Build Quality & Staining

[mabsey]

I'm thinking of buying a white MacBook for my wife but reading comments about the white Macbook, I've heard it is still prone to staining by oil from users' hands, which can make the white colour become yellow.

Also, people who are convincing themselves that the MacBook Air was a worthy purchase have been saying the MacBook's build quality is poor. I'd be interested to read from long term users of the MacBook whether they've had issues with their MacBook, especially those who carry it in a rucksack/bag every day.

[Girl-J]

Hi -- I have owned two white apple laptops, an ibook and a macbook. Both would get a little marked up from oils and dirt (I guess) where my hands rested below the keyboard, but this happens on all laptops (for the most part) I believe. It's just a little more noticeable on white. My last PC laptop was a Sony Viao and I could see where my hands rested on it, as it became shiny (the laptop was dark colour.)

I'm sure you can clean the white plastic with different solutions... rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol. but I am not suggesting anything. Really, you can to ask yourself, does it really matter? The markings never really bothered me, and i am a very clean person, plus when you get a new one, that's gleaming white, you fall in love all over again! :-)

Decide what you want in the laptop, and if decor is another consideration (where the laptop is going to be most of the time), perhaps the colour would be important then too.

Hope you find the right laptop for your wife!

[Duke]

I agree with Girl-J, every laptop will get some stains from the oils in your hands, my old Power Book got a little more "polished" where I rested my hands.

Regarding what to buy, keep in mind how much you want to spend, & what the main use will be. Mac Books are cheaper than Mac Book Pros for a reason, they ARE built cheaper (plastic instead of Aluminum, lower res displays, etc.)... but does not mean that they are crap by any means.

Graphic Designers, musicians, video editors, etc. would buy a MacBook Pro because of the display size, processing power & graphics card & RAM allowance. We use high-end programs that require intensive processor power & colour accuracy in a portable computer. As well, we sometimes put our MBP's (Mac Book Pro's) through rigorous conditions (like being on a movie set for an explosion, or a photo shoot in the mountains) & need the durability.

If you use your laptop for general, everyday things like downloading & cataloguing photos from your camera, web surfing, Garage Band jamming, word processing, (& all the other cool things that Macs do) etc. then save your money & just buy one of the Mac Books, no need for the Pro. Use the savings to buy a nice camera or a trip to take your laptop (and wife) on.

I would avoid the MacBook Air at all costs right now, although an amazing product, it's too overpriced for what it is & what you get (unless you fly everyday & need to carry a laptop at all times). First releases of any product are subject to lots of flaws & bugs which will be addressed in the next upgrade; for the Air, I believe it will be more RAM, & a larger Solid State Drive (which in my opinion is an AWESOME idea as I believe this is the future for large capacity storage). Also, with second releases of products, prices tend to go down, which means you'll get a better product for less $$, just have to wait about a half a year.

So... to sum up, the MacBook, white or black is great ('cause it's a Mac), unless you plan on using & doing pro applications, no need to upgrade to a MBP.

Hope that helps

[mabsey]

Thanks for the tips. I've had two MacBook Pros so know how great they are. My wife likes the idea of a white MacBook that she can then put a pink cover on to make it a pink one!

[Mr. Mayor]

Yeah there are a number of 'skins/shells' you can buy to give almost any look.

If you plan on selling the unit down the road it protects the case from staining and marks as well... and protects from the usual wear and tear. Not a bad idea. I personally don't use one, but can see the utility in them.

[Benny and the Jets]

Ive had a white macbook for only 6months.
The macbook standard shell is not very well made.
I've already got a crack just right of the finger pad where my right hand rests, this is just a result of everyday use.
Apparently this is pretty common and has also happened to afew of my friends.

Apple will replace the shell for no cost under warrenty, but if its out of warrenty i guess its all up to the owner.

Although the outside is built poorly its still an amazing computer & i couldnt be without it.

[Mr. Mayor]

I experienced the same problem... after about 6-9 months a crack started forming in almost the exact same place. Must be a design flaw.

[dancingrockets]

As long as your a generally cleanly person, there's nothing to worry about!
Especially since Apple will replace it for you for free as frequently as necessary.
I've had mine replaced once, and when I got it back, it felt brand new in my hands!

[Mr. Mayor]

I guess that makes me a dirty person!? :P

[Jarrod Tully]

Well it makes me feel better to know I'm not the only one with this issue. People are always noticing the big cracks in the shell and saying "What did you DO to it?" I didn't do nothin'! I'm not sure I care to part with it long enough for it to be fixed as it affect its usefulness, just its vanity.