More on iBook hinge "stiffness"

Chris Czel writes: "I can confirm this problem and that there is both an ongoing discussion of this problem on Apple's site and that Apple is fixing them under the warranty. Mine got shipped back last Thursday."

Mathue Taxion writes: "Although WD-40 can work, WD can have a deleterious effect on plastics and the painted case over time. Ideally you would want to use a plastic compatible grease or oil. These can also be obtained at a local model railroad or RC shop."

Scott Newman adds: "I 'oiled' my hinges several weeks ago because it seemed like a good idea—it really helped with the overall smoothness of opening the lid. However, I used a silicone lubricant that dries quickly and only leaves behind the silicone."

Update: Richard Glantz writes: When I was employed in a PC laptop engineering group a few years ago, we always insisted that units with stiff hinges be returned to the factory for warranty service. Do-it-yourselfers can soften the plastic with the wrong lubricant, and if the lubricant is applied with too much gusto, the hapless owner will end up with a laptop screen that will not stay in place. Change the oil in your car, if you must; but leave stiff iBook hinges for Apple to fix."