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Zubba

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 20, 2007
92
47
Out of curiosity, do all mac minis wobble towards the front when laying flat, or did I just get lucky?
 
:( Got a 2012 refurb unit from Apple that has a warped case. I contemplated keeping it because these are hard to get, but it's so bad that 1) it's lopsided, and 2) it slides around on the desk with the faintest of pressure because it's not making proper contact. Sending it back. Oh well :(

On the bright side I still have my rMBP. :D
 
:( Got a 2012 refurb unit from Apple that has a warped case. I contemplated keeping it because these are hard to get, but it's so bad that 1) it's lopsided, and 2) it slides around on the desk with the faintest of pressure because it's not making proper contact. Sending it back. Oh well :(

On the bright side I still have my rMBP. :D

I would imagine that the warranty would cover something as bad as you describe. Hope it's resolved!
 
Yes, surely Apple can fix it? Otherwise you could stick rubber feet on, or perhaps the circular access panel is not clicked in properly (remove and re-attach).
 
Out of curiosity, do all mac minis wobble towards the front when laying flat, or did I just get lucky?

congrats u got the limited edition one. no but that shouldn't happen unless those things on the bottom of the mac mini has fallen out.
 
It's not the plastic piece, I removed and checked it. Unfortunately it's the aluminum case that bulges towards the center front. I called up apple and asked if it could be fixed/exchanged, but they said that since it was a refurb all they could do was issue a refund.
 
... I called up apple and asked if it could be fixed/exchanged, but they said that since it was a refurb all they could do was issue a refund.

Nah... refurbs have the same 1-year warranty that a brand-new unit has.
Either you were told incorrectly, or you misunderstood what they told you.
You can't exchange, because they would need to have another like refurb in stock, and that's not too likely.
Can you take to an Apple store, or authorized service center - so you can show what you have?
Apple can certainly repair, unless you got a "refurb" from a non-Apple source.
 
It's not the plastic piece, I removed and checked it. Unfortunately it's the aluminum case that bulges towards the center front. I called up apple and asked if it could be fixed/exchanged, but they said that since it was a refurb all they could do was issue a refund.

Is there an Apple Store near you that you can stop by with the mini?
 
It's not the plastic piece, I removed and checked it. Unfortunately it's the aluminum case that bulges towards the center front. I called up apple and asked if it could be fixed/exchanged, but they said that since it was a refurb all they could do was issue a refund.

This is why I could never buy a refurb. My OCD would never allow it
 
I used to buy new, by 4 of the last 5 macs that I've purchased were refurbished. I think they're an exceptional value. I had a PBG4 with some screen issues and I was able to take advantage of AppleCare, eventually getting a full screen replacement. That's been my experience, I'm sure there are others good and bad.
 
Nah... refurbs have the same 1-year warranty that a brand-new unit has.
Either you were told incorrectly, or you misunderstood what they told you.
You can't exchange, because they would need to have another like refurb in stock, and that's not too likely.
Can you take to an Apple store, or authorized service center - so you can show what you have?
Apple can certainly repair, unless you got a "refurb" from a non-Apple source.

:rolleyes:

Apple needs you to call them to fill them in on what their policy is.

It's a DOA issue, so I was told I had no repair options, and since it was a refurb no exchange option.
 
...
It's a DOA issue, so I was told I had no repair options, and since it was a refurb no exchange option.

Ah, that makes sense now.
DOA - damaged on arrival.
No exchanges - because those are not available.
No repair, as the case is bent?, and would usually be called a cosmetic repair, etc (or shipping damage, which is not a factory defect)
Now, I can understand why you are only offered a refund.

Is it so bad that it can't sit on a pad. My un-bent mini sits on a sheet of that cushioned vinyl drawer liner that you can find at any store that sells kitchen accessories - it doesn't slide around on my small desk...
If not, then it's a refund.
 
It's pretty bad. I'd definitely have to disclose the issue if I ever sold it. I'm still kicking around the idea of just keeping it, and getting a sideways stand, as the internals look brand new.
 
I've used those little round rubber stick on pads under my mini ever since it was new.
First to get a bit of elevation for better ventilation, and second for better traction on my desktop when inserting cables and USB connections etc.
BTW, best to use 3 pads in a triangle setup, 3 will always sit level, try to use 4 and 1 will always be too long or too short.
 
Is it so bad that it can't sit on a pad. My un-bent mini sits on a sheet of that cushioned vinyl drawer liner that you can find at any store that sells kitchen accessories - it doesn't slide around on my small desk...
If not, then it's a refund.

Tool box liner, in addition to being a great way to protect tools, also has really nice leveling qualities so I second this recommendation.
 
Warped Aluminum?

It's not the plastic piece, I removed and checked it. Unfortunately it's the aluminum case that bulges towards the center front.

I am stuck trying to figure out how your problem is not linked to the black unipod base section. :confused:

I suppose that the factory could have machined the case improperly but I can't imagine what environmental conditions or forces could have warped the case. Could you please post some pictures of your case and base?
 
I am stuck trying to figure out how your problem is not linked to the black unipod base section. :confused:

I suppose that the factory could have machined the case improperly but I can't imagine what environmental conditions or forces could have warped the case. Could you please post some pictures of your case and base?

Same here. The Mini sits on the black base, not the aluminum case.
 
Same here. The Mini sits on the black base, not the aluminum case.

The aluminum is misshaped, which retards the plastic base when you place it on. Removing the plastic, it pops back into a flat piece, but it can't stay flat and fit on to the aluminum. I decided to just send it back.
 
... but it can't stay flat and fit on to the aluminum...

That says it! It seems like returning that mini is your best option. If aligning the base index dot with the case mark makes the base deform then something is wrong.
 

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