My macbook pro is shocking me! (literally)

Ok, so when my mbp is plugged in, The lower left side where the palms rest is starts giving off a shock that hurts pretty bad. It's so bad that I have to lift my hands from the palm rest to avoid being hurt. I looked on the wiki and it's one of the mac common "defects". Anyone else run into this? Should I take it back to apple? If they accept it, will they replace my macbook or just try to fix it? (cause I got a dead pixel that I want to get replaced as well =])

 

You need to install the nvidia beta "bioshock" drivers, which...*insert cymbal crash*

But yea, it seems to be a fairly well-known defect on some machines. Definitely try to get it repaired or fixed - feeling pain and sustaining personal injury (other than carpal tunnel syndrome and eye strain) while using your machine is unacceptable. Go up the chain until you can get the issue addressed (in the form of repair or replacement).

Can't hurt to mention the dead pixel too, although I think their dead pixel policy requires more than 1 for a replacement screen.

 

As taelrak said, try talking to Apple. This is a problem we were hearing a lot about a few months ago. I don't remember what Apple was doing if anything, but I would certainly start with them.

 

I guess the notebook is trying to "shock" and awe you lol but i seriously never heard of this one before hmm

 

Are you using the 2 prong plug, or the 3 prong with ground? The MBPs commonly shock you when you're using the 2 prong plug.

 

Wow... I hope i don't experience that problem. Sounds quite irritating

 

Alright, I've figured it out some. When my feet are ON the floor, SHOCK. When I lift my feet, no shock. This is more annoying then ever cause who the heck uses their laptop with their feet off the floor? I sure don't; I hope apple is sympathetic about that kinda thing.

 

You didn't answer my question, are you using the 2 or 3 prong plug?

 

I have the same problem as the original poster - not as severe though. I am using a 2 prong plug (there is no 3 prong plug with my laptop) - if I lift my feet I don't feel it.

Does this damage the laptop in any way???

 

All MacBooks come with a 3 prong plugs. When you use the 3 prong plug you won't get shocked.

No, it doesn't damage the laptop. Aluminum just conducts electricity, unlike plastic laptops.

 

What about the MBP?

 

Are you saying MacBooks come with 3 prong plugs and MBP's come with 2 prong??

 

OK, this should not happen regardless of the powercord type being used .. i.e. it is of no consquence if your machine is grounded or not. This should not happen.

But, it would be interesting to know if you are connected to a grounded cable power supply, or not.

Also, is this issue up with the latest MBP or older models, or on all models. Would love to know the answer to this too.

Finally, has Apple done a "call back" for serial numbers with this issue, or are they just fixing what comes in for repair.

As for how come this happens when your feet on touching the floor, it seems to be that you are providing an electric gateway and with your feet on the floor you are providing the "grouding" of your laptop. I would hate to have this happen to me if I had a pacemaker!

 

No, both MBPs and MacBooks come with a 2 prong plug, and a 3 prong plug on a cord.

 

This has been known to happen even on older PowerBooks, I dare you to carry a hunk of metal around and not get shocked.

 

I have both the 2 prong plug plus a cable with a 2 prong plug on my new SR MBP... I'm sure it will conduct electricity (as it is metal) if its not adequatly earthed...

Is it correct saying that this is then nothing to do with the actual MBP itself? I have a perfect one with LG screen, would hate to swop and get one with other faults!

Should I just contact my seller? Bought my MBP on wed!

 

I've never been shocked by my MBP...ever... and I use the 2-prong plug nearly exclusively.

 

It doesnt shock me, i just feel a slight sensation when running my fingertips over it when plugged in - soon as I unplug it or lift my feet of the ground - sensation is gone. Its barely noticeble...

What should I do?

 

I think some people are getting shocked but do not notice it. Run your finger just above the trackpad left to right again and again. As you are doing this unplug the MBP with the opposite hand. With my MBP there is a different feeling. Plugged in, I feel a slight vibration and unplugged I do not. Otherwise I usually don't notice it, at least not enough to use the 3 prong plug attachment chord. Wonder if it has anything to do with my hands getting numb lately...

 

Haha... funny This is exactly the same feeling as I have - doesn't bother me, just wondering whether its bad for the MBP?

 

It happens with both the three prong and the 2 prong. I did this little test that I saw on youtube. Plugged earbuds into my ear and look the connector and put it at the part where it is shocking me, and, wow, I can hear a pretty loud frequency buzzing through the earbuds. Again, if I lift my feet, freq. gone. It's so annoying but I have a feeling I'm going to take it in, the apple guys are going to say what shock? I don't feel anything. And send me home. I hope these apple guys are more understanding than that.

 

Here is your problem.

 

OHHH ROFL!

 

I knew there was a way around it.