[IronPen]

Do you protect your screen from the keys on the 12" PB? The keys are raised, but it looks like the rubber feet keep the screen from touching the keys, much like the iBooks. I know the TiBooks and the Prismos had the problem with the keys touching the screen. I want to be sure my investment is protected and looking good for years to come. It came with a foam piece over the keyboard, but I'm not sure I NEED it.

[Spheric Harlot]

The 12" Powerbook does NOT have this problem.

People have asked the same question repeatedly over the last months on these boards and elsewhere, and never has anyone come forth and claimed to have this problem.

The old Powerbooks had this problem because the removeable keyboard would flex up against the screen when the machine was jostled in transport. The Aluminum 'books have non-removeable, rigid keyboards (that, btw, beat even most desktop keyboards I've used to date for feel - they're simply superb).

I've had mine since March, have never used any protective cloth or such like, and the monitor is pristine (could do with a cleaning though ).

Be unconcerned.

-s*

[AssassyN]

Yep, the 12" PB doesn't have this issue (thank goodness). I've toted mine around in very uncomfortable backpacking circumstances and the keys have yet to leave marks.

[jon_hh_68]

I have had a 12 inch PB since March and definitely there are keyboard marks on the screen. I have carried it around a minimal amound of time in a backpack. Most of the time when I am not using it, it is sitting on my desk closed with no pressure on the lid. There are also marks from around the trackpad button. The good thing is that the marks are not noticible when facing the screen head on, and only noticible when watching the light reflected off the screen from an angle.

I would definitely use a piece of paper to keep the marks off the screen.

Originally posted by AssassyN:
Yep, the 12" PB doesn't have this issue (thank goodness). I've toted mine around in very uncomfortable backpacking circumstances and the keys have yet to leave marks.

[Mastrap]

No problems here. Tons of travel, no marks at all.

jon_hh_68, if you're getting marks from your MAc sitting on your desk then something is wrong. The 12" has been designed to eliminate this problem.

[jon_hh_68]

I think this problem is happening more often then not. The people at the Apple Store in Walnut Creek were not surprised at all when I told them about it, and recommended I get I clear. They also sold these little neoprene keyboard protectors that were designed to fit the 12 inch. I did not get one because they were $10 and put pressure on the screen. Paper is cheap.

Originally posted by Mastrap:
No problems here. Tons of travel, no marks at all.

jon_hh_68, if you're getting marks from your MAc sitting on your desk then something is wrong. The 12" has been designed to eliminate this problem.

[MacNStein]

Originally posted by jon_hh_68:
I think this problem is happening more often then not. The people at the Apple Store in Walnut Creek were not surprised at all when I told them about it, and recommended I get I clear. They also sold these little neoprene keyboard protectors that were designed to fit the 12 inch. I did not get one because they were $10 and put pressure on the screen. Paper is cheap.

Your's would be the first 12" PB I've seen with that issue, and I see quite a few of them (I fix Macs for a living). Thus, you probably have one of two problems, or a combo of both. 1) Your display is bowed inward due to an unusual amount of pressure having been applied on the LCD. 2) Your KB is sitting too high up for some reason. This is NOT a common occurence and you should have a few mm of clearance at all times (2mm for the KB and 3 to 3.5 for the palmrest).

[Spheric Harlot]

Originally posted by jon_hh_68:
I think this problem is happening more often then not. The people at the Apple Store in Walnut Creek were not surprised at all when I told them about it, and recommended I get I clear. They also sold these little neoprene keyboard protectors that were designed to fit the 12 inch. I did not get one because they were $10 and put pressure on the screen. Paper is cheap.

If I could sell a dirt cheap neoprene sheet for ten dollars a pop every time somebody asked, I'd do my darndest not to act surprised either.

-s*

[IronPen]

It sounds like the 12" should be fine. I didn't want to go a long time and ignore what I've seen in person so many times with older PBs and have my nice LCD marked up. And the keyboard is nice. It really takes a light tap to hit the key. Easy on the hands and very solid.

[jon_hh_68]

I have examined my screen closely and it is flat and not bowed inward. On close inspection of my powerbook, the top of the keys are about 1.25 mm above the sides of the powerbook. There is a 1.5 mm gap between the screen and the body of the powerbook. If I look closely between the screen and the keyboard when the powerbook is closed I can see there is a gap between the screen and the keyboard. However, if I gently press on the screen, simulating the pressure of carrying the PB in a backpack, I can see the screen flex enough to hit the keyboard. This is the most reasonable explanation for the keyboard-shaped marks on my screen. I think I would still recommend placing a piece of paper between the screen and the keyboard for 12 inch owners.

Originally posted by MacNStein:
Your's would be the first 12" PB I've seen with that issue, and I see quite a few of them (I fix Macs for a living). Thus, you probably have one of two problems, or a combo of both. 1) Your display is bowed inward due to an unusual amount of pressure having been applied on the LCD. 2) Your KB is sitting too high up for some reason. This is NOT a common occurence and you should have a few mm of clearance at all times (2mm for the KB and 3 to 3.5 for the palmrest).

[IronPen]

It is the only way to be absolutely sure, so I agree. However, I don't put my PB in a backpack with other materials or books that might lean against it or put excess pressure on the machine, so I don't think this will be a problem for me. Thanks!