Macbook case cracks on wristpad

Well, I took my laptop to Apple's Rancho Cucamonga (CA) store and the employee who took in my MacBook is insisting that I caused this damage to my MacBook saying that it is caused by closing the lid too hard (which I could not be more gentle) and that resting my hands on the case put pressure on the corners so they will charge me for this service. At that point since they were going to replace the main board anyways for the stupid audio jack red light no output problem which they also claim is not a product defect but "wear", I just said do it because it won't change the price of the flat $350 service fee level anyways (the main board is like $800 alone.).... If this happens again though I am going to have a very major gripe. The first time it happened I thought it was damage from my car wreck and so it was handled by insurance...

No changes in the repairs of this product. I had my computer repaired for the second time in early December. Now I am 2 months later and was actually almost cut from the issue occurring again for the 3 time. One time I can see this problem. Two times I start to get fed up. Now the third time is just ridiculous. Mac needs to stop using cheap plastic and fix this issue. I love that there customer care in the store is so great but it is time for the higher ups to sit down and fix the issue.

Thought an update to this condition is warranted:

I bought my white macbook in Jan 2008. I forgot to extend the warranty and sure enough the case cracked in Feb 2009.

So, I took it to the closest Apple retail store and figured I would need to beg. Boy was I wrong. Apple was great about it. They replaced the wrist rest top case free of charge.

Fast forward to Feb of 2010 and I'll be darned if it didn't happen again. I took it to the store and they replaced it on the spot. I didn't have to even leave it overnight. Now remember I am out of warranty and did not purchase the extended warranty.

This time it appears that the materials used are different than the original and hopefully more sturdy.

This is what I call fantastic customer service!! While it is clear that there is a durability issue with the plastic on the wrist rest, Apple has owned up to it and is providing great service. You get what you pay for and that is why I have no problem paying the premium for the quality of Apple products.

I really don't think that a competing non-Apple laptop maker would have done anything after the warranty period the first time, let alone the second time.

hi, i have just found a crack in the inner casing of my macbook, similar to the ones underneath the magnetic strips. Does this come under the guarantee? thanks

it happens to lots of people. FROM MARCH 2009 APPLE OFFICIALY REPLACES THESE MACBOOKS, BEING THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY MANUFACTING DEFECTS. Go to an Apple store and you'll have a brand new MacBook in just a couple of days!

Hey, sorry can i just ask you your opinion.
My macbook has the exact same problem, on both sides but to a worse degree. I have various other problems with my macbook such as; faulty disk drive, battery doesn't fit tight, hinges broken, the actual image on the screen is shifted to the left, leaving a black strip on the right. But most importantly, there have been numerous occasions where my macbook will turn off, and then when turned on, it makes the chime sound and produces a white screen, but instead of then showing the apple logo, a thick grey line appears down the screen. After weeks, it has turned on again.
So there are clearly alot of problems, but i am apprehensive about going into apple as it is out of warranty. But i do feel that as these are problems not caused by myself, that apple should be obliged to resolve?
Please give me your thoughts,
thanks x

Yeah, I got it too (EXACTLY THE SAME-position crack)...

My Case= I've bought it about a year and plus 3-4mnths already.... Obviously it s out of warrant completely..... and I didn't go to Apple store to fix this problem, cuz I foresee that it would cost a lot.... anyway, If these damage is caused by the manufacture,

Q "Will Apple store still change for me?"

(PS. My macbook is bought in US. but now I am in Spain for study)

this has just happened to my macbook. will apple replace it if its not under warranty? if not how much is it to get a new casing?

I just had my macbook cracked on the wristpad too! i thought i was the most clumsy macbook user that it got cracked..anyway, i'm buying a case to protect my mac. wish i bought the aluminum!

Same thing happened to both my and my daughter's white Macbooks. We live hundreds of miles from the nearest Applestore or repair dealer, so both have been superglued and this seems to have worked fine so far.

This defect has just appeared on my father's laptop and when I noticed it I couldn't think how it could have happened. I was concerned that he'd be furious with me, but now that I've found out it's a relatively common problem perhaps he'll be a little more understanding. This sort of thing has never happened to any other laptops we've owned. I feel sorry for the people whose livelihood relies on the daily use of their Macbook.

I really appreciate the time taken to put this article online and would like to thank all that commented also - it's a weight off my mind.

I had this with my white Macbook, and with 70 days left on my hardware warranty, Apple directed me to my local support place and it was replaced in 48 hours. I was very impressed with the service. However, how long until it happens again?

I'm having the same problem with my macbook. You said you were treated well at the macstore. Were these problems fixed free of charge only in the warranty? Our cracks started while the computer was in warranty but we live VERY far from the nearest apple store and couldn't take it in. Do you think that they will still replace it because of a problem that is obviously a manufacturing defect?

OH YEAH....i ordered one of the moshi palmguards too...so maybe that thing will totally stop it from breaking off. those things have great reviews too....*trust*...i live on Google...i know what im talkin about here. 

i won a white 13in. macbook from a radio contest..brand new outta the box! and 1 week later i notice on the right edge....a potential crack!!! i treat my mac like a newborn baby too..i dont get it. i am goin to a craft store and getting the Scratch Guard Self-Stick Felt Pads...dont care if it looks dorky or gay....if itll help and prevent it from cracking (because it hasnt just yet) then ill stick em on there. its the darn magnets i swear..because the camera looks as if its starting to detach also.

I just noticed it today and was a bit bummed out. However, after reading this post I'm now happier, thanks!

I'm considering waiting until after the holidays to take it in... :)

Hi all, i just got my 2 year old macbook topcase replaced by the apple store for free outside of warranty. It took 2 days to do. Lets hope this one lasts! (am waiting for the Blu-ray read/write option to become available on the new aluminium macs then ill upgrade...shame about ditching the firewire on the macbook though i would have bought one otherwise.).

mine has done this too and i am getting it fixed tomorrow. should i bring proof of apple care or can they look it up on my laptop/do they have record of it?

Yep, my Black MacBook has done this, and my mothers White MacBook is going the same way.

I had the same problem, so I signed up for a time with my local Apple store's Genius Bar (you can do this online.) When I got to the Apple store, they had the part in stock and were very kind about fixing the problem. All in all the repair took approximately an hour and a half and I now have a brand new top shell to the bottom half of my Macbook. They replaced the keyboard, track pad, and everything ... for free, because my Macbook is still under warranty. I am sure that since this is such a common problem, one whose warranty is up could still get this repair done for free or a low price. I think I am going to take the suggestion of someone below and put the small, stick-on felt tabs on the computer to prevent this problem from recurring. That, and closing the computer very, very carefully.

I have had lower keyboard surround and bezel both replaced under the warranty period and the lower keyboard surround has failed again.Problem seems to be that there is now support for the spacer strips on the bezel. The lower keyboard rests on the edge of the outer shell and it is at that point where failure occurs. A design floor as far as I can tell. I am devising a mod to overcome this floor.

Yup, I have this problem. On the right hand side, just like in those pictures. It virtually appeared out of nowhere. I don't mishandle my laptop and I keep it in protective casing. So, I'm taking this to get it replaced. I heard that they redesigned the outer casing for Macbooks to prevent this problem so I am going to get a new case, top and bottom and I urge others to do the same.
Honestly they should recall Macbooks over this. For the price paid, this design flaw is unacceptable.

did the apple store fix it for you? if they did, how long did it take for them to fix it?

As with everyone else, I have had the same problem. I brought it in and they repaired it as with everyone else. However, when I got mine back my mother ingeniously thought of a way to prevent it from happening again without inhibiting the ability of my laptop to close or the magnets to keep it closed. I took two white (or black) little (about an inch across) round felt like stickies that you put on the bottom of furniture legs to keep it from scuffing up a nice floor and placed one on each side where the cracks appeared about vertical with the end of the key board on left and right to cushion it. It has worked perfectly with the only problem being the little white stickies turn grey from dirt after a while, but you can take um right off and remove the left over adhesive with rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth and put two new ones on. It's a cheap, inexpensive, and faster way of preventing the problem than sending it in if there is no Mac store near you. =)

i feel like your idea has saved the day! im totally gona do it be4 mine starts to crack...its gettin ready to and mine is a week old! thanks soo much for the ideer. 

I can't believe this either. I loved my old ibook and wish it was still alive. I think this might be the last mac laptop for me. I don't like shelling out a premium to have problems like this. It is inconvenient and now I have to purchase a warranty for two laptops because of this problem. Definately last time I invest in an apple product!

Well if you invest in another company's laptop that has a defect, they'll simply deny the repair and you'll have to pay to fix it. Your position isn't well thought. Trust me, I've dealt with them all, and Apple is the only one who repairs defects outside of warrantees. But if you like dealing with scripted "English" speakers from Bangalor Valley India on tech support calls, and love "the company's always right" treatment, then be my guest and go buy a Dell.

Mine will be a year old in October and it has a crack on the wrist pad AND on the bottom along the length of the vent. I even purchased a $70 padded case to prevent this trash from happening. While it is no charge to repair and takes only days, it's a huge inconvenience and serious flaw! I'm very disappointed that this is even an issue for a giant like Apple.

i have the white macbook 1 yr old and just noticed the exact same problem in the same spot! i'll take it in to the apple store in santa monica and let everyone know what they said

J

I have had my Macbook for 2 years now. I have the same problem as everybody else, in fact I am on my 3 keyboard/wrist pad now. Both times I had it replaced the Apple store in Brea, CA. They were very willing to replace it for free even though my computer is way out of warranty. For Apple to do this is amazing. No other computer manufacturer would do anything like this for free. I am a loyal Apple user now. Plus I save hours of time compared to most of my friends who fiddle with numerous virus problems with their PC's.

Mine cracked -- had it replaced (it took about 2 days)
I have had it for a month now and it has cracked again....

This is my first and last MAC.........
$1200+ I paid for this cheap plastic computer..........
It looks nice but you have to handle this thing like you are carrying plutonium

I get asked often by people if they should buy one of these MACBOOKS

I tell them run away from these cheaply built laptops

Apple should definitely have a recall on this and design a case that is not so brittle..

Ditto. Just noticed it today with a little sliver hanging off.

I've heard of people getting CS codes (customer service authorizations) to get this cracked case problem fixed even after the warranty expires. So it's worth mentioning when you call Apple that you know this is a common problem and a manufacturer defect, if the rep is telling you that you'll have to pay for the repair. The hard cases - I'm guessing you mean the ones by Speck - do not help prevent these cracks or keep them from getting worse, because these cases stop just below the seam between the two types of plastic, on the front of the MacBook. I can testify personally to this, as my computer developed a nice, long crack _after_ I put on the Speck case. That said, I recommend the Speck case anyway because it does offer some protection from spills, scratches etc. and is fun to decorate. :)

I just discovered a crack and a piece of the casing hanging off.... bummer. I'm glad to here that apple will take care of it, as they should.
Does anyone know if the see through hard cases remedy the situation at all? And if yes, maybe Apple should buy us all one.

I had the exact same problem, so I took it to an authorized apple service center and they fixed it free of charge. Actually, not only did they change the top case, but also the keyboard butons and the touch pad. It took 3 days though.
It would cost around 200 US (270 singapore dollars) to fix this if you are out of warranty.

If I take it to an apple store, would they really fix it for free??

Do they really fix it for free??

I had this same exact problem. Apple fixed it for free with no questions.

~Andrew

I've had my macbook for just under a year and just discovered a crack on the wrist pad. Looking at all the comments--this is definately a manufacturing defect!

Did everyone buy their macbook in 2007?
I'm with you Bernard, let's get everyone together and file a petition, email me at kiskanomi@gmail.com if you're interested.

Best,

Tara

Hello Everyone,

I am a grad student and I really use my machine! T have had this top case crack FOUR TIMES! Apple has replaced it every time, but what happens after the warantee? This a DEFECT and they know it. I seriously am thinking about starting a class action suit against Apple about this. This has caused me many waisted school DAYS because of this design flaw. The internet is flooded with photos of people that have the same problem.

Best Regards,
Bernard Asagai

Same problem, eight months after warranty's end. I haven't looked in to getting it fixed yet, I just went with scotch tape, the stuff is great.

I had no idea it could be replaced free after warranty, thanks guys.

This just happened to my white Macbook too. I had assumed it had something to do with the weight of my wrist, but I see this is a common problem. Thanks for the post. I'm going to take it in.

I just took my MacBook to the Apple store in Seattle and they will be replacing the cracked case at no charge.

Just sign up for a Genius Bar appointment and they will help you. The part wasn't in but they said they would phone me in a few days to get it fixed.

Hi all same problem, about to get third time fix tomorrow - I was assured last time that Apple would fix out of warranty machines, as this is an acknowledged defect - we shall see! I'd rather not be taking back a product every couple of months to get a cosmetic fix when clearly there is a design defect to blame, I will be pushing for a replacement product but don't rate my chances, one can only try. Good luck to the rest of you as this will be an ongoing problem with your machines.

i just had this occur to me today - the piece has cracked off. the machine was out of warranty, as it is now 15 months old .. but i just called apple support and they have agreed to replace at no cost :-)

*single, I don't knowingly singe my laptop

I got my MacBook in April 2007 and this exact thing happened to me in September 2007. A MAc outlet replaced the case for me and it was only out of my possession for one night which was impressive, now the same thing has happened again, it's not about treating it better; to prevent this you would have to close the laptop very carefully every singe time you use it. As obvious as this sounds it's not realistic to spend 5-10 seconds closing a laptop so it is very much a manafacturer's defect otherwise they wouldn't so readily replace it. So yeah as I said I'm on my second 'hole' now and I'm in two minds whether to get it fixed, i think I will because it doesn't look very nice and as someone else said stuff like sand could get in it and really do some damage. Might as well keep getting it fixed until my warranty runs out.

Look in to Applepeelz. I have a set for my new MBP and after seeing all the knicks and indentations on the 3M layer, I'm glad that I had them or else they would have been on my case.

Apple covered the new keyboard without hesitation. I went to the Santa Clara, CA store. The repair took about an hour and I was back in business.

The 2 pictures on the right look exactly like my Macbook. I will be taking it in and will hopefully be giving a positive response soon.

had the same thing, try not wearing a watch, first on the left then right,
try treating it a little better, I 'm a teacher and i abuse it opening and closing as often as i do, You sold your macbook b/c of this? Chron sounds like too muchof the Chron..... I used Scotch tape , 3m best you know....sold it? ok JEENyUS
but i guess i can bring it in , 3 yr warantee too? probably ...
tks, Dubai, that'll be tough, check the mall in UAE?, next to the Chik fil A?

it is called wear and tear, manufacturers defect no , thin plastic yes

Does anyone know if Apple is covering these repairs on machines past the 1 year warranty period? I just noticed mine starting to crack last night. I got my macbook in Oct 2006 so it is about 3 months past the warranty. Typical!

Yep same thing - glad to see a positive result in getting it fixed - will see what happens when I return it to my dealer here in Dubai.

Poor design though - its my wife's machine and she complains it's not actually as comfortable as her old iBook as the wrist pad doesn't sit flush like it used to.

Yep, take it to your local Apple store — the repair takes no time at all.

I sent my Mac in on the 17th and it was returned to me on the 21st with all repairs covered.

Yep, take it to your local Apple store -- the repair takes no time at all.

Same thing has happened to me, and I have a black MacBook. Any way we can get this repaired?

This just happened to me. This is the second time I have had cracks in my case. I also have cracks again near the fans possibly due to the heat.

Sameshiit happend to me.Its cronic.I sold my macbook beacuse of it :(((

I have this exact problem.

Sadly, I first noticed it while in the Sahara Desert on a motorcycle expedition to Cape Town. I got the 'super glue' out and stuck it back - I didn't want to get any more sand in it.

Oh well, it gives my MacBook that well lived in look!