Crossposted to our sister Duo/2400 list for entertainment purposes:
On PowerBook G4 Titanium List, 7/16/2002 Edmund William White <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Since I'm being flamed all over the web for voicing my opinion of the > TiBook's paint quality (see: > http://ems.music.uiuc.edu/p/photo.php?dir=Defective_Powerbook ), I'll be > short here. I've monitored this list since its inception, and have occasionally posted. In early May, 2002 I finally bit for a G4-800 Titanium (partially setting aside my PB2400-G3/400), figuring the 3rd iteration by Apple would have resolved most of my reservations. Finally it had good speed, a decent cache, and a wide pipeline. It arrived 1 hour before a trip to Europe so the incipient defects manifested themselves at my alternate address. I had to call Apple within a few days to record my first complaint that the tight hinges didn't loosen and the screen wouldn't close all the way. (Yes I know about the hinge lube kit). After 4 weeks I lost a paint fleck or two--the first one is most disturbing. After 6 weeks I'd lost a few more through absurdly light use and so took a closer look. I was absolutely shocked then; now I'm inured. The entire condition of this NEW computer is MUCH WORSE than those posted on EWW's webpage. I wouldn't worry about the flaming--I think EWW has done a great service to the Apple user community. Many thin-skinned Apple users take all-too-quick umbrage at any criticism of a company that, if it could, would be even more arrogant than the evil empire itself--and has often exhibited such behavior (at micro-scale because size matters) in the past. The paint problem may not be on every Titanium, but it's certainly prevalent enough to warrant widespread discussion in a public forum. From a design standpoint, it seems absurd to use and advertise Titanium, and then to swath it in poorly selected paint. On my rapidly degenerating Ti there is similar "waterline rust" on all 4 sides plus HUGE bubbles on the hinges. One (of several) is about 1-1.5 mm high, and runs continuously across 3/4 of the hinge width. There are "champagne bubbles" on the flat surfaces of the sides in addition to the random loss of paint at the edges of the lower case bezel. This computer has mainly been traveling upstairs and downstairs in one building--and I have to keep it in a padded case whenever I move it just so the screen stays closed so it has been absolutely babied. The ridiculous thing is that it already looks 10 years old, and the #4 key has also fallen off (hardly overused but I'll allow for a defective injection molded part). At about 8 weeks I registered a 2nd case number with Apple. They consider the defective key "normal wear and tear"!!! (After 8 weeks). I've sent some pics to a kind friend who will be at MWNY to see what LIVE APPLE officials might say. I've decided to stay low key for the moment but I rather do believe that the problem is more widespread than may be discussed. In short, I'm extremely disappointed (pee'od) at the poor quality control and beyond amazed and aghast that the problem should appear so quickly. I'm a DIY kind of guy so I'd strip the bezel and hinges and repaint them after proper surface prep with some extremely durable epoxy paint but I'm determined to obtain proper satisfaction and correction by Apple first. Just on principle for 6 miserable weeks of titanium "skin cancer"! Sheesh! This is really a QC issue between Apple and QUANTA, Apple's subcontractor. > Chad, I think that the chipped paint gets worse. The paint seems to be > very brittle and is aggravated by other issues. I hear people talk about > their wristwatches causing the chipping. I don't think that's valid. In > light of my other paint issues, I never had to remove my watch. The > paint on the outer trim should not be so fragile to begin with. I totally agree with this. The paint is brittle and the surface prep is evidently extremely poor to nonexistent. Imagined watch induced abrasion and other similar excuses have nothing to do with it. "Acidic" finger prints might contribute but some of my paint problems are in places I don't remotely touch (or even normally see). In any case, any paint should withstand a few weeks of use. Also, both my screen bumpers are depressed into the lower case or are gone--possibly from the "pressure" of squeezing the lid a little harder to keep it closed. But that was also a visible problem of progressive deterioration. > If you > are unsatisfied, I suggest calling Apple. I feel as though the company is > reluctant to acknowledge a widespread problem with the TiBook's finish, > and that they bank on the fact that users will find other solutions to > these issues (or buy new computers). Absolutely correct. Judging from the manufacturing problems already grossly apparent in my computer, I would have to say there may be a significant internal cost to Apple and Quanta. > > Loren, do your hands actually touch the rubber screen bumpers mounted on > the base? Mine don't. They are still wearing away (and this is on a 5 > week-old top-case). I think the wear comes from the time that the screen > is closed and in contact with the screen. Notice the residue on the > screen's bezel, where the bumpers contact? I think the material is shotty. Yeah, 5 weeks is about my experience too. The material is improperly spec'ced (a fancier way of saying shoddy ;-) > So, to be fair, the screen and functions are excellent, but the quality of manufacturing finish is really appalling. Apple should take a page from the Japanese small PC laptop manufacturers on metal finishing. I have to meet extensively with pinstripe biz execs and banker types in London in the coming weeks with this (missing key) Titanium looking like a gap-toothed, acne ridden, paint peeling of a rust bucket wonder (yeah, I know titanium doesn't rust but that's what it superficially looks like)--a terrific recommendation for Apple. (I need the screen for Excel demos). (Pictures available but will wait on their release--they really look worse than EWW's). In fact I have to reshoot. I wish I had the patience to do it by time lapse!!! IT'S THAT BAD. Back to my 2400. Sidney Ho ---------- Duo/2400 List, The friendliest place on the Net! A listserv for users and fans of Mac subportables. FAQ at <http://www.themacintoshguy.com/lists/DuoListFAQ.shtml> Be sure to visit Mac2400! <http://www.sineware.com/mac2400> To unsubscribe, E-mail to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Need help from a real person? 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