God only knows how many times I’ve whined on Twitter about the sharp edge on my MacBook Pro right where your wrists rest while working on it. I swear to Buddha that after 15 minutes of working on this thing I have lines deep enough imprinted in my forearms to make people think I’m trying to slash my wrists! Furthermore, this laptop nearly makes me want to!!!
But tonight I’d had enough. After a marathon session of pain, I finally got off my lazy butt and did something about it. So, here is a video of me taking a file to my MacBook Pro and doing what Apple should have done long, long ago!
UPDATE
I’ve received numerous emails and phone calls from people asking me what type of files and clamps I used when shaving the sharp edge off of my Macbook. In order for me to get back to work and stop fielding questions, I decided to put the MacBook Pro Mod Shopping List
together on Amazon.com showing exactly what will work. You can duplicate the results for about $12 worth of tools. So get to it folks! ;-)If you want to do it yourself its actually quite easy. Just get a couple of clamps and gently attach your MacBook to a strong, stable surface. Then take a fine file to the edge and slowly begin removing material. After 10-20 strokes you’ll feel a world of difference in the edge of the device. Just make sure you don’t get the aluminum shavings in your finger. You do not want aluminum splinters!
Have fun, and feel free to ask questions.
EDIT: For those with comments and questions about this process.
For all those who are worried about removing the anodized finish, don’t. I did this a month ago, and there is no “black stuff”or any other sort of residual. (AKA – My sleeves aren’t dirty.)
You should know that I’m also a trained welder, blacksmith and bladesmith. I’ve got hunks of aluminum in my garage that I machine on my milling machine, cut on my CNC plasma cutting machine, and weld on my big ass Lincoln TIG welder. In other words, I’m experienced at working with Aluminum.
This tiny amount of filed area is not going to get exposed to a harsh environment because your laptop can’t take it! Plus, the oil from your skin rubbing in this are will actually keep that small area further protected.
Note that I used a file and did this by hand. That is because the file removes metal as shavings – not dust. I would highly NOT recommend doing this with sandpaper or another abrasive. As you can see from the video the shavings are too big to become airborne and can be swept right up. Also, there is no chance of any of them getting inside the computer.
Finally, turn your machine off. I ONLY left mine on so people would not think this was a hoax. YES, I really did this to my MBP. And yes, I can afford it if I broke it. So guess what, I took the risk so you don’t have to wonder if it can be done. Not the first time I’ve done something like this, nor will it be the last.
So, you’ve got two choices if your bothered by the sharp edge on your MacBook.
- Listen to the guy who did it and had zero negative consequences.
- Listen to people who did NOT do it, but who have a desperate need to sound like a metallurgist or some sort of authority despite their lack of hands on experience.
The only thing I’ll advise is that when you are filing be careful about brushing the shavings off with bare hands or you might end up with aluminum splinters. They are no fun. ;-)
you are right. Forgot I filed the edges at the bottom corners – my hands are clean.
but the table is UBER dirty. I plan to CP the bottom case. I dont want to anodise it, will be easy to scratch. I think about CP + rainbow PVD. I prefer this kind of hard coating over ano. even over hard ano.
LOL. really no gray mark on your sleeves and hands? I didnt filed my MBP and it’s makign my hands dirty sometimes. My bottom case is getting my table COMPLETLY gray with ano dust. terrible.
I never thought I’d do this, but today, I used your technique with an old “combination” file I had in my toolbox. It has 4 different levels of coarseness and I used the finest. It took quite a number of passes using the same technique you showed in the video. I then followed up with a Dremel tool and a cotton buffing wheel. I can not believe the difference… typing on this thing is now a dream. I should have done this back in 2011 when I first purchased this machine. So, thank you!
I did this to my white Macbook about in 2009 and never regretted it. You just gave me the motivation to go ahead and do it to my late 2011 17″ Macbook Pro. What a relief to have that stupid edge GONE!!
THANKS!
Much like how barbers used to use cow skin(leather) to sharpen their blades. Human skin has the same effect. Like slowly sharpening the corner of my macbook to the point that it actually cut my wrist! So I had it! I filed that corner down today and it feels SOOOO good. Soooo smooth. Funny how apple released unsharpened corners with their newer models. I guessed their designers did listen to you!
hahaha!
Well, I’m glad you fixed the problem! And hopefully we won’t have to do this with future generations…
John P.
Thanks for this blog. Just did with my macbook pro now. Feeling so happy now that it stop hurting.
Your problem is not the sharp edges, dude. Your problem is resting your wrists on your computer when you’re using it. This is precisely what you’re not supposed to do. Those sharp edges _should_ be there to remind you that you’re typing poorly.
It’s not while typing that it is a problem. It happens while using the trackpad.
I’ll stick with Windows, if owning a Mac damages one’s spelling and gramatical abilities as it has for all of you. Thanks.
Bullshit! It makes your sleeves/hands black. You cant tell me that Im hallucinating etc :D If your so good with aluminium you should know that by fact. I wish you didnt misguide people like that and give a solution to this problem, aluminium expert as you are!
Kristina,
I don’t know what kind of manufacturing facility you were born in to get that foul mouth, or what kind of aluminum you played with as a child (sounds like the “lead” kind), but those of us in the civilized world who own MacBook Pros have the clean, processed kind.
It’s now been over a year since I filed the edge off mine, and there has never been a single tiny, miniature, minuscule, detectable amount of residue from the edge.
EVER.
Let me see if I can be more clear. How about if I shout?
FILING THE EDGE OFF YOUR MACBOOK PRO DOES NOT CREATE A SITUATION WHERE THE EDGE OXIDIZES AND LEAVES BLACK STUFF ANYWHERE!!!
How about if I beg?
Please baby. Daddy is telling you that you can do this and there won’t be no black stuff on your white parts.
How about if I insult you?
Listen you stupid, dirtbag, worthless sack of…
Oh nevermind. If you don’t want to do it, DON’T! If the edge is bothering you, file it off. Your choice.
Love,
John P.
you are tooooooooo funny and accurate!
I’ve had my Macbook Pro for only 6 months or so, but this was the one thing that drove me insane. Cutting my had every single time I used it. I’ve got a full woodshop, have done jewelry smithing and metalworking and had been thinking about this for awhile. I searched Macbook Pro edge one day on a whim and found this page. You pushed me over the edge, and I’m here to thank you for it! I didn’t document it, but just finished and it was smooth and painless (pun intended). Night and day improvement.
This has improved my life greatly. I love my MBP, but the edge is way to sharp. I swear the way I’ve been holding my wrists to keep from slashing them has given my carpal tunnel. I wish I’d seen this sonner.
John,
Still no oxidation issues to date? If not, I’m taking the plunge!
Thanks,
Mike
Hey Mike,
There have been ZERO problems with it. I highly recommend that you give your wrists a break and file it down! Only takes a minute for a lifetime of happiness. hehehe
John P.
Click the link to see MY version of this fix!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5–lo-SJuw
Glad you videoed it! I embedded your video in the post as well. Hope you are enjoying your newly smooth edge! There is a very small group of us who were brave enough to do it! ;-)
John P.
Thanks for this. Your shopping list link didn’t work for me. Can you just tell me the grit # of your files? Thanks
Sorry I saw your question a little too late Jeff. But looks like you got the right thing anyway! ;-)
John
LOL!!….this video is hilarious!
i noticed the very sharp edges too and it has actually held me back from getting a new mbp. hopefully jobs & co. will change this flawed design in 2011!
Thankyou so much for posting this. My wrists feel relief the second I did this.
I JUST bought my MBP, two days back, and the edges were unbelievable!! For me the only problems were the two pointy edges right beneath the trackpad, and as soon as I saw your video I took out my nail filer and had a go at it… Feels SO much better now!!! Thanks a bunch!
The sharp edge is one of the main reasons that I am a PC
Great job John! Could you please post a close-up photo of the filed edge. Thank you!
Thank you for the video — you gave me the courage to do what I knew had to be done; I was so sick and tired of nicking my hands and thumbs on the sharp edges of the center divot. How Apple ever thought the sharp edges on this model were acceptable is beyond me. This is my fifth Apple laptop, and none of the previous designs had this insane adherence to form over function. It is frustrating that we are compelled to apply our handiwork with a metal file to rectify an obvious design flaw on a $3,000 machine.
THANK YOU. I just got the new MacBook Pro and I have a serious scratch on the heel of my hand from those goddamned pointy edges – did any industrial designers even TRY this laptop before releasing it to the public? I expect much, much better from Apple. 2500 dollars this thing cost me! And you can’t even use it anywhere near human flesh? Who was it built for – C3P0?
Thanks again. I’m going to file mine down immediately.
Sack up and do it. You won’t regret it. I just did it and i am so happy with the difference it has made. Just be patient and really nothing can go wrong. Loving the rounded edges. You’re a lifesaver John in the middle of finals week.
Hi John
I just got my MBP 15″ last week…high resolution screen..ant glare..I love it…except for the edge issue just below my wrist…and I saw your video…I agree I could not care at all about the resell value…however..are you (since some has passed since you’ve filed) positive that one can not see any difference from the unibody where you filed? and that there will be NO permanent damage..Please advise as the edge ..like yourself…is driving me crazy..thanks so much bob s
Bob,
It’s now been a couple of months. There has been no drawback whatsoever.
As predicted, those people who warned that there would be black marks coming from the area I filed were wrong. There is no discoloration, no problem of any other kind, and only relief from sharp edges.
Not a single person has noticed what I did except if I showed them. And then they just want me to do it for them on their machines if they are brave enough. Oh! And I took it into the Apple store to have it looked at and they didn’t say a word!
So again I recommend that everyone do this and stop punishing yourself.
John P.
Hmm,
I had never heard of this issue before I googled “sharp macbook pro” because I was extremely surprised at how sharp the little corners on the finger hole for opening the screen. I just upgraded to a new macbook pro from the older body style (all silver) yesterday. BOTTOM LINE: As an unconscious, or “style oriented” design decision it seriously is affecting my productivity and enjoyment of computing more s0 than any other computer I have used.
Thanks for publishing the sensical solution to a real problem. Some people are so disconnected from reality that they don’t realize how normal it is for someone to take a sharp edge off something with a file. To the people who are incapable of lightly dragging a file across an edge without destroying their computer, breath deep, interact without fear in your surroundings.
Are you more worried about your mint condition macbook or the discomfort to your wrists? That should help you make an informed decision on which way to progress, for me I shall file in the morning. I bet that only a very scrupulous Apple employee will be able to notice my ‘comfort’-edge, and if they do they will be the type to respect my decision (and attention to detail) in the face of an easily avoided flaw on their part.
@Alex Keeny, we all know that the warranty is written to deny coverage in almost all cases. If you are on warranty/applecare and your motherboard goes -kaput-, they can won’t deny coverage on account of you filing an uncomfortable and sharp edge off their product.
Well said Matt! :-)
John P.
They probably won’t, but they definitely can. It really depends more on the shop/tech that works on the computer. Now if your keyboard fails in some way that is generally covered by the warranty, I wouldn’t be surprised if this caused them to deny coverage on a new top case, and they aren’t as cheap as they were before unibody enclosures.
My goal was only to point out that in the strictest sense, this does void your warranty. It never hurt to be informed :D
I worked in a machine shop many years ago, and spent some time deburring and chamfering parts. We used strips of abrasive cloth either with the thumbtip (for inside corners) or like a shoeshine cloth across the edge. I think that the latter technique would work here and produce a smoother and rounder edge finish.
Obviously a potential problem is keeping particles out of the works, so I’d be covering the keyboard and trackpad with something, possibly taping it off as well, and then vacuuming. I agree that with files this is less of an issue.
Thanks for making the video. I hope it bugs the hell out of Steve, who should know better by now.
I just bought my first Apple computer, the new MacBook Pro (15″ 2.53GHz) and haven’t yet spent 15 hours on it in one setting, but I did notice the two sharp points below the pad. Thanks for your Update to the article. I’ll probably get one of the files or the set you mentioned.
This technique might work well, but it will make your laptop worth dramatically less when it’s time to sell it on eBay. A much better solutions is to get a hard shell case from Speck. (speckproducts.com)
I had the same complaint when I got the MBP 18 months ago. I bought the Speck hard shell case to protect the MBP from scratches, and to make it stand out (in color) from the other laptops in the house. I didn’t notice how well it also worked for the sharp edge problem until recently, when I took the case off to sell the MBP (time to upgrade).
This really works very well, and the case fits so well you won’t even know its there.
Get the Satin model because it resists scratches very well. Keeps the laptop looking like new and no more sharp edges!
Rockaway,
You’re right, to some people it might lower the resale value of your MBP. Though I suspect that many people would not care, and for some people it would be a plus.
John
John: You have no idea how envious I was watching you file that stupid edge off the MB. I have been ranting about this for the last nine months since I got mine. I’ve never had buyer’s remorse like I have has with this wrist guillotine.
I was incredulous at the poor design by these people at Apple. What WERE they thinking?! I bought the MacBook at the urging of my son and his friend because they touted how incredible it is. For some reason, however, they never mentioned the sharp edges. Apparently it doesn’t bother them – they still look at me with a blank stare when I try to make my point about it.
Since I know NOTHING about tools, what kind of files are those and what (not sure if this is the right term) tooth sizes did you use?
Thanks for posting that – it was great!!
Hi Bonnie,
Filing it down is very easy as long as you do it slow. I put together this list on Amazon to show you the tools you can use. You can probably just go to Home Depot, Sears or Lowes and get them too. Just tell the guy that you need to file down some aluminum.
The trick with using a file is to use only light pressure. You simply drag the file across the material you are wanting to remove and it will take it off in those fine shavings. The biggest issue is just making sure you have it clamped down securely, then work slowly and check your progress often – its not a race!
I’ll try and do another short video demonstrating the proper use of the file to add to this page just to help out a little more as soon as I can…
I would also recommend that you wear gloves because you don’t want to get any metal splinters. They hurt like wood splinters but can be smaller.
Good luck!
John P.
Thanks so much, John. I’m going shopping for tools tomorrow!
BTW: After seeing your video, I now have kitchen envy. : )
Ok, have fun with the shopping and you should photo or video it when you do yours too! I’ll be happy to add it to this post, or you can blog about it yourself!
John
PS – Yes, the kitchen is nice. We do a lot of entertaining and I’m the chef, so it allows me to do a lot of things at once. ;-)
It’s not a good idea. As a Mac user I use a rigid sleeve to protect my wrists and my MacBook Pro. It is the best way to solve this problem. You can do it, and there are no damages to your laptop!
My MacBook Pro Unibody is fantastic!
Steve,
Those were manfrotto photo clamps. I had them sitting around so I used them. But you could use any old clamps that wouldn’t damage the case.
John
Where did you get the clamps to hold your laptop? They look like they are used for photography.
Here is an excerpt from the warranty terms:
“b. Limitations. The Plan does not cover:…
(ii) Damage to the Covered Equipment caused by accident, abuse, neglect, misuse (including faulty installation, repair, or maintenance by anyone other than Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider), unauthorized modification…”
File away… your choice. I don’t have a MacBoook but I prefer the crispness of the edge, especially when closed. Most laptops are ugly things and hard to type on, I guess that’s why I don’t own one. I wanted to comment on this “no screen protector” issue. I’ve used the InvisiShield products on my iPod and iPhone and love them. I cannot attest to the durability of the screens from scratching because mine are always covered. I think Apple’s issue with these covers and skins comes down to engineering. I know my devices that are covered run hotter than normal, maybe Apple is running into tolerance and heating issues. Someone once mentioned in another article about this that Apple doesn’t want responsibility to remove and/or replace these things when devices come in for service. So if they don’t like them, Apple doesn’t want to sell them in THEIR stores, no where has it been said that these things cannot be bought elsewhere.
PS: They are ugly. Every screen protector and skin I’ve ever seen detract from the appearance of the device. My wife’s iPhone is uncovered and is smooth as silk to touch. I use mine more at work and without a special case, so I suffer with the protective coating, which changes the appearance and feel of the device.
Made my day! I must admit that I have wanted to do this to mine since day one, but I guess I’m more anal about my MacBook than I am my wrists.
You’ve got it sorta backwards on aluminum oxide. Aluminum oxidizes essentially instantly when exposed to air. Unlike iron, however, the oxide bonds relatively tightly to the aluminum, thus protecting it from further oxidation. But abrasion can remove this oxidation. I don’t know whether skin oils will accelerate this removal. But the risk of bare aluminum isn’t that it will oxidize and therefore rot away, like iron or copper alloys would. The risk is that it’ll get oxide all over you and your clothes. In any case, your arm–whether the oils or the abrasion–won’t be contributing to preventing oxidation, it’ll be contributing to removing oxidation. And, in the case of aluminum, oxidation is a good thing. You’ll probably end up with black smudges on your arms if you use it bare-armed, now. But, regardless, you don’t have to worry about the laptop itself. Aluminum forms a very thin oxide layer, so it’ll take a very long time for it to wear enough to matter.
In any case, your whole premise is flawed. You should’nt be resting your wrist on there in the first place. A rounded edge may feel better, but it’ll cause damage almost as quickly as a sharp edge, because the pressure on tendons and other bits is the problem. Typing like that, you’re just asking to develop carpal tunnel or tendinitis. My guess? Apple actually did consider the edge, but it never occurred to anyone that someone would be resting their wrists/arms on the edge, especially on a relatively thin laptop. It certainly hadn’t occurred to me before seeing this. I’m still having trouble picturing how it is even possible with the laptop on either your lap or a table. Every position I try, if i force my wrists down so that they actually rest on the edge, my fingers are no longer in a typing position. Personally, I think you should think of the edge as a helpful reminder not to rest your wrists when typing.
[Not that Apple’s perfect at ergonomics: the keyboard on your MacBook Pro is horrible–the concavity of keys is there for a functional reason, to aid in keeping your fingers centered. And a good keyboard has more travel, so that you can activate the key without ever bottoming it out.]
Thank You!
I’ve had my MacBook Pro for a few weeks and I just posted a pic about this the other day.
http://bit.ly/info/aPwRz5
It looks like this has been bugging people for a long time: http://bit.ly/bTv9TQ & http://bit.ly/9ynP1y
As Tony implied, do you happened to have any closer pictures? I will likely try it if it isn’t to obvious.
This wouldn’t work for me. I have to show the marks on my wrist to my boss to prove I’ve been working hard.
Um…
“Aluminium oxide is responsible for resistance of metallic aluminium to weathering. Metallic aluminium is very reactive with atmospheric oxygen, and a thin passivation layer of alumina (4 nm thickness) forms in about 100 picoseconds on any exposed aluminium surface.[6] This layer protects the metal from further oxidation.”
(source: Wikipedia, ‘Aluminium_oxide’)
You are much braver than I, Gunga Din!
But this is something Apple should have done before shipping the machines.
This is where, Tools meet Technology ha ha. Anyways, since it’s a personal laptop, I don’t see anything wrong with modding it this way :). I think an Angel Grinder with a delicate disk for Aluminum will even make it better. However goggles are required, u don’t want pieces of aluminum in your eyes.
Wait, why are your wrists in contact with the laptop while typing?
Exactly! This article is total BS.
People should learn how to place hands on computer before using it.
This is a very hard attempt against the MBP design integrity.
This is outrageous.
These people should go get a PC.
Never had aluminum oxidize after cutting it. Personally would have used duct tape & foam before grinding, & then used a Dremel. Probably time to invest in a shop. Fortunately don’t have to share my living space with anyone.
I’d love to see some close up, high resolution photos of the aftermath… so painful to watch, but I bet it did worlds of good. That edge drives me crazy at times too…
OMG – I could cry, it took me 6 months to save up for my Pro and people are doing this to them, I am just not sure I could do this lol, however I am emailing the video out to all my friends!!
Crazy lol Cheers for making me laugh
Hi, thanks for posting the video and doing this! I’ve been thinking about doing this myself, but I’m a bit worried how the filing and sanding work would look. How noticeable is it? Can you post pictures of the edges? Thanks!
Also, would this affect the warranty? Apple like to use any excuse to void it.
I personally have never had an issue with the sharp edges on my Unibody MacBook, my wrists are never low enough to rest on the edge if you see what I mean, but I have heard quite a few complaints about this! Your brave to take a file to your MacBook, I definitely wouldn’t dare, not matter how sharp the edge is.
Bah…I messed up my quote…the last paragraph should read:
The reason I brought this up here is that the article later states that
which just seems to help validate what John is doing. Seems like they would fix the body design and the underlying problem instead of banning merchandise.
Looks like Apple doesn’t want anyone to think that any of their products could have flaws. I just read a MacWorld article today in which MacWorld reports that Apple is pulling all screen protectors from their retail stores so that, presumedly,
The reason I brought this up here is that the article later states that
I am writing this from my macbook and as soon as I get home I will doing this. Thank you so much
John, the only down side might be in the warranty. Or as they say the devil is in the details. My best guess is Apple will void the warranty.
Yeah! I’m glad someone was brave enough to give this a try themselves! It is a life changing experience if you ask me. ;-)
John
Brilliant! I just did the same to my MB Pro and wouldn’t have considered it without your inspiration! It is now so much more comfortable. I started with a much smaller/finer file and spent lots of time sanding. Not as gutsy as you…. It turned out great!
I expect you to monetize this as a service offering to the public ,)
John is the new FileMaker Pro. ;)
You’re right! Apple should have considered the comfort of us innocent users. Didn’t bother me before, but now that you mentioned it I will probably have to do the same thing…
Love it – that is totally awesome! Will most definitely have to share this with my dad!
The ‘rotten sharp corners’ part my dog jump! Woke him straight up out of a nap, thinking there was a dog around! LOL
Fantastic! I love it. You just made my day a little lighter.
I’ve got a couple of questions for you John. 1) What camera are you shooting this video with and 2) what program are you using to edit and render the final product?
I expect you to monetize this as a service offering to the public.
Ben,
Yes, exposed Aluminum can develop some oxidation, however let’s not forget that this particular area on the laptop is in constant contact with your skin. That means it’s going to be routinely covered with oil, which should keep it from causing problems.
Cheers,
John P.
Nice work. I modded a powerbook years ago to change the color of the apple logo on the back, and the comments I got to my flickr photos of the tear down would have you think I just undressed the virgin Mary or something. Mac people hold their hardware as sacred it seems. It’s just a computer though – so good on you for fixing it :)
John,
Good idea… Great idea actually. However I would be concerned that the surface finish (in this case anodized) will be taken off and then bare aluminium will be exposed, this will leave it to oxidize and it will likely leave black or grey marks on your hands. Let us know if this is not the case. If it is the case then I might suggest sealing the edge with clear nail polish or a clear paint that sticks to Aluminium.
Ben