Is it OK to stack things on top of a closed lid MacBook Pro?

[chengengaun]

Bunch of amateur stackers in this thread - as an expert, let me weigh in (pun intended).

The way that others have gotten key imprints on their screens is by stacking things on the center of the closed-lid computer, causing inward bowing of the lid. You can get away with light items this way (glasses, phone) but anything heavier and you'll be pressing the screen against the keyboard and getting key imprints on it.

The right way to stack is by distributing the weight uniformly across the lid of the computer, including its structural edges. For example, if the first item you place on top of the closed-lid computer is a book that is larger than the computer, it will spread the weight of anything stacked on top of that evenly including across the much stronger structural edges of the computer.

That does seem to stack up.

I have a special "stacking tray" that is simply a flat tray that is larger than my 14" MacBook Pro. Everything I want to stack on top of the computer, I put on that tray and it distributes the weight evenly. I have stacked books, moving boxes, car parts, air conditioners, anything that I wanted to stack on top of my computer I have been able to stack using this method. I even had a bet with my friends that I could stand on top of my computer with my full weight using this method and not cause any damage to it. Whether I won the bet or not isn't important, what's important is that we can stack to our heart's content and if the computer breaks or is damaged, at least we lived and did all of the stacking that we wanted to do.

I salute your spirit, though that worries me...

 

[Matias Anaya]

Put the laptop on top of the books

It can fall

 

[michaelprescott]

I once moved a couch and had forgotten my MacBook was under the couch. I set the couch leg on top of it. It survived without a mark. They aren't fragile cheap plastic notebooks, but regardless I would not intentionally put anything on top of them. Why risk it.

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

I used to store my coffee on top my retired intel MBP.

A surefire way to keep a mug toasty.

now i store my coke on top of my mba

 

[usagora]

Don't run your car over it either, in case you were wondering.

"Dang it!" Thought it was guaranteed unbreakable!

 

[Scott M]

Ok, you can’t leave us hanging… why? How did it turn out?

I explained a few posts later

 

[icanhazmac]

Do you also stack things on your MBP?

Absolutely not! Why would you think this is even remotely ok to do.

 

[scsyc]

If you miss space on you desk, I would recommend to store your mac vertically with a stand. I would not stack things on my MBP. It costs too much to risk damaging the screen.

 

[PBG4 Dude]

now i store my coke on top of my mba

The aluminum top is great for chopping up lines, isn’t it? ;-)

 

[thejadedmonkey]

In terms of heat, nahh, it doesn't matter. If it's an Intel mac it'll reach thermal throttling even if you keep it open. If it's an M1 mac, it won't reach its thermal limits no matter what you do (within reason).

In terms of weight, yeah, I wouldn't. Just because my kid has stood on my mac without breaking it doesn't mean she should.

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

The aluminum top is great for chopping up lines, isn’t it? ;-)

sorry I don't get it haha ,whivh lines are u referring to ?

 

[jav6454]

I still can't believe some people put stuff on top of their display lids and think it's normal and ok.

 

[FMRWin10Boy]

Absolutely not! Why would you think this is even remotely ok to do.

For seven years I used a Surface Pro and often stacked things on top of it when the lid was closed. I mean, MBPs are made of aluminum so it should be fine.

 

[FMRWin10Boy]

Why would you even want to stack things on top of your laptop? That idea makes zero sense to me.

They have to be engineered to withstand a certain amount of weight without damaging the screen or lid. I find closing the lid creates more desk space for me as I often have several books on the desk.

 

[icanhazmac]

For seven years I used a Surface Pro and often stacked things on top of it when the lid was closed. I mean, MBPs are made of aluminum so it should be fine.

Not the point, my $3k laptop is not the base for a pile of office crap!

 

[NY Guitarist]

They have to be engineered to withstand a certain amount of weight without damaging the screen or lid. I find closing the lid creates more desk space for me as I often have several books on the desk.

So you would use the laptop screen that might be damaged as part of your desk?

Again, makes zero sense to me, but what do I know... maybe I'm just too careful about my very expensive equipment.

 

[jav6454]

For seven years I used a Surface Pro and often stacked things on top of it when the lid was closed. I mean, MBPs are made of aluminum so it should be fine.

So you are telling me you are fine with putting things on top of computing stuff? I mean, it just signals that you have disposable income to buy another if the first one breaks.

Surface or MacBook, the point is, you never put anything on top of laptops. I can't believe I am stating this.

 

[usagora]

They have to be engineered to withstand a certain amount of weight without damaging the screen or lid. I find closing the lid creates more desk space for me as I often have several books on the desk.

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OMOTON Vertical Laptop Stand Holder, Desktop Aluminum Stand for MacBook with Adjustable Dock Size, Fits All MacBook, Surface, Chromebook and Gaming Laptops (Up to 17.3 inches), Gray

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Or just buy or build your own under-desk storage area to place the MacBook in when you're not using it.

 

[Cognizant.]

Not the point, my $3k laptop is not the base for a pile of office crap!

This is the only reasonable response.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:
"For seven years I used a Surface Pro and often stacked things on top of it when the lid was closed. I mean, MBPs are made of aluminum so it should be fine."

You're free to do whatever you wish, of course.
But I think the general tenor of the replies here ought to give you something to think about...

 

[arian71]

I put my espresso mug on trackpad while I use a mouse on my MacBook so can't see why you can't stack things on top

 

[pshufd]

The only thing that I put on top of my closed MacBook Pro is my glasses. So that I know where to find them.

 

[kupkakez]

I've always put stuff on top of my laptops and have never had an issue. Items such as a physical book I'm reading, my phone, kindle, my work laptop, iPad and have never had an issue, now I don't put them ALL on top at the same time but maybe 1-2 things at any given time. My iPhone 13 is sitting on top of my 14" MBP now.

 

[jav6454]

I've always put stuff on top of my laptops and have never had an issue. Items such as a physical book I'm reading, my phone, kindle, my work laptop, iPad and have never had an issue, now I don't put them ALL on top at the same time but maybe 1-2 things at any given time. My iPhone 13 is sitting on top of my 14" MBP now.

A small book, a phone or a kindle is fine. But people here have been saying they put other heavy stuff on them.