Apple's latest portables have been plagued by all sorts of problems...

Jun 28, 2006 12:02 GMT  ·  By

It looks like the problems that plagued the MacBook Pros are here to stay, and have been reported by many MacBook users. Unfortunately, MacBook users have one more issue to worry about that the Pro users don't have, namely discoloration of the portables.

This issue is occurring in white model MacBooks, with visible changes in color around the areas where the hands come into contact with the machine for prolonged periods. Also, it seems that this is not a issue of cleanliness as many would be quick to point out, as all of the users who are experiencing this clearly state they wash their hands before operating it and have tired cleaning it with everything under the sun.

So far, Apple has labeled these as cosmetic issues, and has also closed the topics on this in their support forums claiming that, "unless otherwise noted, your submission should either be a technical support question or a technical support answer."

What exactly is happening is still a mystery and many speculations are made on the topic, raging from this being a result of 'over washing' one's hands that produces a strange reaction of the plastic, to it being a fading issue, similar to what happens when you leave a newspaper in the sun and it looses its color.

No matter what the cause, it is clear that this is a real issue that while not being widespread is affecting quite a few MacBooks out there, and it's not the fault of the user. Meanwhile, users are angry because they have machines that are only a few weeks old and already look like they are a few years old, while others have spent the price difference between the black and white versions of the MacBook in cleaning substances and still have a filthy looking brand new machine.