Greetings to everyone. I've recently switched and finally got myself a MacBook unibody 2.4ghz. It looks so elegant in all it's aluminum glory. A few days ago though I noticed that both my palms (just the area that rests on the MacBook) were fissured and the skin started to flake off. I'm a physician by profession and could tell that this is a form of allergic contact dermatitis. I thought long and hard and figured the only new thing my palms have been resting on lately is my MacBook. Anyone else had this problem with their MacBook? I wanted to keep my Mac bare and keep it free from any sort of protection that would ruin the all aluminum look but I guess I'm the one who needs protection from my Mac. Any suggestions of what could put on the part where the palms rest? I'd really prefer something close to invisible. Thanks
just buy a palm rest. there's a leather cushion magnetic type in PMC, you can easily attach and detach it when not in use..
no offense, but some suggestions are terrible. The plastic shield doesn't even protect the palmrest area try this, available at Powermac http://www.moshimonde.com/products2.asp?UPLF1=8&PDLS1=21
wouldn't it be weird if you're using a laptop then use separate keyboard? unless you're pairing it with a separate monitor, then that's an acceptable set-up. The keyboard of unibody is plastic, he just need something that will prevent his skin from constant contact from the aluminum palm rest, not the keyboard itself.
First time I've heard of someone being allergic to aluminum. But as you're a doctor, you'd know best. Gmasking and wrist guards seem like the best way to go indeed. But just curious, does this only happen with prolonged contact, ie, sweating, constant rubbing against aluminum? Or does it also occur when you carry your MB in your hand?
This is not a rare case.. Maybe, you need some cooling ventilation for your hands while doing anythin with your Mac Germs reprodouce where there is moist in an area. Just like the underarms without underarm protection.
Just got back from work and was quite busy so I really couldn't check if anyone has replied to my post but Wow! That's a lot of replies in a short time! Thank you all! Here's how my palms look now ( this morning at least ) My palms on the left have healed faster compared to the right which still has a lot of skin flaking off: I'm actually surprised about what has happened. Aluminum is quite inert and it is rarely the cause of any allergies. The most common source for allergic dermatitis is nickel which is the opposite and much more reactive or causes more skin reactions. My only conclusion is that the aluminum alloy used on the MacBook contains a lot of nickel, which I think is added for strength since aluminum is brittle. After reading the your replies and looking at the pictures (amazing, you guys even posted pics - thanks) I think as of the moment I'm more inclined to use the Moshi palmguard. Is this available at Digital Walker? Tried calling just now but no answer (7259840?). Thanks again!
whoa! other than flaking skin, do you experience any discomfort like sweating, itchiness or irritation? i haven't seen the moshi palmguard yet, but i guess it must be the best option i'm not too keen on the magnetic leather palmrest i saw in powermac. i have a feeling if your hands sweat after a while, the leather will irritate your sin as well. i suggest you also find a way to contact apple just so they know. there might be other cases out there... baka next time the macs will come with an assurance that they are "hypoallergenic". hehe. good luck!
No other symptoms really. I've been using laptops for a while and it is normal for your palms to sweat. Before the MacBook I was using a Compaq made with plastic and an HP whose palm rests look like stainless steel, not sure if it is stainless steel though. My palms would sweat a bit after a while but nothing like this has ever happend. I'll probably send them an email of the picture above. Too bad I wasn't able to take a picture at the onset which looked a lot worse.
hmm no idea how much gmasking is but if one is on a tight budget as the economy is bad, one can try those screen protector sold at cdrking http://www.cdrking.com/local/produc...=6565716-611169-800861498-4730892&prod=Laptop what needs to be done is just CUT out what you need to put on the palm rest or a roll of clear packaging tape
Another suggestion is for you to sell your aluminum Mac and get the white polycarbonate Macbook (which has just been updated with good specs and a better display). As for the moshi palm guard. I have it for my Macbook Pro and it is very good. Unfortunately Powermac Center is always out of stock. Hopefully Digital Walker might get them soon OR you can always order it at the Moshi online store for roughly the same price (including shipping charges) as Powermac Center's price.
