Disappointed with the build quality of my rMBP

[Phate]

So I've had my 13" rMBP for about 8 months now, and I'm backpacking with it.

Within a few months it developed a horrible knocking noise from the screen, I took it to an apple store in Sydney and they replaced the monitor so all good.

A few months later the noise is back, I've decided to live with it as it must the movement when inside a backpack that rattles something loose. I'll return it to an apple store when back in Portugal in 2 months.

Other things have started happening now.

One of the rubber feet has come unstuck. Yesterday the whole thing locked up and wouldn't respond, the track pad also locked up with it, I had to force a reboot via the power button. The machine now creaks when I pick it up from one of the corners.

Honestly I'm surprised. My previous MacBook I owned for almost 8 years and went through more abuse over that time and I never had these kinds of issues.

This is not what I expect from a premium product.

Reading online it seems a lot of people experiencing build quality issues with theirs...

Disappointing apple...disappointing.

 

[Phate]

Well they are not really meant for backpacking, you are supposed to carry it gently to a starbucks or costa and sit there working on your new novel.

It's not like it gets thrown around in there or treated badly. If say it's only slightly harder on it than walking to work everyday with it.

 

[Phate]

At the scale these products are manufactured you're going to hear reports of issues regardless of whether they're widespread or not, and it's difficult to tell. Quite honestly, you might just have a lemon.

I'd personally take the machine for another repair, and any issues beyond that, take up with customer relations.

That's pretty much the plan. It's got a full Applecare so I've no qualms taking it in. Just difficult when on the move a lot.

 

[Phate]

That's the current plan. It was bought in the UK, repaired in Australia and I'll take it in in Portugal to see what can be done. If they replace the whole unit that'll be awesome.

I have faith in apples support, seen it pull through for many people when it's needed.

 

[Phate]

I always buy apple care