New MacBook faults reported

Posted by David Walker on Wed 10 Dec 2008

'Bad bumps' and memory levels bring misery

The new Apple MacBook got a favourable review when we put it to the test, but it seems that some of the new machines are developing serious problems just a short time into their computing lives.

And amazingly, one of the problems could be too much memory. Loading up 4GB of RAM has caused some of the new MacBooks and MacBook Pros to randomly freeze up. Cut the RAM back down to 2GB or 3GB and all's well. Apple isn't acknowledging the problem publicly, but is rumoured to be aware of it and working on a software update. So that's hopefully one down.

But there are also mumblings about the MacBook's Nvidia 9600M graphics chip. According to the Inquirer, the new chips have 'bad bumps' caused by 'bad materials' and 'thermal stress', which are affecting the connection to the circuit board. Result? Blank screens and video errors. Not good, especially when you're halfway through The Godfather.

Whether the Nvidia problem is a bad batch or a widespread problem isn't clear right now. But it's certainly not doing Apple's reputation any favours.

Link: Apple (via Engadget)

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