Palmrest Woes

[Dybbuk]

I've had this MacBook (white) for about 3 weeks now, and I love it. However, I was walking into my room, I noticed something ...

Depending on the angle, my MacBook palmrest looks incredibly discolored! Head on I can't see it, so I assume it is oil from my hands. I rub at it with a moist cloth, but to no avail. I assume the oil is in the plastic.

My question is, what sort of cleaning solution would you provide to remove this cosmetic damage?

 

[bmcgrath]

After 3 weeks? Humm... Maybe some of the other members here can point ya in the right direction for cleaning, but if it's only 3 weeks old maybe get in contact with Apple? That shouldn't be happening!

 

[noodle654]

I noticed that too on mine. Here is what you can do.

-Clean your hands before your use it.
-Buy iKlear. It is a must for all Apple products and such. Cleans the entire computer including the screen. You can get it online at Apple.
-If iKlear does not clean it, use the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser...yes I know, odd? It acctually works!!

Hope I could help you,

Matt

 

[Dybbuk]

Yes, I heard the Magic Eraser works well.

I use my computer quite extensively and often have to eat while using it, so obsessively washing my hands is not an option, but ...

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b205/deuzma/July 2007/Black Ashes White/nfld07202.jpg

I hope you can tell I'm not some sort of slob, now!

I've heard iKlear is quite overpriced. Is it really a "must-have"?

 

[macsforme]

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304058

Mine got pretty bad after about eight months, and when I sent it in for a keyboard repair, they put in an whole new top case (keyboard, palmrest, trackpad, etc.). Kind of nasty that it's happening after only a few weeks, though. :\

 

[noodle654]

Yes, I heard the Magic Eraser works well.

I use my computer quite extensively and often have to eat while using it, so obsessively washing my hands is not an option, but ...

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b205/deuzma/July 2007/Black Ashes White/nfld07202.jpg

I hope you can tell I'm not some sort of slob, now!

I've heard iKlear is quite overpriced. Is it really a "must-have"?

It is god...I use it atleast twice a month. The glossy screens gets dirty fast! It actually isnt that exspensive, its only $20 and they give you a lot of stuff. Travel clothes, big bottle and cloth, and some smaller stuff.

 

[Dybbuk]

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304058

Mine got pretty bad after about eight months, and when I sent it in for a keyboard repair, they put in an whole new top case (keyboard, palmrest, trackpad, etc.). Kind of nasty that it's happening after only a few weeks, though. :\

Yes, I am surprised! I've had very extended periods of contact with it, so I am sure that is why.

It is only viewable from certain angles, leading me to believe that it is oil in the pores of the plastic.

 

[Veritas&Equitas]

Yeah, don't listen to the people who are saying to clean it. No matter what you do, it'll only get worse over time. Contact Apple immediately. I walked into the local Apple Store, showed them the discoloration, and they repaired it and had it back within 3 days.

They replace it with a different type of plastic that didn't seem to discolor like the first one did. The color was just a tad different than the original, but it worked, so I didn't care.

 

[seanneko]

I've noticed the same thing on my white Macbook (which incidentally is also 3 weeks old).

When looking at it from most angles it looks perfectly white, but when I look at it with my eye level almost in line with the front edge (where the infrared receiver is), it looks filthy and covered in tiny scratches.

It is not dirt or skin oil, because I obsess over cleanliness.

 

[Dybbuk]

Yeah, don't listen to the people who are saying to clean it. No matter what you do, it'll only get worse over time. Contact Apple immediately. I walked into the local Apple Store, showed them the discoloration, and they repaired it and had it back within 3 days.

They replace it with a different type of plastic that didn't seem to discolor like the first one did. The color was just a tad different than the original, but it worked, so I didn't care.

I really don't want to do this, I just got this after being computerless for 2 years, there is no Apple store here, I have no other computer ... etc ...

 

[Veritas&Equitas]

I really don't want to do this, I just got this after being computerless for 2 years, there is no Apple store here, I have no other computer ... etc ...

Well, be prepared to have a discolored keyboard then. That's pretty much all I can say. No matter what I tried cleaning it with, it just continued getting dirty over time, and I wash my hands and keep them clean all the time. I just think it's the oil from your hands that discolor it. If you don't get it replaced, it will permanently discolor; it's been a widely-documented issue across the forums.

 

[Dybbuk]

Well, be prepared to have a discolored keyboard then. That's pretty much all I can say. No matter what I tried cleaning it with, it just continued getting dirty over time, and I wash my hands and keep them clean all the time. I just think it's the oil from your hands that discolor it. If you don't get it replaced, it will permanently discolor; it's been a widely-documented issue across the forums.

Hi,

Thank you for your concern. I've only had it for three weeks, so obviously I have a long way to go before Applecare expires. I think I will see what happens. I will try cleaning it first and see what happens.

I assume that you are saying that ANY sort of discoloration is NOT normal?

 

[ecks618]

Apple replaces it for free, I had my girlfriend white macbook repaired and they changed the whole top without me asking or telling them too. They guy told me when he gave it back to me that they change them out when you come in and get any repairs or work done.

 

[Dybbuk]

Apple replaces it for free, I had my girlfriend white macbook repaired and they changed the whole top without me asking or telling them too. They guy told me when he gave it back to me that they change them out when you come in and get any repairs or work done.

If there was an Apple store here, I would gladly do it ... what is the usual turnaround for mail-in replacements?

 

[pugnut]

Palm Rest

I had the same issues. I puchased the marware protection pad and love it.

http://www.marware.com/PRODUCTS/Apple-Laptop-Products/Protection-Pack-Plus-for-MacBook

 

[devilot]

Ugh. Had my white MB for 3 months, the palm rests got pretty nasty despite using iKlear and Mr. Clean Eraser.

Got it swapped out at the Apple store. Received it on a Wednesday, started showing signs of discoloration on that Friday.

Haven't been back yet. Probably should take it in... but... I don't wanna be w/out my MB.

 

[Dybbuk]

If there is an Apple certified repair center in my area, can I get this done there? I really don't want to mail it out.