Returned 13" Air (Creaks) - Review of Replacement

[codehead]

I ordered my 13" (4 RAM, 256 Flash) hours after the keynote. I noticed the creaking as others have reported on this list. I had it on the left palm rest. The sound is similar to one made by stepping on a loose floorboard. It did seem as if the bottom panel was flexing. I went to the Genius Bar to see if they could tighten the bottom panel. Instead, they suggested that I return it since I'd had it less than a month.

I received the replacement. I have not heard the creaking (fingers crossed). Overall, this one 'feels' more solid. The most odd difference is the feel of the aluminum case. The original always felt strange against the skin of my palms and fingers. I know, I'm probably just sensitive. But, the replacement feels smoother.

In any case, I just thought this might help others. I've always learned so much from others' posts.

 

[jetjaguar]

Well i returned mine as well for creaking and the new one has an issue when it is closed the left side pushes down and the right side doesn't move but I think im going to just live with it

 

[xpovos]

Mine pops a little when I press on the bottom panel with thumb on the left palmrest. Given that the machine is otherwise perfect (no dead pixels, runs fast as hell, gorgeous display, no overheating), I'm not going to let it bother me. The sound doesn't occur during "normal" usage. At most, I might eventually take it in to have the bottom panel reseated to see if that helps, but as the noise is only occasional and is very minor, I can't imagine being anal enough to get a replacement laptop which might have a dead pixel or some other real problem.

 

[gwsat]

These are the first reported problems I have seen about the new 13 inch MBA having a creaking problem. Before I started reading this thread all the complaints I had seen were limited to the 11 inch MBA. I have no idea what might be causing some MBAs to creak but others not. In any event, I am grateful that my 13 inch MBA does not creak.

 

[EspressoLove]

Mine creaks a bit on the right side mostly.
Don't know if I should wait till last day to bring it in - hoping they fix manufacturing a bit.