[gmh]

Hi all.
After 20+ years as a PC user, I bought my first Apple, a MacBook laptop. It was delivered two days ago. Yesterday, I lifted the laptop by the top of the screen (the plastic frame). Heard a crack. Then the screen went into paroxysms of agony that ended with a triangular slice of white, a few lines of color and the rest of the screen black. I've lifted PC notebooks by the frame before and never had a problem, but the Apple is less indestructible, I guess. Apple says the cracked screen is not their problem. Any thoughts on how to get them to take responsibility or what it will cost me to replace the screen? Should I even consider replacing the screen? Oh, yeah... anyone else had a similar problem?

[iDaver]

Bummer. I feel for you.
Are you saying that you picked the MacBook up by its lid when it was open? I've never done that before but your experience will make me think twice about picking mine up one-handed when it's closed now. Seems like that frame must be pretty fragile.
Wish I had a suggestion for you. I expect it'll cost half the value of the computer or more just to fix the display.

[robco]

Probably not a good idea to lift any laptop like that. The frame on mine seems pretty solid though. The only weak spot I've found is on the left side in front of the ports. I would ask to speak to a manager at AppleCare though, it shouldn't have come apart like that. If you're near an Apple Store, make an appointment at the Genius Bar and they can take a look in person and evaluate it.

[gmh]

Thanks. I'll try going to the store with the laptop to see if I can get more assistance. I'm not optimistic, though.

[kat_p]

My new macbook has a craked screen as well. and mine craked with little pressure as well. I contacted Apple and was told that the screen problems were not under warranty, and that the replacement/repair would cost $755 plus tax and shipping. This is the second blog where I have found people with macbook screen problems. I think it may be a design flaw because the casing behind the screen is very flimsy. So if you know anyone else with a similar problem, maybe if there are enough problems and complaints Apple will fix the problem.

[techtrek]

I had a PC screen die on me so I plugged the computer into an external monitor to get back up and running. Try it. That might give you a small form factor desktop computer. Sorry.
I've picked up Thinkpads by the screen also and not had a problem. What does the macbook owners manual say about handling it?
If Apple disowns the macbook, I would look for non-Apple repair options.

[MacCheetah3]

Hi
Even if your tank armor thick 'PC' portables could handle such ...handling, that doesn't mean it is proper care of your computer. Obviously, the LCD screen bezel and LCD itself is not designed to hold the weight of the rest of the computer without flexing.
While I am sorry to hear of this unfortunate incident, to me, it does seem your fault. Hopefully, you can find a way to more cheaply repair it.

[RichL]

I had a Dell D500 they give me at work.
Picked it up by the screen and crack...broken screen.
Obviously my company got it fixed.
I NEVER pick up ANY laptop by the screen......any more!
RichL

[bbolin67]

I bought my son (Senior at u of mn) a macbook to replace a stolen powerbook which he had for one year without a single problem. He used the macbook for about three weeks and the screen cracked. Apple store would not do anything. had it replaced by tech restore for 450.00 (apple wanted 800.00)got the macbook back three days later and it cracked again. If Mac wants to even compete with PC's they should atleast be able to build a computer that doesnt' have to be treated like a china doll either that or have the balls to back up their product when there is obviously a flaw in the way they have manufactured there case. I guess whats even worse is that people are so enamored by the mac that they fail to admit there is anything wrong and that it's ok to produce this cheap flimsy product that will break if you look at it cross eyed. I will not invest another dime into repairing this computer or for that matter another MAC. so if anyone wants to buy a powerbook with a cracked screen I will give you a good deal. anyone? anyone? I didn't think so.....

[RichL]

I think you're being a bit harsh.
I don't know what's wrong with your particular MB, but there are many, in just these forums alone, who have MBs that are working just fine.
My screen hasn't cracked either. Painting your problem with such a broad brush sends the message that Apple doesn't offer good support, which doesn't jive with my own experiences on the subject as well as the results from Consumer Reports national polls that put Apple at the top in customer satisfaction and tech support.
While I understand your anger, and appreciate all the money you've spent, your experience seems to be in the minority with the millions of MBs out there.
I don't think the MB is any more "cheap and flimsy" than my Dell laptop.
RichL

[bbolin67]

I agree, I was a bit harsh, I am just very frustrated with the whole ordeal. But as far as the mac store the person I talked with was so arrogant that he wouldn't even check the case for some defect or foreign object that may be causing the screen to crack. I can't find an email address for anyone higher up in MAC to complain to or to help resolve this problem. If anyone has one please let me know. my son will use nothing but MACS so I am sure I will be stuck buying another. Thanks for replying I feel better already knowing that somone has heard my frustration.
thanks

[RichL]

can you try a different mac store?
I have read in these forums many times of people getting better service at one store or another...I would try that if there is another in either your area or your sons area.
Phone support----ask to be pushed up to a supervisor.....
Just keep pushing.....if the problem is really theirs, you should just keep pushing.
RichL

[MacCheetah3]

Hi
Agreed.
FYI...I've had a PowerBook G3, PowerBook G4, and a MacBook and never had a screen crack or otherwise break.

[braindoc]

just wondering, how did the MB screen cracked in your case? Both the first & second time.