Damn apple! feeling unsure about what to do....pls advise

[PDE]

So I got a MBP from amazon last week. Great machine except that the screen has a yellow tint and the right arrow key is non-functional. I suppose that makes it not-so-great? I called Apple and did some silly troubleshooting just so they could tell me that they thought I should just return it to amazon since 'it's never a good idea to send in a brand new computer for repair'. I totally agree with them, but I'm also now worried that a new machine might be much worse. I saw some pretty poor LED displays at the Soho store yesterday.

Since amazon is currently out of stock. I was thinking I should return it for a refund and go to the apple store, pay the extra $170 tax there and get one from them. It's easier to replace if there's a problem, but it's also very difficult if there's a problem that they deem to be 'within spec' - like they felt the grain and uneven illumination of the previous MBPs were! Few things make me angrier than dealing with stupid genius who keeps denying obvious flaws.

So: should I gamble and assume that I'll get a good one from the Apple store, and then assume that if I don't I'll be able to get a replacement? Or, should I wait and get a replacement from amazon because I know I can return it for a full no-hassle refund if there's a defect? Or, should I send in my NEW computer for repair and pray that it comes back without new problems?

I NEED to get out of this endless cycle of faulty apply products. I can't spend all this time repairing and exchanging...it's driving me crazy.

Please give some reasonable advice....thanks!

 

[Trepex]

So I got a MBP from amazon last week. Great machine except that the screen has a yellow tint and the right arrow key is non-functional. I suppose that makes it not-so-great? I called Apple and did some silly troubleshooting just so they could tell me that they thought I should just return it to amazon since 'it's never a good idea to send in a brand new computer for repair'. I totally agree with them, but I'm also now worried that a new machine might be much worse. I saw some pretty poor LED displays at the Soho store yesterday.

Since amazon is currently out of stock. I was thinking I should return it for a refund and go to the apple store, pay the extra $170 tax there and get one from them. It's easier to replace if there's a problem, but it's also very difficult if there's a problem that they deem to be 'within spec' - like they felt the grain and uneven illumination of the previous MBPs were! Few things make me angrier than dealing with stupid genius who keeps denying obvious flaws.

So: should I gamble and assume that I'll get a good one from the Apple store, and then assume that if I don't I'll be able to get a replacement? Or, should I wait and get a replacement from amazon because I know I can return it for a full no-hassle refund if there's a defect? Or, should I send in my NEW computer for repair and pray that it comes back without new problems?

I NEED to get out of this endless cycle of faulty apply products. I can't spend all this time repairing and exchanging...it's driving me crazy.

Please give some reasonable advice....thanks!

My advice would be to go with the Apple store. Although the faulty products are frustrating, I have found that they treat me very well and that generally they will just keep replacing a new product until you're happy with it. Even AppleCare repairs under warranty seem to go very well. I'd say those reasons alone maybe make it worth getting it direct unless you find a vendor that offers a comparable level of satisfaction for replacements in the initial period.

 

[Sopranino]

So I got a MBP from amazon last week. Great machine except that the screen has a yellow tint and the right arrow key is non-functional. I suppose that makes it not-so-great? I called Apple and did some silly troubleshooting just so they could tell me that they thought I should just return it to amazon since 'it's never a good idea to send in a brand new computer for repair'. I totally agree with them, but I'm also now worried that a new machine might be much worse. I saw some pretty poor LED displays at the Soho store yesterday.

The mere fact that you have a non-functioning key is definitely reason enough to return it, no real question with this part.

Since amazon is currently out of stock. I was thinking I should return it for a refund and go to the apple store, pay the extra $170 tax there and get one from them. It's easier to replace if there's a problem, but it's also very difficult if there's a problem that they deem to be 'within spec' - like they felt the grain and uneven illumination of the previous MBPs were! Few things make me angrier than dealing with stupid genius who keeps denying obvious flaws.

Any buying activity basically puts you (the buyer) in the power position. If you are buying in person from the store (which I recommend) then ask to have them set up the computer that you are going to buy and both you and the salesperson inspect the computer for defects. If any are found then simply check out another one until you are satisfied.

So: should I gamble and assume that I'll get a good one from the Apple store, and then assume that if I don't I'll be able to get a replacement? Or, should I wait and get a replacement from amazon because I know I can return it for a full no-hassle refund if there's a defect? Or, should I send in my NEW computer for repair and pray that it comes back without new problems?

Okay, you asked both of these questions in different words in the preceding two paragraphs. See my two responses.

I NEED to get out of this endless cycle of faulty apply products. I can't spend all this time repairing and exchanging...it's driving me crazy.

Errr, right, what endless cycle of faulty products are you talking about? Judging from your previous posts this is the first of the SR laptops that you've purchased so what cycle are you referring to?

Please give some reasonable advice....thanks!

Would you buy a car before test driving and inspecting it?? Apply the same wisdom here.....

Sopranino

 

[PDE]

The mere fact that you have a non-functioning key is definitely reason enough to return it, no real question with this part.



Any buying activity basically puts you (the buyer) in the power position. If you are buying in person from the store (which I recommend) then ask to have them set up the computer that you are going to buy and both you and the salesperson inspect the computer for defects. If any are found then simply check out another one until you are satisfied.



Okay, you asked both of these questions in different words in the preceding two paragraphs. See my two responses.



Errr, right, what endless cycle of faulty products are you talking about? Judging from your previous posts this is the first of the SR laptops that you've purchased so what cycle are you referring to?



Would you buy a car before test driving and inspecting it?? Apply the same wisdom here.....

Sopranino

Oh, the endless cycle refers to my many MBPs last year that had various defects and were returned or replaced by Apple. This is my first SR one, but only the latest in a series of problematic machines. I am picky, but I'm becoming more accommodating with defects...

I like buying in the store and maybe I'll ask them to look at it with me so that I'm satisfied. They don't allow you to open the box until you've paid for it though. So no test drive unfortunately. The real problem with the screen is that it's so hard to evaluate in that lighting. Perhaps I'll go to the Soho store instead because they have some darker areas.

 

[Sopranino]

....I like buying in the store and maybe I'll ask them to look at it with me so that I'm satisfied. They don't allow you to open the box until you've paid for it though. So no test drive unfortunately. The real problem with the screen is that it's so hard to evaluate in that lighting. Perhaps I'll go to the Soho store instead because they have some darker areas.

This sounds like a sensible way to do things. Even if you have to pay for it prior to opening the box then inspecting it with a store employee will enable you to identify any problems before you leave the store.

If you do find a problem then avoid becoming confrontational with the staff, instead ask the employee what they would do if they were buying a premium product. Generally half the battle is getting the employee to agree that the defect would not be acceptable to them either. Apple employees are usually also Mac Fans and they want their customers to be happy as well.

One last point, (and I hope it wouldn't go this far). Pay for your computer with a credit card. If you do notice a defect in the store and they become completely unwilling to help resolve the issue to your satisfaction then you can quite simply call up your credit card company and tell them to cancel that payment. (I've only ever had to do this once and it didn't involve a computer purchase)

Sopranino

 

[PDE]

This sounds like a sensible way to do things. Even if you have to pay for it prior to opening the box then inspecting it with a store employee will enable you to identify any problems before you leave the store.

If you do find a problem then avoid becoming confrontational with the staff, instead ask the employee what they would do if they were buying a premium product. Generally half the battle is getting the employee to agree that the defect would not be acceptable to them either. Apple employees are usually also Mac Fans and they want their customers to be happy as well.

One last point, (and I hope it wouldn't go this far). Pay for your computer with a credit card. If you do notice a defect in the store and they become completely unwilling to help resolve the issue to your satisfaction then you can quite simply call up your credit card company and tell them to cancel that payment. (I've only ever had to do this once and it didn't involve a computer purchase)

Sopranino

So I'm at the Soho store. I got one that was defect out of the box - it had the dreaded flicker - they swapped it out, but four guys were staring at it and couldn't see the flicker. It was sooooo obvious all over the display. Finally a former genius happened to be visiting and they brought him over to check it and he saw the flicker. I tell you, those guys wer blind. One of them saw 'something' but then said it ws because the display bezel was vibrating. Anyway, one of lead geniuses was very nice and swapped it. The new one seems good so far. NO YELLOW at the bottom, although the default display of course is quite warm. I'll check more and update later.

 

[md63]

How difficult is it to return a laptop to Amazon?

Does Amazon take back defective laptops for full refund?

I am also in the same situation as you. I purchased from Amazon and am generally very happy with my MBP except I noticed a slight bend in the front of the body just above the slot loading drive. You really have to look to look for it to notice anything. The material is very thin in that area. I'm not sure if it came that way or if I did it inadvertently by putting pressure on the top front edge of the body just above the DVD drive. I was thinking about bringing it into the store to see if they could do anything to straighten it out. I had thought about swapping at Amazon, however, I see they are on backorder. Operationally my computer is fine, but I'm concerned I might get a more problematic unit.

What should I do?

Thanks

 

[PDE]

Does Amazon take back defective laptops for full refund?

I am also in the same situation as you. I purchased from Amazon and am generally very happy with my MBP except I noticed a slight bend in the front of the body just above the slot loading drive. You really have to look to look for it to notice anything. The material is very thin in that area. I'm not sure if it came that way or if I did it inadvertently by putting pressure on the top front edge of the body just above the DVD drive. I was thinking about bringing it into the store to see if they could do anything to straighten it out. I had thought about swapping at Amazon, however, I see they are on backorder. Operationally my computer is fine, but I'm concerned I might get a more problematic unit.

What should I do?

Thanks

Amazon is AMAZING when it comes to taking back computers with defects. Never had a problem getting a full refund or replacement for a computer - as long as it has some defect you won't have a problem either. They're great to deal with, though sometimes Indian support can be a hassle. If you call them during the day, you'll often get a support person in Canada or the US. But there's no need to call - just use their online returns center and you're set.

If it annoys you, I'd ask for a replacement - with amazon you can do that within 30 days or receipt.

 

[myke323]

just return it.

then figure out your next best plan. most likely the apple store.

 

[PDE]

just return it.

then figure out your next best plan. most likely the apple store.

I'd say return it for a refund and then, if you can, wait a few days for amazon to start their rebate offering. they always do, just a matter of time. If you can wait, you'll save another $150 probably.

I decided I didn't want to deal with the potential of another defective computer that had to be shipped back (even if it's very easy, it takes time and effort). Going to the Apple Store means that if there's something wrong they'll swap it out for you immediately - this time, for me, it was worth it although for a few minutes I didn't think they would swap it out because they weren't seeing the obvious flicker. Almost comical having a crew of people staring at it and not seeing what I though was very obvious. Oh well.

 

[md63]

just return it.

then figure out your next best plan. most likely the apple store.

I would love to buy at the apple store except that their return policy is more restrictive (14 days) than amazons (30 days.) Also you're not always guarrantteed of getting an exchange for a problem product if its "within spec".

Besides buying at apple store will cost me another $175 in sales tax. And please don't mention the educational discount unless there is some way of getting it without being a student.

Thanks

 

[md63]

I'd say return it for a refund and then, if you can, wait a few days for amazon to start their rebate offering. they always do, just a matter of time. If you can wait, you'll save another $150 probably.

I decided I didn't want to deal with the potential of another defective computer that had to be shipped back (even if it's very easy, it takes time and effort). Going to the Apple Store means that if there's something wrong they'll swap it out for you immediately - this time, for me, it was worth it although for a few minutes I didn't think they would swap it out because they weren't seeing the obvious flicker. Almost comical having a crew of people staring at it and not seeing what I though was very obvious. Oh well.

Any idea when the rebate will start? I thought the rebates would be months away. I really need a new computer so I could wait a couple of weeks and still be within the 30 day window at Amazon.

 

[PDE]

Any idea when the rebate will start? I thought the rebates would be months away. I really need a new computer so I could wait a couple of weeks and still be within the 30 day window at Amazon.

I don't think anybody knows when, exactly, they'll start with the rebates, but given that other resellers have rebates already and amazon wants to compete I'm sure it will happen soon. Usually it happens not that long after a they start stocking them.

I'd wait a little...

 

[PDE]

I've been playing with the new machine for a few hours and everything seems to be working perfectly. As for the display:

- There is no yellow tint at the bottom on this one.
-with calibration, the overall tint is greatly reduced and the screen matches my samsung 215tw quite well.
- there is more bleeding at the bottom in the middle than with the old one, but less at the top. The bleeding is only visible when there's a solid black background - like when watching widescreen DVDs. To me that's not a deal breaker.
-Slightly more uneven backlighting - the upper right corner is dimmer than the rest


I'm happy I sent back the other one. It's a luck of the draw situation with Apple's laptops these days. If I had received the flickering MBP from amazon, I'd have to return that one too. I'm happy that I went to the Apple store so that I can deal with defects immediately - even if it means spending more money.