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rcl1221 · Jun 2, 2006, 03:06 AM

I am having the flaking issue with my black macbook. Above the top edge of the screen, at the lip of the lid. It looks like there is a clear, semi-translucent coating over black plastic. The coating is flaking off. And I have been treating the computer with kid gloves.

Not major, but I’d be interested in trying to get the computer replaced. Anybody have any idea on how I should go about doing this? Could really appreciate some good advice. It's barely noticable, and I'm almost positive that the rep at the store is "not going to be able to see it".

http://web.mac.com/ck420/iWeb/Site/macbook.html

sieb · Jun 2, 2006, 03:12 AM

I think per Apple Support, the laptop has to go back to where it was purchased from.

chipchen · Jun 2, 2006, 03:27 AM

Repaired... possible.. replaced... probably not. You MIGHT be able to get it replaced if you JUST bought it from an APPLE STORE... but if you got it anywhere else, you'll get the "go tell it to Apple" response. Even still, at an Apple store, they would view that as cosmetic. Being that the cosmetic doesn't effect the performance of the computer, they may consider it within spec.

jere_69 · Jun 2, 2006, 07:48 AM

I definitely can see it. I would at least try and return it.

masugu · Jun 2, 2006, 10:27 AM

Try now...document it if they do not take it...and when it gets worse (which I bet it will) go back again. Sorry this is happening...I really want a BlacBook, but not if it is going to deteriorate this quickly. I have a PB Ti - the painted case - but it still looks new. Guess I babied it.

Socially Awkward Solo · Jun 2, 2006, 10:43 AM

Try to exchange it immediately.

Jawbone54 · Jun 2, 2006, 11:16 AM

BlacBook flaking seems to be more of a paranoia-inducing problem than the bird flu.

Take that 'Book back!

SLiMeX · Jun 2, 2006, 12:18 PM

I believe this is the second cae of this happening, besides the other thread in this forum.

Also - I dont know how many other people baby thier MacBook like me, but I take care of this thing, and I was curious if these flaking problems could be the result of mishandling.

rcl1221 · Jun 2, 2006, 04:50 PM

Trust me. I babied the thing.

I noticed the flaking about two days after I got the computer. I'll let you know how trying to exchange the thing goes.

snoopy199 · Jun 2, 2006, 05:34 PM

Bummer man, I suppose those initial reports are in fact true. they were quickly and resoundly decried as propaganda. While a few reports don't make the issue a major design error, it is discouraging nonetheless, especially for those black macbook owners

icruise · Jun 2, 2006, 05:41 PM

Well, I think the real question is, is this a problem that affects all black MacBooks or is it an isolated manufacturing defect? My hunch is that it's the latter, or else we would have been hearing a lot more about this.

Socially Awkward Solo · Jun 2, 2006, 05:44 PM

Originally Posted by Icruise

Well, I think the real question is, is this a problem that affects all black MacBooks or is it an isolated manufacturing defect? My hunch is that it's the latter, or else we would have been hearing a lot more about this.

Just to be fair the same thing was said when reports of the Nano scratching easily came out.

greenamp · Jun 2, 2006, 05:45 PM

grr

Hi I'm Ben · Jun 2, 2006, 05:56 PM

Originally Posted by SLiMeX

I believe this is the second cae of this happening, besides the other thread in this forum.

Also - I dont know how many other people baby thier MacBook like me, but I take care of this thing, and I was curious if these flaking problems could be the result of mishandling.

I treat mine like crap. No really, I purposely get iBooks (Now MacBooks) and abuse them to death. They usually only last me a year before they just up and fall apart on me. I have not noticed any flaking on mine however. Like I said in a previous thread, I thought it was flaking, but I took a damp cloth and rubbed it away. Turns out it was just something that had scrapped up on it.

masugu · Jun 2, 2006, 06:07 PM

Hmm....I am sure some 3rd party mfg will soon make a clear lucite case for BlacBooks that will add 1/4 of an inch to the notebook - but protect from scratches.

They'll make a mint off freaked out BlacBook owners!!!

icruise · Jun 2, 2006, 06:11 PM

Originally Posted by Socially Awkward Solo

Just to be fair the same thing was said when reports of the Nano scratching easily came out.

Well, I still think the nano scratching was overblown.

chrisutley · Jun 2, 2006, 10:37 PM

I saw the same issue on a display BlackBook at the Apple Store Cincinnati. Go see for yourself ... when you enter the store go left and walk all the way to the wall where there are 2 MacBooks and a 2 MacBook Pros. The black one is losing paint in the same place this dude's book is. Looks kind of harmless right now, but if it's like this after a week or so ... what will it look like after six-months?

rcl1221 · Jun 2, 2006, 10:53 PM

Went to the Santa Monica Apple Store where I bought the computer and they replaced it right away.

Kenneth · Jun 2, 2006, 10:58 PM

Originally Posted by chrisutley

I saw the same issue on a display BlackBook at the Apple Store Cincinnati. Go see for yourself ... when you enter the store go left and walk all the way to the wall where there are 2 MacBooks and a 2 MacBook Pros. The black one is losing paint in the same place this dude's book is. Looks kind of harmless right now, but if it's like this after a week or so ... what will it look like after six-months?

I noticed this 'defects' too while checking out those black MacBooks at the local Apple Store.

Dark Helmet · Jun 2, 2006, 11:11 PM

Originally Posted by Icruise

Well, I still think the nano scratching was overblown.

Do you have one? I thought the same until I got mine.

chrisutley · Jun 2, 2006, 11:14 PM

Originally Posted by mac off

Went to the Santa Monica Apple Store where I bought the computer and they replaced it right away.

I hate to say it, but don't you think it will happen again? Just seems like all BlackBooks will have this issue, not just some.

icruise · Jun 3, 2006, 01:03 AM

Originally Posted by Dark Helmet

Do you have one? I thought the same until I got mine.

I had one that I sold to my sister. It's still pretty much in pristine condition.

Simon · Jun 3, 2006, 02:04 AM

I haven't managed to get a sleeve for my BlackBook yet. And it still looks like new. No paint issues at all.

gjbeprise · Jun 3, 2006, 02:46 AM

Ahhh, the joys of owning a fully-loaded white MacBook

blackbird_1.0 · Jun 3, 2006, 03:25 AM

Originally Posted by Simon

I haven't managed to get a sleeve for my BlackBook yet. And it still looks like new. No paint issues at all.

Ditto.

macwayne · Jun 3, 2006, 08:32 AM

I've got a Blackmacbook and haven't had a problem at all with mine! No paint chipping, whining or mooing sounds...I love it!
It could possibly be a bad batch that came off the assembly line?

slugslugslug · Jun 3, 2006, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by chrisutley

I hate to say it, but don't you think it will happen again? Just seems like all BlackBooks will have this issue, not just some.

If all BlackBooks have this issue, surely a few of the many other BlackBook owners on this forum would have notice it by now. And surely at least one would have mentioned it. I think it's entirely plausible that only some BlackBooks will ever get it.

Hi I'm Ben · Jun 3, 2006, 10:20 AM

Because I don't care about what my laptop looks like more or less, yes I like the color but if it looks beat up I could give a care in the world, I started trying to scratch my own notebook. I think a lot of this stuff is nonsense.

No, i'm not talking anything too hard to it. But I've rubbed it along the side of my desk, dug at it with my finger nail. Things that are unavoidably going to happen anyway. The finish is fine, it's black. A few times it appeared white, then I realized it was just pieces of my skin that got ripped off my hand by the incredibly sharp edge. I took a damp cloth and wiped them away. They weren't even noticiable unless I was trying to see it anyway. I'm really interested to know what on earth people are doing to cause flaking. Just the other day I typed with my watch on and my wrist rubbing against the case, even then, no flaking. Perhaps one day mine will flake the white monster others are experiencing.

snoopy199 · Jun 3, 2006, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by slugslugslug

If all BlackBooks have this issue, surely a few of the many other BlackBook owners on this forum would have notice it by now. And surely at least one would have mentioned it. I think it's entirely plausible that only some BlackBooks will ever get it.

For the moment I don't think this is an epidemic but I do think its too early to pronounce that this is not a wide spread issue (or not). The MBs are so new, its too early to tell how durable the finish truly is. Remember how long it took for the Ti powerbooks to start having paint issues. A small number people had a problem early on, but for the majority it took a few months before their finish flacked off.

uicandrew · Jun 3, 2006, 10:27 AM

besides the whole "it's about principles" thing, could taking a black permanent marker and "touching it up" work? or would it rub off immediately?

i mean, maybe in a week or two, apple will admit design defect (ie - ipod nano screen breakage), but if that doesn't happen, is a black marker just as good?

i mean, many people shelled out money for ti paint but now this is black.

slugslugslug · Jun 3, 2006, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by darth-vader000

For the moment I don't think this is an epidemic but I do think its too early to pronounce that this is not a wide spread issue (or not). The MBs are so new, its too early to tell how durable the finish truly is. Remember how long it took for the Ti powerbooks to start having paint issues. A small number people had a problem early on, but for the majority it took a few months before their finish flacked off.

I know, but I wasn't pronouncing that it's not widespread, just saying it's also too early to announce that it is, which it seemed to me chrisutley was doing. As far as I'm concerned, the jury is still out on whether this is a problem with all or a few MacBooks (I think you agree here).

Heavy · Jun 3, 2006, 11:49 AM

My black one has been back and forth to work everyday with me. I don't have a case/bag for it yet. Rain or shine it goes, and I carry it around everywhere. It looks great. I still think it's the best looking notebook aesthetics wise.

masugu · Jun 3, 2006, 11:55 AM

Funny....I was so worried about my Ti Book. It never laked or chipped at all. The Fans in the 1GHz versions were suppoed to sound like an aircraft carrier as well...not mine. Maybe I got lucky. Maybe I will get my Blacbook today Dammit ;-)