Apple fixing cracks in white plastic MacBooks

Apple service representatives are apparently now acknowledging cracks in the 13-inch white plastic MacBook.

(Credit: CNET)

Apple has apparently begun to acknowledge the existence of small white cracks in older plastic MacBooks, according to a report.

AppleInsider says Apple service providers started receiving notices last month that the plastic chassis on the white 13-inch MacBook released in 2006 can crack in four different spots. Apple had previously helped out users who had noticed hairline cracks around the trackpad on the top of the notebook, but did not acknowledge cracks in other places as a design flaw, according to AppleInsider.

Now the company is telling its service agents to inspect any white plastic MacBooks they receive for thin cracks and service those notebooks even if the warranty has expired, according to the report. That doesn't mean you can get a new MacBook if you dropped it off the table, but it could provide some relief to those put off by the small cracks.

Apple still sells the white plastic MacBook for $999, but has since moved the rest of its notebook designs to an aluminum unibody design that is believed to be much more sturdy.

[lonestarState]

Got mine replaced some months ago. Apparently it was already noted as a defect in 2008.

[sandor_f]

Wait. so a story at Cnet is "news", yet only based on a single report from another website that is simply an Apple rumor mill?

[monkeyfun14]

Of course apple will be praised for finally realizing 2 years later and fixing it.

[Mr. Dee]

Whats interesting is, a lot of websites this week have been touting the value of Macs vs PC and pointing out specifically the durability of Apples laptops and how durable they are. I think that conclusion needs a reevaluation. This is just another reason to stick with a Windows based PC.

[solitare_pax]

Of course CNET will be praised for reporting this 2 years too late.

[canberra_photographer]

I think anyone who sees this as proof that the often used argument of Macs offering better value through better longevity is grasping at straws. All products have flaws, heck, who remembers the Sony SZ series VAIOs with the metal palmrest which for two years gave users small electric shocks. The point is that while Macs are not infallable, the majority will last longer and be useful for longer than any PC.

[ittesi259]

@Mr. Dee,

Explain to me what a Windows based PC vs. a Mac has anything to do with a laptop body....thats a hardware issue and Windows has nothing to do with it.

[b_baggins]

Determining whether something is a design flaw or just negligent use isn't as easy as your little ivory tower world thinks it is, especially when the number of cases is relatively small (noise in the internet echo chamber does not correlate to actual number of people affected).

Now that Apple has determined it is a design flaw they will repair, even if your machine is out of warranty, what is essentially a cosmetic issue.

And Windows fanbois still give them grief about it. Go figure.

[Goodbye Helicopter]

uh, this is not new or news.
This has been happening for (plural) years.

[Tom Krazit]

What is new, according to the report, is the acknowledgment of cracks in areas besides the palm rest.

[The1egend]

I got mine in '07. Still a fantastic computer.

Mr. Dee, if you want to stick with a windows PC, then I doubt the marketing campaigns are going to change your mind. If you want to open up to the possibility that there are alternatives to Windows, and actually evaluate them for yourself, I would encourage looking into Macs. Like most apple users, I use both a PC (home PC) and a mac (my macbook), and I find both of them are great. There are many features that a Mac has that a PC doesn't compare. iLife software suite, the ease of security on a mac, the way that everything is easily integrated in a Mac are all things that I enjoy.
There are things I don't enjoy about them as well, such as being locked into hardware, and being less capable graphically, but I haven't used my PC for serious gaming in quite some time.

What I'm trying to say is, there is a lot of value in a mac, you just have to pay a bit more to get it.

[sythara]

"There are many features that a Mac has that a PC doesn't compare. iLife software suite, the ease of security on a mac, the way that everything is easily integrated in a Mac are all things that I enjoy. "

Vista easily integrates anything I throw at it, much better than XP to be honest. As far as iLife goes, Vista has similar things in it. Sure its not as fancy looking as ilife, but some people dont want to pay $2k so they can have the privelage of using a $79 software that makes it easy to store, edit, and publish that video of your scateboarding friends to youtube. Besides, there are other alternatives to Windows and OSX you know.

But the bottom line is that its your own personal choice. Some prefer to spend less money on good products, and some spend alot of money on good products. It all comes down to personal choice and size of your bank account / credit card debt.

[rapier1]

It always stuns me when people talk about iLife as the reason to get a Mac. Personally, I deleted most of that crap off my MBP when I got it - other people might find it useful but some people just don't. Either way, all of the functionality of iLife apps are available for Vista either built it, part of Live, or otherwise available as a free download.

[Dalkorian]

by rapier1 April 9, 2009 8:38 AM PDT
It always stuns me when people talk about iLife as the reason to get a Mac.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey, at least you just feel stunned. My eyes roll back in my head, which is starting to hurt because everyone talks about iLife. Personally, it's the worst reason I can think of. I have a better reason that's been in the news lately and can also be summed up in one word.

Conficker.

[pithenumber]

@Dalkorian
unless you turned of auto updates and had FREE(or paid) antivirus, you were protected from the start

[b_baggins]

@rapier

Because, of course what you can DO with a computer is totally irrelevant to the purchase of a computer.

And only someone who has never used iLife can claim parity with Windows Live or any free download.

[paulopmx]

I got the new macbook pro unibody (which I love), it feels much sturdier, but the aluminum is so malleable that dropping a usb flash disk just a few inches away leaves a definite mark, something that a gloss plastic body would have withstood.

[karpenterskids]

Mine chipped around the area where my right hand brushes against the front of the laptop.

I went into a mac store, and they cheerfully replaced my entire keyboard for me.
And now, this past week, actually, it chipped again, in the same place.

My warranty expires this month, I believe...but apparently, I won't have to worry about that anymore, so that's good news.

[Trane Francks]

I'm sure you'll be fine. Got mine replaced last week, too.

[manualfunky]

what about the black macbooks? my has cracked in exactly the same places as my partners white macbook... is mine covered?

[AppleProLeo]

Man if you have to ask that question - you really do have issues.

[sythara]

roflmao

[pithenumber]

rofl
:)

[MMC Racing]

Apple quality.

[ckh1272]

Oh, and Win. PC quality is just top notch as I look at my girlfriend's Dell that has small cracks in the corners as well and it is only year and a half old. On to the next episode people or a new hobby people!!

[sythara]

Its defects man. Even mercedes has recalls on stuff.

Now if apple's battery would blow up from overheating, now that would be different.

[pbradleyii]

Of course nobody cares how their Dell or other Windows pc looks. If they cared about aesthetics, they would have bought macs.

[WillSyd]

Wow another Apple fanboy who thinks they are the only aesthetically pleasing machines. Sorry my Lenovo x301 looks quite nice thanks.

[seven7dust]

actually the Unibody macbooks look bad IMO
I only bought it because of the Software Integration and build quality

[sythara]

I think my N10J looks rather nice compared to macs. I hate that all white body too, it makes it stand out. Excellent for a theft target when you can recognize the material from far away.

[Oso_Grande]

My wife has a small Sony Vaio from three years ago that we spent $1800 on, and it looks the same as it did when we bought it. Nice computer, battery still holds a good charge too.

[b_baggins]

@sythara,

Translation: I bought a piece of crap computer so nobody would want to steal it.

Thanks for the laugh.

[etiahwhite]

I have an aluminuim pro and only had an issue with it staying closed. I took it into the genius bar and was outta there within 10 minutes no charge...Now with my previous computer that I bought at some big box that by the way has since gone of business and oh yeah when I called the manufacturer I got no help and then it happened again with another pc turned piece of crap that I'd have to pay an arm and a leg to get repaired. So what if they're acknowledging it 2 years later it's better they acknowledge it and fix it rather then sell crap that isn't built to last (on purpose)!!

[websterphreaky]

Bwah ha ha ha ha ha ha - CRACKS IN THE FABLED MAC PERFECTION MYTH!!

Bwah ha ha ha ha ha ha ...........

Let's not forget others, like - 3 years of FAULTY G3 iBooks that the FTC made Apple extend the warranty to 3 years!

The Crack, peeling and chipping G4 TiBooks, that also had breaking hinges, and faulty LCD cables.

The over heating G4 AlumiBooks.

The BUZZING cooling fans of the G4 AlumiBooks AND the first MacBook Pros!

And the Flawed LCDs of the MacBook and MacBook Pros.

The Discoloring palm areas of the G4 iBooks and MacBooks.

The Dead FireWire Ports on 12in and 14in G4 iBooks. (A BIG flaw in the Apple FW circuit design)

And more and more and more and more ....

Oh you MacTards can play denial, flame about everything but the facts, but YOU CAN'T HIDE from the TRUTH - crApple sells CRAP! (they don't MAKE ANYTHING)

[ckh1272]

Please name one time anyone has said that Macs are perfect. All computers have issues and despite this "list" of Apple problems, they still maintain the highest customer satisfaction rate (feel free to check any source you like on that one). In other words, they must be doing something right (unless 80+% of Apple's satisfied customers are just plain wrong). Now, step down from your pedestal and crawl back under that rock please. Just for reference, here is one article regarding my statement:
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/08/19/apple_acsi_poll_win/

[ckh1272]

Oh, BTW, if anyone has said that Macs are perfect, they are foolish to say the least and I have owned six over the years with very minimal problems but that is it. Have fun with your pointless flaming. Maybe you and "applesuxleo" can get together and flame together!!

[sythara]

wow man, calm down. Every product is bound to have defects. Mac is not God's gift to computing, and therefore is not perfect.

Every design is going to have problems no matter what. While the apple has cracks, my Gateway laptop has bad discoloration right where the palm of your hand sits when you're using WASD keys, because just so happens thats exactly where the heat sink for the cpu is. I would think paint peeling off a laptop from overheating is worse than some hairline cracks... But hey, macs still work with cracks, and my gateway still works with plastic damage.

[Dalkorian]

Aww, lookit the people playing with the troll! Isn't that sweet?
;-)

[Shaun822]

I'm sure we could run down the list of problems with any single PC manufacturer let alone lumping them all together. As my father pointed out when I was yougner and would get upset when anything didn't run perfectly, be it my bicycle or a computer, "Anytime you get a complex machine running with that many mechanical and electronic parts you are bound to get a few that are defective."

The law of probabilities dictates that you will not make millions of computers and not have some defects, even major ones, that have nothing to do with the quality of the parts, the company, or the workmanship.

[websterphreaky]

Look at the MacTards making EXCUSES for the MANY FLAWS that show up in nearly EVERY Mac that is released!

Talk about being in Fatal Denial, MacTards have it cornered.

BTW - I have a 2001 HP OmniBook PIII 1.2ghz and it has NEVER FAILED, has no flaws, the ORIGINAL battery still delivers almost 2 hours of power, the LCD has no defects and the case has no cracks, chipping paint, or discoloration (UNLIKE most of the MacBook and Pro models!)

Enjoy Apple fantasy land MacTards.

[Angmarr]

This is what I don't get,

Ok so apple OS looks sleek - i'll give you that (yea duh im not an apple fan)

BUT how the F does that lame white plastic design look SEXY!?!?!? the black plastic makes sense, and i guess the new aluminum maybe makes sense who knows but, THE WHITE PLASTIC SUCKS !!!! arrh

[sythara]

How in the world does anything thats made of plastic, regardless of a color, looks sexy? Especially for men... But I digress.

And if you think apple products look sexy, then perhaps your own personal life is lacking something, or you're lacking a personal life.

[Dalkorian]

I look inside myself and see my heart is black
I see my red door and it has been painted black
Maybe then I'll fade away and not have to face the facts
Its not easy facin up when your whole world is black

[Angmarr]

@ Dalkorian

Paint It Black ... Nice

[rnelson425]

Mentioned the problem - got no response. Switched back to Windows ( netbook & desktop )

[shellcodes_coder]

You did the right thing dude :)

[Perry_Clease]

Yeah, you will never have a computer related problem from now on.

[sythara]

Perry_Clease...

roflmao

@rnelson425

Serisouly, you switched to pc based machine after some cracks and therefore discarting your $2k machine? You must be very rich

[Dalkorian]

Those of us who understand the enslavement you're now suffering feel sorry for you.

Naw, not really. You sound like you deserve it. Enjoy conficker.

[pithenumber]

@Dalkorian
I'm enjoying it
nothing happened to me
that's because I have autopudates turned on and a free antivirus
its simple to protect against

oh yeah, Apple enslaves you too, if you want to break free, use Linux. Ubuntu is a great place to start

[rnelson425]

Atom 1.6 netbook [299] + Core i7 2.9 desktop [999] = aluminum unibody macbook [1299] !?

OK - no boot camp

[seven7dust]

like others have said it's all about the OSX !
if your happy with Windows then all power to you
but some of us aren't and we want something better

[sythara]

Yep, and some of us who want something better actually get something better..... we get Ubuntu

[Trane Francks]

Linux is soooo 1995. ;-P

Kidding, but the multimedia- and multilanguage support experience on my Slackware box actually drove me to buy my MacBook. I got sick of cobbling together the Japanese support every time I upgraded and things totally broke. I still have the box doing duty as a file server, but it won't be my main squeeze anymore.

Some things a Mac or Windows system just do better. Even after all these years of Linux trying hard to get there. Multilanguage support is one of them. Multimedia is another, IMO.

[rayzoredge]

Is it me or is it hot in here? =)

[Dalkorian]

Maybe your asbestos suit developed a leak?

[rayzoredge]

BTW, how is it that cracks just "appear" in a laptop? The plastic isn't that CHEAP to be warped or weakened by the heat generated by the laptop, is it?

The worst thing I've had done to a laptop body was discoloration on a Dell palmrest... that's not even mine. What are people doing... dropping their computers? Or was I right in cheap plastic? =O

I like how websterfreaky pointed out the history of flaws of the famed Apple machine, but then again, it's a skewed look when in reality a laptop is a laptop. Then again, I've never heard of a laptop body that slowly cracked just with normal usage. (Even the "cheap" Dell I'm using now doesn't have any cracks... and I've been rough with it. And yes... it has plastic on it, although it's not a unibody.)

[ckurowic]

Being too harsh on the laptop is the biggest reason I can see. I am very careful with mine, and it does not have cracks. My girlfriend has the same white plastic MacBook and it has cracks and she is very hard on it. People really tend to throw these things around, what do they expect? Look at any laptop 1+ years old, regardless of brand is usually looks like crap.

[sparrowhyperion]

Yet another reason NOT to get a Mac...

[seven7dust]

well they are many reasons not to get Pcs as well
Windows being the biggest one

[sythara]

Then don't.

Go get a DELL so when a year later after the purchase half of your keyboard keys stop working you have to call their support in India and not be able to understand a single thing they say. Or get a Vaio so your LCD backlight stops working 2 days after warranty expiration (true story).

[Oso_Grande]

I agree about the notebooks, we've never had any issues w/ our desktops.

[AppleSuxLeo]

But isn`t cracked white Chinese plastic worth twice the price....for half the performance ? And lack of ports.

[Oso_Grande]

Smells like fear of a lawsuit. I don't have a bias one way or the other, and I'm glad they are fixing what I'm sure many people have had to pay to get fixed. However, I can say that this doesn't surprise me at all, and it reminds me of the iBook G3 debacle.

We own Macs, PCs, and iPhones. I like Apple software but I confess I am tired of their laptop/notebook product "quality", and not to mention their repair depot. I've currently got my Macbook in for repair b/c their depot decided to send it back improperly assembled, yet it "passed inspection". I would love to think that this was an isolated incident, but it's the third time we've had this issue w/ Apple notebooks that we have sent in for repair. My wife has a Macbook that was eventually replaced b/c the first time they sent it back unrepaired, second time it came back worse than it went out, and third time it was scuffed/scratched up pretty bad--Apple replaced the notebook (as they should), but we are still pretty disappointed with their products and repair quality.

I hate to sound like one of those "...I'll never buy 'this' product again.." but I think after a lot of the hurdles we've had w/ their notebooks, we will be looking elsewhere from now on.

[AppleSuxLeo]

Overpriced cracked white Chinese plastic.
The new Microsoft PC ads expose Macs for the fraud that they are.

[sythara]

Macs are not fraud. They do not misrepresent anything in their products.

Macs (OSX) work as advertised with few defencts here and there, just as with any other product ever produced by man.

[Dalkorian]

(checking asbestos suit seals, donning a monstrous sized flame thrower)

I agree, I'm willing to bet Apple was way overcharged for that cheap Chinese plastic they used on those laptops. To bad too, I hate seeing a good company get soaked like that. Fortunately this doesn't affect the performance of the laptop in any way (well, except to make it look cheaper) - it's not overheating because of the cracks, nor catching fire, nor crashing, nor being vulnerable to conficker ...

I also agree about the PC ads exposing Macs as frauds. Apple listened to their customers and released a $1000 laptop without compromising much in terms of functional quality, but they have always claimed they don't compete with cheap laptops! What frauds! LOL.

Seriously, the only thing those idiotic M$ ads showed is the fact that if you can't afford a decent computer like the Mac then you might be able to settle for a lesser machine. Nothing in the world is free, the price you pay for the "other" computer is your freedom - you are now a slave on the M$ plantation, subject to the cruel whippings of WGA. Shut up and work for your master, slave!

Thanks but no thanks, I'd rather have some cosmetic cracks on my laptop.

[pithenumber]

@Dalkorian
you're enslaved to Apple!
free yourself with Linux!