2012 MacBook Air - keyboard flex?

So, I received my BTO MBA this morning (i5/8GB/256GB), and I'm enjoying it. Only problem I've noted so far (besides something funky with my Apple ID and the Mac App Store) is that I have a little bit of keyboard flex. It's barely noticeably (i.e., visible) when typing, but more so if I press a little harder on J-L or F-S.

I'm wondering: is this common to 2012 MBA's? If it is, then it's no biggie. Certainly I've had other machines with more keyboard flex. But if it's not, then I might have to talk to Apple about it. I also have a tiny bit of stickiness in the left shift key.

Please chime in with your experience. I'm a writer, so the keyboard ranks right up there with the screen in terms of what makes or breaks a machine. I don't want to be OCD about it, but I also don't want to accept a less-than-"perfect" machine when I spent > $1600 on this puppy.

Update: I also noticed some trackpad noise when I returned home. Sounds like something's loose when I click on it. So, looks like the keyboard's not the only issue with this unit. Looks like I'll be getting a replacement.

 

The flex shouldn't be there at all. Contact support and get it resolved.

 

Funny, but I got a response on another forum that it's normal.

But, yes, doesn't seem right to me, so I'm anticipating ordering another. It's BTO, unfortunately, so it's not just a simple matter of swapping out in the store. Grrr... But thanks for the reply!

 

Normal?? I have seen a dozen MBA's in the past 2 months and none had KB flex.

 

Actually, you can take it into an Apple Store to get it serviced. Don't just order a new one and expect to get a refund on your previous purchase. Additionally, a very small amount of keyboard flex (the keys) is normal. My 2011 MBA has it if I press hard enough and so did my MBP. When you press hard, you are pushing down the plastic layer that all keys are connected to. It might be an issue if you don't have to press very hard but it is normal if you have to use excessive force.

 

There is a slight flex in the 2012 MBA we have. Really slight. I have to press down pretty hard in the key areas you mention. No flex or odd noise in the trackpad area.

As for your machine, if you think there's a defect I would return it. You have two weeks from the day you receive the machine. You should exercise your return policy rights if you aren't satisfied.

 

I'm on the phone with customer support, and it looks like they're going to send me a replacement. I just received the thing yesterday, so of course returning it wouldn't be a problem.

I don't have to press hard at all to see the flex. In fact, I can see it just with relatively light typing. And, the keys in general feel loose and are very loud, nothing like the ones I tried at Apple Stores along with a coworker's (so, I could try in a quiet room). Also, the trackpad sounds like something loose inside when I click, the SSD wasn't properly set as the default out of the factory (took over a minute to boot), and I had problems connecting to the App Store for updates.

I think this thing is kind of a lemon in general, so the replacement will be welcome. Thanks for the input!

 

Okay, finished up with Apple. They _are_ sending me a replacement by the most expeditious method they can (BTO, 2-3 days shipping vs. standard), which I have to say is impressive. No taking to a Store or sending in to inspect, no messing with returns (they've already sent me a return shipping label), etc.

I have to say, I've never had this good an experience with any PC other manufacturer. Makes me feel a lot better about spending so much money on the thing.

 

It's the reason I won't buy a Samsung Series 9 notebook. Their support is barely visible. There are other reasons, but support is an important aspect.

A lot of PC owners look at a purchase purely on a specification comparison. Support is almost never considered. When was the last review of any machine that mentioned support and the reputation of the OEM?

 

It was fascinating: every Apple rep I spoke with (which was six different people, all told) seemed genuinely upset that I had the experience I had. It's like each one of them was embarrassed that the machine wasn't perfect, and invested in making sure I ended up happy.

I was looking at a bunch of different Windows Ultrabooks before I decided to give the MBA a try. Now, I can't imagine going with anything but the MBA. And consider that this is how I feel AFTER getting a machine with a number of issues, and after spending a bit of a premium on it to boot.

 

IBM support is very good.

 

Their is no end consumer support from IBM as they haven't made consumer level computers in a long time. Their home/business computer sector was sold off to Lenovo a while back. IBM still makes high end servers but that doesn't really mean anything or the home/business computer side.

 

Yes, I know. It's one of the reasons I use ThinkPads for work.

 

Lenovo still pays IBM to help fulfill their global support operations and obligations. I don't have the specifics of what is supported where, but if I call the USA support number for my ThinkPad W510 I get IBM in Atlanta. Those people have been very nice to me. All of my past support needs have been handled with care.

Dell has done a reasonable job for me in the past.

 

Best After-Market Support:
- Alienware NBD
- Apple Drop-Off/Pick-Up
- Dell/Lenovo Home NBD
- Business Laptops NBD (HP; Dell; Lenovo)

Any company that offers only mail-to-depot options is garbage - check out the "competition" section of my post just to see how lousy box-depot support really is:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/677004-alienware-support-post-your-experience.html

I will never buy a computer as my main machine that is outside of the "Best After-Market Support" list I wrote above even if other manufacturers have better specs/prices.

 

While I like AW NBD support, I find it below the Dell/HP business support. After dealing with all listed vendors for many years (IT), I'd probably edit your list to the following:

1. Dell/HP business class
2. AW
3. Apple
4. Lenovo business class
5. Dell/HP/Lenovo consumer
6. Sager

 

Hope it's okay that hijack this thread since my question is related to the keyboard of the MBA.
After dell screwed me over I decided to go for a MBA. I've only tried the 2011 version and the keyboard seems to have a very little amount of response when i press a key. Does the new MBA have the same amount of typing response?

 

It's the same. In fact, everything from the 2011 MBA is carried over to the 2012 model. The only things that changed are the internal components along with the use of USB 3.0 and an HD webcam. The actual design hasn't changed. The keys don't' have a large amount of travel as it is an ultrabook. Pretty much all ultrabooks have shallow response keyboards as they are so thin.

Leave it to Lenovo, yet again, to do something funky.

 

Well that answers my question pretty good. Thanks!

 

I had a screen with white spots, like many other users of a T420s did. It was clearly a defect, and other users had it replaced under warranty. They had, my request was refused, on the basis that it was caused by bad handing practise (which is ridiculous, the laptop didn't have a scratch). I complained, both on the phone and on their forum, and I am still waiting for receiving the same support as other people. In my experience, Lenovo support is scam.

Sorry for the off-topic.

 

As an update, Apple sent me a replacement unit and a shipping label to send the first unit back. The replacement unit was ordered by customer service on Saturday and arrived Tuesday morning, and is perfect so far. Still can't believe Apple got a build to order machine to me so quickly.

Anyways, the keyboard on my first unit was definitely bad. Flex was only one problem with it.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

 

On my RMBP now. Absolutely no flex on any of the keys. However, the hinge does seem quite tight on mine, and the chassis does creak a bit.