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Genius = questionable

T

tpth

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 4, 2007
46
0
Hey all, hoping for some advice. Over the last couple of weeks, the battery in my iPhone has started to flake out - the phone is always warm to the touch, the battery lasts about an hour and if I plug it into the computer, most of the time it's unable to charge as the battery drains faster than the computer can replenish it.

I took the phone to the Apple store (the only one in Melbourne) and the rather brusque and unhelpful "Genius" claimed that it was water-damaged. She was out with her little torch and magnifying glass before I even finished explaining the problem, and pointed out what she claimed were signs of corrosions on the pins of the dock.

Only thing is, the phone has NEVER got wet - it spends all its time in my pocket. And even if there is some external corrosion (which as far as I can see, there isn't - the "corrosion" she pointed out looked suspiciously like dust to me), I can't see how that would cause the battery to die so quickly. In short, it looked to me like she was determined to diagnose water damage and make me pay $200 to replace what I think is a deflective unit.

Not sure quite where to go from here - it's kinda my word against theirs, really. Is this something best resolved with Apple customer support over the phone? Ideas?
 
The Genius is stupid. the corrosion is more than like there but that happens to anything that is charged with DC power like iPhone is. Just the moister in the air is going to cause that problem.

I say this from multiple devices that have charging contact plates of different types I have seen corrosion appear after a while. it is the fault of the fact that the power is DC.

It is basic chemistry why it happen not the water. Besides water would not cause the corrosion in one hit. It takes a lot of time for it to happen.

Take it back again and try. If they argue with you demand they show you the water sensor and explain to them that corrosion on charging plates is common on any electronic device.
 
Rodimus Prime - thanks. So this type of external corrosion isn't uncommon? It's a massive hassle to take it back again, but yeah, I'll give it a crack. I might call Apple in the meantime.

labman - I'll have a look. Thanks.
 
tpth said:
Rodimus Prime - thanks. So this type of external corrosion isn't uncommon? It's a massive hassle to take it back again, but yeah, I'll give it a crack. I might call Apple in the meantime.

labman - I'll have a look. Thanks.
Click to expand...

be prepared for them to argue back that that it is uncommon for it to happen.

That is when you break out and started explaining that it corrosion is the movement of valance electrons that allows for oxygen to bond with the metal and cause the corrosion. when the power is DC it makes it a lot easier for the valance electrons to move. Heck the DC power is effectually simulating water because all water does is it makes it easier for the valance electrons to move and bond with Oxygen. Water is not what cause corrosion. It just makes it easier for the valance electrons to move.
I have learned some times when dealing with the stupid people at tech support when you start talking and explaining the science it over loads them with facts and they just accept what you are saying. If they do understand what you are saying it makes them happier that they can talk with some one who understand the lingo and they are even more willing to help or skip the require crap.
 
I wouldn't say anything but this: Pink or red moisture detectors show water damage. If they can't show either, then they can't say it's water damage. Simple.

@Prime: Do you go to Texas Tech?
 
Rodimus: thanks for the advice. I just want to get the poxy thing fixed, but if arguing with them is the way forward, I'll swot up on my valene electrons :)
-aggie-: that's also good thinking. I'll get out the flashlight tonight!
 
tpth said:
Rodimus: thanks for the advice. I just want to get the poxy thing fixed, but if arguing with them is the way forward, I'll swot up on my valene electrons :)
-aggie-: that's also good thinking. I'll get out the flashlight tonight!
Click to expand...

You need more than a flashlight. You have to have a magnifying glass also. They're very hard to see, but the one you're looking for, which is the hardest to see, is right in the middle of the Dock Connector towards the bottom.

Of course, they're easier to see if you have water damage.

Forget about the valence electrons. Really.
 
From the dozens of posts I've read here and other forums

as long as

a) your phone's glass is not broken
b) your sensors are not red/pink
c) your phone is CLEARLY not jailbroken ( hide it, or do a fresh restore)
d) You are under warranty

You should have no problem getting your phone replaced.

Hopefully your sensor's are white, and you can go in there and get a new phone

Good luck
 
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