MacBook (#7): Heat issues -- is it a laptop?; More on case discoloration -- removing the stains; more
MacBook (#7): Heat issues -- is it a laptop?; More on case discoloration -- removing the stains; more
Heat issues -- is it a laptop? Like the MacBook Pro, several users have described exorbitant heat generated by their MacBooks -- so much heat, in fact, that the units are quite uncomfortable to place on the lap.
In response, Apple has been (in some cases) telling customers seeking technical assistance that the MacBook is not intended to be used as a laptop, but instead as a "portable computer" that should be placed on a desk or other hard surface away from indirect skin contact.
However, Apple's marketing materials differ in their description. For instance, this education-related marketing page states:
"On your lap. In your dorm room: Organize your class notes and your music. Select models now feature a superfast dual-core Intel engine, a built-in iSight camera, and Front Row software."
Early assessments that both MacBooks and MacBook Pros contained too much thermal grease seem to have been debunked for the most part, with most users reporting similar temperatures after re-applying a thinner layer of thermal grease.
It appears that the optimal solution for this issue would be a firmware update form Apple that increases the sensitivity of the MacBook's fans, allowing them to engage at a lower temperature threshold.
Let us know your thoughts.
Speakers too quiet: Results in poor voice audio quality; workarounds Some readers have reported poor spoken word quality from the MacBook's speakers -- especially prominent when using iChat for audio conferences. This is primarily due to the speakers being too quiet.
One reader writes:
"I have a brand-new black MacBook I jacked up to 2 GB RAM. Other than looking cool, one of the reasons I bought this was the built-in video camera for iChat.
"The problem is the speakers in the MacBook are so bad, it's just about impossible to hear the other person talking when in an audio or video chat.
"I thought this was some issue that could be fixed - I mean, why have a video camera built in to a laptop if it's impossible to hear what is being said during the conversation - so I took it into an Apple Store hoping there was some simple explanation. There wasn't. After poking around on my laptop for 2 minutes, the Century City (CA) Genius Bar worker said 'Yep. It's just like the rest of them.' Apparently every MacBook has speakers so weak that dialogue is impossible.
"I'm hoping this gets addressed in the next software update somehow. I actually really miss my 12" PowerBook. The camera was the only reason I upgraded, but the execution of the MacBook makes the camera absolutely pointless."
One potential workaround for this issue involves opening the Audio MIDI Setup application (located in Applications/Utilities), then in the "Properties for:" menu selecting "Built-in Output", then dragging the sliders for volume output to the top level (all the way to the right).
Volume can also be increased in iTunes by going to the Window menu and selecting "Equalizer" then increasing the "Preamp" level.
If you are experiencing similar problems, please let us know.
More on case discoloration -- removing the stains We continue to report (in significant numbers) an issue where the white MacBook's case becomes discolored with "stains" on either side of the trackpad and other areas on the plastic case.
It appears that this issue is caused by a chemical reaction in the plastic with skin oils. It also appears that the problem does not affect all white MacBooks.
We previously noted that the product "303 Aerospace Protectant" -- which offers water and oil repellant qualities -- may work to protect MacBooks from further discoloration.
It also appears that keeping the systems clean with an alcohol-based glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth can reduce appearance of the discoloration.
But what if it's too late and the stains have set in deeply? In that case, several users have found that the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is able to treat the problem areas.
One reader writes:
"Nothing I ever tried seemed to clean them until I found the holy grail, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. It cleans those palm rests to a new looking state with very little effort."
Final Cut Express page updated to indicate compatibility Though there was some confusion initially, Final Cut Express is indeed compatible with the MacBook's Intel GMA 950 graphics chipset, and Apple has updated its list of requirements for Express to indicate so.
Final Cut Pro will install on MacBooks, and most functions will operate properly but the software is not officially supported on these machines.
Previous coverage:
- MacBook (#6): More on case discoloration, protectant
- MacBook (#5): Discoloration on case; Reminder: Check your MacBook's rear vent
- MacBook (#4): Keyboard suddenly stops working; Still more on irritating noises; more
- MacBook (#3): Sudden shutdowns -- possible fix; More on irritating noises; Hard drive replacement instructions
- MacBook (#2): Irritating fan noises reminiscent of MacBook Pro ("mooing"); Matched RAM pairs can come from different manufacturers; more
- Apple releases MacBook: 13-inch widescreen display; up to 2 GHz Core Duo; integrated graphics; starts at $1099
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