Solution for "creeking/cracking" on opening/closing of MBA??

[downingp]

As anyone else noticed a "creeking/cracking" noise when opening and closing their MBA? I have babied my MBA ever since I got it, no drops or dents, and then one day it started making a creeking and cracking in the lower right hand corner of the screen (next to the hinge).
Is anyone else experiencing this? Has anyone come up with a solution to eliminate the noise?

Thanks.

 

[downingp]

Is there not anyone else experiencing the creaking and cracking when opening and closing their MBA?
Or am I being a little too picky about it?

 

[queshy]

I am. Also, the bottom part of the bezel apparently is rubbing against the base upon opening and it created a slight chip in the case.

 

[downingp]

I am. Also, the bottom part of the bezel apparently is rubbing against the base upon opening and it created a slight chip in the case.

Have you taken your MBA into an Apple Store?

 

[queshy]

Have you taken your MBA into an Apple Store?

Nope, this one's going back to best buy. I don't like buying computers directly from Apple.

 

[Tom J]

I am. Also, the bottom part of the bezel apparently is rubbing against the base upon opening and it created a slight chip in the case.

There have been posts from MBA users that described a 'gap' between the screen and the bezel near the iSight creating a slight bulge. I noticed that all the display models at the Apple store had this issue, some more than others. As a result, the bezel appeared to make contact with the base when closed. I can assume that this will cause the bezel or base to exhibit wear marks at some point. The bezel is very flimsy which is OK if it would stay flat.

 

[digitalfx]

Mine makes the noise too...but seriously, is this really a reason to return a computer??

You do realize that all you morons that return your computers 3 and 4 times cost us all? We are all paying the price for those returns.

 

[emotion]

I don't have an MBA but I had this issue with my Powerbook (12"). It could be the nylon bushes that are self-lubricating and part of the hinge.

The solution? Turn off the MBA and then open and close the lid repeatedly. The self lubricating bush will then ease up and stop creaking.

 

[queshy]

Mine makes the noise too...but seriously, is this really a reason to return a computer??

You do realize that all you morons that return your computers 3 and 4 times cost us all? We are all paying the price for those returns.

The noise doesn't bother me at all...but there's way too much friction going on between the bezel and the base, much more so than any other laptop. It's almost like a "grind" each time you open it. In a years time it'll be real messed up even from normal use.
What do returns cost the consumer? I think all the returns are good because it shows apple that its customers aren't messing around and actually want good QC.
Remember when the iPt came out and there were tons of users on here complaining about the terrible screen..apple got it sorted out because of all the returns. Users need to vocalize more often to large companies like Apple.

 

[digitalfx]

What do returns cost the consumer? I think all the returns are good because it shows apple that its customers aren't messing around and actually want good QC.

You are kidding right? You actually think that returns dont cost us?

I am not talking about the guy that returns a defective product occasionally, I am referring to the idiots that return the same product 3-6 times to find the one perfect one, then they boast about it. They are all over this forum (and every forum) "I am on my 4th MBA"...YES, we are paying for these morons, the retail price of every item we buy has been increased to cover the cost of the guys that return every item they buy 3 and 4 times.

These products are not hand crafted works of art, they are mass produced (mostly in China)...perfection does not exist. If it works properly, use it.

 

[xparaparafreakx]

Make sure you did not drop it or dent it some where to cause the creeking and cracking.

 

[queshy]

You are kidding right? You actually think that returns dont cost us?

I am not talking about the guy that returns a defective product occasionally, I am referring to the idiots that return the same product 3-6 times to find the one perfect one, then they boast about it. They are all over this forum (and every forum) "I am on my 4th MBA"...YES, we are paying for these morons, the retail price of every item we buy has been increased to cover the cost of the guys that return every item they buy 3 and 4 times.

These products are not hand crafted works of art, they are mass produced (mostly in China)...perfection does not exist. If it works properly, use it.

Alright, so in a year when the base of my MBA is chipped I'll give you a call and you can cover the repair fees

In all seriousness, I'd have to respectfully disagree with your viewpoint. The MBA is an expensive product...almost $2K. In fact, all Apple products are relatively "expensive". i.e. compared to other electronics that you'd find on the shelf at Best Buy. Therefore, when you go for Apple, you're purchasing a more premium product, so you don't expect things like this. All other laptops I've seen open and close smoothly, and the MBA, at this price, should be no exception. If Apple is charging this much, they better have a darn good product, quality wise, anyway.

Yes, Apple does lose some $ on the returns (though not THAT much since they sell them off as refurbs eventually), but I also think it's what's pushing them to improve their QC. I've mentioned this before - when the iPod touch came out, if it wasn't for the massive returns on the screen issues they would have never been fixed. Apple has a challenge - its customers are definitely more demanding than customers of other brands. Why? for the reasons i've mentioned - when you pay for Apple, you're doing it because you think it's a better product, otherwise you'd just go buy a $500 Acer. If the lid on my $500 Acer were like this, I wouldn't return it, because you get what you pay for. And I think for the money I spent on the air, the lid should open and close smoothly.
\rant

 

[stevegmu]

This might work...

 

[AreanFSL]

^ LOL.

On topic: Give it some time, if it keeps doing it go to the apple store and compare with the models they have on display. They will most likely take a look at it and ask if you'd send it in for repair.