Chicago (IL) – Some buyers of Apple’s fancy new Macbooks are complaining about a loose battery/HDD latch and slanted function keys on the keyboard. Apparently, Apple agreed to refund or replace certain notebooks, unless the notebook isn’t build-to-order and dead on arrival. These new notebooks also come with liquid detection sensors to help service technicians figure out whether spilled liquid affected a malfunctioning notebook – and deny a free repair as a result.

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"The cover was fine at first, but after I took it off for the first time, when I put it back on it didn't go as tight, and started moving around creating gaps in the front and back," one Apple customer wrote about his brand new Macbook in the MacRumor forums. This problem is not widespread, but is some cases it may put substantial pressure on the aluminum frame, the battery and the hard drive.

Staying with its tradition, Apple isn’t saying anything about a potential problem and most users seem not to be too worried about a loose latch. However, more vocal fans complain that Apple failed to engineer a simple latch on a $3000 notebook. "It's like buying a BMW and the door does not close tight," one affected user wrote.

Another poster said that Apple replaced his Macbook that had a battery cover with a poor fit. Users who experience these issues may be tempted to pay a visit to the Apple Store and ask for a refund. However, if you opted for a custom-built Macbook, you are out of luck. "Configure-to-order, personalized or other customized products may not be returned for refund or exchange under any circumstances unless such product is Dead on Arrival," Apple's sales and refunds policy states.

Of course, other vendors also face similar manufacturing glitches, especially in their first-generation products that require factory retooling and a learning curve. Still, we can't help but mention that increasing popularity of products such as the Mac and iPhone is also increasing the pressure on Apple's Chinese manufacturing partners who not only have to put new manufacturing techniques into place, but seem to be running a tight ship in terms of fab capacities – which could easily impact product quality at some point in time.


Liquid sensors

We also were told that that there is another new feature in Macbooks, a feature Apple has not talked about yet. There is a Liquid Submersion Indicator inside new Macbooks: According to the Los Angeles Times, Macbooks and Macbook Pros feature two sensors located under the keyboard and near the trackpad that change color when liquid is spilled over the keyboard. A Liquid Submersion Indicator is common in cellphones, which have these sensors typically underneath the battery, making it easy for a service technician to determine whether water spillage has damaged the device. Even Apple's iPhone sports such a sensor (inside the headset port) that turns red when a service technician shines a light into the port.

The inclusion of Liquid Submersion Indicator sensors, the first ever in an Apple notebook, means you will not be able to claim an AppleCare warranty, if you accidentally spilled liquid over such a notebook. Apple apparently provides its authorized service providers with instructions on how to read the liquid detection sensors and instructs them to deny warranty if a liquid spill is detected - although they do have the choice to honor the warranty on a case-by-case basis if the spill was small and does not require replacements from Apple’s Cupertino headquarter. Apple declined to comment on a story but a company spokesperson cited the Macbook instruction guide that suggests that users should shield their notebook from "rain, snow and fog."

Seriously?

Oct 27, 2008 06:12     

Why are you surprised by the decision not to offer a free repair if someone has spilled liquid on their laptop? If you put your BMW car in a lake, would you be surprised that BMW won't offer a free repair?
Anon report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +8

?

Oct 27, 2008 06:28     

if u live in a area with very moisture air (fog) i bet u would be very pissed off if they reject your repair just because of wheather
m report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +4

Dell

Oct 27, 2008 09:33     

Dell will exchange or repair your laptop that broke because of spilled liquid, given that you took complete care coverage.
dyniper report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +2

I agree

Oct 27, 2008 09:33     

I'm not an Apple fan at all, and I like to rail apple for all their snobbishness, but seriously they shouldn't have to replace it if you spill something on it. I was taught to take care of what you have if you want it to last. You don't shell out 3,000 and risk placing liquids too close to it.
tomt report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +6

Re: ?

Oct 27, 2008 09:35     

that's what you have insurance for.
s report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -1

Apple isn’t saying anything about a potential problem

Oct 27, 2008 09:45     

There's no problems ever with any Apple product. Just read the mac forms... Oh wait... all the posts that talk about problems get deleted.
Action Jackson report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +3

Fog??

Oct 27, 2008 11:09     

Seriously? Fog? Guess no morning use of Macs in places like San Fran eh? Seems a bit overboard.
JT73 report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Great products ALWAYS have issues

Oct 27, 2008 11:10     

Well designed products ALWAYS have problems. My BMW 335 squeaks like a spring chicken, and they can't do anything about it!
Veral Patel report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -5

really apple?

Oct 27, 2008 11:27     

lol fog? are you serious? that can damage your precious laptops?
Jonas report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Re: Great products ALWAYS have issues

Oct 27, 2008 11:36     

It's probably the bushings. It can be fixed, but it costs a ton.
Ralf The Dog report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

a bit foggy there

Oct 27, 2008 12:56     

You can't expect Apple to be responsible for you having your kid on your lap and accidently wetting the keyboard with his or her milky cup. Be careful with fog...it might trip off the moisture mechanism!
Quasar report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

not good for me

Oct 27, 2008 15:31     

i just bought a macbook and i go to school in san francisco. avoid fog? is apple serious? apple if im not mistaken is headquartered in the bay area. not cool
sfaaustudent report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -3

Mine is Super

Oct 27, 2008 15:37     

I got my 2.4ghz Aluminum MacBook a few days ago. It is awesome. Fans never turn on for videos, flash, etc anymore. Looks totally fantastic. Quick as can be. It is awesome and I love it. Best Mac ever.
Dave report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

RE: Great products ALWAYS have issues

Oct 27, 2008 15:43     

Then why do you hate Windows that much?
Bob Thorton report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +2

Nice

Oct 27, 2008 15:45     

I think you hit the nail right on the head. Jiff http://www.anonymity.cz.tc
Jim Jones report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

This article is FUD.

Oct 27, 2008 15:57     

If you put the battery/hd cover on wrong and bent it, it's operator error. Liquid on the laptop. Why should Apple replace your computer after you spill a beer all over it? Is that in any way logical?
moron. report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -1

My new MacBook Pro 15 inch had a broken up arrow ke...

Oct 27, 2008 16:36     

My new MacBook Pro 15 inch had a broken up arrow key when I opened new out of the box. The metal pegs which the key snaps into were BENT. I was a pretty upset that my new $2000 notebook was broken when I opened it. I was able to fix it myself but was a little embarrassed since all my coworkers were harassing me about how Apple sucks and I should have just gotten a Dell.
Josh report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Liquid sensors

Oct 27, 2008 17:41     

I would like to know what Apple is using as a liquid sensor and whether it is susceptible to change under elevated high moisture conditions such as in a marine environment. Or, as some have suggested, susceptible to change if near a steamy bathroom/fog.
Brau report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

AHAHA

Oct 27, 2008 18:27     

Enjoy your Macbook!
SlimCharles report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Not necessarily absolute

Oct 27, 2008 19:13     

My new configure to order MBP had a slight mechanical problem with the new trackpad (it still worked, but was very annoying) and I took it in to an Apple Store, where I was told it could be fixed but I'd have to call AppleCare. They are in the process of sending me a whole new machine. However, I may be unique in that they wanted my machine back in order to take a look at the problem to see if it could be widespread.

se7enth report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

I am too lucky!

Oct 27, 2008 22:17     

my brand new $3000.00 Macbook Pro has the crooked keys and the loose battery door. I cannot believe this!
matt penswrgraff report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

What a worthless article...

Oct 27, 2008 22:34     

As soon as I saw the authors last name (Zibreg), I just knew this article was going to be some sensationalist anti-apple crap. Check out his post history, he clearly has some sort of agenda. I'll be the first to admit that Apple has it's share of problems -- and that many in the media tend to over-hype the company and it's products --- but the quality control/manufacturing issues mentioned in this post appear to be mostly insignificant and limited in number, not unlike the routine problems faced by every PC manufacturer. Hop on over to the Dell or HP support forum, you'll find literally hundreds of minor hardware, software, and driver issues being reported.

lo report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Fog?! WTF?!!?!...

Oct 28, 2008 10:13     

Fog?! WTF?!!?!
Jon report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

liquid sensors have been in Mac laptops since PowerBook G4

Oct 28, 2008 12:11     

I was denied a repair because a liquid sensor detected beer had gotten into my PBG4 two years ago.
Me report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

typical apple.

Oct 28, 2008 12:50     

they will rather increase cost by putting in a sensor to every laptop then just repair the few that actually got spills. great thinking, steve.
yo report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

Read up on your Apple Extended Warranty

Oct 28, 2008 13:27     

One of my best friends recently spilt liquid on her old macbook, even with the extended warranty protection the laptop wasn't covered for liquid damage; but they were more than happy to sell her a refurbished or new macbook. :/
Jhouserok report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +1

liquid spills

Oct 28, 2008 19:32     

Just buy it at Best Buy instead of Apple directly, that way you can buy their extended warranty (Geek Squad Black Tie Protection), a really long name for warranty. But with that you can drop, spill, and get a replacement battery during the 2 or 3 year term, plus all the normal coverage of a warranty. I'm a big Best Buy fan, most of my stuff is from there, and I've had my laptops replaced by their plan when it stops working.

Dustin report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Apple lost me today

Dec 26, 2008 22:01     

My 3 month old 32GB 2nd gen iPod Touch, red - no water exposure, won't repair/replace under warranty, they want $199 to repair. I can get a Zune for that much. Screw touchscreens.
Former Mac Fanatic report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0