I Hate One of the Geniuses at the Apple Store

[chilipie]

genius's are mentally retarded lol. i went to replace my atv remote like 20 days after getting it quote"um im not sure but do you have a recite(idk how to spell) um no i dont well i guess we can replace it maybe not sure" the guy was retarded i know more than most of those so called geniuss'

Yup, Apple Geniuses are all mentally retarded, and you probably know more than they ever will. I mean, I bet they don't even know how to use apostrophes or a dictionary!

I'm afraid I'm going to back the Genius on this one.

From the pictures, it doesn't look like a manufacturing defect. Phones accumulate scratches and so forth in their life-time, that's just how it is. Mine has them and I baby the thing.

Sure the phone isn't pristine anymore, but it still works.

I concur. If the phone had been scratched out of the box I could understand why you'd be hacked off, but there's no structural damage and the phone still works. To expect a company to replace an expensive item because "I've been using it and it got a bit scratched" is ridiculous, frankly.

 

[Dmac77]

Sure it's "possible." Just because you clean it twice a day (why?) doesn't mean stuff can't get in the case.

I clean it twice a day, because I've heard horror stories about dust/dirt getting in the case and scratching the phone up, really badly.

Well by the standard definition of "dust" I don't think anything that small could cause a gouge 1.5 mm deep. That doesn't mean something else can't cause something of that depth (how accurate is that, by the way? How did you measure it?). And it only takes a second to cause a scratch, so your 24-hour argument doesn't really apply.

The "Genius" measured it with a thin metal wire, that had marks in it.

Go into the store with your father, or have your father take it in for you.

My mother went into the store yesterday with it, and the (same) genius gave her the same crap. "There is no known problem regarding cracks in the iPhone 3G.", then my Mom showed the the MacRumors thread about iPhones cracking., and he said "Only white iPhones crack." She showed him pictures of black iPhones with cracks, and then he said "the cracks only start on the edge of the phone, and work there way inwards, and that "Dust caused the gouge."

This genius has always hassled me, and anyone else who deals with him. I've seen people curse him out in the store before, he is like the replacement Nazi. All of the other geniuses gladly replace devices that have "cosmetic damage". I don't know what this guy's problem is, but I'll be taking it out to the Novi (Twelve Oaks) store this weekend.

I'm starting to notice hairline cracks down by the dock connector now, and I'm really staring to wish that I would have gotten a first gen iPhone off of eBay now.

Don

 

[JNB]

This genius has always hassled me, and anyone else who deals with him. I've seen people curse him out in the store before, he is like the replacement Nazi. All of the other geniuses gladly replace devices that have "cosmetic damage". I don't know what this guy's problem is, but I'll be taking it out to the Novi (Twelve Oaks) store this weekend

So really, all this just boils down to one guy, right?

 

[Dmac77]

So really, all this just boils down to one guy, right?

I have a feeling that one of the other geniuses at the store would have replaced the phone. I'll be taking it to the Novi store this weekend so I there isn't a chance that I'll end up dealing with this guy again.

Like I said earlier, I'm noticing some hairline cracks down by the dock connector, and it looks like some of the metal around the dock connector (not the chrome) is staring to warp. So this isn't just "cosmetic damage" anymore. We'll see if the cracks continue to expand, over the week.

Don

 

[Vulcan]

Just call AppleCare, you will get an iPhone representative who actually deals with these problems daily.

 

[Primejimbo]

I want the genius I dealt with to get in a car wreck tonight. I want to deal with the genius you got.

Don

I would never wish something like that on anyone. You know how bad you would feel if that actually happened?
I had keys since I was 11, so it can be possible.
I personally never had a problem with the Genius people, I found them very nice and helpful so far.

 

[steviem]

Mate,

How's the screen looking? All that really matters is that the screen has no scratches still. Yeah those tiny scratches might annoy you a little bit, but its a mobile phone. Get over it, I can't wait for the day you get a car, leave it in a car park and come back to see a ding from someone's door. That is really annoying. Tiny scratches on a phone that is functioning properly are nothing.

I had keys since I was 11 too, I'm 23 now (but will I live to see 24, the way things are goin' I dunno) - woah went all Coolio there. Anyway, I'm 23 now and my iPhone's back is scratched to hell, but its because I sometimes put it in a pocket with coins or keys in it, I dropped it once as well but the screen doesn't have a single blemish and all that matters is that you can use the phone.

Don't go ranting about tiny scratches and a guy who can do NOTHING AT ALL to get rid of your scratches. Go blow off some steam, play some soccer, hack the ankles away from an opponent, take a volley and aim for the goalie's face.

 

[daflake]

ironspyder: Could you please write that in English please? It's difficult to understand what you're trying to tell us.

I'm not going to even try to respond to him....

As for the thread starter, it sounds like you have calmed a bit. Honestly the scratch at the jack does not look like the normal one that happens. However, the one on the side does, so I think you do have a case. Have you tried talking to the manager of the store? Surely he has to answer to someone.

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

Don't go ranting about tiny scratches and a guy who can do NOTHING AT ALL to get rid of your scratches. Go blow off some steam, play some soccer, hack the ankles away from an opponent, take a volley and aim for the goalie's face.

So... take out your anger towards a piece of plastic on... another human bring? That's allowed? AWESOME

 

[plumbingandtech]

And they told me that I had gouged it with my keys (I don't even have keys, I'm 14),

You got house keys don't you?

But you are right. Apple is evil.

You should buy a Pre.

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

You should buy a Pre.

I'm sure I'm not the first to say this, but what is the Pre before?

 

[Vulcan]

You got house keys don't you?

But you are right. Apple is evil.

You should buy a Pre.

Keypads on garage door openers are the new house keys.

 

[Kardashian]

I just sent an email to whoever reads the mail at steve@mac.com, and hopefully I'll get this resolved.

Anyone else here have problems with "Geniuses' that are total jerks?

Don

It's sjobs@apple.com

Mailed it myself a few weeks ago. Don't slag off the staff, or Apple, simply state that you're only 14, you've had to save hard for the iPhone, blah blah, you know its not a rare case as its documented online - and someone will call you back.

Apple know its an issue, I witnessed a Genius getting his iPhone replaced for the exact same reason only a few days ago.

 

[Kardashian]

I concur. If the phone had been scratched out of the box I could understand why you'd be hacked off, but there's no structural damage and the phone still works. To expect a company to replace an expensive item because "I've been using it and it got a bit scratched" is ridiculous, frankly.

It's documented that some iPhone 3G's have had very fragile casing which is cracking under 'normal' regular use.

Not through mistreating the item.

What is you bought a car that randomly cracked?

 

[gibbz]

Yup, Apple Geniuses are all mentally retarded, and you probably know more than they ever will. I mean, I bet they don't even know how to use apostrophes or a dictionary!

You win a cookie my friend.

 

[Dmac77]

Mate,

How's the screen looking? All that really matters is that the screen has no scratches still. Yeah those tiny scratches might annoy you a little bit, but its a mobile phone. Get over it, I can't wait for the day you get a car, leave it in a car park and come back to see a ding from someone's door. That is really annoying. Tiny scratches on a phone that is functioning properly are nothing.

I had keys since I was 11 too, I'm 23 now (but will I live to see 24, the way things are goin' I dunno) - woah went all Coolio there. Anyway, I'm 23 now and my iPhone's back is scratched to hell, but its because I sometimes put it in a pocket with coins or keys in it, I dropped it once as well but the screen doesn't have a single blemish and all that matters is that you can use the phone.

Don't go ranting about tiny scratches and a guy who can do NOTHING AT ALL to get rid of your scratches. Go blow off some steam, play some soccer, hack the ankles away from an opponent, take a volley and aim for the goalie's face.

The screen looks fine. It just really bothers me that this is happening.

You got house keys don't you?

But you are right. Apple is evil.

You should buy a Pre.

No need for house keys, we have a keypad for our garage. I would get a Pre, if I could use it with AT&T.

It's sjobs@apple.com

Mailed it myself a few weeks ago. Don't slag off the staff, or Apple, simply state that you're only 14, you've had to save hard for the iPhone, blah blah, you know its not a rare case as its documented online - and someone will call you back.

Apple know its an issue, I witnessed a Genius getting his iPhone replaced for the exact same reason only a few days ago.

I tried steve@mac.com, I'll try the address you provided also.

It's documented that some iPhone 3G's have had very fragile casing which is cracking under 'normal' regular use.

Not through mistreating the item.

What is you bought a car that randomly cracked?

That's exactly my point. It's not like I'm ruff on the phone or anything like that. I baby it.

Below are some pictures of what is now happening to the dock connector area (It's not as bad al it looks in the picture, the macro function on my camera really makes things look bad) but the cracks are probably 5mm (on the right) and 3mm long (on the left). The plastic around the cracks is kind of whitish-grey (stress marks, I think), and those little things that look like scratches are actually small hairline cracks (my fingernail gets stuck in them, when I move it over them).

And I really haven't even used the phone since Sunday. I've made one phone call, and that's it, and it has been in its case. I haven't dropped it or anything (it doesn't even look like what happens to an iPhone when it gets dropped). I could live with what's up by the volume rocker and the vibrate switch, but this I can't. I don't know if it could be caused by frequent docking, but that's all I can think off.

I'm thinking of just calling AppleCare, instead of going out to Novi with my Mom this weekend. Would AppleCare send me a phone for temporary use, while they have my iPhone?

I don't mean to be petty, but this just sucks.

Don

 

[miles01110]

I still see no convincing evidence that it's the case that's at fault and not you removing the dock connector and scratching it. Also, I've never heard of Apple sending out "temporary replacement" anything while an item is sent in under warranty for repair.

 

[Dmac77]

I still see no convincing evidence that it's the case that's at fault and not you removing the dock connector and scratching it. Also, I've never heard of Apple sending out "temporary replacement" anything while an item is sent in under warranty for repair.

yeah, because scratches penetrate al the way through the plastic

FYI, the cracks go all the way through the back casing. I think you'd have to maliciously do something to get it to crack, unless there's a manufacturers defect.

Don

 

[miles01110]

yeah, because scratches penetrate al the way through the plastic

FYI, the cracks go all the way through the back casing. I think you'd have to maliciously do something to get it to crack, unless there's a manufacturers defect.

How can you tell they go all the way through? You can't see the other side...because it's on the inside of the unit...

 

[Dmac77]

How can you tell they go all the way through? You can't see the other side...because it's on the inside of the unit...

Because if you push on the plastic in-between the to cracks, it will depress, kind of like pushing a button. They go all the way through, I'm sure of it.

Don

 

[TomsMacBook]

Well, maybe a little off topic, but when I was buying my first MacBook (I was... 15 at the time, I think), I went into the shop, and was told that "Maybe I would be interested in the iPod Nano, which comes in different colours!"

So I said thanks, but no thanks, and found another salesman. He started the same pitch when I interrupted him, pulled out the money from my wallet, and said I was buying a MacBook.

I agree with the majority in this thread. The people in the store are - I reckon - told to go after the people who look like they have money. Can't blame them for that. It may get infuriating, but hey. Thats life.

 

[frankiec]

[Deleted]

 

[frankiec]

[Deleted]

 

[BLewisMaltz]

I used to love going into the Apple Store, hanging out, talking with a Genius. But recently, I have been having more and more bad experiances as mostly all they do is try and push stuff on me like a car salesman, and tell me that whatever problem I am having is not my fault, and whatever is broken on my computer isn't covered by AppleCare.

My friend says this is what happens as Apple gains a larger share of the market. More and more people are switching, and the downside is that as Apple grows it can't offer such special customer service anymore.

le sigh

 

[daflake]

That new photo actually looks like the phone was dropped. Do you use a case?