TechCapsules

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Apple MacBook users are increasingly modifying their laptops by filing down sharp chassis edges to improve wrist comfort during lap usage. Software engineer Max Bretschneider recently documented this process, detailing how they used metal files and progressive sandpaper to smooth the device’s corners. Bretschneider described the modification as initially intimidating but ultimately straightforward, resulting in a more ergonomic tool. This trend is not new; evidence suggests users have been sanding MacBook edges since at least 2010. Designer Kent Walters also shared a similar modification in April 2026. The practice highlights a growing user preference for ergonomic adjustments over Apple’s strict design aesthetics. By removing the sharp angles that press against wrists, owners aim to enhance daily usability. While the process requires careful taping and clamping to protect sensitive components like the keyboard and trackpad, proponents argue the physical comfort gains outweigh the risks. This grassroots movement challenges the notion that Apple’s design standards are universally optimal for all user needs.