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This is not because Apple wants to shaft you but simply because Apple may not have that model for sale in their systems.

If Apple doesn't have this model in question for sale, there are other issues. This is a brand new iMac. Also Apple has exchanged other computers for better models when an issue occurred. So, your statement can be marked as invalid.

Amazon may custom order models, sell older models, order models without RAM to use their cheaper RAM (as is common with MacMall), have specific "Amazon" part numbers, etc.

Try again. How many Apple custom configs have you seen on Amazon. Amazon even shows the Apple part number, so there's nothing fishy going on there.

As such Apple will can only repair the computer. Again, would you call Samsung and expect them to ship you a new TV or would you go back to Best Buy? I know hands down, I'd be back at Best Buy.

But Best Buy offers support, whereas Amazon does not. That's the difference between a VAR and a reseller.
 
Well Blackberries are customized for each carrier, and which country they are shipped to. For example, Verizon still uses CDMA while others use GSM. Then there are varying frequencies to operate on as well.

If I bought two iMac machines today, sat them side by side totally disassembled, the only difference should be serial numbers on various parts and the iMac itself.

The other point is that if you had a Blackberry issue, you would call the carrier, not RIM.

In this case, you wouldn't call Amazon for support, as they are only a reseller. You would call Apple, which the OP did, and they are stating its a lemon. So why get Amazon involved with something that stemmed from a repair process? It seems Apple support would be able to authorize an exchange simply enough.

Get what you're saying but CDMA/GSM doesn't make a difference. Hardware is still the same - consider them different lines.
 
Let's re-analyze that car analogy. If I buy MfrA's car at dealer 1, and I move 3 months later across the country. If MfrA determines my car is a lemon, they will work with whatever dealer, including dealer 2, to get it replaced. Ironically, my manager had this happen with his GMC Yukon several years ago. GMC told him to pick a dealer and they would contact the dealer for an exchange.

Same thing here. Apple tech said it was a lemon. Plus what difference does it make who exchanges it, as it will ultimately end up in Apple's hands anyway.

The other car dealership will exchange / replace if you move across the country but that is not what we have here. The OP needs to go to Amazon if he wants a replacement and go to Apple if he wants it repaired.

It does make a huge difference on who exchanges it and eats the cost.
 
If Apple doesn't have this model in question for sale, there are other issues. This is a brand new iMac. Also Apple has exchanged other computers for better models when an issue occurred. So, your statement can be marked as invalid.

Apple will upgrade when an actual Lemon is determined, in cases where there have been multiple attempts to repair the same issue unsuccessfully. This is essentially a DOA unit not a lemon so a different set of rules apply.


Try again. How many Apple custom configs have you seen on Amazon. Amazon even shows the Apple part number, so there's nothing fishy going on there.

Even if the machine is an identical part number, the machine's serial number is still null with Apple's sales systems. This serial number never went through as sold, so it cannot be returned or exchanged. The serial number is in Apple's warranty systems only and as such could only be serviced or in extreme cases as mentioned above replaced if it were a true lemon.



But Best Buy offers support, whereas Amazon does not. That's the difference between a VAR and a reseller.

Would you go to Best Buy with your Samsung for service or would you walk to the customer service desk and ask for an exchange? You'd ask for an exchange.

The bottom line, despite all of the arguing here is in Apple's limited warranty in your box. In it you'll find that Apple specifically mentions that it does not make any guarantee of replacement or exchange, only repair. (It's on the first half of the first page). If it'd been purchased from Apple, you'd have an Apple receipt with terms that give you a limited window of additional rights such as an exchange. As it's from Amazon you only have what Amazon's receipt gives you and then Apple's Warranty.
 
No, Apple is telling me that I got a dud and they WON'T repair it; even though Amazon is an authorized retailer and the computer is only a week old. And to those who ask why buy from Amazon -- it was about $200 cheaper than going to the Apple Store either online or in person. (and I didn't buy a refurb before someone asks)

I think a lot of confusion stems from people thinking Apple is denying support, Apple would gladly repair the machine if asked to do so. They're simply saying it's in the best interest of the customer to pursue an exchange through Amazon vs. having a brand new machine repaired. If you bought a Samsung LCD from Best Buy, opened it up, used it for a week and then it died, what would you do? You would take it back to Best Buy for an exchange. The same is the case with this computer. As you did not buy the computer from Apple you were not extended any type of return/exchange policy through them. Apple as the manufacturer simply extends to the end consumer a warranty that allows for repair. If you want your new computer repaired, Apple would be happy to do so. As you purchased it from a third party retailer, no exchange can be offered through Apple. This is not because Apple wants to shaft you but simply because Apple may not have that model for sale in their systems. Amazon may custom order models, sell older models, order models without RAM to use their cheaper RAM (as is common with MacMall), have specific "Amazon" part numbers, etc. As such Apple will can only repair the computer. Again, would you call Samsung and expect them to ship you a new TV or would you go back to Best Buy? I know hands down, I'd be back at Best Buy.
 
No, Apple is telling me that I got a dud and they WON'T repair it; even though Amazon is an authorized retailer. And to those who ask why buy from Amazon -- it was about $200 cheaper than going to the Apple Store (which isn't at all near me anyways).


There may have been a misunderstanding between Apple support and you, but I assure you they will not/cannot DENY service. They were only denying you a replacement not repair. If you called them right now and said you wanted to have your computer REPAIRED because Amazon will not offer you an exchange, they would happily guide you through the repair setup process.
 
what willie said. There would be no reason for Apple NOT to do a repair for you, would understand if they declined an exchange as that is understandable.
 
what willie said. There would be no reason for Apple NOT to do a repair for you, would understand if they declined an exchange as that is understandable.

I'll call them back, the Applecare guy I spoke with said a repair was out of the question as my motherboard was the faulty part in his estimation.
 
Bought from Amazon

There is your first problem, they may be an authorized dealer but it was a used computer and was probably NOT covered under AppleCare.

If you had bought the computer straight from Apple with AppleCare, we wouldn't be having this conversation.

Your wife, is just agreeing with you. Try to be patient with Apple and whatever you do, DO NOT be a jerk off to them at the Genius Bar. ;)

And if you don't agree, have fun with your Piece-of-Crap computer.
 
Bought from Amazon

There is your first problem, they may be an authorized dealer but it was a used computer and was probably NOT covered under AppleCare.

The computer was brand new buddy. If you read the post, you'll see it was a GT130/3.06 iMac, those just came out like 2-3 weeks ago.
 
Do you understand English?

You ever heard of a typo...? :rolleyes:

edit: Do YOU understand english were is correct.

I said "Were you the first owner?" (expecting you to say in your head NO) and then my second reply was "Then it is not new if you were not the first owner."
 
I'm not sure what the problem is and why you're complaining. If the computer is faulty, and you're in Amazon's return time frame, and you what to return it Amazon will pay for the return. You won't be out of pocket any money.

If you want Apple to repair the computer, then its covered under warranty and Apple should fix it. You get the same warranty whether you buy it from Apple or Amazon.

For those who say its somehow Amazon's fault, I really don't understand how it could be unless it was damaged in their warehouse. If a computer doesn't work its most likely a manufacturing defect, with shipping damage (either to or from the reseller) the next most likely explanation.

For those who think its better buying from Apple, think again. Warranty is the same from either vendor. Shipping is free from either vendor. Amazon purchase will most likely be tax free while Apple charges sales tax. Return period is 30 days for Amazon and 14 days for Apple. Restocking fee is 15% from Amazon and 10% from Apple. Unless there is a good likelihood you're going to return an item, then its better to buy from Amazon. I've bought 2 Mac from Amazon and saved over $250 in sales tax and obtained rebates for $100. That savings paid for two AEBS.
 
For those who think its better buying from Apple, think again. Warranty is the same from either vendor. Shipping is free from either vendor. Amazon purchase will most likely be tax free while Apple charges sales tax. Return period is 30 days for Amazon and 14 days for Apple. Restocking fee is 15% from Amazon and 10% from Apple. Unless there is a good likelihood you're going to return an item, then its better to buy from Amazon. I've bought 2 Mac from Amazon and saved over $250 in sales tax and obtained rebates for $100. That savings paid for two AEBS.

See the OP ;)
 
Not that the above question is relevant, but what does this have to do with Applecare? All macs, new or used, are covered under Applecare in the 1st year irrespective of who the owner is, as Applecare is tied to the machine.

If something was done to it before he purchased it that voided the warranty and the genius found that problem then AppleCare won't cover it. ;)

I admit, I could very well be incorrect. That is just my opinion. ;) :)
 
Amazon may custom order models, sell older models, order models without RAM to use their cheaper RAM (as is common with MacMall), have specific "Amazon" part numbers, etc.

Amazon sells the same standard (non BTO) machines which Apple does. Third party retailers selling on Amazon may be a different story but in those cases Amazon is not selling the product. I would not compare Amazon and MacMall sales as the same. MacMall is much less reputable than Amazon in my experience.
 
So it's a DOA? What's Amazon's policy on DOAs?

If Amazon won't cooperate, involve your credit card company and get a full refund.

At least call the credit card people - they sometimes have more influence than you do.

I still can't believe Apple won't repair a brand new iMac. If they refuse to repair a new system under warranty you have cause to call an attorney.

And what's this silliness about "Were you the first owner? Then it is not new" You are the first owner.
 
You're making no sense. You're saying Amazon opened a brand-new computer before he did?

Ah, I was mistaken then. My apologies.

I thought some other person bought the computer, opened it, used it, messed it up, and sold it on Amazon.

But if Amazon itself sold it brand new then it should be fine? :confused:
 
When you bought from Amazon, you accepted THEIR policies as far as returning the product. However, Apple should still honor their warranty regardless. How long have you owned the iMac? Did you just buy it? If so, that may be why Apple wants you to return it. And typically, Amazon does not charge restocking if the item is defective, only if you return it just because you didn't want it.

I would get clarification from both parties, and get them both on the phone as mentioned to work it out.
 
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