Macbook Pro Defects, Course of action?

[Karnifax]

I recently purchased this Macbook Pro from CDW-G.com It is the Core Duo (not C2D) 2.0Ghz, and I am having a few problems with the case.

The rubber piece where the macbook pro logo is on the inside of the LCD has some form pieces that stick out, like some extra rubber from the form. This really does not bother me much...but the next items do.

The screen has not sat flush with the base from the day I pulled it out of the box, but it was not warped. The screen seems to have bent up more as I have had it. I had a problem with a few of my keys squeaking, and the local apple store put on a new keyboard for me, and I asked the guy about the space between the screen's feet and the bottom case, and he said "thats normal".

The three areas of concern are the actual case lid latching, but not sitting flush with the case, the feet do not touch the bottom case. Second, the front of the LCD us warped on both corners, the metal is bent out beyond the plastic border. Third, the top of the bottom case (where the palms rest) does not sit flush with the side of the case, there is a gab between the metal and plastic border.

I have not abused this laptop AT ALL, it goes inside a slip case from Sumdex, and then into the padded laptop slot in my backpack, the only thing that would protect this better would be a metal briefcase. I have never closed the lid hard, put something ontop of it, set it down hard, or dropped it in any way. I am rather irritated at this because it seems that the exterior build quality on my Compaq was better than my Macbook Pro...I don't feel that is correct. I am concerned that the warping will get worse-

Should I take this to Apple Store and ask if it can be replaced, my concern is that this is the Core Duo not the Core 2 Duo...what should I do?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Aniej]

I recently purchased this Macbook Pro from CDW-G.com It is the Core Duo (not C2D) 2.0Ghz, and I am having a few problems with the case.

The rubber piece where the macbook pro logo is on the inside of the LCD has some form pieces that stick out, like some extra rubber from the form. This really does not bother me much...but the next items do.

The screen has not sat flush with the base from the day I pulled it out of the box, but it was not warped. The screen seems to have bent up more as I have had it. I had a problem with a few of my keys squeaking, and the local apple store put on a new keyboard for me, and I asked the guy about the space between the screen's feet and the bottom case, and he said "thats normal".

The three areas of concern are the actual case lid latching, but not sitting flush with the case, the feet do not touch the bottom case. Second, the front of the LCD us warped on both corners, the metal is bent out beyond the plastic border. Third, the top of the bottom case (where the palms rest) does not sit flush with the side of the case, there is a gab between the metal and plastic border.

I have not abused this laptop AT ALL, it goes inside a slip case from Sumdex, and then into the padded laptop slot in my backpack, the only thing that would protect this better would be a metal briefcase. I have never closed the lid hard, put something ontop of it, set it down hard, or dropped it in any way. I am rather irritated at this because it seems that the exterior build quality on my Compaq was better than my Macbook Pro...I don't feel that is correct. I am concerned that the warping will get worse-

Should I take this to Apple Store and ask if it can be replaced, my concern is that this is the Core Duo not the Core 2 Duo...what should I do?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I read this a bit quickly, but you didn't mention whether you have apple care or not. I'm not saying that is the only course of action, but it does allow for a bit more leverage. I can answer further when I see your reply.

 

[Karnifax]

No I have not purchased Apple Care. However, the laptop was purchased new from CDW-G, and warranty began on the date of purchase. (Confirmed by CDW-G and at the Apple Store) It is within its One Year standard warranty. I plan on purchasing Apple Care when I can allocate funds, but this laptop alone I stretched on financially.

 

[Aniej]

I think bring it in to the store you bought it at and tell them how long you owned it. I think the short length of time compared against the damage areas is very indicative of a defect and should work in your favor. Otherwise, if CDW is not helpful, take it to an apple store and tell them the problem and that CDW would not help.

 

[Karnifax]

Well I went to the Apple store because CDW no longer has the product, since it was a discontinued item. The Apple store was in Denial. Complete Denial about the problem. I had to explain to the guy by taking a computer off the table, alarm going off and all, bring it to him and show him a side-by-side comparison of the two laptops. Even at that point, he said it could not be replaced because (1) it is a discontinued model and (2) it was not bought from the apple store. I said thats fine, I will deal with higher-ups for the remainder of the problem...

I made it over to Walmart who had a "value pack" of cushions for various items. Among the clear vinyl dots etc that came with it there were some gray squishy foam dots that fit perfect and matched the plastic trim perfect. They almost look like they should be there, but they tighen the latch and keep everything level and looking professional. It is unfortunate that the a$$hole at the Apple store didn't give me a chance, but my next dealings with be people in more established positions.

Thanks for all the help, and for those who dont want to spend a ridiculous 12 dollars on those Wildeepz, go to Walmart and grab those dots! They are like 2.23 for a pack of like 60 different ones.

 

[CanadaRAM]

In general: You have 10 or 14 or 30 days to return a defective item to a seller (depending on their policies) -- beyond that it is a warranty repair, and you follow the warranty process. The seller (CDW) is not obligated to fulfill the manufacturer's warranty or to replace the goods after their DOA return policy period has expired - they can just send you to the manufacturer or their agent.

Certain items like close out and clearance goods may also be sold with exclusions to the normal exchange policies, if stated with the clearance advertising or on the invoice.

The terms of a warranty generally state the manufacter (Apple) may repair, replace or refund at THEIR option.

 

[yojitani]

(2) it was not bought from the apple store. I said thats fine, I will deal with higher-ups for the remainder of the problem...

I can't believe the nonsense that these sales reps will spout. I mean, what I don't get is that for them, it's a pretty low-paying low-expectation job. Is it entertaining for them to annoy customers? Of course, if you are within your one year warranty then whether you bought it at the apple store or billy bob's apple closeout, they have to honor the warranty.

Hope it works out for you.

YT

 

[Karnifax]

That is true, but this laptop was not purchased as a closeout item even though it was a discontinued item. The reason why I said it was discontinued was because they do not have the ability to acquire more NEW Core Duo Macbook Pros. Apple is just being a douche bag. The warranty was not in effect until the laptop was purchased and delivered to me. This was confirmed by Apple and CDWG, because it was a concern on mine. The only thing that apple is going to do is send it off to apple care, and they will determine if it needs to be fixed, or if it fits underneath the "acceptable apple build quality". I would be out of a laptop for 10-15 days. I cannot afford to do that because I am a student and use my laptop literally every day for class and it is vital to my survival (which I did explain to the mac genius at the genius bar). I am pretty disappointed in the quality of service that I have received from apple, because it seems that the build quality was better on my 850 dollar Compaq, and they fixed it with no questions asked if there was a problem.