Apple's Hardware Quality and Return Policy

[Xanderxxx]

So I just got a Powerbook G4 almost a month ago. On the second week, I had to send the product for repeair because there was a problem with the speakers that caused a high-pitched loud noise. Today, I was ejecting a CD and the cloth that protects the DVD-Drive comes out, so now the computer actually shoots out the CD and scratches it at the same time.

Now, i'm beginning to think that I made a wrong decision. I paid $1570 for a 12" laptop, but since it's Apple, I thought it was worth every cent. Now, I'm not so sure. Compared to the other non-apple laptops that cost the same, the laptop seems somewhat overpriced. I know, I know, no OS X. Still, having to buy a anti-virus is better than having my laptop fall apart in just a couple of months. Furthermore, no one told me about the Intel transicion when I bought the laptop, so like, my computer will practically be extinct in a couple of months?

I'm beginning to dislike this sexy and very fragile powerbook. If for some reason apple doesn't fix the DVD-Drive because it's not in the warranty, i'd like to return the product. Is that possible? I read Apple's return policy but I just want to be extra sure that there's no way I can return it. I bought it from the Apple store, almost exactly one month ago.

Sorry for the rant

 

[mkrishnan]

The fragility issues you describe sound very strange. Call Apple and politely tell them this same story. I have an iBook, and have never had an Aluminum Powerbook. But my experience is that the typical build-quality is bomb-proof. The only major issue in terms of fragility with the Alu PBs is that they can be dented if dropped. But things like having the trimming on the CD drive come out are very rare.

I think you should call Apple and ask them to come up with a game plan to either get your unit up to satisfactory shape or replace it.

 

[aristobrat]

I paid $1570 for a 12" laptop, but since it's Apple, I thought it was worth every cent. Now, I'm not so sure. Compared to the other non-apple laptops that cost the same, the laptop seems somewhat overpriced.

Interesting.

When researching whether to buy a 12" or a 15", the vast majority of the advice on forums like this one was "if you want a 12", get an iBook because the 12" PowerBook is way overpriced for what you get". That made the decision of "which laptop to get" a lot easier for me.

I don't know this for a fact, but I've read some threads that say Apple is more willing to refund (or let you pay to upgrade to another model) after your laptop's gone in for three repairs.

 

[yg17]

I don't know this for a fact, but I've read some threads that say Apple is more willing to refund (or let you pay to upgrade to another model) after your laptop's gone in for three repairs.

I was told by a genius today at the apple store that the magic number for a repair is 4

 

[powerbook911]

So I just got a Powerbook G4 almost a month ago. On the second week, I had to send the product for repeair because there was a problem with the speakers that caused a high-pitched loud noise. Today, I was ejecting a CD and the cloth that protects the DVD-Drive comes out, so now the computer actually shoots out the CD and scratches it at the same time.

Now, i'm beginning to think that I made a wrong decision. I paid $1570 for a 12" laptop, but since it's Apple, I thought it was worth every cent. Now, I'm not so sure. Compared to the other non-apple laptops that cost the same, the laptop seems somewhat overpriced. I know, I know, no OS X. Still, having to buy a anti-virus is better than having my laptop fall apart in just a couple of months. Furthermore, no one told me about the Intel transicion when I bought the laptop, so like, my computer will practically be extinct in a couple of months?

I'm beginning to dislike this sexy and very fragile powerbook. If for some reason apple doesn't fix the DVD-Drive because it's not in the warranty, i'd like to return the product. Is that possible? I read Apple's return policy but I just want to be extra sure that there's no way I can return it. I bought it from the Apple store, almost exactly one month ago.

Sorry for the rant

I have the same machine, it's one year old, and it is in absolute pristine condition.

I love this machine. I have one of the new Core Duo iMacs, but the 12-inch Powerbook is still my favorite Mac ever. Hopefully your machine will be fixed. If not, you might want to try to call up the ladder to see, if they'll give you a new one.

 

[yoda13]

I was told by a genius today at the apple store that the magic number for a repair is 4

AppleCare has quoted three times in one year to me before. Seems like they have a different answer for everyone...

 

[SmurfBoxMasta]

after your laptop's gone in for three repairs.

It's called the "Lemon Law" and it's 3 times in almost all states. But in those states, they HAVE to replace the product, not refund it.....

this may vary in some states though, but the apple stores, like any other retailer, are bound by those types of laws regardless of which state they are located in.

If you bought something at the apple store online, then the state laws where YOU live will apply, although you make need the assistance of the local Consumer Affairs Dept & BBB to enforce them.......

 

[aristobrat]

Do you know if the "lemon law" is called something different when it doesn't apply to cars? I couldn't find any information via google about it.

 

[jane doe]

There is no lemon law for computers. There also is no set number of repairs, but it wont get replaced with out at least three.

 

[mkrishnan]

Don't worry about this lemon law crap. Just call Apple and talk to them, politely yet firmly. Apple product quality is rarely this low. You have an exceptionally faulty unit. And Apple doesn't want it floating around out there any more than you do.

 

[FireArse]

Apple Hardware

Don't worry about this lemon law crap.

LOL

Must agree though. Apple hardware is by far superior to any other hardware manufacturer I know. I must admit, I am having sound issues with my PowerMac, but its nothing I can't live with for now. I need my machine everyday for my studies till April - literally won't be able to live without it. But when I can, I'll send it in.

Your faults are definately warranted by Apple

F

 

[cyberddot]

I'm guessing I'm no different than most users here when I write, I haven't had anywhere near that kind of trouble with Apple products. Well actually, I've only had one problem with Apple hardware and that was fixed quickly and it was 2.5 years after I bought the computer. They replaced the logic board on my ol' graphite iMac and it didn't cost me a dime. Go Apple Care!

So you bought this computer a month ago from an Apple Store (not another Apple reseller) and they won't repair or replace the drive piece? Is this after a visit to the Apple store you purchased from or after talking to someone on the phone? I agree with others recommending a call back to Apple and some clarification on why you aren't getting support on a new purchase.

As for not getting in on the Intel macs, welcome to the huge club, and it's not exclusive to Apple products. Buying technology usually means you're going to be behind the next best thing much sooner than you'd like. I can attest to the fact that had you done much research here or on other sites that provide rumors of upcoming products, you would've known that the Intel macs were coming up soon. However, your computer will hardly be extinct any time soon. You'll be using the same software that lots of MacBook owners are using, and you're using it on a 12" powerbook that hasn't been released in the MacBook line.

 

[jayselle]

Apple products are great when they work, however, there will always be a few bad apples, or lemons.

Apple customer care leaves much to be desired as do thier company policies regarding returns and repairs. In fact it might the worst customer service oriented company I have ever dealt with. If their product was not superior they would certainly be extinct quite quickly.

Good luck!