How are these little holes caused?

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Hello!

On the lower right side of my MacBook Pro there appear these little holes. I can't figure out how these are caused... I don't wear any jewelry or a watch on my right hand. I do use the trackpad with my right hand though, but could my skin actually have caused this? I can't seem to quite understand.

ftgagy.jpg
 

bobtomay

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looks like scrapes to me
 

chscag

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Look like scrapes to me also. Maybe caused by carrying the machine in a backpack along with books and other things. Aluminum is easily damaged by scraping or pressure which is why a protective case is needed especially for students.
 
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I used a protective case whenever travelling with my laptop since day one, also I'm very careful with my laptop, so I really think these "scrapes" must have happened somehow while using the laptop.
 

pigoo3

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...so I really think these "scrapes" must have happened somehow while using the laptop.

Absolutely. They didn't develop spontaneously by themselves.;)

- Nick
 
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I meant when actually using the laptop, not transporting it as I always do this really carefully.
 

pigoo3

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I meant when actually using the laptop, not transporting it as I always do this really carefully.

That's what I meant…of course this happened while using it.

The spots or scrapes are exactly where someone's wrist or palm would be when using the trackpad or typing on the keyboard. It's probably due to:

- friction from the wrist/palm while using the computer
- maybe a lotion used on the hands
- salt from sweat
- maybe due to jewelry worn on the wrist or a watch band
- maybe a combination
- etc.

* Nick
 
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I don't use lotion or wear anything on my right hand so that couldn't be the problem.

So I guess it would be the salt from sweat option with the friction. Still quite amazed it could have really bitten into the metal like that!
 

pigoo3

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So I guess it would be the salt from sweat option with the friction. Still quite amazed it could have really bitten into the metal like that!

Everyone has different body chemistry. Salt from sweat + friction + body chemistry = what you got.

- Nick
 
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I think you and Nick are spot on here - these marks look not dissimilar to corrosion damage to alloy wheels, when a non acid-free cleaner has been used on them ... I've just been lectured on the subject by Mercedes, so am well clued up now :Cool:
 

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