Minor problems with new MacBooks

Apple has implemented a few fairly radical design changes in the new systems, from the "unibody" enclosure to the clickable trackpad. Although these changes offer the possibility of enhancement, the also introduce the possibility of manufacturing glitches. There have been very few defects reported so far; however, those that have been reported have included cosmetic problems, trackpad issues, and shocks.

Apple Discussions poster Everyday215 writes:

"I noticed that at times when I click on the mouse nothing happened. There is a noticeable 'click' when depressing but nothing happens on the screen. At times this will happen basically anywhere on the trackpad. Once it does I have to press very hard in the center of the trackpad and then it 'clicks' on the screen and works for about another 5 to 10 clicks anywhere on the trackpad. After that the same thing seems to happen."

Shocks from the case A couple of users have mentioned a constant tingly feeling when they rest their hands on the case of their computers. For one of these users the problem is just a minor discomfort, and does not happen all the time, but for the other it's relatively uncomfortable. Users have speculated this could be from an ungrounded current flowing through the case, and this is most likely from users not plugging their computers into properly grounded power sources.

Stiff trackpad buttons The new trackpads serve as the mouse buttons in addition to the cursor tracking, and work on a springboard-like system for the click behavior. The button is a bit firmer than standard mouse buttons, and as such take a little more of a push to activate. Additionally, since the system is hinged at the top, it will be slightly harder to push the mousepad down at the top than towards the bottom of the trackpad. Still, the mouse should be relatively easy to press down, and as is the case with the users quoted above, if users have to apply substantial pressure to get the mouse to click then it is recommended to take the computer in to have an Apple representative check it out. This is also true if the trackpad only registers mouse clicks when users press in certain areas. The trackpad should click the same everywhere.

Cosmetic problems A few users have received their MacBooks with a couple of blemishes in the finish, and one user noticed what appeared to be a small chip taken out of the trackpad glass. While for the most part cosmetic defects should not affect the functionality of the computer, users should take the computer in to ensure everything is working properly, and request a replacement if the problem is

Users should notify Apple about these problems if they occur, and take their computers in to an Apple store for inspection. This is recommended even for seemingly insignificant problems, such as case misalignment.

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