What imperfections does your new 14 or 16 inch have, that you are willing to live with?

[throAU]

No thumb drives for backup of old files? I have *many*! But then again, I'm an IT manager that is absolutely anal about backups.

I previously (with my MBA) switched all my thumb drives to micro-SD with a USB TypeA/TypeC combo reader thing that is the size of a regular USB stick. Now I have a memory card reader as well

Also, USB-C to USB-A adapters are like $7 each on Amazon.

 

[UBS28]

My 16" M1 Max MBP that I ordered at launch is 100% perfect. I had a popping speaker problem, but I discovered that the software of my Apogee Audio Interface was causing it.

I believe with my 2013 15" MBP, I had to do 5 returns in order to get a 100% perfect unit. So based on my experience, Apple has improved alot.

 

[sb in ak]

I noticed a small creak in the hinges on mine during the first few days of use (mostly just moving the screen after a period of non-use and it was very slight). Went away after that.

 

[bobcomer]

I previously (with my MBA) switched all my thumb drives to micro-SD with a USB TypeA/TypeC combo reader thing that is the size of a regular USB stick. Now I have a memory card reader as well

Also, USB-C to USB-A adapters are like $7 each on Amazon.

That's reasonable, but I live in a world where people still use them and it's just way easier to have a USBA port when I'm installing on someone else's PC. Most Windows PC's still have at least one USBA port. The laptop I'm using right now has 2, also 2 USBC, MicroSD card port, and an HDMI port. And it weighs about half a pound less than the MBA.

 

[dburkhanaev]

Is there a removable one? One that I can put easily before closing the lid and then remove? Because I'm not using that while working. I don't like how they look and I don't like how they feel when typing.

Yes. Mine just essentially sits on the keys. It can stay on safely while the clamshell is closed, but slides right off if I choose to. It doesn’t feel all that different for typing. here is what I chose https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XGRF7VJ/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_DZDKF3E1FNP6P1MP4D1R?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[dburkhanaev]

That's reasonable, but I live in a world where people still use them and it's just way easier to have a USBA port when I'm installing on someone else's PC. Most Windows PC's still have at least one USBA port. The laptop I'm using right now has 2, also 2 USBC, MicroSD card port, and an HDMI port. And it weighs about half a pound less than the MBA.

I also still use thumbdrives. My favorite comes from Samsung. 256gb, USB 3, and it has a USB-C/USB-A adapter that tucks in the bottom of it. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DW33DNN/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_HEM09F3CZSZW2Z8DKXN8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I partitioned it and created a Time Machine backup and an OS installer on that bad boy. It’s a little pricey but we’ll worth it to have that kind of speed and storage capacity in your pocket.

 

[hans1972]

No thumb drives for backup of old files? I have *many*! But then again, I'm an IT manager that is absolutely anal about backups.

I don't think I have used a thumb drive since 2012. Also, the last time I used an external USB drive work-related was back in 2013-2014 to transer a few hundred Gb externally to another company.

You shouldn't have a backup solutions which depends on the user putting some physically into a computer. Backups should be automatic and happening without the user's intervention at all.

No thumdrives, no USB-drives. Use NAS, SAN or cloud.

 

[bobcomer]

No thumdrives, no USB-drives.

Gotta love the preaching around here. The backups on thumb drives are mine alone unless someone wants me to transfer something for them. They make it easy to carry around what I may need at any given time, and not relying on the LAN. (for possible exposure problems)

Use NAS, SAN or cloud.

With at least the very least 1 level of redundancy, I do 2 to 3 depending on the importance.

 

[pshufd]

The only issues I have are related to Monterey.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

I’ve just ordered another unit, for collection tomorrow.

This is from a different store, so hopefully it might bring me luck?

It will be my last attempt.

If there are any issues, I’ll give up.

 

[dantay]

I’ve just ordered another unit, for collection tomorrow.

This is from a different store, so hopefully it might bring me luck?

It will be my last attempt.

If there are any issues, I’ll give up.

Any joy with this latest unit?

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

Any joy with this latest unit?

Hello Dantay.

I’ve been staying at my nan’s, so it’s still boxed.

To be honest, though, I don’t think I can be bothered to set myself up for another disappointment, so I’m considering just returning it tomorrow and forgetting about it.

 

[jinnyman]

Obviously, I don't like the notch although I can live with it.
I also don't like the turn on switch with Touch ID. I mean I like Touch ID and on switch, but the actual button / key itself looks cheap. Compared to the ones in MBP 13" M1 and MBA 13" M1, I see MBP 14" & 16"'s on switch & Touch ID is a step backward. These are all the minor issues.

 

[Spotlighter9]

Just curious to those with

16" M1 Max.
Small imperfections. Bottom crease right side. Doesn't bother me at all. IMO, would be a dumb reason to return.
My camera picks it up much better than my eyes can see.


View attachment 1945241

Mine has the same imperfection (metal burr) in the top case seam just under the left-hand side of the HDMI slot and I would never return a MBP for this defect alone. My BTO (10/16/16 2TB) 16" Pro is otherwise beyond perfect and pristine. Perhaps the BTO units are selected from certain component batches or all come from a specific plant.

 

[dantay]

Hello Dantay.

I’ve been staying at my nan’s, so it’s still boxed.

To be honest, though, I don’t think I can be bothered to set myself up for another disappointment, so I’m considering just returning it tomorrow and forgetting about it.

Gotta be in it to win it, that’s the game.

You have nothing to lose and if it’s a turd call it a day…….you tried.

 

[827538]

My 14" MacBook Pro has been flawless. Sorry to hear you had two with issues.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

Gotta be in it to win it, that’s the game.

You have nothing to lose and if it’s a turd call it a day…….you tried.

Thanks, brother.

However, I may be going into hospital next week, so would be easier to just drop it back to the store on my way back from my nan’s tomorrow.

Appreciate your advice.

 

[Mitchdoc]

I’ve now returned two 16” M1 Pro laptops.

The first one had a click in the hinge, when closing. Other than that, everything was perfect: No display issues, solid keyboard etc.

The second one had the issue with gaps between the bottom of the display, and the bezel (there’s at least one thread on the issue here on MR, as well as threads on Reddit.) Also, some of the keys felt “tappy” and not as solid as the first unit.

Both were returned.

I’d love one of these laptops, but at the price they are, I expect them to be defect free.

Am I expecting too much?

Would you have returned the units I returned, given the defects? Or would you have kept them?

I don’t like the “return game” so I’ve decided to refrain from ordering again.

I’d like to know if your machine has any defects/imperfections, and if you kept it?

Thanks in advance.

Very interesting I have a three day or 16 inch MacBook and one pro like you. It essentially is problem free in that there are no dead pixels in the screen uniformity seems near perfect except for the well-known mini LED slight shadowing at the edges. When closing the screen from about 120° to 90 I also have a tiny click. It is quite repeatable always at the same degree of closure. The hinge is smooth and solid and works well otherwise. I am strongly debating whether or not this would be grounds for return and exchange as I am only on day three of ownership and within my 14 day return window. The only issue is that even though this is a stock configuration, currently all the Apple stores and online are sold out which would mean having to wait a few weeks potentially for a replacement which may again have issues. I am wondering if maybe I should just hang onto this and if it gets worse make a claim under Apple care.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

Very interesting I have a three day or 16 inch MacBook and one pro like you. It essentially is problem free in that there are no dead pixels in the screen uniformity seems near perfect except for the well-known mini LED slight shadowing at the edges. When closing the screen from about 120° to 90 I also have a tiny click. It is quite repeatable always at the same degree of closure. The hinge is smooth and solid and works well otherwise. I am strongly debating whether or not this would be grounds for return and exchange as I am only on day three of ownership and within my 14 day return window. The only issue is that even though this is a stock configuration, currently all the Apple stores and online are sold out which would mean having to wait a few weeks potentially for a replacement which may again have issues. I am wondering if maybe I should just hang onto this and if it gets worse make a claim under Apple care.

My first one, also had “patches” around the screen edge, which I thought were chips.

Boxed it up, but then got it back out to have another look.

It appeared to be the screen laminate coming away from the display, and I was able to gently massage the patches away with a micro fibre cloth.

Only after about a week, the hinge clicking started. Apart from that, it was perfect.

However, one defect after another and I wasn’t having it.

So it went back.

I waited a few weeks, then bought another one. Only to have the gaps under the display (between the bezel) and some of the keys never felt solid.

So, once again, two defects.

It went back.

Believe me, that clicky hinge will drive you mad. You can check daily for stock, and I guarantee you’ll find one in no time.

If I were you, I’d return it.

Apple tax should equate to a defect free, Apple premium product.

 

[pshufd]

Very interesting I have a three day or 16 inch MacBook and one pro like you. It essentially is problem free in that there are no dead pixels in the screen uniformity seems near perfect except for the well-known mini LED slight shadowing at the edges. When closing the screen from about 120° to 90 I also have a tiny click. It is quite repeatable always at the same degree of closure. The hinge is smooth and solid and works well otherwise. I am strongly debating whether or not this would be grounds for return and exchange as I am only on day three of ownership and within my 14 day return window. The only issue is that even though this is a stock configuration, currently all the Apple stores and online are sold out which would mean having to wait a few weeks potentially for a replacement which may again have issues. I am wondering if maybe I should just hang onto this and if it gets worse make a claim under Apple care.

The hinge might be too tight. I saw a Reddit thread on the hinge being too tight and the recommendation was to take it back to The Apple Store to get them to loosen it up.

 

[dantay]

Thanks, brother.

However, I may be going into hospital next week, so would be easier to just drop it back to the store on my way back from my nan’s tomorrow.

Appreciate your advice.

Ah ok, well good luck whatever you decide.

 

[the8thark]

It seems to me like some people are more worried about their possesions than their own body and health.

Getting that information about what is going into your body is difficult or at times impossible to get. For reasons that if we mention on this forum will result in posts being removed.

 

[Spotlighter9]

Very interesting I have a three day or 16 inch MacBook and one pro like you. It essentially is problem free in that there are no dead pixels in the screen uniformity seems near perfect except for the well-known mini LED slight shadowing at the edges. When closing the screen from about 120° to 90 I also have a tiny click. It is quite repeatable always at the same degree of closure. The hinge is smooth and solid and works well otherwise. I am strongly debating whether or not this would be grounds for return and exchange as I am only on day three of ownership and within my 14 day return window. The only issue is that even though this is a stock configuration, currently all the Apple stores and online are sold out which would mean having to wait a few weeks potentially for a replacement which may again have issues. I am wondering if maybe I should just hang onto this and if it gets worse make a claim under Apple care.

At a minimum, I would at least call Apple Support or go to the Apple Store so that the issue can documented as being a manufacturing defect or not caused by you, as these hinge issues can sometimes lead to spontaneous display cracks, etc. If your MBP is otherwise perfect, you could then wait out the supply issues and have it taken care of under warranty or Apple Care. However, given that its a stock unit, I would just ask for an expedited replacement now and if you can keep the old one until the new one arrives.

 

[Mitchdoc]

Decided to order a replacement as my hinge makes a click when moved from beyond 100* back towards closing. It feels like something is rubbing and I worry it could getworse down the road.
Since mine is available again in Apple store will take time to bring home new one and see how it compares to the one I have and if flawless will return 1st one.

 

[jace88]

A luxury handbag is a cosmetic item, so cosmetic imperfections are taking away from one of its primary functions. Replacing it because of a cosmetic issue is normal, because you bought it to look good. Replacing a functional hiker's backpack, on the other hand, because of a slight discoloration - is a different case, even if it's expensive.

A premium notebook is, while usually attractive, not a cosmetic item. I love how my Apple devices look, but small cosmetic issues are not as important, because their primary function is not to look good. Again, there is a balance here - some cosmetic issues warrant a replacement, in my opinion, because you do want to get a quality product. But returning a MBP because of, say, light leaking from the keyboard - that's not worth the time and effort. Especially since the results might be worse.

Sorry didn't respond earlier. I take your point, but I think for some people, the reason they chose Macbook, particularly the higher end models, isn't just performance driven but also the aesthetic appeal and for some, any imperfects might detract from this. If it were me, light bleed is probably not something I'd be concerned about, but if there was a weird noise when opening, marks/imperfections on the screen, etc... these are things I wouldn't be able to unsee/unhear and would probably drive me nuts.

As for the handbag example, for the higher end luxury handbags, any blemishes however small will impact the resale value which is part of the draw of these "investment-grade" handbags. I think MacBooks are in a similar boat here where the resale value is a key part of the draw of a Macbook, although granted, if it's actually used as a laptop is used, it probably won't maintain such a condition over time (and that's before we get into the whole laptops depreciate over time vs. luxury handbags).