OK Apple, let’s do this
March 31, 2009
Hi, I’m Aaron and I want my MacBook Air fixed.
The hinge on the right side decided it no longer wanted to stay where it is supposed to be. One evening I was done working and closed the laptop. As I was closing it made a loud sound and then I noticed the back wasn’t closing all the way. The plastic housing near the hinge was out and the hinge was all weird.
Mine looked almost exactly like this, but on the other side
Notice the gap between the screen and the body of the laptop. It will not close flush at all due to this hardware failure.
I backed up my machine and took it down to my local Apple certified repair service (MacExperience) and they told me to take to to Apple because they were afraid that they would say it’s accidental damage. I sent it off to Apple and after a very unpleasant phone encounter with Leah (who declined to give her name or other contact details) they said they could not fix it. I called back a day or two later and got Shaleem. While she was very nice, she seemed to go out of her way to make sure and check on all that I told her, she still concluded that Apple would not cover this because it was “accidental damage.”
Well it’s not, and there have been a number of people who have dealt with this exact same issue. Engaget picked up the story but did not pursue it. The most compelling page is this one, notice in the comments how many people have had this problem, about two dozen or so. This is no longer an isolated issue. I plan on taking number of pictures of my machine to further document this. I will also be inviting others to share their story here as gues authors. We need to get Apple to listen to this and fix these under warranty.
So, the way you wrote this posting, you make it sound like you’re blaming Apple for not fixing a problem they don’t know about. Did you even ask Apple if they’d fix it?
Im having the same problem. Apple it seems is still investigating the issue but currently it seems that they are not admitting to fault. I know this because I was able to see the 3 different complaints I made to apple on the mac genius’ computer screen. Im pretty upset about the whole thing. I mean it would cost $650 to get it fixed?! For a hinge?! I’ve taken the computer to 2 different apple stores and have spoken to apple care. They all tell me the same thing, “It seems like you pushed the screen too far back” Anyway I’ve come into contact with a law firm who is willing to pursue the issue and I suggest that people who are experiencing the same problem do the same.
I also want to comment that Im very skeptical and UNSURE I WANT apple to replace my hinge. I mean, if they do own up to their responsibilities and fix my computer. Will they replace it with the same faulty hinge and have it break again 8 months later, but this time it will be past the warranty and I’ll end up footing the bill. How can they guarantee that the “new” hinge will last. To be honest, I want the $$$ i paid for the computer plus the $200 or so dollars for the extra warranty I purchased and Ill go buy a macbook pro. I used to LOVE the MBA, now I’m so sure.
Hi Aaron,
Just writing to say thanks for making this blog. thats my poor apple air in your blog. Try quoting my serial number W880634NY5, when talking to Apple care. As they finally gave me warranty after many calls and of cause writing to engadget.
my link http://www.crashzone.com.au/2009/02/04/apple-macbook-air-has-a-defect-hinge-problem/
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Today took the MBA to the Soho Apple store with a broken hinge that just happened after months of having a loose top. The conversation with the “Genius” went normal and then she went to discuss with her supervisor within earshot of me and I overheard “we could take it and then he looked at me and I overheard “f*** him”. She came back and said because of this ding they couldn’t fix the hinge. Really a microscopic ding. I couldn’t believe it. She said minimum 500.00 she looked like she felt bad about it. I just left- But you know what F*** apple.
Don’t give up, try a different shop, and maybe post a photo of the ding on the net. My hinge broke on my second apple air rev B last week and they are fixing it.
Well I am quite sure that it would not be new for you but your blog s fantastic! I am sure that many guys would have told you before but I thought to let you know myself and boost your confidence.
Same thing happened to my air yesterday. Exactly the same as the photo . Is is possible to push it back in with a small screwdriver.
Eko
I have had the same problem, however I sent it to apple and they fixed it for free.