In this video, I highlight three main reasons why I believe you should avoid buying a MacBook: the lack of self-serviceability, the frustrating Pentalobe screws, and poor design choices. I criticize Apple for making repairs intentionally difficult, the limitations of integrated components like non-upgradable SSDs, and the overheating issues that affect all MacBook models. In my view, these problems make the MacBook more of a fashion item than a practical computer.
I have witnessed a huge amount of intentional design flaws that plague the Macbook line. This is not a conspiracy, but true planned-obsolescence because Apple has been making computers since forever. These types of low level flaws can't not be intentional. This is not the computer that I recommend to anyone. I am currently attempting to fix a Macbook pro 2017 with a FlexGate problem. Apple is trash indeed. Get a Thinkpad, if you really want to buy a laptop that can last for 10+ years.
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Here are my own sets of gates:
Power-button-gate:
The power button is housed on a thin flex-cable that wears out with presses, and the Macbook will not turn ON again because the thin metallic metal worn out over time. Replacing the power button means replacing the whole keyboard assembly. This is absolutely disgusting.
CMOS-battery-gate:
Macbook uses a special battery connector, and the battery is hidden intentionally on the back of the PCB. Of course, being Apple, the battery is tiny and not standard. Making access to it impossible for beginners. You literally need to disassemble everything to get to the CMOS battery.
GPU overheat-Gate:
On a certain Macbook with an external GPU, if the computer is overheating, the GPU soldering will get so hot that it melts on its own, shorting out the chip and making the LCD screen non-functional. Fixing this issue requires GPU reflow. I actually have the video for this gate on my channel showing me successfully fixed this problem.
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11 so called common gates plagued the Macbook Lineup: It's trash!
Here are distinct "gates" associated with MacBook design flaws:
FlexGate (2016-2018 MacBook Pro)
Issue: The display cable was too short, causing stress over time. This led to screen backlight failure (stage lighting effect) or complete display failure.
Cause: Frequent opening and closing of the lid strained the cable.
Models Affected: 2016-2018 MacBook Pro.
ButterflyGate (2015-2019 MacBooks)
Issue: The butterfly keyboard mechanism was prone to sticking, repeating keys, or not registering keystrokes.
Cause: Dust or debris could easily jam the mechanism.
Models Affected: 2015-2019 MacBook models with the butterfly keyboard.
Staingate (2012-2015 MacBooks)
Issue: The anti-reflective coating on Retina displays peeled off, creating unsightly stains and smudges.
Cause: Cleaning with certain materials or prolonged use exacerbated the issue.
Models Affected: 2012-2015 Retina MacBooks.
ThermalGate (2018 MacBook Pro)
Issue: Excessive thermal throttling on Intel Core i9 models significantly reduced performance under load.
Cause: Poor thermal management due to insufficient cooling for the powerful processor.
Models Affected: 2018 MacBook Pro with Intel Core i9.
FlexCableGate (2016-2020 MacBooks)
Issue: Thin and fragile internal cables for the display and Touch Bar degraded over time.
Cause: Cost-cutting on internal cable durability.
Models Affected: 2016-2020 MacBook models.
DongleGate (2016 MacBooks)
Issue: Removal of standard ports like USB-A, HDMI, and SD card readers forced users to rely on adapters ("dongles").
Cause: Apple's shift to USB-C ports only for a thinner and more modern design.
Models Affected: 2016 MacBook Pro onward.
ChargeGate (2016 MacBooks)
Issue: Charging performance and battery life issues when using non-Apple USB-C chargers.
Cause: Compatibility issues with third-party accessories.
Models Affected: 2016 MacBooks with USB-C charging.
T2Gate (2018 MacBook Models)
Issue: The T2 security chip caused random crashes, boot loops, or unresponsiveness.
Cause: Firmware bugs and hardware issues in the T2 chip.
Models Affected: 2018-2020 MacBooks with the T2 chip.
CrackGate (2020 M1 MacBooks)
Issue: Screens on some M1 MacBooks cracked easily without any apparent physical impact.
Cause: Unclear, but suspected to involve fragile design or hinge tension issues.
Models Affected: 2020 M1 MacBook Air and Pro.
AudioGate (2016-2019 MacBooks)
Issue: Popping, crackling, or distorted audio output through speakers.
Cause: Faulty speaker hardware or software bugs.
Models Affected: 2016-2019 MacBooks.
KeyboardGate 2.0 (2020 Magic Keyboard)
Issue: While better than the butterfly keyboard, some users reported issues with the Magic Keyboard sticking or failing.
Cause: Less common but still present in early Magic Keyboard iterations.
Models Affected: 2020 MacBook Air and Pro.