All around the Internets are stories of defective Apple Laptops: heat, soiling, cutting, exploding, etc. I believe I’ve had my Mac long enough that some of these problems should arise. Let’s have a look.

Heat

I don’t know if this is really a defect, or rather a pretend defect. The Macbooks were perceived to be unnaturally hot, but it’s not like it’s burning. Well, I can’t speak for the Pros, but I’ve been able to use the laptop just fine on my lap when it’s under load. My Macbook usually idles around 60 C after a few hours and went up to almost 80 C while playing Civ IV.

Fans

On some Macbooks, there’s a phenomenon called the Moo. When the system reaches a certain temperature range, the fan will go on and off, because it’s at the borderline between when the fans go, producing a mooing sound. I’ve never had this problem.

Discolouration

This is the big one I was worried about. I’d read a few weeks prior that my Week 27 Macbook was susceptible. Fortunately, after the two week line, and now one month, no yellowing was found.

Sharp Edges

I found the edges sharp upon first use. I don’t know, as I used it more and more, I can now rest my wrists without having the edges cut me. They don’t feel that sharp anymore, either.

Magsafe

Apparently, the Magsafe can melt and the power brick can cause a buzzing sound. That hasn’t happened to me, and I don’t charge it while I’m sleeping, so the Magsafe causing a fire won’t happen, however unlikely.

Airport Kernel Panic

I was worried that when I went to Waterloo and started using the wireless, this would happen. Luckily, I have acquired a wireless router and found that Airport is not causing any problems.

Decision

I think that the “defects” are not particularly widespread and only occur to those unlucky people who will always inevitably be out there and have bought a first gen new product.