PowerBook warping (#9): iBooks warping too; cooling solutions; more
PowerBook warping (#9): iBooks warping too; cooling solutions; more
Continuing our coverage of Apple portable warping -- apparently induced by high operating temperatures in some cases -- we've received reports of iBooks being affected by a similar issue, and some additional suggestions for cooling devices.
iBooks warping too MacFixIt reader Karol Kersen writes "Two weeks after I purchased a G3 iBook the top/front corners of the display developed a very noticeable upward warp. When I spoke to the retailer, he told me 'they are all like that, and I am the only one who complained' So I called Apple Support. They got quite agitated when I told them the retailers response. and they arranged for the display to be replaced with a new one. A short time after the machine was returned to me, the new display also became distorted, and the battery had warped, so it no longer fitted flush with the case.
"Also a shrinkage crack had opened up on the bottom left hand corner of the case. Apple made quite a fuss before repairing the Machine again. Six weeks after I brought the machine for repair, they sent it back to me with the understanding 'that this is a one time only fix' They told me that 'plastic parts are not under warranty, and that is the way the unit was designed.'
Another reader, Greg Martinez, writes "I have a 12" iBook G4 and notice that with the top closed the screen/cover is slightly warped. I am not so sure iBooks are immune to this issue. I have owned this machine for several months and use a laptop stand that swivels and lifts the iBook up for cooling purposes. This slight warping was not like that when I first bought it.
"The warping has not yet effected performance or the ability to click and lock shut."
Cooling suggestions Readers continue to suggest cooling devices for prevention of high operating temperatures that may eventually result in warping or stiff hinges and latching problems.- Tornado Chill Mat A reader writes "I have been using a product manufactured by Targus for laptops named 'Tornado Chill Mat' Your Powerbook or iBook rests on top of the pad which has two fans that pull the heat away from the bottom thereby cooling the 'book. It retails for $29.99 and is well worth it."
- iLap Alan Somers writes "I came across another PowerBook cooling device a few months ago that will work both in the lap and on a desk or table. It's called the iLap and sells for $50 (12") to $70 (17"). Not only does the iLap keep the PowerBook elevated so that air can flow under it, it's also made of aluminum so it efficiently conducts heat from the computer down to the air gap."
- US $5 cooling rack Todd Hufnagel suggests a less expensive, readily available method "There's no need to spend $20-40 or more on a stand for a Powerbook if your only need is to keep it cool. I went to a home furnishings store, and for about $5 bought a small cooling rack (like your mother used to use for cooling cookies), and taped on a little foam for cushioning. Note, though, that I only use this when my Powerbook is connected to an external monitor and keyboard, because it is not stable enough for typing. But it does a great job of keeping the machine cool."
Editor's note: Apple notebooks still a cut above the rest When an issue like portable warping appears here on MacFixIt and is corroborated by dozens of of users, it's easy to lose sight of the fact that Apple's notebooks consistently rank higher than models from other manufacturers in terms of long-term quality and product support.
As a recent example, in the September 2004 issue of Consumer Reports, 57,000 respondents to an annual survey reported fewer required repairs and serious problems with Apple laptops than any other vendor.
And in terms of support, Apple ranked 13 points higher than the closest competitor (IBM) for speed and effectiveness in technical issue resolution with regard to portable computers.
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