in response to annasense

Great! One thing to keep in mind is to use a bit of common sense.

While the MBP is yours, and you should be free to do what you like with it and treat it how you like, through the warranty you do still ask Apple to be responsible for your usage on some level. So if you be mindful of that you will be easily guided as what Apple would feel as acceptable.

By the way, while your MBP isn't as delicate as it might seem, just be sure to avoid screws and joins and stick to solid surfaces, which includes the wristpads. While you don't want to make it difficult in a repair scenario nor do you want any tech to damage your decals. 🙂

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Answer 2

Honolulu

Level 3

950 points

Mar 6, 2007 10:33 PM in response to annasense

I'm not from Apple but you have a couple of options.

First as long as they are on the outside of the MBP, it should effect operation and therefore won't effect your Apple Care.

If you want to be reassured, since you have Apple Care call them and ask. They'd be happy to tell you and it's free either calling the Apple Store (1-800-MYAPPLE) or Apple Care.

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Answer 3

Mar 7, 2007 5:27 AM in response to annasense

While I don't speak for Apple, just like the previous responder, you'll find that this is generally not a problem if you…

1) Don't complain about is cosmetic damage caused by the application or removal of the decals.

2) Don't apply them in sesitive areas such as over or near fan grilles etc.

3) They aren't heat retaining although if you stick to the top cover, which is most likely, then you've got little chance of this being a problem anyway.

Just be aware that if you send your MBP in for repair and if any part needs replacing that has a decal on it you aren't going to get that decal back. If you are concerned with your warranty, which is a good thing, then there's no harm in giving AppleCare a call and ask them directly on their policy(ies).

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Answer 4

Ricktoronto

Level 6

11,560 points

Mar 7, 2007 11:16 AM in response to annasense

One more thing - if you ever plan to upgrade to a newer or faster macbook, and sell your existing MBP you will probably see a huge reduction in value due to cosmetic defects. Used mac buyers are real fashionistas and this would render it unsaleable to a large part of your prospective population entirely and a lot of the rest would offer a lot less money.

Get one of those cool new plastic top and bottom shells in colour or transparent and add stickers to that.

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Answer 5

Mar 7, 2007 5:31 PM in response to annasense

If these are dry-transfer type rub-on decals, you'll want to look at some kind of acrylic fixer/overspray, as they tend to rub off pretty easily otherwise. I'm sure there's a tiBook/macbook pro modder site out there somewhere where folks could tell you what works best; I'd be afraid of borking up the finish otherwise.

I've seen some wicked tiBook mods in downtown Seattle recently - oh, to have artistic talent...

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Answer 6

annasense Author

Level 1

30 points

Mar 7, 2007 9:01 AM in response to annasense

Thanks, you two! I'll call Apple and post their response here.

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Answer 7

annasense Author

Level 1

30 points

Mar 7, 2007 9:52 AM in response to annasense

Okay, I called Apple Care and they said as long as it doesn't physically damage anything on the INSIDE (like, the working parts), then it is okay. So I won't rub too hard and it should be okay. 🙂

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Answer 8

Mar 7, 2007 11:22 AM in response to Ricktoronto

That's no fun. While your point is valid, where's the fun in customising an MBP plastic cover?

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Answer 9

annasense Author

Level 1

30 points

Mar 7, 2007 12:54 PM in response to infinite vortex

Yeah, it'll be my art... And I likely won't want to get rid of it because it's going to look soooo kick-butt. 🙂

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