Appletell

Although this may sound like something off a broken record, there is one thing I must say about Apple.  AppleCare and Apple service centers are absolutely, positively amazing.  I’m just puttin’ that out there.  Keep in mind that I did not even go to an actual Apple store for the latest repair, only an Apple specialist.

A few weeks ago, I was very disappointed when I opened my less-than-a-year-old MacBook and I was greeted with a sizable crack in the top casing.  It was about an inch long, about an eighth of an inch in, directly above the status light and infrared receiver.  Now, keep in mind, this problem was purely cosmetic and caused no detriment to functionality.  I talked to a friend of mine, Appletell writer Adam Fisher-Cox, and he said that he doubted it would be covered by AppleCare.  Now for the good news.  Two days ago, I finally decided to try my luck with a local Apple service department, and see if anything could be done.  They said that, yes, it would be covered by AppleCare.  They ordered the part, and said to expect it within a week.  I give them an “F” on their estimation skills, but a “A+“ on their timeliness.  Surprisingly, the part arrived yesterday, only the day after the order.  Maybe I got lucky with a shipment, maybe not. 

Today I brought my computer in to get the part installed, and they said that it would probably be ready within a day or two, possibly, though doubtfully, by the end of the day.  Again, “F” for estimation, “A+“ for promptness.  My computer was ready today at around 5:00, only 7.5 hours after I brought it in.  And for the icing on the cake, not only did they replace the top case, but the keyboard and trakckpad (maybe they’re connected? I don’t know), both of which were not really damaged at all.  My computer looks new again!

Leave a note in the comments about any AppleCare/Service experiences, good or bad.

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Both AppleInsider and MacRumors believe that the next generation of both Apple’s MacBook and MacBook Pro lines will have multi-touch oversized trackpads. While this is nothing stunning - it would be absurd for Apple to include the technology only on it’s most niche product- it is certainly an exciting update to look forward to.

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Apple recently filed a patent application that describes an “improved feedback mechanism for touch pads”. This patent includes “devices capable of illuminating the touch sensitive surface of the touch pad” and “methods for providing visual feedback at the touch pad.“ As usual, this is only a patent application, so it’s unclear when Apple will actually implement it, if the company ever does.

Backlights are currently reserved only for the MacBook Pro’s keyboard; the intensity of these lights can be automatically adjusted based on the built-in ambient light sensor. I’d imagine that a backlit trackpad would not only keep the trackpad lit, but could possibly highlight the ‘path’ your fingers take, for a brief second or two. An interesting patent, nonetheless.

Via [US Patent Office]

• Apple releases update for unrecognized clicks on the new MacBook and MacBook Pro
• Appletell review - Racer-X laptop case [updated]
• New MacBooks and MacBook Pros require HDCP for some iTunes videos