Top Case crack or splintering

This issue affects only MacBook (White/Black) users and in great numbers. Explained in words the top case breaks near the palm rest edge. Evidently the plastic compound is weaker around the edges of the MacBook and therefore it also cracks/splinters easily here. See pic.1 for a typical Top Case crack.

pic.1

The issue with cracks or splintering on the MacBook Top Cases is well-known and in most cases Apple will make an exception by exchanging those Top Cases, even if the unit is out of warranty.

You cannot really prevent this from happening but you can help to make the Top Case stay in one piece longer by not slamming the lid closed every time you finished working/surfing or whatever you do with your MacBook. One thing I feel that I must add: Instead of applying a strip of scotch tape over the crack, just hand it over to an AASP and have them replace the part (the scotch tape destroys the “Mac-feel”). A good idea is to call in advance and hear if they have just your part in stock (this will speed up the process exchanging and you won’t have to be without your computer for a long time). As always it’s best if you talk to Apple Support before you hand in the computer. This because you as an costumer have more influence on Apple when deciding whether to make the exception or not. This applies even if your computer is under Apple Limited Warranty.