Apple - Support - MacBook Pro - Care and Handling

MacBook Pro: Care, Use, and Safety Information

Carrying Your MacBook Pro If you carry your MacBook Pro in a bag or briefcase, remove any small, loose items (such as paper clips, staples, or coins) that could accidentally get inside your computer through an opening, such as the optical drive slot, or get stuck inside a port. Important: The MacBook Pro power adapter port contains a magnet that can erase data on your credit card, iPod, or other device. To preserve your data, keep magnetically sensitive items away from the power adapter port. Cleaning Your MacBook Pro Follow these general rules when cleaning the outside of your computer and its components: Shut down your MacBook Pro, detach the power adapter, and remove the battery. Use a damp, soft, lint-free cloth to clean the computer’s exterior. Avoid getting moisture in any openings. Do not spray any type of liquid directly on the computer. Don’t use aerosol sprays, solvents, or abrasives.		Cleaning Your MacBook Pro Display Follow these general rules when cleaning the screen. Shut down your MacBook Pro, detach the power adapter, and remove the battery. Dampen a clean, soft, lint-free cloth or paper with water only and wipe the screen. Do not spray liquid directly on the screen. Storing Your MacBook Pro If you are going to store your MacBook Pro for an extended period of time, keep it in a cool location (ideally, 22° C or about 71° F) and do one of the following to preserve your MacBook Pro battery life: Discharge the battery 50 percent before storing your MacBook Pro. When storing your computer for longer than five months, discharge the battery to approximately 50 percent and then remove it from the MacBook Pro. If you are storing your computer for an extended period, recharge your battery to 50 percent every six months or so.
Safety Instructions for Setting Up and Using Your MacBook Pro Important: Do not place your MacBook Pro on a pillow or other soft material when it's powered on, as the material can block the airflow vents (in particular, the rear vents) and cause the computer to overheat. Never place anything over your keyboard when operating in closed-lid mode. This can cause your computer to cycle on and off, which might create excessive heat and drain your battery. Never turn on your computer unless all of its internal and external parts are in place. Operating the computer when it's open or missing parts can be dangerous and can damage your computer.

Using the Power Adapter Always leave space around your power adapter. Do not use your MacBook Pro in a location where airflow around the power adapter or computer is confined. Always disconnect the power adapter and remove the battery before opening up the computer to perform tasks such as installing new memory. The AC cord provides a grounded connection. Important: Use only the power adapter that came with your MacBook Pro computer. Adapters for other electronic devices (including other portable computers) may look similar, but they may affect your computer’s performance or damage it. For best results, always use the power adapter and connect it to a grounded power outlet when one is available. When the adapter is connected properly, you will see an indicator light on the end of the cable that connects to your MacBook Pro.		Using Your MacBook Pro When you’re using your MacBook Pro or charging the battery, it's normal for the bottom of the case to get warm. For prolonged use, place your MacBook Pro on a flat, stable surface. Do not place your MacBook Pro on your lap or other body surface for extended periods of time. Prolonged body contact can cause discomfort and potentially a burn. The bottom of the MacBook Pro case functions as a cooling surface that transfers heat from inside the computer to the cooler air outside. The bottom of the case is raised slightly to allow airflow, which keeps the unit within normal operating temperatures. In addition, warm air is vented from the slots in the back of the case.
General Safety Instructions Read and follow all instructions marked on the product and in the manual before operating your MacBook Pro. Be sure to keep the instructions handy for your reference and for others. Set your MacBook Pro on a stable work surface. Keep your computer away from sources of liquids, such as drinks, sinks, bathtubs, shower stalls, and so on. Protect your computer from dampness or wet weather, such as rain, snow, and fog. The MacBook Pro power adapter port contains a magnet. Do not place magnetically sensitive material or devices within 1 inch (25 mm) of this port. Never push objects of any kind into the MacBook Pro ventilation openings.
For your own safety and that of your equipment, always take the following precautions. Disconnect the power plug (by pulling the plug, not the cord), remove the battery, and disconnect your Ethernet cable and any other connected devices if any of the following conditions exist: You want to install memory. You want to remove any parts. The power cable or plug becomes frayed or damaged. You spill something into the case. Your computer is exposed to rain or any other excess moisture. Your computer has been dropped or the case has been damaged. You suspect that your computer needs service or repair. You want to clean the case (use only the recommended procedure described above). Important: The only way to disconnect power from your computer completely is to disconnect the power adapter and phone cord, and remove the battery. Make sure that at least one end of the power adapter is within easy reach so that you can detach it when necessary. Important: Electrical equipment may be hazardous if misused. Operation of this product, or similar products, must always be supervised by an adult. Do not allow children access to the interior of any electrical product and do not permit them to handle any cables.

Avoid Hearing Damage Important: Permanent hearing loss may occur if you use earbuds or headphones at high volume. Over time, your ears may adapt to a higher volume of sound, which may sound normal, but can be damaging to your hearing. Set your MacBook Pro volume to a safe level before that happens. If you experience ringing in your ears, reduce the volume or discontinue using your earbuds or headphones with your MacBook Pro. Battery Important: There is a risk of explosion if you replace the battery with an incorrect type. Dispose of used batteries according to your local environmental guidelines. Do not puncture, drop, or incinerate the battery. Connectors and Ports Never force a connector into a port. If the connector and port don’t join with reasonable ease, they probably don’t match. Make sure that the connector matches the port and that you have positioned the connector correctly in relation to the port. High-Risk Activities Warning This computer system is not intended for use in the operation of nuclear facilities, aircraft navigation or communications systems, or air traffic control machines, or for any other uses where the failure of the computer system could lead to death, personal injury, or severe environmental damage.		Laser Information Important: Making adjustments or performing procedures other than those specified in your equipment’s manual may result in hazardous radiation exposure. Do not attempt to disassemble the cabinet containing the laser. The laser beam used in this product is harmful to the eyes. The use of optical instruments, such as magnifying lenses, with this product increases the potential hazard to your eyes. For your safety, have this equipment serviced only by an Apple-authorized service provider. Because of the optical disc drive in your computer, your computer is a Class 1 laser product. The Class 1 label, located in a user-accessible area, indicates that the drive meets minimum safety requirements. A service warning label is located in a service-accessible area. The labels on your product may differ slightly from the ones shown here. Apple and the Environment Apple Computer recognizes its responsibility to minimize the environmental impacts of its operations and products. For more information about Apple’s environmental and recycling initiatives, go to www.apple.com/environment.