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pbollin · May 8, 2007, 03:24 PM

I just got my new MBP today and am kind of disappointed with the fit and finish of it. The LCD doesn't meet the bottom part of the computer evenly and there was a nick in the Superdrive slot. In addition, when I put my left hand on the left palm rest to type, it makes a clicking noise, as if the palmrest has a small hollow space beneath it. I know that all of this most likely won't affect performace, but for such a highly priced machine, shouldn't we receive better? Does anyone else have similar problems?

badnewsblair · May 8, 2007, 04:33 PM

I have indeed experienced something like this with my first 17-inch Powerbook. But I just learned to live with it considering it was such a minor detail.

noirluispher · May 8, 2007, 07:28 PM

Don't accept that. I just experienced purchasing 2 refurbs and 1 brand new MBP 2.33. All 3 had defects in it. After my 3rd return I finally recieved a perfect laptop. I nearly gave up on Apple, but after 2 of the returns I recieved $100 refund and a 2G Shuffle for being patient.

TailsToo · May 8, 2007, 08:42 PM

Originally Posted by noirluispher

Don't accept that. I just experienced purchasing 2 refurbs and 1 brand new MBP 2.33. All 3 had defects in it. After my 3rd return I finally recieved a perfect laptop. I nearly gave up on Apple, but after 2 of the returns I recieved $100 refund and a 2G Shuffle for being patient.

What kind of problems did you have that you had it sent back?

noirluispher · May 9, 2007, 03:21 AM

The first 2 refurbs kept giving me the "Grey Screen of Mystery" and tech support called them DOA and sent me the RMA to returnthe . After the refurbs, I decided to try a new one, when the first one arrived it had a warped screen and would not close correctly. I returned it and this one (the 4th) has been perfect. After Refurb #2 they gave me a $100 refund and after new one #1 they gave me a 2G shuffle.

highstakes · May 9, 2007, 10:16 AM

Was your (pbolin) computer a refurb? I dont expect the refurbs to be in their best "shape".

ghporter · May 9, 2007, 10:46 AM

My MBP is one of the last of the Core Duo machines. Its fit and finish are superb. That's one of the standards people hold Apple to. I'd take that machine to a local Apple Store and point out the problems; they may just replace it out of hand. At the very least you should formally inform Apple one way or another; they can't correct issues they don't know about.

pbollin · May 9, 2007, 03:19 PM

It was new from the Apple Online store. The problem is the closest Apple Store is nearly 4 hrs away and I live in an area where there are no Apple resellers. Its not a big deal, as I am thinking about trading (up or down, depends on who you ask) to a Lenov T61, which has great specs for $1500. I would sell the MBP to my older brother, who currently owns a Dell, for $200 less than I paid for it and still end up with about $100 in savings. I love OSX, but everytime I use Vista on my desktop, it seems everybit as good for the grad school work I do, and I stay away from less than suitable sites to avoid viruses. In addition, I have heard from many people that Lenovo's are more likely to be able to handle the constant rough and tumble lifestyle that the computer would be sure to encounter in my backpack. I know you are all impartial to Apple, but does anyone think Lenovo has a good offering?

SpaceMonkey · May 9, 2007, 04:24 PM

Originally Posted by noirluispher

The first 2 refurbs kept giving me the "Grey Screen of Mystery" and tech support called them DOA and sent me the RMA to returnthe . After the refurbs, I decided to try a new one, when the first one arrived it had a warped screen and would not close correctly. I returned it and this one (the 4th) has been perfect. After Refurb #2 they gave me a $100 refund and after new one #1 they gave me a 2G shuffle.

Um, okay, that sounds like a completely different scale of defect than what the original poster is describing. The OP seems to be describing only minor cosmetic problems, whereas yours prevented the operation of the machine.

ghporter · May 9, 2007, 04:25 PM

CALL APPLE NOW. Tell them that you're unhappy with the fit and finish of your computer, and give them specifics (including measurements of how far off things are). They may send you the return box right away. Either way, the toll free call is all that it takes.

And we're not "impartial to Apple," we've very PARTIAL to Apple!

But at this point, you have an investment that includes a warranty; use it before you undercut yourself financially.

highstakes · May 10, 2007, 01:52 AM

^
Yeah give them a call if its a brand new machine..they will send you a box overnight and will send out a new computer once they get that computer (if Apple decides to give you a new machine).

newsushi · May 10, 2007, 09:18 AM

Originally Posted by pbollin

... In addition, I have heard from many people that Lenovo's are more likely to be able to handle the constant rough and tumble lifestyle that the computer would be sure to encounter in my backpack.

So basically what you're saying is a couple of minor cosmetic flaws that won't impact performance is going to make you switch to Vista ... when you're going to trash your notebook in a backpack anyhow? I suggest you sit back and think about what you've already said before wasting anymore time or money. Seriously...