02-09-2010, 09:02 AM

I got my new Unibody white macbook shortly after they were released, 2nd week of Nov. 2009. I have loved the unit and treated it very delicately, but last week i noticed 2 small hairline cracks in the plastic, right where the hinge is. I searched the net and found no one else who had this problem. I took it to the Apple store and they said "usually" they wouldn't cover this, that it would be called cosmetic damage, but after the genius looked it over, he realized that other than the cracks my unit was in pristine condition; so they said they would cover it under warranty and replace the screen and top casing.

I was just wondering if anyone else had experience a similar problem?

I know the older macbooks had a cracking problem but this is a newer unit, the current generation. And since they are so new, i figured maybe i am the first to encounter this. Every epidemic starts with one person...

02-09-2010, 09:11 AM

Originally Posted by PharaohRamses

I have loved the unit and treated it very delicately, but last week i noticed 2 small hairline cracks in the plastic, right where the hinge is.

Every epidemic starts with one person...

Well let's hope it isn't the start of an epidemic!

Without a photo I don't know where exactly the cracks are, or how large they are...but the hinge area is always a "weak spot" on laptop computers.

I know that you're going to say that you didn't do it...but depending where the cracks are...the cracks could possibly be due to opening the display lid too far (beyond the point where the housing of the lid touches the bottom housing).

The good news is your laptop is still under warranty...and Apple has agreed to repair it.

Good luck,

- Nick

02-09-2010, 04:44 PM

It is a known problem on the older white macbooks. I'm surprised you did not find anything during your search because there is tons of topics about it online.

I believe Apple even agreed to replacing the hairline cracks even after the machines were out of warranty. Glad you got it fixed though. It's a shame to have the cracks in the machine even if they are small.

Welcome to the forums and please stick around!

02-20-2010, 08:54 PM

Hi,

I am not sure if this is the same problem. I have just described on my Polish blog 3 examples of such cracks on the new MacBook unibody. All of them were reported by Polish users (on a Polish Apple fan forum) and all of them are pretty the same, hairline cracks on the body that run straight from the corner of the hinge.

The text is in Polish, but you can see the photos.

P?kni?cia w nowych MacBookach unibody – za wcze?nie na alarm | MacKozer

Will keep an eye on this.

greetings from Poland

02-20-2010, 11:07 PM

Originally Posted by Eric559

It is a known problem on the older white macbooks.
I believe Apple even agreed to replacing the hairline cracks even after the machines were out of warranty

I wonder if you've heard that they will even do this with a late 07 MB (way out of warranty)....
I only noticed it when it come up in a thread fairly recently!

I'm tempted to call Apple, but don't wanna get my hopes up

02-27-2010, 06:03 AM

After having my Macbook for 2 almost 3 months, I have gotten the hairline crack on the hinge. I am going to be taking it in to the apple store today hopefully for a repair.
I hope this isn't going to be a frequent issue because, the screen bezel on the left side is no longer in contact with the palm rest when closed.

I hope they admit to this problem.

02-27-2010, 06:09 AM

Go in with an optimistic non confrontational attitude and you should walk out with a fast repair or a new machine.... so back up your HD before you take it in

02-27-2010, 12:40 PM

Apple has order a replacement part for the cracked hinge. They also are going to replace the hard drive which clicks when you move the unit.
It went well, just have to wait until thursday until my computer is repaired.

02-27-2010, 01:35 PM

I have the same problem too.. after I read this post, I discovered my unibody white macbook has 2 small hair cracks too.. Should I take it to the Apple store and see if they could cover it under warranty? Coz I previously used an aftermarket hard cover case to protect my macbook, and I think that's why it causing it.

02-27-2010, 08:24 PM

Originally Posted by pattyjp47

Apple has order a replacement part for the cracked hinge. They also are going to replace the hard drive which clicks when you move the unit.
It went well, just have to wait until thursday until my computer is repaired.

Good to hear

03-01-2010, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by KC@MN

I have the same problem too.. after I read this post, I discovered my unibody white macbook has 2 small hair cracks too.. Should I take it to the Apple store and see if they could cover it under warranty? Coz I previously used an aftermarket hard cover case to protect my macbook, and I think that's why it causing it.

I would take it back if I were you. This is probably a design fault. Hopefully this piece of the computer will be redesigned. It's not only you who has had this problem, it might be a persistent problem. I only hope I don't have to go to the apple store every couple of months for a new top case.

03-01-2010, 04:34 PM

Thank You. I will take the macbook to the Apple store during Spring break.. Hopefully it won't take too long for them to fix it.

03-23-2010, 12:10 PM

I too have had problems with my new unibody white macbook and the cracks on the hinges. I took it to the Apple store last week and was told that it would not be covered and would cost nearly $450 to repair! I was not only angry and annoyed. I have not damaged my macbook, never dropped it and have always been very careful.

It looks to me that just the simple act of opening the lid is causing the cracks to form.

03-23-2010, 02:29 PM

This is bad news. We just bought two of the new unibody whites, thinking that the cracking issue was surely solved. Is it cracking due to the pull of the magnets used to close the lid?

I find it a tad bit anoying that the plastic on a $400 Windows laptop is more durable then on a $1000 apple laptop.

03-23-2010, 06:04 PM

Originally Posted by redwolf4k

This is bad news. We just bought two of the new unibody whites, thinking that the cracking issue was surely solved. Is it cracking due to the pull of the magnets used to close the lid?

I find it a tad bit anoying that the plastic on a $400 Windows laptop is more durable then on a $1000 apple laptop.

Windows laptops aren't more durable, it was a materials defect, which has apparently been rectified, but if it happens to your Mac(s), Apple will look after you.
Don't worry about it and enjoy your new Macs