Hopefully this will be the last chapter 
Got a call Friday that the imac was ready for pickup - unfortunately I had just left for the weekend so I wasn't able to get into the Apple store till today. Went in, picked it up - one bit of advice, they just gave me the computer but I insisted to turn it on first to make sure everything was A-OK. It's a good thing I did because there was a problem on the startup that was easily fixed by them. I think it was from when I tried to "fix" it, the startup screen was all the programming stuff and not the grey screen with the twirly circle thingy. Probably something I could've fixed once I got home - but it took them just a few seconds, where as it would've taken me an hour
The total on the repair was around $867 (luckily it was under warranty) with a new logic board plus the Hardware repair level 2 fee.
I was really impressed with the whole experience - much smoother than I would have anticipated.
Two questions though:
1) When they initially started up the computer in the store once everything was loaded the folder where I keep all my text files was open. Passwords and account numbers are in one of the files. Another unusual thing was that my computer automatically logs me onto AIM - someone had tried to enter a different password which I had to correct. Is this something I should be concerned with? It's a bit unnerving to think they may have accessed this info. I know I should have done something else with the info and not just left it in my docs folder, but I didn't really expect a problem like this. Another lesson learned I guess.
2) Applecare. I think this is something that is definitely worth investing in now. If I buy it now will it be just as effective as if I had bought it with my computer on Day One?
Eug, I doubt they'll give you a new machine because of one repair. From what I can tell it takes three repairs before a replacement is considered. And then I would suspect they may give you a refurbished computer, not a brand new Rev. B one. It sounds like we have the same problem - mine just blew up at once rather than gradually. After talking my genius bar trip I learned that pinstripes are a bad sign, it was what convinced them that I need a new logic board.
Thanks for all the help with everything folks, I really appreciate it - it definitely helped to ease my mind when I was stressing a bit
allison.
Got a call Friday that the imac was ready for pickup - unfortunately I had just left for the weekend so I wasn't able to get into the Apple store till today. Went in, picked it up - one bit of advice, they just gave me the computer but I insisted to turn it on first to make sure everything was A-OK. It's a good thing I did because there was a problem on the startup that was easily fixed by them. I think it was from when I tried to "fix" it, the startup screen was all the programming stuff and not the grey screen with the twirly circle thingy. Probably something I could've fixed once I got home - but it took them just a few seconds, where as it would've taken me an hour
The total on the repair was around $867 (luckily it was under warranty) with a new logic board plus the Hardware repair level 2 fee.
I was really impressed with the whole experience - much smoother than I would have anticipated.
Two questions though:
1) When they initially started up the computer in the store once everything was loaded the folder where I keep all my text files was open. Passwords and account numbers are in one of the files. Another unusual thing was that my computer automatically logs me onto AIM - someone had tried to enter a different password which I had to correct. Is this something I should be concerned with? It's a bit unnerving to think they may have accessed this info. I know I should have done something else with the info and not just left it in my docs folder, but I didn't really expect a problem like this. Another lesson learned I guess.
2) Applecare. I think this is something that is definitely worth investing in now. If I buy it now will it be just as effective as if I had bought it with my computer on Day One?
Eug, I doubt they'll give you a new machine because of one repair. From what I can tell it takes three repairs before a replacement is considered. And then I would suspect they may give you a refurbished computer, not a brand new Rev. B one. It sounds like we have the same problem - mine just blew up at once rather than gradually. After talking my genius bar trip I learned that pinstripes are a bad sign, it was what convinced them that I need a new logic board.
Thanks for all the help with everything folks, I really appreciate it - it definitely helped to ease my mind when I was stressing a bit
allison.