am i being unreasonable? (MBP issues, considering replacement or refund)

[bearbo]

okay. first of all, i dont know if i'm being unreasonable or not, and i'd like to hear your comments and suggestions, please be constructive

i've had my mbp for just shy of 3 months, but small problems kept on popping up.. problem like excessive heat, high pitch noise, and uneven backlight(this is especially obvious when i just start the computer, but it doesn't completely go away even after been on for a while)...

if i only had one of those issue, it's no big deal to me, but all three are present makes me uncomfortable to say this is satisfactory

so i'm thinking about perhaps take a replacement, or perhaps ask for a refund and get one when the problems are more dealt with

i'm never to expect a completely problem free electronic, or any product, but i do hope it's with in a somewhat acceptable range.

after hearing so many horror story about the turn around time (esp this time of the year) and the problematic machine after coming back, i have some researvation about sending it in for repair

so i called applecare last night, the guy told me i should take it in to the store and see what happens, so i'll do that today... i kind of want either replacement or refund, but am i being unreasonable here?

 

[iGary]

It is unreasonable to expect a exchange or refund if you have not given them the opportunity to fix it at least once.

 

[gekko513]

It's hard to say since all the problems are sort of analog, if you know what I mean. It's hard to say what's within spec and what's not.

I don't think Apple does replacements if they think repairs can fix the problem(s) at hand.

 

[bearbo]

i wouldn't mind if they want to do something right there and then if that'll solve the problem, i just hate to have the laptop shipped off and only to return after, oh i dont know, 3 weeks

 

[davidjearly]

i wouldn't mind if they want to do something right there and then if that'll solve the problem, i just hate to have the laptop shipped off and only to return after, oh i dont know, 3 weeks

Well going on Apple's warranty, they reserve the right to repair OR replace your item. It is highly unlikely they will give you a replacement or a refund.

Furthermore, you're not entitled to either until they have attempted to rectify the situation for you.

If you get a really really nice Apple rep instore, they might do all they can to get you a replacement or fast repair, but there is no guarantees.

 

[bearbo]

okay... i'll go there today and be nice and see what will they do

i guess i wouldn't die for a replacement either, i have to, afterall, reinstall all the software, at least i backed stuff up

i just hate to be sitting at my desk, stare into nothingness for weeks

 

[mmmcheese]

okay... i'll go there today and be nice and see what will they do...

You should always be nice

 

[bearbo]

is there any suggestions on how i should deal with apple retail store personels?

 

[ChickenSwartz]

At 3 months old:
Refund: unreasonable.
Replacement: reasonable if repair is unsuccessful or impractical.

Just be calm and polite is most important. I know in general if you can present some position that gives you leverage over them, then that is helpful. In your case you really don't have much. When I took mine in, it was within its 14 day return period, I could return if I wanted.

Last time I went into the Genius Bar there was a guy with a 3 year old PowerBook that it looked like had had 3 good years of use and the HD was dead. The giy (father of the owner) flipped out and made an ass of himself. As soon as he started rasing his voice "You can't even make a computer that last more than 3 years!!" the Genius stoped saying anything but "sorry." Don't be this kind of person.

 

[bearbo]

is it a general agreement that i shouldn't talk about what i saw on MR?

 

[ChickenSwartz]

IMO, anything you have read here is irrelevant concerning your computer specifically (except advice on your situation). So yeah, probably no need.

 

[iGary]

is it a general agreement that i shouldn't talk about what i saw on MR?

Pretty much.

Just be nice, don't try to pull any fancy language and be firm but not rude.

You're going to the Apple Store, right?

 

[treblah]

i wouldn't mind if they want to do something right there and then if that'll solve the problem, i just hate to have the laptop shipped off and only to return after, oh i dont know, 3 weeks

Try 3 days. I dropped off my MBP (logic board, inverter) at the Apple Store on Wednesday afternoon (2:00pm) and had it back Friday evening (6:30pm).

 

[bearbo]

Pretty much.

Just be nice, don't try to pull any fancy language and be firm but not rude.

You're going to the Apple Store, right?

yeah, apple store, not another retailer...

what do those problems sound to you guys like.. are they something that can be easily fixed by replacing a part or two, or is it easier for them to replace the whole thing (i mean, if they have to replace the display, the logic board... they pratically replaced the computer)(well, i dont necessarily know what i'm talking about now)

 

[bearbo]

Try 3 days. I dropped off my MBP (logic board, inverter) at the Apple Store on Wednesday afternoon (2:00pm) and had it back Friday evening (6:30pm).

there're ppl have their computer returned to them within 24 hr, and there are ppl have their computer returned to them after 3 weeks, still with a load of problem.. of course i dont hope for the worst, i just dont expect the best

 

[ChrisA]

....... problem like excessive heat, high pitch noise, and uneven backlight(this is especially obvious when i just start the computer, but it doesn't completely go away even after been on for a while)...

The heat and fan noise problems are related. If the CPU does not go into power saving mode it gets hot. The fan is controlled by temperure and come on in an effort to cool the system. Passably there is a reason your system does not go into a power saving mode. Perhaps it is running some software that uses a low of CPU? Are you trans-coding some kind of video file? Look at the CPU meter inside of Activity Monitor and see if the CPU is not running 100% on some task. If so you are lucky, removing that task will fix the problem.

 

[bearbo]

i'm not particularly sure if it's fan noise.. it's this high pitch noise that i'm not sure what exactly emitted it... as to the heat, it gets somewhat uncomfortably hot after a few hrs of using, and by using, i meant browsing, listening to music, typing, and this and that, maybe some light photoshopping, and perhaps some aperturing, and stuff like these.. i dont do video editing beyond what imovie offers (altho i'd wish imovie is a tad stronger, but that's another topic)