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Tom Rudderham · Jun 19, 2003, 02:03 PM

I've started to get bubbles all over the bottom half of my Gigabook! I animate most of the day so my hands are resting next to the trackpad, I think the sweat is causing the bubbling. They're only small but there's 29 of them and it looks always dusty and dirty!
It's only cosmetic but I thought I should warn users with the latest 15" to be careful when resting their hands on the machine for long periods of time. I now put paper under my palms, feels nicer than warm slippery metal anyway!

Eug · Jun 19, 2003, 02:09 PM

6 months resting against the shell and no bubbling one mine, fortunately.

Can you post some pics?

euphras · Jun 19, 2003, 02:21 PM

The grey painted parts of the shell were normally not affected by the bubbling, only the lighter whitish painted (carbon frame with a copper grounding and finish painting). To my knowledge the copper is affected by sweat, reacts to bluish copper acetate, thereby expands and destroys the white finish painting, thus causing the "bubbling".

Post some pic�s, plz!

juanpacolopez · Jun 19, 2003, 02:27 PM

Originally posted by Tom Rudderham:
I've started to get bubbles all over the bottom half of my Gigabook! I animate most of the day so my hands are resting next to the trackpad, I think the sweat is causing the bubbling. They're only small but there's 29 of them and it looks always dusty and dirty!
It's only cosmetic but I thought I should warn users with the latest 15" to be careful when resting their hands on the machine for long periods of time. I now put paper under my palms, feels nicer than warm slippery metal anyway!

The paint _bubbles_ TOO!?

Damn... one more thing to be paranoid about

Beer Penguin · Jun 19, 2003, 02:55 PM

Apple will fix it for free, and they usually get it back to you within the week. When you call, the service rep will tell you that your warranty does not cover cosmetic defects. This is a lie, so have your warranty ready to read to him, and he'll transfer you right away.

I've always wanted to start a class action lawsuit, as it's obvious that the service reps are taught to lie about the warranty. I've even posted in multiple threads on Apple's forums about paint bubbling about what to say to the rep, and every time they're deleted within the hour.

mrmister · Jun 19, 2003, 04:13 PM

just be certain you are more chummy with the phone reps than beer penguin and you shouldn't have a problem.

Tom Rudderham · Jun 19, 2003, 05:04 PM

The actual bubbling might not be bubbling judging by what's been described here. They're small dark grey circlular bumps on the actual main part of the laptop (not the outer white rim) They look and feel like small bumps, everyone who's seen and touched them say they are bubbles. I'll post a picture as soon as I can. They started to appear about a month ago and more appeared over time.
I'm not bothered about Apple fixing it as I live in the UK and can't have it sent off, I'm right in the middle of production right now for our new film. Besides it's only cosmetic and don't affect the way the machine works!

Beer Penguin · Jun 19, 2003, 06:51 PM

Originally posted by mrmister:
just be certain you are more chummy with the phone reps than beer penguin and you shouldn't have a problem.

I'm always friendly. Maybe they've changed since I had to get mine fixed.

Tom Rudderham · Jun 29, 2003, 05:21 AM

Finally got a clear picture, I only have a mobile phone camera so I had to get the light correct!
The marks have grown to twice the size since UT2K3 arrived, obviously being playing too much!
Here they are on the left side of the machine (similar on the right)...

urrl5201 · Jun 29, 2003, 06:52 AM

I would NOT send it in till the warranty is almost up. I would instead look into non adhesive handrest pads as described in other threads here or simply not bother at all.
My 667 DVI was sent in 5 consecutive times till Apple finally repaired it right. It started as a paint problem but kept comming back with serious damage like a broken USB, hinges misaligned, big scratch on top of the LCD lid. That's why I say if it's only a few paint bubbles why take the risk? Wait till the warranty is almost up. They told me they will only repair paint damage one time anyway. Sold it after repair and got my gorgeous 17". The finish on it is incredibly more durable than the Ti. I have no "fear of flaking" anymore.

http://homepage.mac.com/bhardy3/PhotoAlbum34.html

Tom Rudderham · Jun 29, 2003, 07:38 AM

Good idea, I'll wait till October before thinking about sending it in. Right now though I'm using sticky notes to rest my hands on. Feels nicer to lean on and covers up the marks!

iWrite · Jun 29, 2003, 08:23 AM

Apple will fix it without a problem. In fact, they'll put the new case on it which does not have a paint problem. I had the same thing -- bubbling on the grey and crackling paint on the white trim.

I had my case replaced twice on one of my systems and now it has the new case and there is no paint problem at all.

Good luck.