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Regardless of the apparent battery status, try connecting the charger/PSU.

justine wrote:

I hate to kick a man when he's down, but why didn't you purchase AppleCare?

justine I agree. I've had more than the price of the AppleCare plan paid back for me. I repair/replace any small minute problem for free. Heck all those free calls to Apple would add up other wise. Can call about anything from the Mac to the OS to Apple apps or peripherals and get free support. But the real gravy of the deal comes in with all the Apple branded peripheral you use. As they all get umbrella coverage as well. I've had my MightyMouse exchanged like 3 times (clogged up scroll balls was to lazy to clean) and AirPort Express after the optical port went bunk. I even got this MacBook Pro I'm typing on free as a replacement for my would be 3yr old rev A MBP because of it (Long story with a great conclusion I might add )

Hi Beowulf, ordinarily, I would expect the Apple Store to give you the benefit of the doubt --that is, it's reasonable to suspect that something they did caused the problem.  The only issue I can see is that you've waited so long before noticing the problem.  I know you were on vacation, but an Apple Store guy might find that excuse awfully "convenient."  I would go back to the Apple Store with some proof that you were on vacation (like a plane ticket, or something) so that they won't think you've been using the computer all this time without issue.  Also, the fact that the ethernet port is broken will help prove that you were on vacation because, otherwise, you would've taken it back to the Apple Store immediately to bitch about the port still being broken.

Also, I wouldn't outright accuse them of breaking it (at least not at first).  Simply go over the sequence of events, and let them put two and two together.  You might even add, in a relaxed tone, "..I don't want to say that something they did, broke my laptop, but the reality is that it worked before I sent it, and now it doesn't."  Then reiterate the fact that you would've taken it back sooner, if you weren't on vacation.  If you sell it well enough, I think you've got shot at getting it repaired for free.

And next time, get the Apple Care...

Last edited by Mr. T (2009-08-25 1:39 pm)

justine wrote:

I hate to kick a man when he's down, but why didn't you purchase AppleCare?

It's a rip-off unless you have a major issue, kind of like gap insurance. I've never had Apple Care so I've been lucky, especially considering my last two purchases have been laptops. Although getting a laptop alone gives you more opportunities to damage it which if you are on the road a lot may justify the extra $300. But to me another $300 on top of an already expensive purchase seems like a kick in the teeth. Of course when something goes wrong that you can't fix then you feel like slapping yourself in the head. Regardless, I always roll the dice, especially since I have a couple of Apple Stores nearby.

Apple should just be more reasonable with their repair costs post-warranty. They should not be making huge profits off of out of warranty repairs.

Mr. T wrote:

Hi Beowulf, ordinarily, I would expect the Apple Store to give you the benefit of the doubt --that is, it's reasonable to suspect that something they did caused the problem.  The only issue I can see is that you've waited so long before noticing the problem.  I know you were on vacation, but an Apple Store guy might find that excuse awfully "convenient."  I would go back to the Apple Store with some proof that you were on vacation (like a plane ticket, or something) so that they won't think you've been using the computer all this time without issue.

If they need to they can determine when the last time your computer was booted once it arrives at the repair facility. They will take your word for it (I know my local Apple Store would) and then make a determination once they pop it open. My local Apple Store has consistently bent over backwards for me.

robco wrote:

Phone support is not cheap, neither are Geniuses. Apple doesn't use too low-level support and their techs are in the US. Higher wages means higher costs. If a tech gets $50/hr (including benefits), that's about $100-200 for a "simple" repair, plus costs. Everyone wants first class service at coach prices, but it just doesn't work out that way. Using quality parts costs money too. And don't forget the shipping if the Apple Store can't repair it onsite.

I'm not sure Apple is raking in huge profits on out-of-warranty repairs, but providing good service isn't cheap. The old adage holds true - you get what you pay for.

I agree in some respects and that is one reason why I pick Apple products over their competitors. However, Robert B's service is equal to Apple's from what I've read at half the price. If they can do it and be profitable then that makes you wonder why a much larger Co. Like Apple can't.

Update :

So Ethernet cords are still not properly securing. Should I take the Macbook back to an Apple store? This is basically the same way the computer was (Ethernet cords not securing) before the computer 'died' last time. I really don't want to go through another week of classes without my computer though.

This time, take a small peice of Cat-5 with you for demonstration purposes.  Make sure that the piece you take with you isn't defective in any manner so that they can't argue that the cord itself is what's broken.

Here's how it went down. Couple weeks ago I finally brought the Macbook in and explained the issue.

The senior tech dude there seemed rushed but let me try 3 ethernet cables to prove they weren't securing. Problem was, these were some new-ish Lacie ethernet cables.

My hopes for a replacement were shattered as each one stuck in and held fast even as I pulled pretty hard and jiggled them around, so I left in defeat.

My issue is the same - all my friends Macbooks and PC laptops can keep the same ethernet cords secure that my computer cannot..


But then a new issue arose - my headphone port has been flashing a red light from inside the computer. Is this another logic board issue? Will they replace it again? smurf.

I'm going to another Apple store on Friday and explaining the NEW issue.

Last edited by Beowulf (2009-11-03 12:29 pm)

I'm going to do that this time. The important thing is to have them also compare it to another macbook, preferably a newer model.

I checked the sound settings - there's also a strange buzzing and clicking noise constantly coming from my speakers.