Black Macbook = better build quality?

[istuvok]

Was just trying out a few Macbooks in a store and was testing for how well the top case protects the screen by pressing firmly on the case and observing the screen. What surprised me a bit was that the white models showed very noticeable rippling on the screen while the black book showed little to none.

While this may be a simplistic or crude measure of build quality it seems that the case on a black book offers more protection for the screen.

Is there a build quality difference between the black and white models?

 

[PlaceofDis]

no. probably just the difference in the floor models (which are bad test examples in my opinion since they get a lot of abuse)

 

[Cybergypsy]

Nope and i perfer the white

 

[BlackMax]

I have a Black MacBook C2D and pressing on the back of the top cover produces no rippling on the screen that I can discern. I pressed moderately hard, but not extremely hard.

Perhaps someone with a White MacBook can try the same test and report the results for comparison. I'd be surprised if the two models are made out of different materials.

 

[notwist]

Just curious, why are you concerned with there being weight on the lid?

 

[istuvok]

Just curious, why are you concerned with there being weight on the lid?

I am not concerned with weight on the lid so much as the relative qulity/rigidity of the cases on the two different models. The "finger test" on the top case is one I see frequently used in laptop reviews as part of the build quality assessment. I am interested in getting to the bottom of why the the black and white models seem to perform differently in this regard.

 

[orangemacapple]

no rippling on my white mb. the build quality seems excellent.

n.b. i've seen people kick the tires on a car before buying it and could never figure that out either. maybe it helps them figure out the build quality.

 

[toddster63]

Yeah, if I press really hard on the case (back of the screen) of my white MacBook I can make the screen ripple...

I cannot imagine how this would ever be a real life factor however...

I suppose the black material is a little harder/denser...

 

[extraextra]

My Macbook has no rippling.

 

[phungy]

Tough to say, the Blackbook is suppose to have a scratch-resistant material :shrugs:

EDIT:
I've owned both white and black Macbooks. It's really tough to say cause both have different finishes. I love both.

 

[Boxer]

I have noticed slight quality differneces in the two Macbooks aswell in the stores. I think in every case I have felt both machines and the black one usually seems like it has less creaks and seems more tough. But then again it could also be due to more people abusing and touching the white ones in the store.

 

[istuvok]

Thanks all for indulging me with your answers. This was just one of the wierd things you notice when contemplating a major purchase.

 

[phungy]

Thanks all for indulging me with your answers. This was just one of the wierd things you notice when contemplating a major purchase.

Go ahead and treat yourself. Go for the blackbook

 

[redmeister]

yea i have a blackbook and my friend has a whitebook and i cant tell a huge difference. we both agreed the black feels sturdier, but theyre made of different materials, and i think that is all we are feeling. maybe a *LIL* edge to the blackbook in terms of stability and build quality.... just because of materials. both finishes have their ups and downs, all personal preference

 

[phungy]

I could be wrong but the blackbooks seem to retain their value a bit better than the white MBs. At least thats what it seems on eBay...