melted MacBook Pro Retina

[seb2195]

So I bought a MacBook Pro Retina (2.7 i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) in April 2013. Last night I had the macbook rendering with premier pro and left it on my bed, I came back half an hour later to see that the Keys around the p key have melted, along with the media control keys. The laptop will work intermittently and all of a sudden switch off. I know its pretty much my fault for leaving it rendering on a bed but surely there must be some sort of cut off switch?

This is the second problem I have had with it this year, is it possible apple will offer a replacement as I'm worried about the logic board being exposed to such heat, even though it works. The battery is a concern too!
I plan on selling the macbook so would prefer to be able to get a replacement as a refund is out of the question (bought through a private seller on Amazon). Is anyone able to help me at all?

Apologies for the formatting, this is my first post and I am also using my phone due to melted macbook -.-

I have included pictures

 

[vansmith]

Given that this was something of your own doing (as you note), it's hard to justify a replacement. If the machine was used in optimal conditions (or at least suitable ones) and this was a consequence of a manufacturing fault, you'd probably have grounds for a replacement or least a repair.

Yes, the Mac should have shut itself off if the temperature was getting too hot. I imagine that a "melting temperature" is too hot. You could certainly bring this up with Apple but I wouldn't be surprised if you encountered some resistance.

 

[pigoo3]

Sounds to me (like you mentioned) leaving the computer on the bed reduced the amount of cooling air flow...and the computer over-heated. I would have also thought that the computer would have shut-off on it's own before damage occurred...but it sounds like it didn't.

Maybe something is faulty...and since you still have Applecare remaining...might as well let Apple take a look at it...and see what they will do.

- Nick

 

[chscag]

I agree with Nick, but it's worrisome because of the new "thin and light" look that Apple is trying to achieve with its portables and desktops. The fact is they're more difficult to cool because of the lack of interior space and air flow. A good example is my 2011 iMac has three cooling fans, however, my late 2013 iMac only has one. The 2013 iMac is about ⅓ the thickness of the 2011 which results in less available air flow.

I know the Apple apologists will say it's an amazing feat of engineering.... ;P

 

[pigoo3]

...but it's worrisome because of the new "thin and light" look that Apple is trying to achieve with its portables and desktops. The fact is they're more difficult to cool because of the lack of interior space and air flow. A good example is my 2011 iMac has three cooling fans, however, my late 2013 iMac only has one. The 2013 iMac is about ⅓ the thickness of the 2011 which results in less available air flow.

I agree Charlie. It would seem that with less internal volume (tighter spacing of components)...the threshold for normal temps/over-heating could be a lot tighter.

I wonder if it's possible (with a laptop on a bed)...if the internal temp sensor/sensors could be positioned in an area that could remain "cool enough" for the laptop to continue running...but another area of the logic board (due to being on the bed/partial blocking of cool air-flow)...could still overheat & melt. Just a thought.

Ideally of course...the laptop should be on a flat hard surface...so that everything can operate as designed.

- Nick

 

[seb2195]

Thanks for all the responses! I accept that it is my fault as I most probably was blocking the inlet for the airflow however it is certainly very concerning that had I not got back to it soon enough, it could have caused a fire, the plastic of the keys must melt 100 celcius or above!

Laptops are designed to be used around and on laps as well as other surfaces, if I wanted a PC that I was going to use on a desk, I would have bought an iMac instead.
Does this sound like a faulty unit or just a major design flaw?

Sounds like a phone call to apple may be the case tomorrow.

 

[pigoo3]

Does this sound like a faulty unit or just a major design flaw?

It's really hard to say...being that the computer was on a bed...and we have no idea what the bed looks like (amount of blankets, sheets, clothing, or other items on the bed with the computer)...or how the computer was covered/semi-covered.

If the computer was on a clean, hard, flat surface (like a living room coffee table, dining room table, or desktop)...then it would be easier to say of a defect was at fault. But even then...convincing Apple the computer has a defect might be an uphill battle (but then again)...the computer may have shut itself off automatically if it was on a hard flat surface.

We can guess & theorize all day long...and it won't get things any closer to a solution/repair. Just take it to Apple...and see what they say. Then please let us know the outcome!

- Nick

 

[vansmith]

Laptops are designed to be used around and on laps as well as other surfaces

This is an unfortunate consequences of the naming as they really aren't meant to be used on a lap. Not only are laps soft and slippery but the heat is terrible for the male reproductive system (see here). Really, the lap is the last place it should be.