Apple MacBook Air M1 - Keyboard Issues

LRandomDealHunter on 14/07/2021 - 16:08
Last edited 14/07/2021 - 16:45

Hi Guys,

Bought the new MacBook Air M1 from OfficeWorks Northmead, NSW last Friday. Finally got around to setting it up and realised that two of the keys ["./>" Key and "N" Key] are very wobbly and make tapping noise when resting resting finger on these keys. This with their past record of Butterfly Keys is making me worried that this might fail.

I tried contacting OfficeWorks and they mentioned that they will have to send it to Apple for fix under warranty which will be a minimum of 2 to 3 weeks. This might be okay if it was an older/used laptop but I have literally just taken it out of the box.

Other than that, I absolutely love the fanless and light design + M1 power and battery life (to be tested properly)!

Do you think that this should be a concern and should I request in store for refund and/or replacement. WFH means that I need my laptop but I do have an older Thinkpad X1 to use.

Note - The key wobble that bad is the first time I have seen in any laptop or Keyboard. Experience with X1, X1 Yoga, Surface Pro 3, Dell Latitude 7480 and using Logitech K780.

Thanks for the advice in advance.

Computing Apple Computer Laptop Ultrabook

Comments

  • jace88 on 14/07/2021 - 16:23
    +1

    Can you book it into Genius Bar at your nearest Apple store?

    • RandomDealHunter on 14/07/2021 - 16:29

      Thanks. I will look into it if I do not get a satisfactory resolution from Officeworks.

      • thatonethere on 14/07/2021 - 16:57
        +9

        Nah. Go straight to Apple store. You will get much better service there than Officeworks.

        You will get warranty service there regardless of buying from Officeworks (just bring receipt)

  • resisting the urge on 14/07/2021 - 16:24
    +3

    OW gave you the canned response. They can replace it, but you need to convince them. Take it back and ask for an on the spot refund, or accept a replacement. If bought on CC, you can leave it with them as it is faulty, (get a receipt) and then simply cancel the transaction with your credit provider.

    Or you can goto your nearest Apple store for a proper fix. And compare your wobble to other ones.

    Make an apptmt at the Genius bar, and request a resolution that would make you happy.

    Apple Support will only tell u to do the same.

    • RandomDealHunter on 14/07/2021 - 16:32

      Yep. Purchased using a CC. I will go to the Store and discuss replacement or refund options.

      I love the machine but did not expect this with an Apple product given the fixes Apple has recently implemented. Thanks.

    • ozb88 on 14/07/2021 - 17:08

      Most electronics have a DOA period where it's a straight swap if it's faulty. Not sure what it is for Apple, but worth bringing that up.

  • nubzy on 14/07/2021 - 16:28

    Not worth worrying about IMO, everything you buy will have flaws if you look hard enough. But head to Apple store if it really concerns you. The M1 is a very nice machine, but the keyboard is a massive downgrade from ThinkPad.

    • RandomDealHunter on 14/07/2021 - 16:38
      +2

      Absolutely agree on not trying to find flaws with any object. However, this is not an insignificant one for me. I do work with a lot of Excel sheets that require constant use of decimal (.) key. It is a constant reminder of an inferior product which I shouldn't have given I paid for it at full price.
      +1 on the Thinkpad Keyboards. I did not appreciate it until now. So quite and nice on the fingers!

    • bdl on 14/07/2021 - 18:35
      +1

      I would worry about it if you're noticing it now, the keyboard is the most used part of a laptop, followed by the screen :) I also agree with @nubzy though, you've come from an thinkpad keyboard so everything else is kinda shite :)

      (just be thankful it's not the previous gen Apple butterfly keyboard, it's total crap - I skipped that whole generation just because of the keyboard)

      Apple are good, they'll either fix or replace.. .

    • donnot on 15/07/2021 - 00:40
      -2

      the keyboard is a massive downgrade from ThinkPad.

      This is very subjective; I really enjoy the new scissor-switch keys - very crisp, satisfying and easy to get into a rhythm (makes the thinkpad feel mushy in comparison) IMO.

  • jv on 14/07/2021 - 16:39
    +3

    I tried contacting OfficeWorks and they mentioned that they will have to send it to Apple for fix under warranty which will be a minimum of 2 to 3 weeks.

    Nah, they sold you a faulty product.

    They need to replace it or give you a refund.

    • Bobby Hill on 14/07/2021 - 23:05

      Bloody hell, JV is speaking straight facts.

    • RandomDealHunter on 15/07/2021 - 00:57

      Thanks for the blunt clarification :)

  • pb924 on 14/07/2021 - 16:50
    +1

    The product is faulty out of the box
    The purchaser has the option of repair, replacement or full refund under the Australian Consumer Law. The purchaser decides not the seller.
    Ask them if they can spell "ACCC".
    Take it to Apple. They'll just give you a new one.

    • RandomDealHunter on 15/07/2021 - 00:59

      Yeah. I will be going to Officeworks to discuss and negotiate a replacement first. If it does not work out, I will be going to Apple in Castle Hill. Just don't want to be much out and about with the Lockdown in place!

  • WreckTangle on 14/07/2021 - 18:20
    +1

    Take it to Apple, they’ll fix it no fuss. Back it up first.

    • RandomDealHunter on 15/07/2021 - 01:01

      Haven't got anything in it just the Office 365 apps which I will disconnect once I take to OW. First Apple purchase ever. Up until now I have had work iPhones and iPads only. M1 made me jump the ship. Impressed with the other aspects of it so far.

  • RockyRaccoon on 14/07/2021 - 19:52
    +1

    Take it to Apple, but I fear you dont want it fixed, you want a refund.

    It is a constant reminder of an inferior product which I shouldn't have given I paid for it at full price.
    +1 on the Thinkpad Keyboards. I did not appreciate it until now. So quite and nice on the fingers!

    For that you will have to convince OW to do this, but unless its a 2nd failed product you will have to rely on their willingness to do this.

    • RandomDealHunter on 15/07/2021 - 01:03

      Actually, I would prefer a replacement with defect free keys.

  • ShannonN on 15/07/2021 - 18:54

    you were sold a faulty product as the keys are not working as they should

    the product is not fit for purpose, therefore must be replaced. (or full refund given)

    Ask to see Officeworks manager and just ask for new off the shelf changeover.

    joke
    Mind you all the Apple fans I see everywhere claim apple products do not fail, break or become obsolete so Officeworks may use that as an excuse LOL /joke

  • iNeed2Pee on 17/07/2021 - 15:48

    What happened with this OP?

  • RandomDealHunter on 03/08/2021 - 02:07

    Hi, thought I will give an update. I called Officeworks at the time and they mentioned that I had picked up the last of the Macbook Air M1s in the my local Sydney Area. It was more of a chance that they will have to send in for repair (I think the stock is back now) - wasn't a cop out as I couldnt find stock as well. Didn't want to travel out of my way due to lockdown.

    I ended up buying a hard case which came with this silicon keyboard protector. I thought it would be rubbish but I tried to use it. Funny enough the rubberised texture of the keys made it okay to use and while the clicks in those keys are there, they are not so noticeable.

    I have kept the Air M1 and love it (especially at $1347). Battery life is amazing. Will monitor the keys and will get these rectified under warranty if required.

    • deliriouss on 06/08/2021 - 15:15

      Don't send it to office works for repair, insist on a replacement, they can arrange store transfer.
      If you want to have it repaired then going direct to Apple's Genius Bar is always the better option. Given how new it is, there is a chance they would do a on the spot swap for a certified refurbished unit (which is as good as new) if they have one available in store. Not sure if this is still an option, but couple years ago I had to have the logic board of a MacBook replaced under Apple Care+, I asked them to call me when the part arrives so I can go in to drop my MacBook off, instead of leaving the MacBook with them for 3 weeks, which was how long it took for the part to arrive.

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