New MacBook Pro. Guess what? It’s got a top case alignment issue
When I drop close to two grand on a laptop, I expect perfection - or at least close to it. I noticed this case alignment issue with my new MacBook Pro about two hours after opening the box.
Notice the gap on the left side? The rubber contacts should be solid around the entire enclosure. I’m pretty sure it’s the top case and not the latch as well; slightly pressing down on the top of the unit shifts the gap to the right side of the laptop.
For size comparison purposes, the gap is slighly smaller than a 1/8″ stereo jack. I probably wouldn’t be concerned if I’d had the laptop for a few months, but I’d rather not get dust on the screen when it’s closed.
Apparently this problem isn’t completely unheard of online, but most of the posts seem to be from 2007 or older and are filled with far too much Internet lawyering rage. Since it’s a new unit, and I’d rather not have it in for repair right out of the box, Apple has claimed that they’ll email me some FedEx shipping labels so I can perform an exchange. They unfortunately won’t cross-ship the replacement, so I’ll have to blow away the drive tomorrow and re-copy all my music onto the replacement system when it arrives.
For what it’s worth: the labels have yet to show up in my inbox yet, but it’s the long weekend so I’ll cut them some slack.
Does anybody think I’m overreacting, or agree that this is something that shouldn’t happen? I never had the same issue with my white MacBook, so I’d at least like to see equal build quality between the two units. Not quite angry yet: just disappointed at the QC.
Kvad:
I’d be angry too. Too many companies are putting out half baked products these days.
August 3, 2008, 7:47 pmJake Billo:
Now I’m starting to get a bit irked.
I just got an RMA number in an email from Apple, no shipping labels yet. Guess what shows up when I go to check on its status?
That’s right: they issued an RMA number for the iPod nano purchased along with the order, instead of the laptop itself. I haven’t even taken the iPod out of the box since I’m debating selling it to recoup some of the laptop cost.
So I just called the Apple Store sales line based on this information in their email:
Those hours are completely incorrect; the voice recording implied that sales support is more like 7AM to 4PM PST on weekends. Guess I’m calling tomorrow and wasting yet another day on this when I should be studying.
August 3, 2008, 7:53 pmJake Billo:
Oh, and the best part? The “if you have questions, please reply” statement in an email from DONOTREPLY@apple.com.
August 3, 2008, 7:54 pmLewis:
You are not over-reacting.
Best wishes on your quest. I’ve heard of similar frustrations.
August 3, 2008, 8:37 pmLewis:
I don’t think there is a long weekend in the US. Besides, if the Apple Store in either country can sell you something anytime, why shouldn’t it be able to produce an RA anytime?
August 3, 2008, 8:39 pmJake Billo:
Got in touch with the Apple people this morning after receiving United Parcel Smashers shipping labels for a one-pound Nano. Yes, the iPod Nano RMA request was a mistake, and some outsourced phone support is very sorry for the inconvenience. Net result: I get to wait another 24 hours for new labels to be generated and for them to fix the RMA on the online store.
Seriously, by the time this gets resolved, there’ll be a new MacBook Pro model out. I’m almost considering taking my buddy Dave’s advice and weaseling a ride to Mississauga to go to the Fruit Stand.
August 4, 2008, 10:49 amJake Billo:
Update: UPS took the MacBook and Apple got it. Waiting on the replacement to ship out.
August 7, 2008, 3:08 am