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porsche993 · Apr 23, 2003, 09:51 AM

Well, something happend last night to my little 12" powerbook while it sat in my briefcase...because when I pulled it out and put it on my desk, it wasn't level - the case has warped. I now have to put a little pack of sugar under the left rear foot (and yes, all the plastic feet are intact) so that I can type. This is *NOT* cool with a $2200 computer.

So I call Apple support, and they tell me there's nothing they can do - there is a team of apple engineers studying the problem - and they'll get back to me. Uhhhh...riiiiiiight. I don't believe that for a second. This is the first glitch in an otherwise great experience, and I don't want to give the machine up, but It's really not very usable as-is.

Should I even bother taking it to the Apple Store here in Houston and trying to get them to replace it ??

sean

AssassyN · Apr 23, 2003, 10:03 AM

Unfortunately, case warping in a common issue w/ the Rev. A 12" PowerBooks in which you have one of. You *might* get a sympathetic worker at your local Apple Store to send it in for repairs or replacement, so yes, it's definitely worth a trip up there. Apple *may* fix this in the future, but for now your best bet is to head to the Apple Store with your PB in hand and a stern voice. Telling everyone in an Apple Store your Apple product is defunk can do a lot when the workers are placed in that position to say "Oh sure! We'll fix it!" Best of luck man.

porsche993 · Apr 23, 2003, 11:00 AM

I just recalled something about Aluminum from my engineering training, it bends...

I fixed my PB...I can bend it when it's hot. Just hold 3 corners on the table, and press down on one hanging off. The machine's chassis is made of Aluminum, and it's quite malleable.

Not sure if this is a permenant fix, but ladies & gentleman, you can bend your PB!

sean

PoisonTooth · Apr 23, 2003, 11:30 AM

OMG. This is a totally unacceptable problem. You should get a replacement NO QUESTIONS ASKED.

Apple's "support" and "warranty" are so inadequate it's laughable. It's amazing considering what they ask for their machines. If this were IBM, you'd be taken care of in a red second.

Mastrap · Apr 23, 2003, 11:57 AM

Originally posted by PoisonTooth:
OMG. This is a totally unacceptable problem. You should get a replacement NO QUESTIONS ASKED.

Apple's "support" and "warranty" are so inadequate it's laughable. It's amazing considering what they ask for their machines. If this were IBM, you'd be taken care of in a red second.

Bollocks. You're the local troll in this forum, right?

ibook_steve · Apr 23, 2003, 12:48 PM

I find that "twisting" the PB fixes the problem quite well, at least for a while. It's hard to describe, but depending on which corner is high, hold the PB with each hand on either end of the keyboard. Put pressure on the hand rest on one side and the bottom of the machine on the other. This works great for me. Yes, it's a known problem. If it bothers you so much, get a tilting Podium Coolpad and you'll never have to worry about it at your desk.

Steve

7Macfreak · Apr 23, 2003, 01:17 PM

try 'pushing down' one of the feet that might be bulging out more than the others. like press against it with force. that fixed it for me, permanently.

videian28 · Apr 23, 2003, 01:52 PM

teh fact that you have to use that kind of force on your PB is scary

they need to fix that, no questions asked

OwlBoy · Apr 23, 2003, 03:07 PM

I agree. I am having repair troubles of my own with a 12 inch Powerbook.

-Owl

escher · Apr 23, 2003, 03:09 PM

Originally posted by videian28:
teh fact that you have to use that kind of force on your PB is scary

they need to fix that, no questions asked

We've widely discussed the problem with "bent" 12-inch PowerBooks, here and elsewhere. It's a structural "problem" with the design of the PowerBook (if you consider it a real problem), so sending it back for repair isn't going to help. The only answer is to be pragmatic (like porsche993), bend the PowerBook back into shape, and hope that Apple will address this structural issue in the Rev.B 12-inch PowerBook.

On a related note, I've had the same problem with my iBook. Its front left foot doesn't touch the work surface. However, due to the iBook's plastic shell, it's impossible to bend it back into (flat) shape. Moral of the story: 12-inch PowerBook owners should consider themselves lucky.

Escher

PoisonTooth · Apr 23, 2003, 03:15 PM

Originally posted by Mastrap:
Bollocks. You're the local troll in this forum, right?

Um, no. I own a TiBook 1 GHz / 1 GB RAM. I call things like I see them.

Of course, if by "troll" you mean mindlessly brainwashed into thinking Apple can do no wrong and being willing to accept shoddy support of an expensive product, then yes, I suppose I am a troll.

PoisonTooth · Apr 23, 2003, 03:17 PM

Originally posted by videian28:
teh fact that you have to use that kind of force on your PB is scary

they need to fix that, no questions asked

Careful son! Mastrap is liable to label you a troll if you take objection to physically twisting and bending a $2200 notebook computer to fix a problem that should be readily covered by the warranty!

dettociao · Apr 23, 2003, 06:04 PM

Originally posted by PoisonTooth:
Of course, if by "troll" you mean mindlessly brainwashed into thinking Apple can do no wrong and being willing to accept shoddy support of an expensive product, then yes, I suppose I am a troll.

But wouldn't that mean you were willing to accept shoddy support? Which you apparently (and vehemently) do not appear to be doing.

So confused...

mindwaves · Apr 23, 2003, 09:00 PM

My PB wobbles very very bad, but yet it is within specs and Apple won't even fix it?? Geez, it wobbles like crazy......