DailyTech - Apple Admits MacBook Discoloration Problem

Submit News

Hardware Apple Admits MacBook Discoloration Problem
Tuan Nguyen (Blog) - July 4, 2006 3:30 AM

25 comment(s) - last by Macaholic.. on Jul 5 at 5:22 PM

Owners say that Apple does offer an exchange program

Several weeks ago, DailyTech reported that several new MacBook owners found that their units started to discolor along the palm rest area, touchpad area and other random areas. At first, many believe the problem was due to sweat and oils from hands, but the problem became more widespread. Users found that discoloration even occurred in areas where there was no human contact. The appearance of the problem shows up as a muddy light brown color on white MacBooks.

After further investigation, users found that calling into AppleCare support centers revealed that technicians already knew about the discoloration problem. Users were then offered replacement either when they went to a store location or through an AppleCare exchange program. Although reports say that an exchange may not occur across all regions, there have not been any reports where a MacBook owner was turned away.

Since its release, the MacBook has been facing a series of problems. The black MacBook itself has been reported to have flaky paint that would peel off the casing. Although the problem is greater than a single incident, it appears to be a rare case. Likewise, users have reported that Apple agreed to address the problem by replacing the affected case. Besides cosmetic problems, DailyTech also reported on a widespread case where many users received their MacBooks with a piece of thin plastic covering the rear vents. This caused many units to operate at excessively high temperatures. Apple responded to the problem by simply advising users to check their units.

Comments

Threshold

Username
Password
remember me

This article is over a month old, voting and posting comments is disabled

When quality fails...

By mazdahater on 7/4/2006 5:27:07 AM , Rating: 5

What was that ad the Apple ran a while back about intel processors being liberated from boring grey boxes, dutifully going about their boring old tasks ...

So now instead of living in boring grey boxes, these lucky intel chips get to live inside some other boxes that are get really hot, burst into flames, discolor, and whatever's going to happen next. My, what an exciting new life!

RE: When quality fails...

By Hare on 7/4/2006 5:32:43 AM , Rating: 2

Just like before... Everything you said has already happened on "normal" PCs. If someone is to blame it's MSI, which makes the macbooks.

Parent

RE: When quality fails...

By Johnmcl7 on 7/4/2006 5:54:58 AM , Rating: 2

As far as I'm aware it's Asus that build the Apple laptops, not MSI.

Also, on the article itself:

"The black MacBook itself has been reported to have flaky paint that would *peal* off the casing"

That should obviosly be peel...

John

Parent

RE: When quality fails...

By Hare on 7/4/2006 11:01:15 AM , Rating: 2

MacBook Pro is made by Asus. MSI makes the macbooks.

Parent

RE: When quality fails...

By bozilla on 7/4/2006 6:47:26 AM , Rating: 2

another ridiculous thing is that you are still defending Apple despite the fact, as you already said it, that they are not even building these laptops themselves. So what type of company exactly does that make Apple.

So this makes it official, they are using Samsung or LG monitors, WD/Seagate hard drives, ASUS or MSI laptops, now Intel processors and who knows who makes iPods. So Apple by this, is basically a software company that resells other companies' hardware and they slap Apple logo on everything. It's funny really. I think they should just buy Dell computers and just make a nice case. I think they would have less problems :)

But seriously though, this news comes as no surprise. They rushed everything out so they can turn money, since they are obviously losing money now. No sales at all for PowerMacs and other G5 related computers. The only thing they sell are these notebooks and iPods and they can't even make that right.

I wanted to buy a mac, but these days it seems that they are turning out to be the flakiest company on the market.

Parent

RE: When quality fails...

By Burning Bridges on 7/4/2006 7:19:44 AM , Rating: 2

I think you will find that a lot of companies don't build their own things.

It is cheaper and better value to go to an already trained workforce, rather than building them yourself. And Hard drives, monitors, etc etc have always been bought from other companies, and that is the case for almost all notebooks out there.

Apple desktops seem to be doing just fine, but I have to agree with you that the quality for which apple was well known just isnt there for this generation of notebooks.

Parent

RE: When quality fails...

By bozilla on 7/4/2006 7:30:43 AM , Rating: 2

Well I agree with you that other companies build computers the same way, however unlike Apple and it's big mouth in advertising, none of the other manufacturers present their computers as their own. They always include brand names of parts they used and don't forget that they are also much cheaper then apple's computers too. Apple is the only company that always presents all parts as Apple and even advertise as "it's a huge difference between beige PCs and Apple macs", which is ridiculous and completely misleading by itself.

They are nothing more at this point then souped up custom built PCs with a different OS.

Parent

RE: When quality fails...

By jtesoro on 7/4/2006 8:00:45 AM , Rating: 2

Actually, I think it's good thing when a company slaps their brand name on a product that they release to the market, regardless of who builds it or what parts it was made of. They're essentially putting their brand on the line and taking responsibility for it. If the parts suck and the product malfunctions, you can point the finger right at them.

In this case, Apple should take responsibility for it, and buyers should look to them and them alone. Apple should be the one dealing with MSI, ASUS or whoever assembled or supplied parts for the Macbook.

I'm not sure of the implications when you say that other manufacturers list their parts and do not present their computers as their own. If your motherboard dies, I hope they don't say that it's not their problem and you should "go talk to MSI. They're in Taiwan, by the way." If you bought your PC from Dell or Apple, and something happens, you talk to Dell or Apple. It's their issue.

Parent

RE: When quality fails...

By plimogs on 7/4/2006 8:26:35 AM , Rating: 2

Apple; We used to make computers.

Parent

RE: When quality fails...

By Hare on 7/4/2006 1:23:16 PM , Rating: 2

There are 3-6 BIG companies that make laptops. Companies like Apple actually do some designing but still outsources the actual construction. Alienware actually just buys Uniwill's computers and slaps a big logo on the cover and charges premium. Fujitsu Siemens uses the same chassis (Uniwill) as alienware. Lenovo made IBMs just a year ago. I quess using outsourced manufacturers makes Apple... Normal?

You didn't prove anything about Apple. The only thing you proved is that you need to do a bit of research before your flames.

The most ridiculous part was about using samsung or seagate harddrives etc. That's priceless. :)

Parent

RE: When quality fails...

By bozilla on 7/4/2006 7:17:29 PM , Rating: 2

They are designing their laptops? That's completely false they are doing exactly the same as any other computer "manufacturer" they order the laptops and just provide the look. No difference.

And you need to do a bit of research, Apple has been using LG or Samsung LCDs for a while now (I'm just not 100% sure which one of the two) and they used WD drives almost exclusively, which they are changing now to include other brands.

I've been looking at their computers for a long time now, so it's you who needs to get on with the reality. No flames intended, it was more of a joke then anything else. It's a joke because it is completely true that they are nothing more then a computer-assembly company these days.

Parent

RE: When quality fails...

By Macaholic on 7/4/2006 11:13:03 PM , Rating: 2

Oh, get over it!

One: Years ago, Apple was criticized for having their NIH attitude about technologies -- "NIH" meaning "Not Invented Here". But for years now, they use industry standard parts. I can go to any "PC shop" and buy RAM, hard drives, optical drives and many peripherals because Apple long ago adopted IDE, USB PCI and AGP -- and helped develop another interface standard on Macs AND PCs: Firewire.

Two: Do some bloody research, or check out a current Mac to see that they are FAR from simply slapping their name on a default laptop or desktop. SHEESH! The Intel-powered MacBooks themselves have MagSafe power connectors. No other Windows-based computer has this. Hardly any other (or any at all??) PCs have integrated webcams. Standard Firewire ports are also rare (usually an option)... and no other laptop that I know of has a backlit keyboard.. AND no PCs offer a media remote, unless you go upscale to a Win XP Media Edition system (which are far from the cheapest PCs out there).

AND no "PC" -- laptop or desktop -- can run Mac OS X, which kicks Windows' ass clear out the uh... window. "Computer assembly company"? In a pig's eye! Apple has been innovating their butts off, while Windows Vista wallows in a sea of mismanagement and broken promises.

I make no apologies for Apple's QC problems of late, and I welcome them being compared to a higher bar than most PC manufacturers, but to say that their hardware is simply re-branded PCs on the level of a $49.00 Wal Mart VCR is UBSURD.

BTW, have ya heard about the exploding Dell laptops? Try Googling "Dell laptop, fire".

Parent

RE: When quality fails...

By linkinpark342 on 7/5/2006 9:42:33 AM , Rating: 2

Oh gods please forgive me for this flame i am about to post:
One: I have never, EVER seen or heard of ANYONE buying/using 3rd party hardware with a Mac that would involve opening it. Whether it be for Fanboyism (must... buy... apple!) or lack of want to void the warranty (hell i'd buy Apple premium hardware to keep Apple support... if i had an Apple...), it just doesn't happen to 99.9% of the Mac population.

Two: MagSafe (i may be wrong on this one, i haven't read a lot about the thing), cosmetic and built by Apple AFAIK, one point to Apple's innovation division, -1 point to Apple QC (re: fire [AFAIK this issue still stands but as you can tell from my bias i'm an ignorant PC user]). I agree it is a Apple invention and as such they are most likely the only persons who create laptops with MagSafe or whatever rebranded version of it but if you're going to release a good idea like this, make sure there is absolutely no wiggle room for problems or the entire thing seems bad. Firewire, USB 2.0, AFAIK its not as fast but everything also uses USB 2.0 and the only thing i can think of that are exclusively firewire are digital media thingies. Backlit keyboard, cosmetic but +1 Apple Innovation, the IBM version with the light on the monitor is just not strong enough =/. Media remote, eh, my brother's has one and it was a cheap one he got from circuit city like 4 yrs ago. Also, where does Win XP version even fit into this? This has nothing to do with the operating system. However, like i said before, i am a slight bit out of the Mac loop and may be a bit off on some of this. ;).

AND: a) this is one of the most biased statements so far. b) linux kicks both their asses =P. c) I'm not sure as to the stability but: http://osx86project.org/ d) I want my WinFS too :-/.

(note: following paragraph is biased for my own pleasure, the rest of u can suck it up)
I: agree that a their hardware != a $50 rebranded Wal Mart VCR. I mean look at it! It can play ga.... wait...

BTW: Then buy an Asus, the key is that PC's aren't into one manufacturer/distributer (however u look at it, i'm staying out of htis argument :P)

Parent

RE: When quality fails...

By Macaholic on 7/5/2006 5:22:21 PM , Rating: 2

linkinpark342 sez:

"Also, where does Win XP version even fit into this? This has nothing to do with the operating system."

Actually, using a Mac is really all about the OS and how well it works with you and the apps that run on it. This, my self-admitted ignorant friend, is THE CLUE as to why people who know their stuff use a Mac. To paraphrase Clinton, "It's the OS, stupid".

Also, how THE HELL can you on the one hand dismiss Apple's backlit keyboard as "cosmetic", and yet on the other hand criticize IBM's light version as being ineffective -- the result being that your criticism of IBM's solution legitimizes the need for it? Either THE CONCEPT of illuminating keys in low light is cosmetic, or it's practical. Make up your mind (such as it is).

Some people in here are pretty hilarious. Their brazen display of ignorance and bias reminds me of some of those flakes on The Apprentice. You know? The ones who just don't care and comment poorly to the camera? Little do they know that their poor deportment is on display for every headhunter in the world to see. It's the same here; there's no need to cast insults at you people, because you make yourself look terrible in your own light. NICE GOING! :-)

Parent

RE: When quality fails...

By Master Kenobi

(blog) on 7/5/2006 11:36:40 AM , Rating: 2

Well actually, to rain on your parade, Apple hasn't had superior products for quite a few years now. This is just blatantly apparent since Apple generated hype, and then on a wide scale has been shown their products are sub-par. And just because I've got a few minutes to burn, I'll put a nice comparison up for you too. Then you can sit there and stew over it.

Windows based PC's can take advantage of the latest and greatest hardware on the market, Apple's can't.

Windows based PC's can utilize any off-the-shelf hardware, Apple's can't.

Windows operating system is superior in functionality and what its capable of doing. Refering specifically to data processing, gaming, graphic design (Yes a windows rig with high end hardware beats the pants off the mac, shut up and deal with it). Apple's OSX is a half-baked linux distro for dummies.

Windows based PC's with midrange hardware can be had for far cheaper than a standard mac.

And to drive this point home, the market reflects this. Apple won't go under by any means, Microsoft will keep them afloat just like before, because if they go down, Linux is not large enough to be considered a competitor and Microsoft goes back into court for being a monopoly again.

'nuff said, mac fanboys be quiet.

Parent

RE: When quality fails...

By Macaholic on 7/5/2006 1:02:59 PM , Rating: 2

'Cause you fail. You're so ignorant, it's hilarious.

Sub-par, eh? Let's see now... portables... the latest Intel Core Duo? Check. 667MHz front-side buss? Check. Latest Seagate and Fujitsu drives? Check. Digital audio i/o (optical) standard? Check (forgot those in my OP), Gigabit Ethernet? Check. Shall I go on? Go to Dell or HP etc. and compare.

I'll just add that Apple's new MacIntels run Windows FASTER than most "PC laptops": http://photoshop.weblogsinc.com/2006/03/24/macbook...

And how about Apple's "old" CPU? The G5? Still in use until Intel's new CPUs come out this summer, it hangs with the best of em (pity they run so hot):
http://www.barefeats.com/quad04.html

http://www.barefeats.com/mvdcpc.html
(in all of those "professional graphics apps" you cite, the G5 Quad KILLS 'em)

http://www.barefeats.com/macvpc.html
(dual G5 systems compete)

Your point about off-the-shelf hardware?? Sorry?? I cannot use off-the-shelf hardware in my Powermac?? Golly... what A DREAM I have been living in FOR FIVE YEARS, because I could swear I did all of this:

With a seven year-old G4 Powermac that is still serving today running the latest Apple OS and software, I went from:

128MB RAM to 2GB using of-the-shelf PC-100 or 133 RAM,
30GB 5400rpm 2MB cache ATA66 drive to two 160GB 7200rpm 8MB cache drives using of-the-shelf drives bought at "a PC store",
From a DVD-ROM drive to a Pioneer dual-layer burner using of-the-shelf PC.

Bought my printer at Costco, my scanner, digital camera and DV cam at BestBuy. Off the shelf.

The only proprietary components were the dual 1.3GHz G4 CPU upgrade and the ATI GPU. Important components to be sure, but only part of my upgrade puzzle.

On to OSes. You can think that Windows is superior. Fine. After all, it's a free country, but common opinions out there from reviewers OUTSIDE of fanboi camps say different. Given the struggles Microsoft has had with Vista, I'll be polite and leave it at that. I'll also be polite and not tell you to "shut up" as you did me. I believe your public display of ignorance is all the damnation needed here.

And Linux?? LMAO! Come come, now; surely you don't suffer from some delusion that it will rule the Desktop? Do you?? Or, eve beat OS X at rd party support and ease of use?My God; talk about NICHE MARKETSHARE and lack of third party support!! These ridiculous criticisms you tried to mount against Mac OS X might be better leveled at Linux. They'd be more accurate that way.

And finally, your comment that "Microsoft will keep (Apple) afloat just like before" is the most blatant example of your ignorance of your entire post. At having lost over 2Bln in just over two years, d you think that MS buying 150min in NON-VOTING STOCK made any difference? Apple lost that much in ONE FINANCIAL QUARTER! No, my ignorant Padawan, it was Steve Jobs returning, firing over half the board of directors and replacing them with excellent people as well as totally revamping the product line that made the difference. Trust me when I say that if Jobs didn't come back Apple would not be around today. HE saved Apple, not Bill Gates.

Now, please take your dated, erroneous and arrogant comments and recompile them where he sun don't shine. Also, the 1990's called for you; they want their dated notions back.

Parent

RE: When quality fails...

By Hare on 7/5/2006 11:37:15 AM , Rating: 2

I need to do more research because? Of course Apple doesn't make their own LCD-screens and of course they use hard drives from established brands? Western Digital is just one example. They have used IBM, Maxtor and Seagates and n+1 more.

"It's a joke because it is completely true that they are nothing more then a computer-assembly company these days" Yeah. They don't make and design their own operating system, ipods etc etc. Sure they outsource the manufacturing but you can be damn sure they design a lot themselves!

Parent

What, are you guys stupid?

By joeldm on 7/5/2006 9:18:52 AM , Rating: 3

Did you think HP makes its own screens or Dell its own motherboards? Or maybe Sony manufactures all the parts that come in their computers too!!

What is this, kindergarten? NO ONE MAKES THEIR OWN DEVICES! Even companies like GM, Ford and Mercedes design parts and then have vendors supply them with most of the parts that go into their vehicles.

Sheesh! No WONDER you guys own PCs!

If anyone bothered to look, Apple, still, TODAY has the highest rating of any computer manufacturer for quality and the fewest defects according to every company that looks at such things.

Why do we hear about problems? Because Apple's brand is the best known and people expect the best from Apple, so when a problem crops up, yes, we hear about it. Do you think there are blogs and news items dedicated to every little nut and bolt in a Dell? No. And why? Because they're non-descript "me-too" boxes. Dell doesn't invent anything, they don't break any ground.

But Apple does, every day. Apple's impact on the technology and esp computer world is so huge because Apple leads the way in every way that is important. And yeah, sometimes a product has a problem. But they fix it. Go read Consumer Reports for who has the best customer service and best reliability.

And if you're old enough (which I doubt based on the conversation), think back to all the Apple products over the years. There's no increase in problems, new releases of EVERY product have problems, that's why I don't buy the first issue of anything.

I wait for the bugs to get worked out and then buy the second or third release. Nothing's changed, if anything, Apple has gotten more responsive to these issues.

If Apple didn't make great products, guess what, no one would care. You know, like Dell, Sony, HP or Lenovo . . . .

JoeL

RE: What, are you guys stupid?

By Hare on 7/5/2006 11:39:00 AM , Rating: 2

Hooray for common sence ! I've started to skip reading the comments here because most people just make me mad...

You sir are absolutely correct !

Parent

Faded keyboards

By crystal clear on 7/4/2006 6:41:56 AM , Rating: 2

Soon You will be complaining about faded characters on your
keyboards-Apple ofcourse.
RED HOT APPLE & hopefully not Exploding APPLE-What else?
FIRE the quality control dept.

RE: Faded keyboards

By linkinpark342 on 7/5/2006 9:14:48 AM , Rating: 2

quote:
Soon You will be complaining about faded characters on your keyboards

*looks at his W, A, S, and D key, then at the logitech logo in the cornor*...
nope... that's normal...

Parent

For all of you PC fanboiz out there

By Macaholic on 7/5/2006 1:22:10 PM , Rating: 2

Listen and learn from a respected PC maven out there: Anand Lal Shimpi.

http://www.anandtech.com/mac/showdoc.aspx?i=2740&p...

Quotes:
"When I first started using a PowerBook G4 over a year ago it quickly turned into the best experience I'd ever had with a notebook."

"Despite its name, Windows does an absolutely horrid job of managing lots of windows, something which looks to be on the road to getting fixed in Vista but back then there was no hope in sight." (BTW, check out OS X's Expose and compare to Vista's "Windows Flip" and "Flip 3D". These are lame shadows of Expose -- Macaholic).

Read of his experience using OS X. In fact, read 'em and WEEP:
http://www.anandtech.com/mac/showdoc.aspx?i=2232

Quote:
"Apple has developed a very strong platform. OS X is quite possibly one of the best operating systems of its time"

PC World magazine. Mac OS X Best OS of 2004:
http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,116015,p...

Quote:
"Panther's sleek interface and reliable performance are impressive. Although we aren't suggesting that you ditch your hardware and buy a Mac, Apple deserves credit for raising the bar for OSs. And we hope Microsoft is paying attention as it works on the next Windows."

Trust me, PC World; Microsoft is INDEED paying attention -- and homage -- to OS X.

RE: For all of you PC fanboiz out there

By Macaholic on 7/5/2006 5:05:15 PM , Rating: 2

OOPS! Almost forgot how PC World awarded Mac OS X their "Best Office Software of 2005". What the HELL were they thinking?? "Apple"? "Office"?? "THINK DIFFERENT" indeed.

http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,12076...

Parent

Good apple, good apple

By InternetGeek on 7/4/2006 9:45:27 AM , Rating: 2

The first step is recognizing you have a problem. Now you should just get to solve it.

Mac Books

By revry on 7/4/2006 10:24:54 PM , Rating: 2

Well, I have TWO MacBooks now (one black, one white), and so far have had no trouble with the paint, finish, batteries, or anything else, for that matter. I lug my black MacBook all overcreation, and the worse that happens is that I get it smudged from my oily hands. I find that a soft, damp cloth or napkin wipes that off with no problem.

I guess people who don't have problems don't get the headlines.

============================================
-=-Ron Evry-=-
Creator of 'Mister Ron's Basement' Podcast on the iTunes Music Store
http://slapcast.com/users/revry
============================================