Lucas Rockwell » MacBook

A Sanded MacBook is a Happy MacBook

lr — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 01:52:00 +0000

I finally got around to sanding the sharp front edge of my MacBook… Honestly, I don’t know what took me so long! Seriously, this is like having a whole new computer. The pain I used to feel when putting my hands down to type, is totally gone. It is really a weird feeling. Also, for some bizarre unknown reason, I used to rub my thumbs against the sharp edge. Maybe I did it because I thought it might actually cause the edge to wear down… Of course, that would have taken years! Now, however, I find that I don’t do this anymore, saving some skin on my thumbs.

I used 400 grit wet/dry 3M sandpaper, and sanded the entire front edge of the MacBook, including the corners, and then about 3cm up each side. I didn’t want to go too far up the sides as I was afraid of getting plastic dust into the slots/holes/etc. In all, it took me about 15 minutes to get the edge to an acceptable comfort level.

Check out the sanding picture to see more clearly what I did.

If you have not sanded the front edge of your MacBook, I strongly suggest you give it some serious consideration!

Sand paper required for MacBook

lr — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 05:19:00 +0000

I recently got a new MacBook. At first I was using it alongside of my old iBook and I really hated the keyboard. The lack of contour on the keys was a huge PITA, and the spacing between the keys just seems (or seemed) really off. Basically, I had no feedback from the keyboard and I thought I was going to hate it. However, now that I have been using the MacBook full-time, I can say that I really like the keyboard. I can actually type very quickly with this keyboard, and it feel very comfortable… Well, until my wrists start screaming with pain…

Apple should give you a piece of sand paper when you get a new MacBook. The plastic edge that surrounds the bottom of the case is sharp, and it cuts into my wrists. I love the fact that Apple actually designs its products and they really get form and function correct 99% of the time. However, this is clearly an instance where design took precedence over function, and users are paying the price. I will be getting some sand paper tomorrow. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Apple, please fix this horrible design.