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Home > News > Apple > Portable > Notebook

October 28th, 2008, 06:25 GMT · By

Weak MacBook Pro Display Hinge Injures User

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A picture of the MacBook Pro user in question after being injured by his MBP
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An Apple Discussions user has revealed that Apple's new MacBook Pros are prone to injuring whoever might be using them. In an attempt to read the on-screen information from a closer distance, this particular user lifted the base of the Pro towards his face when, all of the sudden, the heavy display fell on his nose.

User sumocomputers begins his post on Apple Discussions saying, “If I have my new MacBook Pro on my lap pretty much with the base horizontal and the screen at a little more than 90 degrees, all is good. Moving the screen through all its angles feels perfect.” However, he adds, “if I raise the base towards me and also change its angle so the keyboard is more inclined, the lid just falls down, and sometimes very fast.”

The user goes on to recreate his unfortunate scenario explaining, “I was doing this in an attempt to read one of the Function key icons, and the top of the lid hit me right in the bridge of the nose, and left a small but nasty little gash that took a while to stop bleeding.”

Other Discussions posters have revealed that Apple's new MacBooks now use weaker display hinges, while the display itself is a tad heavier. Apple might have decided to weaken the hinges on the new notebooks to reduce friction in an attempt to extend the new MacBooks life cycle. This seems to be a widespread issue. Tu13erhead, another Apple Discussions poster and next-gen MacBook Pro owner, reveals:

“I got a new MBP yesterday and I really like it. However, last night I was laying down on my back, with my MBP on my knees, angled. I noticed that if I angled it a little more, the display couldn't keep open and would swing down, not quite closing but to the point where I can't see the screen, as if the display hinge is a little loose. It might be designed that way, to just not have much tension, but I'm not sure. My old MBP and various MBs I have used don't do that. I figure that, if anything, it should be less of an issue with the lighter, thinner, display.”

Are you having trouble positioning your MacBook Pro on your lap?


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READER COMMENTS:


Comment #1 by: Michael K A on 13 Dec 2008, 23:22 UTC reply to this comment

The hinges are a disaster. They seriously injured one of my daughter's fingers earlier today. I am so upset with that machine and Apple.


Comment #2 by: Karen on 22 Dec 2008, 22:17 UTC reply to this comment

Yes, this happens to me too! I wondered if it was normal but the more I use my new MBP the more I think not. This story confirms it!


Comment #3 by: JIm on 27 Dec 2008, 04:22 UTC reply to this comment

I am on my 3rd computer. and still the hinge problem.


Comment #4 by: Techie on 09 Mar 2009, 22:17 UTC reply to this comment

holy crap you have GOT to be kidding me. Why would anyone tilt a laptop close enough in the face for your nose to be trapped. Even so, the screen doesn't shut violently, it kind shrugs over...so it seems a little far-fetched...but ok.


Comment #5 by: godsflaw on 25 Apr 2009, 06:21 UTC reply to this comment

This is frustrating for me as well. I now have a need to use my MBP from a non-standard position, and if the display would not collapse under its own weight it would work perfectly. I was searching around trying to find a device that would hold the screen open for me while I worked when I found this post. If anyone knows of such a device for sale please post it.

I am posting from a PBG4, and if hold it on both sides and thrust outward the screen will fall, but not even hit my fingers. If I do the same thing with my MBP with what feels like one-tenth of the force, it will slam on my hands. I can see how someone would could hit their face or slam their fingers on this easily. What's more, the screen problem has me treating my laptop like it's a newborn child rather than the tool it should be. I would love it to be a bit more durable.

All that said, I would buy another MBP again in a heartbeat. Bad hinges are my only complaint, and that's saying a lot. Remember, it's not the floppy display that matters, it's how you use it!


Comment #6 by: fag on 13 Apr 2011, 16:38 UTC reply to this comment

I just cut my nose from it falling on my head.

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