Apple Addressing Faulty MacBook Air Hinges

Apple has posted / updated a Support document online aimed at “troubleshooting MacBook Air hinges.” The company acknowledges that users may experience issues with the hinges on the MacBook Air, and offers advice on how to get them fixed, by making a reservation to have it checked by the company’s tech-savvy support staff.

Last modified on August 29, 2009, article TS2948 teaches users what they can do if they experience one or more of the following issues with the hinges on their MacBook Air: unable to close lid completely; broken or cracked plastic near one or both of the hinges; more than one inch (2.54cm) of free play while opening or closing the lid; lid falls freely into closed position from a 30-degree open position, etc.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, “You can take your MacBook Air to an Apple-Authorized Service Provider or Apple Retail Store for evaluation and repair if necessary, even if your product is out of warranty,” Apple says. “If you previously paid for a repair for hinge-related issues that were not caused by accidental damage, you may be eligible for a refund. Contact Apple for more information,” the Mac maker advises users of its ultra-thin notebook.

Also noteworthy for owners of a MacBook Air, “If you plan to visit an Apple Retail store, make a reservation at the Genius Bar,” Apple adds. Note that this service is available only in some territories.

Some of our readers may remember reports of Apple Discussions users who revealed that Apple's MacBook Pros were dangerous to employ in some situations, because of a similar, hinge-related issue. Apple's new MacBooks utilize weaker display hinges, while the display itself is a tad heavier, users have reported. Apple is believed to have weakened the hinges on the new notebooks in an attempt to reduce friction and boost the laptops’ life.