I don't know if anyone else has experienced this, but I find the quality of the exterior finish of new MBPs to be far worse than previous models. The scratch and nick at the drop of a hat in ways I don't remember occurring in previous generations
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Finish Quality on New M Series MBPs
- Thread starter mashinhead
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I can only speak for Space Grey. I have two machines, one personal and one from work. Both I have had less than 6 months. And they don't look great. I keep them in a sleeve and still this occurs.
Had to exchange 4 space black MBPs before I got one that wasn’t scuffed out of the box. I’m not sure if it’s Apple being lazy with the QC or just it’s really easy to scuff the finish during production and assembly. Finally got one that was close to perfect.
The one I kept, used a brand new microfibre cloth that was straight out of the package to clean some finger prints off. Ended up with a hairline scratch that you can see if sunlight hits it at the right angle.
Also got small scratch near the MagSafe port, despite being very careful while plugging it in. Only plugged it in 3 times.
Aluminum is very soft, suspect that it’s just more noticeable due to the very dark coating. Recommend silver if scuffs and scratches are a concern.
Beautiful colour though, slick as hell and I love the aesthetic of it. They did a good job eliminating fingerprint retention in the top lid
The one I kept, used a brand new microfibre cloth that was straight out of the package to clean some finger prints off. Ended up with a hairline scratch that you can see if sunlight hits it at the right angle.
Also got small scratch near the MagSafe port, despite being very careful while plugging it in. Only plugged it in 3 times.
Aluminum is very soft, suspect that it’s just more noticeable due to the very dark coating. Recommend silver if scuffs and scratches are a concern.
Beautiful colour though, slick as hell and I love the aesthetic of it. They did a good job eliminating fingerprint retention in the top lid
I have a space grey M1 that I've had since launch. I don't have any dings, dents or scratches but there are areas that have become slightly discolored over the years--and it doesn't wipe off so I think perhaps my hands did something to the finish. No biggie though, I've had this machine for a while and the discoloration is very slight and only visible under specific light.
I've experienced pretty consistent finish quality on all MBPs I've purchased going back to the 2008 15"... IOW, any dings were definitely things I put on myself. Any discoloration to palm wrests or whatnot were because I didn't clean regularly. The screen on my former 14" M1 Pro *did* seem to damage a bit too easily. I had a keyboard outline and some micro nicks that looked like a pebble had hit the screen. Other than staingate on a 13" rMBP from 10 years ago that was replaced by Apple, don't recall any other screen damage.
It does seem like the first wave of production tends to have more issues though. I feel for those who got several with nicks or whatnot, but would be less concerned once successive batches are shipped.
Keycap wear seems unavoidable. I'm already seeing wear on the spacebar in less than a month on my 16" M3 Max despite cleaning it after every use.
It does seem like the first wave of production tends to have more issues though. I feel for those who got several with nicks or whatnot, but would be less concerned once successive batches are shipped.
Keycap wear seems unavoidable. I'm already seeing wear on the spacebar in less than a month on my 16" M3 Max despite cleaning it after every use.
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I just received a brand new MBP M3 Max in Space Black, and it's dented near the right palm rest. I'm pretty sure that I didn't smash it because the machine traveled from the box to a Griffin stand, and I'm a little bit neurotic about taking care of my equipment.
I had a similar experience with an Apple Watch Series 7 with a micro scratch between the crown and the screen, a place very difficult to scratch in that way. I've called the customer support of Apple, and they told me that there's a possibility that a product can be damaged when it is packaged.
I live in Argentina, so I can't claim the 15-day return policy, and it's not really a warranty issue.
I just wanted to rant a little bit, and also let you know that this is something that can happen; quality control is not perfect, and eventually, it is covered by Apple's policies.
I had a similar experience with an Apple Watch Series 7 with a micro scratch between the crown and the screen, a place very difficult to scratch in that way. I've called the customer support of Apple, and they told me that there's a possibility that a product can be damaged when it is packaged.
I live in Argentina, so I can't claim the 15-day return policy, and it's not really a warranty issue.
I just wanted to rant a little bit, and also let you know that this is something that can happen; quality control is not perfect, and eventually, it is covered by Apple's policies.
I have the same thing happen to me with the first 16" M3 Max I got. I fortunately was able to bring it to my local Apple Store and they immediately exchanged. I would certainly contact Apple Support, I am sure they will let you return it beyond the 15 day policy in this case.
Also do note that some countries have the extended return policy as well, at least in the U.S any Apple product purchased from 11/3/23 through 12/25/23 have till 1/08/2024 to return.
Edit to add: Technically if it's a web order through apple.com and you initiate a return on 1/8/24, you technically have till 1/22/2024 to return an item (I think in this case it has to be shipped back, but for the in-store returns, you have to do it by the 8th).
I am planning to travel to the States next next year, so I'll definitely give it a chance. Thanks for your help.