It's happened to the best of us - that sinking feeling in your stomach when your beloved 2017 MacBook Pro takes a tumble. Whether it's a careless slip from your desk or a dramatic fall from a higher altitude, the immediate aftermath can be a whirlwind of emotions. Panic sets in, a wave of guilt washes over you, and the question that plagues your mind is, "Should I be concerned?"
Let's dive into the potential consequences of dropping your 2017 MacBook Pro and guide you through the steps to assess the damage and determine the best course of action.
The Aftermath: A Spectrum of Damage
Dropping a laptop, especially a powerful machine like the 2017 MacBook Pro, can lead to a wide range of issues. From minor cosmetic blemishes to catastrophic internal failures, the extent of the damage depends on a multitude of factors, including:
- The height of the fall: A short drop might result in a few scratches or dents, while a greater height can translate into more severe internal damage.
- The surface it landed on: A soft surface like a carpet might cushion the impact, while a hard surface like concrete can cause more serious damage.
- The angle of impact: Landing on a corner or edge can be more damaging than a flat impact.
Cosmetic Damage:
This is the most common and often least concerning outcome. It might include:
- Scratches and dents: These are primarily aesthetic issues, but they can become bothersome if they obstruct the display or keyboard.
- Cracked or broken casing: This is more serious, as it can affect the structural integrity of the device and might expose internal components.
Functional Damage:
This is where things start to get worrying. Possible functional issues after a drop include:
- Cracked or broken display: This can significantly impact usability and might require a costly screen replacement.
- Keyboard malfunction: A dropped laptop can lead to sticky keys, unresponsive keys, or even a completely non-functional keyboard.
- Trackpad issues: Dropping your laptop can cause problems with the trackpad's sensitivity, responsiveness, or even damage the touch surface.
- Internal component failure: A significant impact can damage the motherboard, hard drive, RAM, or other internal components, rendering the device unusable.
- Battery damage: A dropped laptop can potentially damage the battery, leading to reduced battery life or even swelling and safety hazards.
- Loose connections: Dropping the laptop can dislodge internal connections, resulting in various functional issues like audio problems, connectivity issues, or a faulty fan.
Assessing the Damage
The first step after dropping your 2017 MacBook Pro is to assess the damage. This will help you understand the severity of the situation and determine the appropriate course of action.
Here's what we recommend:
- Power on the laptop: The first thing to do is see if the laptop powers on. If it does, you're in luck, and the damage might be minor.
- Check for physical damage: Inspect the laptop for visible cracks, dents, or other signs of physical damage. Pay close attention to the display, keyboard, trackpad, and the casing.
- Test the functionality: Once the laptop powers on, test its functionality. Make sure the display is working correctly, the keyboard responds, the trackpad functions, and the ports are working.
- Listen for unusual noises: Listen closely for any strange noises coming from the laptop, like rattling, clicking, or whirring. These could be signs of loose components or internal damage.
- Check for overheating: If the laptop starts to overheat or the fans are running unusually loud, this could be a sign of internal damage.
What to do if your MacBook Pro won't turn on?
If your MacBook Pro doesn't power on after the fall, it's a bad sign, but not necessarily a death sentence. Here's what you can try:
- Check the power adapter: Ensure that the power adapter is plugged in correctly and functioning properly.
- Check for loose connections: Carefully inspect the power port and any other external connections to ensure they are secure.
- Try a different power outlet: Try plugging the laptop into a different power outlet to rule out any electrical issues.
- Check the battery: If the laptop has a removable battery, try removing it and plugging it back in. This can sometimes reset the power supply.
What if the problem persists?
If your MacBook Pro still doesn't power on after trying these steps, it's highly likely there's internal damage. Here's what you should do:
- Don't attempt to fix it yourself: Unless you're a skilled electronics technician, don't try to fix the internal damage yourself. You could end up causing further damage or voiding your warranty.
- Contact Apple Support: Reach out to Apple Support for assistance. They can diagnose the problem and provide guidance on the next steps.
- Consider a professional repair service: If the damage is significant, you might need to take your laptop to an authorized Apple repair center or a reputable third-party repair shop.
- Backup your data: If possible, back up your data to an external hard drive or cloud storage service. This will help you recover your important files if the laptop needs to be repaired or replaced.
Is it worth repairing?
The decision of whether to repair your dropped MacBook Pro depends on the severity of the damage and the cost of repair.
Here are some factors to consider:
- The age of your laptop: If your MacBook Pro is several years old, the repair cost might not be worth it. It might be more cost-effective to buy a new laptop.
- The cost of repair: Get a quote from Apple Support or a reputable repair shop to assess the cost of repair.
- The severity of the damage: If the damage is extensive, involving multiple components, the repair cost can be very high.
- Your budget: Consider your budget and determine if you can afford the repair cost.
When to consider a new laptop
If the cost of repair is excessive or the damage is too severe, it might be time to consider a new laptop. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Current model availability: Check the availability of newer MacBook Pro models and see if they offer features and specifications that meet your needs.
- Budget: Set a budget for your new laptop and choose a model that fits within your price range.
- Warranty: Consider laptops with extended warranties to protect your investment.
Preventing future accidents
Dropping your laptop can be a traumatic experience, but it's also a learning opportunity. Here are some tips to prevent future accidents:
- Invest in a protective case: A good-quality laptop case can provide extra protection from bumps and drops.
- Use a laptop stand: A laptop stand can raise your laptop off the desk, making it less likely to fall.
- Be mindful of your surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid crowded or cluttered areas.
- Keep your laptop on a flat surface: Don't place your laptop on a tilted or unstable surface.
- Practice good handling: Handle your laptop with care and avoid unnecessary movements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use my MacBook Pro after dropping it?
A1: If the laptop powers on and all the functions are working, you can use it, but it's always recommended to monitor it for any unusual behavior.
Q2: Is there a way to test the internal components of my MacBook Pro after a drop?
A2: While you can't test the internal components yourself, you can run diagnostic tests using Apple's built-in diagnostics tools. These tests can help identify issues with hardware components.
Q3: Will dropping my MacBook Pro void the warranty?
A3: Dropping your MacBook Pro generally doesn't void the warranty, but if you try to repair it yourself or damage it further by attempting to fix it, your warranty could be voided.
Q4: What should I do if I see signs of swelling in my MacBook Pro battery?
A4: If you notice swelling in your battery, stop using the laptop immediately and contact Apple Support or a professional repair service. A swollen battery can be a safety hazard.
Q5: Is it safe to keep using my MacBook Pro if it's making strange noises after a drop?
A5: It's not recommended to keep using your MacBook Pro if it's making strange noises. It's best to consult with Apple Support or a professional repair service to diagnose the problem and determine if it's safe to continue using the laptop.
Conclusion
Dropping your 2017 MacBook Pro can be a stressful experience, but by following the steps outlined in this article, you can assess the damage and determine the best course of action. Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution and seek professional help if you're unsure about the severity of the damage. With a bit of care and attention, you can hopefully get your MacBook Pro back in working order or ensure a smooth transition to a new one. And, of course, the most important takeaway is to learn from the experience and take extra precautions in the future to protect your precious tech investment!