Apple has a new program to help unibody white MacBook owners with problematic bottom plates. The MacBook Bottom Case Replacement Program does just want it says—gets the user a replacement bottom cover if the soft rubber coating separates from the aluminum plate.

When Apple introduced the unibody white MacBook in October, it got rid of the usual rubber bumpers that adorn the bottom of most Apple notebooks. Instead, Apple covered the bottom plate in a skid-resistant soft rubber, the same material used on the bottom of the Airport Extreme and older generation Mac minis.

We hadn't heard any problems with this rubber coating, but according to Apple, the rubber—applied with an adhesive to the aluminum base of the bottom plate—can become separated "under certain circumstances." If this happens within a period of two years from the date of purchase—regardless of warranty status—Apple will replace the bottom plate for free.

Apple noted that the problem can affect white unibody MacBooks made between October 2009 and April 2011; presumably whatever cause is behind the problem has already been addressed in manufacturing. Users experiencing the problem can either take the affected machine into a local Apple Store to have the bottom plate replaced by a Genius, or can simply order a replacement part online, complete with screws and a Philips driver. (Speaking from experience, it's a pretty easy replacement.)

If you believe you have paid for a similar repair that would have been covered by this new program, you can contact Apple to arrange a refund. Apple said that it will continue to monitor the situation and may extend the program as needed.