MBP, self installing HDD, and Applecare...

[mlrproducts]

Anyone know if replacing the hard drive in the MacBook Pros voids Applecare? And by that, I mean putting the original back in if it needs to be sent for service.

The instructions on PBfixit look like it wouldn't be detectable.

Any comments, questions, suggestions, evidence?

 

[exeterbohemian]

i believe the only user-serviceable feature on most macs is the ram. therefore i imagine that changing the hard drive would constitute a violation of applecare. unless you have it done by an apple authorized technician. although i suppose if you put the original drive back in, and that if you don't cause any damage to the system in the process, apple will be none the wiser.

 

[mlrproducts]

i believe the only user-serviceable feature on most macs is the ram. therefore i imagine that changing the hard drive would constitute a violation of applecare. unless you have it done by an apple authorized technician. although i suppose if you put the original drive back in, and that if you don't cause any damage to the system in the process, apple will be none the wiser.

That's what I'm thinking. Honestly, how can they tell between a "sloppy authorized tech" and someone who has replaced bottom and top cases on 12" PBs, among other things. (which, btw, is a PAIN in the ARSE! Especially if you forget to route the airport cable back into its slot correctly! luckily I only had to pull of the top again to get it fixed)

There shouldn't be any tricky stickers that an authorized rep uses? Anyone know? (I'm thinking like on the PS2s, ones that part of it sticks if you pull away).

 

[Waragainstsleep]

Never seen one yet. Not done an MBP yet either though.

 

[mlrproducts]

Now to find a 7200RPM Sata 2.5" drive cheaper than Apple...

 

[mrichmon]

Anyone know if replacing the hard drive in the MacBook Pros voids Applecare? And by that, I mean putting the original back in if it needs to be sent for service.

Technically this would void the warranty.

In practice however (with powerbooks and ibooks at least) Apple has generally allowed Applecare service of machines that have had the hard drive and/or optical drive replaced. There is no way for Apple to determine that the drive has not been replaced by an Apple certified tech. Apple of course will not cover the replacement drive(s), but it is common knowledge that Apple will service the rest of the system.

Having said that, if you damage something in the process of replacing the drive, or the replacement drive is found to be the cause of the failure then it is Apple will not honor the Applecare.

 

[joshwest]

Just a little info. My good friend is a Rep for Apple @ CompUsa. He informed me that the screw's on the bottom of both Powerbooks and iBooks are coated with paint and when removed they proove the lid has been opened. If it is opened by a Apple Certified tech he reports it. But if you do it yourself Apple techs def can see proof a DIY job. Thus voiding Apple Care and in a PB situation 349$ down the tubes + whatever prob your having with the PB . He could be wrong, but thats what he told me.

 

[Toeside]

Just a little info. My good friend is a Rep for Apple @ CompUsa. He informed me that the screw's on the bottom of both Powerbooks and iBooks are coated with paint and when removed they proove the lid has been opened. If it is opened by a Apple Certified tech he reports it. But if you do it yourself Apple techs def can see proof a DIY job. Thus voiding Apple Care and in a PB situation 349$ down the tubes + whatever prob your having with the PB . He could be wrong, but thats what he told me.

There was no paint on the screws of my wife's 12" G4 PowerBook.

 

[mrichmon]

He informed me that the screw's on the bottom of both Powerbooks and iBooks are coated with paint and when removed they proove the lid has been opened.

None of the 1GHz TiBooks nor the 1.5GHz AlBooks I've opened up have had any paint on the screws at all. The screws on the bottom of some AlBooks have thread-lock on the tip of the thread but that remains on the screw when it is put back in. (Alternatively, if you are paranoid thread-lock is easy to obtain.)

If the job is done properly then there will be no damage to the machine. If it is done badly then it is fairly obvious that it is a DIY.

The best tool for working the keyboard and trackpad assembly away from the main body of the laptop is one of those plastic dummy credit cards that get sent out with credit offers. The plastic is thin and soft enough not to leave marks while being stiff enough to allow you to open up the case.

 

[ITASOR]

Honestly, how can they tell between a "sloppy authorized tech" and someone who has replaced bottom and top cases on 12" PBs, among other things.

Because I think authorized techs have to keep a log of everything and anything they do if they're doing Applecare repairs. Or else, you wouldn't have documented how many times you've had to have something fixed, etc.

If there's nothing documenting the HD upgrade, they'll probably assume you did it.

I do get your point though, if you put the old one back in, and make it look like it hasn't been messed with, you'll probably be fine. However, if it doesn't look right, and they can tell it's been taken apart, and nothing is documented, there goes Applecare.

 

[howesey]

Just take it to an Apple Store, they'll put your new one in there and then. I just ask at uni and they fill in the paper work.

And yes, it all has to be documented.

 

[mlrproducts]

Just take it to an Apple Store, they'll put your new one in there and then. I just ask at uni and they fill in the paper work.

And yes, it all has to be documented.

You happen to know how much it costs?

Oh, and FYI, I'm pretty sure that "paint" is blue Loctite. I say blue because that is the removable kind. You can pick it up at any hardware store. (to other poster)Also, I have a good friend who is also an Apple rep at CompUSA. While I don't know your friend's knowledge, it seems that CompUSA doesn't have a reputation for teaching their Apple reps too much!

As far as documenting - I'd just throw the old one in before service. Or argue sloppy tech...

Also, what I grabbed from iFixit is that it looks like you don't need a "spunger" or credit card to open the MBP.

Edit: Anyone know where to get non-metal screwdrivers, torx, or allen wretches??? You'd never know anything touched those screws...