Apple taking steps to address white MacBook cracks
updated 04:35 pm EDT, Wed April 8, 2009
Apple on MacBook cracks
Apple is acknowledging problems with the casing on 13-inch white MacBooks, reports of a memo indicate. Owners have for some time been describing cracks appearing on MacBooks, in spite of ordinary usage. At least as recently as November however, Apple is said to have been refusing to cover repairs for bottom casings, at the same time as cracks on top were being addressed.
The memo is being distributed to official service providers, and states that Apple is willing to cover the cost of defective bottom casings. Four key sections of a plastic MacBook are said to be risk: the area below the palmrests and trackpad, the regions around I/O ports, the rear ventilation and the two rear corners. Other sections may also be prone to hairline cracks, Apple says, though this is less likely.
Service providers are being asked to investigate any cracks to determine whether they were caused by accidental damage or legitimate flaws. Should there be no sign of an accident, Apple coverage will take effect regardless of whether or not a MacBook is under warranty. The policy is also being implemented for the defunct black MacBook, despite a lack of incidents.
Lack?
04/08, 05:54pm reply
"The policy is also being implemented for the defunct black MacBook, despite a lack of incidents."
I wouldn't say there's a lack of incidents. My black MacBook also got the same crack. Apple took it in 2 months out of warranty and fixed it at no charge.
TheGreatButcher
Dedicated MacNNer
Joined: Jun 2000
Yay
04/09, 05:10am reply
I know three people with cracked white Macbooks. Just email this article to them.
snackhound
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Dec 2007
UK
04/09, 07:43am reply
If you're in the UK then you are protected by statute. Section 14(1) of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 requires requires that anything that you buy as a consumer be of satisfactory quality. Section 14(2B) provides that this relates to the appearance and finish, freedom from minor defects, safety and durability.
The limitation period is six years - so this applies well after the initial 12-month warranty expires. If the cracks start to appear more than six months after the purchase, the customer has the responsibility of demonstrating that the fault is due to machine itself. If the cracks appear before 6-months then this is presumed.
Also, if these issues are within the first six months then Section 5A applies - which gives further customer protection.
deVilliers
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2007
Twice
04/09, 08:42am reply
I've had mine replaced twice at the Apple Store. The first time took a little fussing but the second time they did it without complaint.
elsiemac
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2009
So
04/09, 09:36am (1 reply) reply
Is Apple just doing with these what they did with the iBooks? Just replace the defective part with a newer defective part, and hope it holds up for another year or two? Or has Apple actually fixed the issue with the case.
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001