[Handsomelad]

My 15 inch, 3 month-old MBP slipped off of my bed. There's a sizable dent on the bottom right hand side, left of the disk drive and port if you're looking directly at the side. The computer, as far as I can tell, still works fine. However, there's a small gap in the aluminum beneath the dent.

I have Applecare, and I know it doesn't protect against accidental damage. Will there be any future problems caused by this dent? What should I do?

Thanks

[chabig]

It's doubtful. Your machine will probably be fine. Sorry about the accident, though.

[imitchellg5]

The machine should be fine like chabig said. If it really bothers you, you can replace the bottom case though. It runs about $250 I believe.

[ghporter]

Originally Posted by imitchellg5 

The machine should be fine like chabig said. If it really bothers you, you can replace the bottom case though. It runs about $250 I believe.

A potential compromise would be to take the bottom case off and tap out the dent...it won't turn out perfect (unless you have miniature auto body work tools), but it won't be a "DENT!!!" And it'll give the machine character.

[mduell]

Originally Posted by Handsomelad 

I have Applecare, and I know it doesn't protect against accidental damage. Will there be any future problems caused by this dent? What should I do?

Yes. Be prepared to an epic hassle every time you send the machine in for completely unrelated component failures.

Been there, done that.

[ghporter]

mduell's point may make that $250 bottom case replacement much more tempting... I'd forgotten about "abuse first, check for evidence later" attitude at the Genius Bar...

[AKcrab]

Originally Posted by imitchellg5 

The machine should be fine like chabig said. If it really bothers you, you can replace the bottom case though. It runs about $250 I believe.

If it's just the bottom case, and NOT the unibody part, it would be $85 in my shop. The unibody top case would be $342.

[imitchellg5]

Thanks for the clarification, that's more specifically to what I'm referring to (the unibody top case). From his description I think that's the part we are looking for. Odd, the newer MBPs must be more expensive than the rev A, I pulled out my work order for mine and it shows $248. But that was in 2008.

[turtle777]

make matching dents in the other corners, then it won't look like it was an accident.

-t

[ghporter]

Originally Posted by imitchellg5 

Thanks for the clarification, that's more specifically to what I'm referring to (the unibody top case). From his description I think that's the part we are looking for. Odd, the newer MBPs must be more expensive than the rev A, I pulled out my work order for mine and it shows $248. But that was in 2008.

Price differences probably come from the different manufacturing processes. Older cases appear to be stamped, while Unibody cases are CNC milled (you could probably call them "billet cases"). Lots more work goes into that, and while the finished part does a lot more, it's still the part that gets dented now and then, so it's the part that needs replacing...

[smacintush]

Originally Posted by turtle777 

make matching dents in the other corners, then it won't look like it was an accident.

-t

I would just batter the whole thing and go for a totally distressed look.

[chabig]

Fill it with Bondo, sand, paint, and voila!

[phuture]

Did you pay with a credit card? Check what your card agreement says. Because (all depending on what card you have) while most cards provide an automatic extended warranty beyond the mfr's on what you buy, some good ones actually cover accidental damage. Might be worth a shot to call your card company and ask them (...or tell them you need to make a warranty claim and see what happens from there lol)

[Waragainstsleep]

MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Bottom Case

Apple need never know.

[driven]

I had that problem a few years ago with my (pre-unibody) 15" MBP. I went to an "authorized" Mac service center. They banged out the dents for a nominal fee. I was very happy with the results. Apple themselves will want to replace your entire case, which is far more costly.