No More Sharp Edges – MacBook Pro 2011 Models Have Rounded Edges
Did you hate the sharp case edging on the MacBook Pro? They’re gone in the new models, instead there is a minor rounding of the newest MacBook Pro series case edges. While this may seem insignificant it’s actually a fairly big deal for anyone who is accustomed to the previous MacBook Pro’s sharp corners, which could be downright uncomfortable after extended use.
If this seems unimportant, keep in mind that some users actually went ahead to file their MacBook edges with nailfiles or otherwise to smooth out the edges themselves (see link, or video below).
In search of a good picture to demonstrate the difference, I stumbled across Marco Arment – the Instapaper guy – mentioning his new MacBook Pro 2011 vs the old one (shown up top), and low and behold he points out the same rounded edges. On the left is the previous MacBook Pro and on the right is the new 2011 model year, the difference is subtle, but apparently makes quite a difference in longterm use.
We’ve received a few emails about this change, the most recent from Rieky W:
I’ve just notice that my brand new macbook pro has a new edge profile. It is not as sharp as previous macbook pro, it’s comfortable to place my wrist now.
I know the sharp edges have prevented some users from upgrading or using the MacBook Pro’s longterm, so the corner adjustment may be important enough to sway a future purchase decision for some individuals, and is therefore worth mentioning.
Oh and here’s the popular video that showed users how to file the edges on an aluminum MacBook Pro themselves:
Thanks for the tip Rieky!
It’s hard to believe that a company, so focused on aesthetics, let this slip by. I delayed upgrading until a couple of months ago because the edges on recent models were so uncomfortable. Pay top dollar for a machine with sharp edges or file them down myself or prop the computer up with scrap lumber? I don’t think so. I’m glad they got around to smoothing the edges down the way they were years ago!
This video is exactly what I was looking for. Not sure what’s up with the ornery comments from the haters — this guy found a very real and very annoying feature of the MacBook, found a simple way to fix it, and took the time to share it with the world. I’m going to go to the hardware store and buy a file now. I have the 2010 MacBook Air and have exactly the same problem. Thank you, John P.
hi!!!
I have a in between version 2011 MacBook Pro 13 inch. It has a edged corner.
So you have:
– sharp edge (90 degree Angle so horizontal and then straight to vertical)
– unsharp edge (3 steps: horizontal, 2mm 45 degree angle and then vertical part of top case)
– round ege
Forget all the rounding of corners mumbo jumbo. Just prop up the back of your mac with a book or something, or a laptop wedge, or a thin piece of wood (like I’m using) effectively lifting your computer at an angle and drastically making typing more comfortable. Solution. Done.
another observation I don’t like with my Macbook Pro 2011 is regarding the 4 rubber buttons (else named “friction buttons” or whatever you call ’em) at the bottom of the laptop. Maybe Apple engineers should look into this situation wherein due to the heat near the magsafe power port, the rubber seem to expand and form a bubble. It seemed likely to be detached easily.
Is this a common problem or is it just me?
dumbest thing i have ever seen.
I looked at his video and I have never seen such hamfisted use of handtools. If you really find it necessary to brutalise your macbook pro in this way, then some damp wet and dry abrasive paper preferably with some lubricant like soap would give a better result- he didn’t even tape a sheet of plastic over his keyboard! Now an article on how to take those annoying sharp edges off your Ferrari doorhandles with an adze please.
No shitake! No only that, this guy doesn’t know how to use a file.
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I never minded the sharp corners. I just have a bunch of annoying dents due to stray USB dongles.
this is great. surely another reason to upgrade (not now ofcourse !)
With respect, it’s “lo and behold.” See http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/lo-and-behold.html.
I appreciate your blog.
All the best.