Macbook case bulge and lid issue

Question

Level 1

4 points

Macbook case bulge and lid issue

Hey,

I'm sure this issue may have surfaced earlier but I'd rather not spend all day trying to find it specifically.

The issue with my machine is that right above where the magsafe connects the top case is bulging up slightly, actually enough for me to fit my pinky nail underneath! As well closer to the front the side of the case bulges out directly where one of the case screws is located. It has no noticable affect on performance or anything but this thing is just a few days old and its a little disappointing.

Also when I close the lid of the machine it doesnt actually close flush/centered, what I mean is that it sticks out to the left side slightly, it sort of turns to the left, it's hard to explain.

At any rate! Some of you experts.. should I call Apple and ask them about the issue and see what to do? The closest store is in Atlanta and I'm in Chattanooga, again it doesnt affect performance but its only a few days old and its really annoying to find an issue like this so early on.

HELP!

Macbook 2.16 GHZ 120 GB H.D., Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Posted on Jun 5, 2007 11:14 AM

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Answer 1

First Magus

Level 7

21,299 points

Jun 5, 2007 11:27 AM in response to chaindrive

Since it is only a few days old you should call apple. They have a 14 day return policy and you should be able to get it replaced with one that does not have these defects.

Mort

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Answer 2

chaindrive Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 5, 2007 11:38 AM in response to First Magus

Actually that might end up being the route I take, but it was such a pain in the rear to get 2500+ songs from my P.C. to this thing. I guess if it means having one thats actually put together right I need to give it a shot.

A little more investigation and it looks like the case screw isn't actually tightened into the case at all, thats just unacceptable to me.

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Answer 3

Jun 5, 2007 8:05 PM in response to chaindrive

Welcome, fellow mis-aligned OS Xer.

If they refuse to let you replace it, there are a few... home brewed methods ive done to "un-bend" my MacBook Pro.

1. For the "not-flush-in-the-center" issue, fold up long pieces of paper and wedge it underneath the computer where it bulges up, next, place a textbook ontop of the computer (mind you, not an uber heavy one, but just enough to put constant pressure on) , next, wait a day or 2 for the molecular structure of the case to "bend again". This also fixes the "bulge-in-the-centre' issue many MBP owners are intreoduced with. Best of all, it doesnt involve A-Care Phone Support or mailing 1500$-3000$ computers.

2. For the "bulge-on-the-power-plug", repeat step 1 , but instead keep the lid open and place a textbook more on top of the problem area :P.

These helped me, i dont know if they will help you, but it doesnt hurt to try. ^^

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Answer 4

Jun 5, 2007 8:08 PM in response to Neoblackout

Edit: I've also noticed that if you close the computer from the bulging upward side, it tends to get rid of this issue. I think it has to do with the fact that both sides of hinges arent connected, and twist at differant times.

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Answer 5

Jun 5, 2007 8:25 PM in response to chaindrive

I can't really speak to the issue above the magsafe adapter, but the issue with the bottom case/screw on the left side of the computer, I believe that it is the case on almost every Macbook. The left side bottom case, where the second screw is, is loose on mine, my sister's, and when I asked here, many others' as well. So i wouldn't really fret about that one.

My top is also probably ~1mm off as well, and a little loose. But, do you really think you are going to get a perfect one? The chances are slim. Every computer I have ever had has had some slight defect. Though it is up to you to decide what is supportable or not. But the loose casing on the bottom where the screw is is common.

Best,
AB

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Answer 6

3X Champ

Level 2

160 points

Jun 5, 2007 10:38 PM in response to chaindrive

I think I have yet to see a perfectly aligned MacBook. In fact, I am in the wireless phone business and I don't really see many perfectly aligned wireless flip phones either. If you look closely at the picture of the closed MacBook on the box that it came in, (on the Black one anyway) even that model is off in alignment. (Look at the right front corner vs. the left where the top and bottom meet.) If it is performing well, I would let it go. There have been a few times when I exchanged something for cosmetic issues and ended up having on-going performance problems and wishing that I had stuck with the original.

Of course, if it really bothers you that badly, then exchange it.

2.16 Intel Core Duo MacBook (Black) Mac OS X (10.4.9)

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Answer 7

astray

Level 1

65 points

Jun 5, 2007 10:56 PM in response to chaindrive

The two screws towards the front of the MB on the left side are cosmetic. They don't actually attach to anything inside and aren't supposed to. Don't worry about that. As for the other misalignments, I would take it back and exchange it. Just give the new one a thorough once over before you leave the store. Good luck.

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Answer 8

3X Champ

Level 2

160 points

Jun 5, 2007 11:09 PM in response to astray

Is yours perfectly aligned?

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Answer 9

astray

Level 1

65 points

Jun 6, 2007 8:00 AM in response to 3X Champ

I wouldn't say perfectly, but it doesn't have any major bulges. Just the slightest amount of separation between the case and the keyboard on the left side by the useless screws. The lid is nearly perfect. I wouldn't say it was even a milimeter off.

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Answer 10

chaindrive Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 6, 2007 7:56 PM in response to chaindrive

I see, well thanks for the information about the screws, that seems really pointless, maybe they do it for false security? At any rate I would say the screen is misaligned by about a milimeter or so and to correct myeslf it sticks forward slightly when close not off to the left.

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Answer 11

Jun 6, 2007 9:55 PM in response to chaindrive

Actually that might end up being the route I take,
but it was such a pain in the rear to get 2500+ songs
from my P.C. to this thing. I guess if it means
having one thats actually put together right I need
to give it a shot.

A little more investigation and it looks like the
case screw isn't actually tightened into the case at
all, thats just unacceptable to me.

Go to www.download.com and download iGadget it lets you upload things from your iPod to your hard drive on your computer. If this is the method you've already used, kudos to you! I have done this from switching songs from my PC, to my iPod to my college laptop and then to the new MacBook. Just make sure to turn your screen saver and any kind of power savers off before the transfer, as it will take a long time. The good part though is that you don't need to stand there checking on it.

**I only suggest this though if this does not infringe on any kind of copyright laws what-so-ever.**

MacBook Mac OS X (10.4.9)

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