Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Can I, and Should I Change My MacBook?

Would you try to have the computer swapped?

  • Total voters
    21
A

andym172

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Oct 24, 2003
335
3
UK
I've had my black MacBook for a couple of weeks now and am very happy with it, but for a few issues:

1/ The screen is starting to creak quite loudly when I open and close it. Like plastic rubbing against plastic.

2/ The battery doesn't appear to have the charge capacity that many others do. I'd put this down to different users, different uses etc, but using coconutBattery http://www.coconut-flavour.com/coconutbattery/ it shows that the maximum capacity of my battery is 92% of the original (the thing is 2 weeks old!!).

3/ I'm having some sound difficulty with the computer, in that it is currently refusing to play any sound when I watch videos on yourtube.com (having be fine previously) - I've played around with the settings as much as possible, but can't see why the videos would be muted.

Firstly, if you were in my position, would you have the computer changed?

And secondly, do you think my local Apple Store (where I purchased the computer) will allow me to change the computer?
 
count chocula said:
i would have return it, i would think that your local apple store would either exchange it for a new one, or refund your money.
Click to expand...

I believe Apple has a 10 day return window plus 10% restocking fee.
 
Keep the thing. I'd be more worried about dead pixels or the infamous 'moo' problem appearing in any replacement. If you are still very concerned about the battery life, I would try to exchange batteries - quicker and less hassle.
 
andym172 said:
3/ I'm having some sound difficulty with the computer, in that it is currently refusing to play any sound when I watch videos on youtube.com (having be fine previously) - I've played around with the settings as much as possible, but can't see why the videos would be muted.
Click to expand...

I can more-or-less put up with the other stuff, but does anybody have any idea why the above may be happening?

I've played the youtube videos through both Safari and Firefox, but there's no sound. The speakers are fine and appear to work with every other app, they even play the sound from Quicktime movies on the Apple website, but nothing on youtube.com.

Has anybody else experienced this?
 
ChrisRC said:
Keep the thing. I'd be more worried about dead pixels or the infamous 'moo' problem appearing in any replacement. If you are still very concerned about the battery life, I would try to exchange batteries - quicker and less hassle.
Click to expand...

Yes, this is a worry. I'd definitely prefer to keep the computer if possible :)
 
I would take it to the apple store and see what they can do for the battery/creeking situations. I wouldnt be optimistic that they would replace the computer just because of those issues. but I bet they would be willing to work with you on it... assuming you go in with a charming attitude. ;) In such situations, a little personality goes a long way. trust me, I dont work at an apple store in the genius bar... but my work situation is very similar, and I am always way more helpful to people who are cool, and dont have a sense of entitlement.

as far as the muted sound... have you tried using different browsers?
does the sound work fine otherwise?
 
I had a similar problem on my Mac mini with muted sound. Is the You Tube player based on Flash? If it is, try re-installing Flash player.

Edit: It is based on Flash player. Try re-installing it.
 
andym172 said:
I've had my black MacBook for a couple of weeks now and am very happy with it, but for a few issues:

1/ The screen is starting to creak quite loudly when I open and close it. Like plastic rubbing against plastic.
Click to expand...


My uncle actually got his iBook replaced for this.

2/ The battery doesn't appear to have the charge capacity that many others do. I'd put this down to different users, different uses etc, but using coconutBattery http://www.coconut-flavour.com/coconutbattery/ it shows that the maximum capacity of my battery is 92% of the original (the thing is 2 weeks old!!).
Click to expand...

That's not normal... I would try to get it (the battery) replaced.
 
andym172 said:
2/ The battery doesn't appear to have the charge capacity that many others do. I'd put this down to different users, different uses etc, but using coconutBattery http://www.coconut-flavour.com/coconutbattery/ it shows that the maximum capacity of my battery is 92% of the original (the thing is 2 weeks old!!).
Click to expand...

Have you calibrated your battery?

For my part, I wouldn't return the mac -- these all seem like minor, easily resolvable issues.
 
what would be the "normal" battery losing its capacity?

Mines 99% 5161mAH after about 1 and a half weeks

and i am a litle concerned when it says age of your mac "7 weeks" i have only got it recently (1 and a half weeks)

i am afraid that this is a refurbished model...

let me know if its true....
 
Wow thanks for posting that coconut battery link. Mine says its 3 weeks old and the charge capacity is 97% 5052 mAh currently, 5200 mAH original.

Is this normal ? I always plug-in my macbook to the charger in the night , charge it till full , and the whole day i use the book on its batteries, till the charge falls to about 10%. Should i be plugging it in more? I mostly use it at my home.
 
2/ The battery doesn't appear to have the charge capacity that many others do. I'd put this down to different users, different uses etc, but using coconutBattery http://www.coconut-flavour.com/coconutbattery/ it shows that the maximum capacity of my battery is 92% of the original (the thing is 2 weeks old!!).


I just don't understand this phenomenon. my iBook is six months old and has over 100% of its original capacity (and that's with relatively frequent battery usage).

Did you ever fully drain and calibrate it?
 
quietmind said:
2/ The battery doesn't appear to have the charge capacity that many others do. I'd put this down to different users, different uses etc, but using coconutBattery http://www.coconut-flavour.com/coconutbattery/ it shows that the maximum capacity of my battery is 92% of the original (the thing is 2 weeks old!!).


I just don't understand this phenomenon. my iBook is six months old and has over 100% of its original capacity (and that's with relatively frequent battery usage).

Did you ever fully drain and calibrate it?
Click to expand...

The battery can be caliberated only once right? During the initial use, charge up to 100% and then drain it?
 
quietmind said:
Technically, I believe you're supposed to drain it once a month.
Click to expand...


But its still ok to keep the battery charged at all times? I mean i charge my macbook the whole nite to 100% and then use it all day till 10%. Is this ok to do?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back