What should I do? Im on my 4th Macbook

[el3ctone]

I would like to see what kind of input you guys here can give me. I'm a new Mac user, and a new member to this forum.

I purchased my macbook a little over 2 weeks ago, and i have had nothing but problems.

I bought my macbook on the Apple Online Store, and when i arrived via fedex, it wouldn't boot. I contacted Apple Support and they determined it DOA, and they processed a replacement for me.

my 2nd macbook arrived, and it had a defective keyboard and crooked lid.
I took it directly to the local Apple Retail Store, and the genius went ahead and processed me with an instant replacement. I was happy right?

I went home booted it up, hmm everything works fine, the way it's supposed to, but guess what, a new problem... dead pixel.

Took it back to apple store again, the guy was shocked that it was my 3rd macbook already, and was sorry for the trouble i have been through, and assured me the replacement i get today, will be free of any problems.

So i went home with my 4th new macbook, and VOILA, not 1 dead pixel, but THREE!

Up to this point, i felt that it was a "gamble" in buying a new computer.

What can I do or should I do, i feel very sad that i've been through 4 macbooks, in which all four had one issue or another.

[swingerofbirch]

Weird luck. If you want you one, you should ask for a MBP. Or another MacBook.

[robbier]

I am very surprised that has occured. Usually every single Apple products s top notch, but getting four in a row with defects is almost unheard of. I got a 24" iMAc with not a single dead pixel or a defect, I guess you could blame it on luck, but after four products, it must be getting tough to say "Oh yeah, its just luck and it happens sometimes."

[heatmiser]

If I were in your condition, I'd have stopped buying Apple laptops two or three Macbooks ago. Unless you absolutely need OS X, you'd probably have better luck with a Thinkpad.

[tdhurst]

If I were in your condition, I'd have stopped buying Apple laptops two or three Macbooks ago. Unless you absolutely need OS X, you'd probably have better luck with a Thinkpad.

Yeah, cause they're totally comparable.

OP, take it back. Keep taking it back until you get exactly what you want. Remember to mention the hassle, it's possible that they will compensate you in some way.

Remember, be firm and assertive, but don't make a scene or act like an ass. Negativity won't help, even if you're right. The Apple retail employees don't make the rules or the computers, but they are definitely allowed to bend them (the rules that is, not the computers).

[M4CBOOK]

go get ur 5th mb

[timestoby]

well if ur like a 360 owner youll keep getn one even tho they break lol.

[JML42691]

Go in for your 5th, ask to speak to the manager, and if you end up getting another one, boot it up and check it out in store with the manager, just to remove any chance of them blaming you (even though that is hard to do with dead pixels).

[mpw]

I am very surprised that has occured. Usually every single Apple products s top notch, but getting four in a row with defects is almost unheard of...
Almost... my first iBook took two attempts to get right and still died within 3years of a failed logic board. iBook two required a new logic board within 6months. MacBook (current) arrived with faulty optical drive, has been back under warranty several times for new 2xlogic board, 1xoptical drive, 1xbattery and the lower case has been replaced three times and it's going back for number four next week. My Apple Premium Reseller has sen it in action, but been unable to find the cause for the MacBook not being able to sleep, ever, and it runs ludicrously hot. Oh, and the magsafe power cable is split.

I have a friend, a member here, who took their MacBook Pro back to Apple four times before getting one that worked out of the box, and it's going back again cause the rarly used optical drive is faulty. Both their iMac G5 had warranty work within 12months, and recently they purchased 4xIntel iMacs, it took a ridiculous 4xreturns to get working machines all round.
I am very surprised that has occurred....
I'm less so:rolleyes:

[skye12]

5th Mac over the years and have never gotten one thats not perfect.
Bad luck.

[barnettebw]

Dead pixels really aren't that big of a deal unless they're in the center of the display. And even then, they're not still not that noticeable unless you're looking for them. Nearly EVERY LCD will have at least one. Otherwise they would be unbelievably expensive to produce.

I waited long enough to get my MacBook and one dead pixel wasn't enough for me to want to take it back.

[Shackler]

I waited long enough to get my MacBook and one dead pixel wasn't enough for me to want to take it back.

Myself and the OP probably think the exact opposite of you. I have waited this long and expect a flawless computer and will settle with nothing unless but that.

So i say if a Mac is what you want then take it back and ask for compensation of some sort. If not then 4 replacements is unacceptable by any standards and maybe you should look elsewhere.

[el3ctone]

i agree with shackler completely, i paid and waited, and i expect nothing less than perfection. The first replacement took over a week to get to me, basically i purchased it and wasn't able to even USE a mac until 1 week after the original one arrived.

Im thinking i should probably be looking at getting a refund, or somehow get a compensation and get a discount or something off a macbook pro. It shouldn't take more than 1 attempt to get a perfect computer, 2 at most,,, but here i'm talking about FOUR.

[heatmiser]

Yeah, cause they're totally comparable.



To me, they are. I'm just saying what I would have done. I read some stories here of people exchanging computers four or six or eight times. I could never do that; each person has a different tolerance point for that kind of thing.

OP, take it back. Keep taking it back until you get exactly what you want.

See, this is nice in theory. But you know as well as I do you wouldn't take your computer back 36 times if you got 35 bum laptops in a row; you'd have retrieved your money long before then and tried something else. Maybe you should put yourself in the OP's shoes before robotically telling him to keep taking it back over and over and over again.

[tdhurst]

See, this is nice in theory. But you know as well as I do you wouldn't take your computer back 36 times if you got 35 bum laptops in a row; you'd have retrieved your money long before then and tried something else. Maybe you should put yourself in the OP's shoes before robotically telling him to keep taking it back over and over and over again.

I should phrased it differently. I didn't mean keep taking back the same model every single time. After a few exchanges, I had better be getting something for my time.

But I don't think a Thinkpad would solve his problems. He has terrible luck, but the entire line of Macbooks isn't defective.

[mosx]

Dead pixels really aren't that big of a deal unless they're in the center of the display. And even then, they're not still not that noticeable unless you're looking for them. Nearly EVERY LCD will have at least one. Otherwise they would be unbelievably expensive to produce.

I waited long enough to get my MacBook and one dead pixel wasn't enough for me to want to take it back.

Well, this is 2008, not 1998. Dead pixels are inexcusable. If something that costs me $1400 after taxes has even one minor flaw it is getting returned and exchanged for a flawless product or a full refund. Especially when you consider the MacBook doesn't have a lot of standard features that other PCs have, like dedicated graphics, HDMI output, memory card readers, user upgradeable optical drivers, etc.

[sahni130]

so if you have a defective mac and you take it to the retail store, do they open up a brand new mac and give it to you or is it a refurb in the brown packaging?

[heatmiser]

I should phrased it differently. I didn't mean keep taking back the same model every single time. After a few exchanges, I had better be getting something for my time.

But I don't think a Thinkpad would solve his problems. He has terrible luck, but the entire line of Macbooks isn't defective.

I gotcha now. And it's true, not all Macbooks are this way. Hopefully he has better luck with the next one.

[donmei]

Asking for free applecare would be reasonable.

Don

[asme]

Get a replacement, sell the replacement, and try your luck with another brand.

Or do the altogether more risky approach of ringing up Apple customer relations, talking to them about your situation, and humbly requesting an upgrade to a Macbook Pro.

[mosx]

Yeah get a replacement, don't open it, and sell it as close to retail as you can.

Then get another brand.

For the price you pay for a MacBook you can get other brands with GeForce 8800M GTS GPUs.

Or lower end GeForce 8400M GS (still light years ahead of any upcoming Intel card) and blu-ray drives.

[patrickmacrumor]

I am very surprised that has occured. Usually every single Apple products s top notch, but getting four in a row with defects is almost unheard of. I got a 24" iMAc with not a single dead pixel or a defect, I guess you could blame it on luck, but after four products, it must be getting tough to say "Oh yeah, its just luck and it happens sometimes."

I don't want to be sarcastic, but my first MacBook (2006) has had its invertor (twice), its battery, and it's LCD replaced. It also experienced random shutdown. All this during it's first year or so. Apple finally agreed to replace it. First replacement had a bad trackpad button. Second replacement had a bad keyboard. It took them three tries to get me one in good condition.

If I were the OP, I would open the MacBook in the store, and work with for an hour or two before leaving the store. An hour or two might seem like a long time, but it's nothing compared to the time lost configuring a computer to one's preferences.

[Tomass04]

Yeah, cause they're totally comparable.

OP, take it back. Keep taking it back until you get exactly what you want. Remember to mention the hassle, it's possible that they will compensate you in some way.

I'm sorry but I would demand some type of compensation for the hassle. For how much apple computers cost and for all the hassle you have went though you should even have to ask for compensation. I"m not the type of persone to demand it if it happens once but for you too have this happen 4 times and take 3 trips to a apple store to get it resolved is bull.

[ref26]

Yeah I'm sure they'll at least give you a mighty mouse or something for your time, some sort of accessory.

[hexonxonx]

If I were in your condition, I'd have stopped buying Apple laptops two or three Macbooks ago. Unless you absolutely need OS X, you'd probably have better luck with a Thinkpad.
I have owned all kind of laptops over the past 15 years and the only laptop I ever purchased that had a dead pixel on it was a Thinkpad. Not sure why people still think Thinkpads are super quality nothing can go wrong laptops, but they are hardly perfect. Maybe they were back in the day when IBM still made Thinkpads but that's been a few years.

[arctic]

When I got my Macbook, I followed Albert Tross's tips. Very useful. I'll paste it here and hope it helps you:


1. Look at the serial number on the box ( see below )

2. Once the box has been opened in front of you check to see you have
the following items.. (Apple iMac)

iMac computer
Apple Keyboard
Apple Remote
Mighty Mouse
Cleaning cloth
Power cord
Install/restore DVDs
The Printed and electronic documentation

3. Look the computer over for scratches and marks especially the screen

4. Ask the shop assistant to boot up the computer and take you through
the stages required to setup your initial username, password and create
the Home folder. after this process you will be able to fully use the
computer NOTE ..If the Setup Assistant doesn’t launch when it’s turned
on in the shop, this suggests it’s been switched on previously, which
might set alarm bells ringing (for example, it might have already been
registered with Apple, which could affect your warranty).

5. Once up and running look at the screen for the possibility of Dead
pixels , Note Dead pixels are always black - Stuck pixels are stuck in
one colour go to the System Preferences and to the Desktop/Screen Saver
settings. Select Screen Saver, click on Computer name, then click on
test. This will give you an almost all black background. Take a close
look around for any colored pixels that should be black. If you don’t see
any then you are good to go

6. Bring up a Solid colored desktop or black wallpaper now look at the
screen for a possible problem like this .. Left side of the screen is
bright white, while it’s yellow in the middle and dull on the right. and
see there’s no light at the bottom of the screen creeping onto the
image ( backlight bleed problem evident when the screen is black)

7. Put the computer under some load by Opening every application in the
dock at once, make sure at least ten open also open up lots of files
and applications and make it work. try to push the machine to get it
warm.

8. Play a DVD / CD

9. Play the movie trailers in Front Row and the Arabesque screen saver.
( Two screen freezing
classics )

10. Play with the Mouse and keyboard

11. Try out the remote control

12. When the iMac has been running for a few minuets , listen for any
odd sounds , Noises or
vibrations coming from the inside

13. Try out the iSight camera

14. Check that it goes to sleep and wakes up no problem,

15. Boot the machine several times

16 .Make sure that the back of the computer is not getting too hot

17. Click on the Apple logo in the top left and choose About this Mac.
It will tell you if you have
Tiger or Leopard Etc

18. Go into System Profile check the shown serial number matches one on
packing box

19. Buy Apple Care Protection Plan

20. Get a sales receipt showing the date of purchase, the machine
serial number and
the shop address

....The list may seem a bit over the top, but as I live a long way from an
Apple Store , I would feel better if I could check a few things first
before the long trip home."


Good luck!!!

[funkybunk]

If this is going to be your fifth macbook, I suggest not trying to waste the time. You can always just return it and buy a used iBook or powerbook for sometimes half the price of a MacBook and still get great quality, or you can buy a new windows with better specs. It's obvious that you're not getting a good product and if it was me, I would've stopped trying after the second.

[heatmiser]

If this is going to be your fifth macbook, I suggest not trying to waste the time. You can always just return it and buy a used iBook or powerbook for sometimes half the price of a MacBook and still get great quality, or you can buy a new windows with better specs. It's obvious that you're not getting a good product and if it was me, I would've stopped trying after the second.

Exactly what I said on the first page. Maybe some folks have the time (and gas money) to keep going back and forth between home and the Apple store, but unless you can't live without a Macbook, I'd strongly suggest getting your money back and investing in a more capable machine from a more competent retailer. After the second bad Macbook, I'd personally have gotten a refund or a different computer.

[Skeletal-dæmon]

This sounds familiar. Although its been a long time since it has happened - it was before I was born!

November 1986 - Dad buys six Macinotsh Plus' for the office. MP's one through five work fine, six is DOA. Dat takes six to the store and asks for a replacement. Machine is instantly replaced and brought to office. But the floppy drive refuses to acknowledge an inserted disk. So machine 6B is returned to the store by a now annoyed father. Cashier is very apologetic, promised replacement machine will arrive with the next order.

Machine 6C arrives. You guessed it. DOA - the CRT had been damaged.

Machine 6C is replaced with machine 6D, which instead of being a Macintosh Plus is a slower Macintosh 512ke.

And you know what? That Macintosh 512ke was still running in 1998 after all the other Macintosh machines had died. And then the CRT burnt out. A sad end to a brilliant machine.

[el3ctone]

believe me, i have had about enough, i am going to call up Apple Customer Relations, and ask for a refund. I've driven 100 miles total round trip for the 2 times i have been to the Apple Store already, and with the gas prices where they are right now, i don't see the justification of keep this computer any longer.

[heatmiser]

You've made the right decision, as a read through this thread would suggest. Apple's shoddy quality control cost them a customer. The only way they'll improve their products is by becoming afraid of losing many more.

[el3ctone]

oh. I forgot to mention that i bought the macbook with the back to school offer, on the free ipod touch, and free printer.

I already sold both of them, and received my rebates and deposited them in my bank account already. I'm worried something is not going to go right with this, if i get a refund for my bad experience.

Any input on this?

[mpw]

oh. I forgot to mention that i bought the macbook with the back to school offer, on the free ipod touch, and free printer.

I already sold both of them, and received my rebates. I'm worried something is not going to go right with this, if i get a refund for my bad experience.

Any input on this?
Some of the iMacs that my friend sent back came with free printers, they refunded they iMacs without claiming back the rebates etc.

[GuyOnTheCouch22]

i would also play the lottery as your luck has got to change for the better soon

[anim8or]

In my opinion you were lucky to a replacement for a dead pixel...... the topic has been discussed here at length and I am pretty sure that the warranty doesnt cover imperfections in the LCD like dead pixels, especially 1!!!

[Theenlightened]

I'm on a 366 MHz G3 iBook from 2000 right now lol. Only problem ever was from dropping it and breaking the springload for the cd drive... I have an iMac thats had no problems ever; had an eMac with zero problems. Years ago I had an iMac DV that the ethernet went out on (power surge probably) and they replaced the logic board it stupidly was attached to. Had Macs throughout 90s also with no problems ever.
I plan on buying an iBook when the next Intel is in it this fall. Sounds like you have ridiculously bad luck or theyre selling you refurbs or something.

[pjashley1]

The warranty doesn't, but the 14-day returns policy does.

The first time I bought a MacBook it was the 5th machine before they got it right (no dead pixels, no scratches, one had a big grey patch around the screen).

The second time I bought one I had 3 replacements. Then the next day they released the Penryn ones, so they replaced it again!

Haha I've had 9 MacBooks in just over a year...

[Theenlightened]

I plan on buying an iBook when the next Intel is in it this fall. Sounds like you have ridiculously bad luck or theyre selling you refurbs or something.

MacBook, excuse me

[Jman14]

Wow never heard of this many problems expect for the MBP yellow screen a while back

[MacFanatic08]

Get your fifth, try it out in store FIRST, then take it home and enjoy. :D

[el3ctone]

I would do that, but the guy said, we usually don't swap out computers for dead pixels, so that's going to be it.

Really, i'm not going crazy over the dead pixel. Its the concept that I didn't get a perfect one the 1st AND 2nd time, and that i am getting new problems on each NEW macbook. I was sure that my 2nd macbook was perfect in terms of the screen.

It all boils down to wanting a perfect one for the money i paid, and the hassles I got initially. I didn't pay for hassles :(

[NewGenAdam]

I understand it's really annoying that you have to keep going back to get that perfect model. But remember that you're lucky Apple's replacement policy is so generous: many other companies are highly reluctant to replace a machine for something like a dead pixel.

[el3ctone]

funny part is that they DID replace it, and instead of one dead pixel i got two more, lol

[unixfool]

I would do that, but the guy said, we usually don't swap out computers for dead pixels, so that's going to be it.

Really, i'm not going crazy over the dead pixel. Its the concept that I didn't get a perfect one the 1st AND 2nd time, and that i am getting new problems on each NEW macbook. I was sure that my 2nd macbook was perfect in terms of the screen.

It all boils down to wanting a perfect one for the money i paid, and the hassles I got initially. I didn't pay for hassles :(

IMO, the perfect one seemed to be the one with the one dead pixel...shoulda stuck with that, no matter how many previous Macs you had before then.

As many machines as I've ever owned (laptops included), I laugh when I read stories like this...I've NEVER been in any of those types of situations. I can understand gross production errors or some defect that prevents you from using the macbook, but pixels?? Some companies have extreme bad pixel count policies...sounds like Apple needs to adopt a new return policy regarding bad pixels.

[el3ctone]

By far, the one with ONE DEAD PIXEL, was indeed the one that was closest to "perfect"

[unixfool]

By far, the one with ONE DEAD PIXEL, was indeed the one that was closest to "perfect"

So why didn't you just stick with that one?

[heatmiser]

So why didn't you just stick with that one?

Because you shouldn't have to settle for a dead pixel on a brand new machine. You might have found that acceptable after spending a grand (or two, in the case of an MBP), but I certainly wouldn't. When I buy a laptop, I expect it to work flawlessly. If it doesn't, I get a different one. If that one's bad, I get my money back and try another brand.

[el3ctone]

Because you shouldn't have to settle for a dead pixel on a brand new machine. You might have found that acceptable after spending a grand (or two, in the case of an MBP), but I certainly wouldn't. When I buy a laptop, I expect it to work flawlessly. If it doesn't, I get a different one. If that one's bad, I get my money back and try another brand.

you are right, i wasn't satisfied, so i took it back. Like i said, it felt like a gamble buying this computer. I mean i was on my 3rd one, i would've never thought that the 4th one would be worse than the 3rd.

[Aztec]

Seriously, the people saying that the OP should've ''kept the machine with the dead pixel because it's really not that bad'' are missing the point. When you pay 1200 for a computer, you want it to be perfect. You're probably going to be using it for 3-4 years (maybe more, maybe less), and you don't want something like a dead pixel ruining the experience for you. I think it's normal that Apple replaced the computer immediately because let's face it, a computer that expensive shouldn't arrive with a problem. No matter how minor it is, it still affects the consumer.

[patrickmacrumor]

Seriously, the people saying that the OP should've ''kept the machine with the dead pixel because it's really not that bad'' are missing the point. When you pay 1200 for a computer, you want it to be perfect. You're probably going to be using it for 3-4 years (maybe more, maybe less), and you don't want something like a dead pixel ruining the experience for you. I think it's normal that Apple replaced the computer immediately because let's face it, a computer that expensive shouldn't arrive with a problem. No matter how minor it is, it still affects the consumer.

Agreed. The deal is: consumer agrees to give Apple $1200 and Apple agrees to give consumer a perfect computer. By perfect I mean a computer without any defect. Apple is not going to offer the OP some sort of compensation for the dead pixel, so why should the OP settled for the dead pixel?

Moreover, there is the curse of knowledge. Once you've seen that dead pixel, you can go back not seeing it again. And like Aztec said, this dead pixel will be in your face for as long as you use this computer, thereby robbing you from the full experience.

Does any of you think Steve Jobs would settle for a MacBook with a dead pixel?

Personally, I am seriously beginning to doubt Apple's hardware quality control. The OS is wonderful, but the hardware quality control does not always follow. I've had 3 MacBook replaced, two of which had to be returned right after I received them. I had to return a Mac mini (within 14 days of purchase) because the sound card died. The OP has had 4 brand new MacBooks in his/her hand, all of them having some sort of problem. Where I work, we use a lot of notebook from a single manufacturer. During my seven years there, I've never seen one single notebook with a defect out of the box. The proof is in the numbers. The evidence speaks for itself (CSI).

[sahni130]

I would like to mention SOMETHING THAT YOU GUYS HAVEN'T Mentioned ( sorry for the caps but i was trying to get attention) is that it is possible that all four macbooks are from the same batch/lot and that batch could have been a bad one. The OP Should go to another apple store or something to try to get another batch or a newer model perhaps. i don't know if im making sense but hopefully it helps.

[mpw]

... i don't know if im making sense but hopefully it helps.

Makes sense, but the five MacBook Pros I posted about earlier came from a selection of batches (based on their week of manufacture and different LCD brands) and still suffered various problems.

[sahni130]

but hopefully the OP will have better luck with another batch.

[el3ctone]

sadly i think its the whole RECENT MASS BATCH of macbooks that reached California.

I bought mine on apple store online, got my 2nd one replaced through fedex from apple online. 3rd one and 4th one from Beverly Center Apple Store in Los Angeles.

[patrickmacrumor]

but hopefully the OP will have better luck with another batch.

I sincerely hope too. He/She deserves a good one. Hopefully, it will be an upgrade too. My third replacement was one model up. Maybe because I said that I was going to blog about? Who knows !

[el3ctone]

I sincerely hope too. He/She deserves a good one. Hopefully, it will be an upgrade too. My third replacement was one model up. Maybe because I said that I was going to blog about? Who knows !

Who did you talk to to get a model up? I know this may sound weird, im so disappointed in Apple for my experience, but i really want to use MAC OS X although it is not necessary. I wonder if i can talk them in giving me a nice discount toward a MacBook Pro and having this MacBook returned.

As much as the problems i'm having now, i still want a mac:confused:

Edit: and i surely hope if i do get a MBP i wont have ANY problems.

[sahni130]

for the most part, macbook pro's are usually better, hardware, quality wise. and trust me OS X is awesome and totally worth it.

[unixfool]

I must be a different breed of person because 1 bad pixel of (how many does a macbook screen have?) is acceptable, IMO. As I said before, most manufacturers have a bad pixel return policy where 1 bad pixel doesn't warrant a faulty screen (no matter where the bad pixel is located).

If you're saying that one bad pixel makes a whole machine bad, that's crazy. As much as I love my money (and trust me, I value every dollar I make, coming from a family that used to eat nothing but beans and neckbone to make ends meet), returning a machine for one dead pixel is pretty outrageous. The karma, though, is when the replacement had 3 of them.

Please let us know when Apple finally stops the returns...they're bound to put a halt to it soon.

[okrelayer]

i know it is not the same, because of it being "used" but i recently got a refurb macbook.

The first one i got had a slight humming sound that buzzed ALL THE TIME! It was not the sound of the computer loading.. it was a low buzz, it was quite annoying. I ended up taking it to the apple store they said nothing was wrong.. however i could hear on the other macbooks in the store (infact 1 of the 3 had the buzz!)

but i took it home delt with it. Luckly ( or not so luckly ) a friends friend spilt beer all over my new mac! So we sold it on ebay for 600 dollars, worked out a deal to buy a new one, so my new/refurbished one came in. Every few days or so the screen would distort. I'll post a screenshot later if anyone would want to see. but it was HORRIBLE. I sent it into apple, they replaced the logic board, and everything has been fantastic ever since!

I dont think i will get another refurb mac again, much better luck with new apple products!

[el3ctone]

Unixf: to each his own ^


if you have been in my shoes, u had better believe i am frustrated. AND after all the frustration you are presented with a NEW issue one after another.


I'm glad quite many of your understand my situation. I purchased a BRAND NEW MAC, which didn't work out of the box. "how frustrating can that be"
Then the replacement that had the "keyboard that doesn't work".

If after that, you dont feel angry. You must be one calm person that doesn't mind the person you paid 1300 + tax to screw u over with a crap product.

Im not really fussing over the pixel, its what i have been presented with initially that is making me want to get my money's worth.

EDIT: and about the "one pixel being outrageous, and how many pixels we have"
I dont think thats how most of us see it. Its a concept of quality and not the quantity.

I have been presented with bad quality FOUR Macbooks in a row.

[patrickmacrumor]

Who did you talk to to get a model up? I know this may sound weird, im so disappointed in Apple for my experience, but i really want to use MAC OS X although it is not necessary. I wonder if i can talk them in giving me a nice discount toward a MacBook Pro and having this MacBook returned.

As much as the problems i'm having now, i still want a mac:confused:

I did not have to ask for an upgrade. The first two replacements were the same base model. Of course, the base model itself was an upgrade compared to the base model I bought in 2006. The last replacement they sent me was the one immediately after the base model. That being said, I don't think its far-fetched if you argue for an upgrade. It never hurt to try. I've heard of one case where the person managed to get an MBP.

I would be disappointed too if I had the same experience as yours, although mine was not totally different from yours.

[patrickmacrumor]

for the most part, macbook pro's are usually better, hardware, quality wise. and trust me OS X is awesome and totally worth it.

For the most part yes. Still, I know one person who bought a MBP and has had some problems with it too.

[vansouza]

I would like to see what kind of input you guys here can give me. I'm a new Mac user, and a new member to this forum.

I purchased my macbook a little over 2 weeks ago, and i have had nothing but problems.

I bought my macbook on the Apple Online Store, and when i arrived via fedex, it wouldn't boot. I contacted Apple Support and they determined it DOA, and they processed a replacement for me.

my 2nd macbook arrived, and it had a defective keyboard and crooked lid.
I took it directly to the local Apple Retail Store, and the genius went ahead and processed me with an instant replacement. I was happy right?

I went home booted it up, hmm everything works fine, the way it's supposed to, but guess what, a new problem... dead pixel.

Took it back to apple store again, the guy was shocked that it was my 3rd macbook already, and was sorry for the trouble i have been through, and assured me the replacement i get today, will be free of any problems.

So i went home with my 4th new macbook, and VOILA, not 1 dead pixel, but THREE!

Up to this point, i felt that it was a "gamble" in buying a new computer.

What can I do or should I do, i feel very sad that i've been through 4 macbooks, in which all four had one issue or another.

Not a bookie in town would take that bet. Does not seem real.

[patrickmacrumor]

Unixf: to each his own ^


if you have been in my shoes, u had better believe i am frustrated. AND after all the frustration you are presented with a NEW issue one after another.


I'm glad quite many of your understand my situation. I purchased a BRAND NEW MAC, which didn't work out of the box. "how frustrating can that be"
Then the replacement that had the "keyboard that doesn't work".

If after that, you dont feel angry. You must be one calm person that doesn't mind the person you paid 1300 + tax to screw u over with a crap product.

Im not really fussing over the pixel, its what i have been presented with initially that is making me want to get my money's worth.

EDIT: and about the "one pixel being outrageous, and how many pixels we have"
I dont think thats how most of us see it. Its a concept of quality and not the quantity.

I have been presented with bad quality FOUR Macbooks in a row.

I totally understand how you feel. Like I said, my experience is not totally different from yours. What frustrates me is if I'm prepared to pay for the price asked by Apple, I'm also expecting Apple to fulfill its part of the deal and give a computer without defect. If I'm buying a BMW, I would not want one with a chip in the bumper, even though the car will still run fine and the bumper, being made of plastic, won't rust.

Like you said, to each his own, but I have a feeling that you and I think alike :D

The funny part was for the first replacement. The trackpad button being defective I call Apple explaining the problem. The tech wanted me to reset the PRAM. I told him that it was a mechanical problem, and not a software problem. He still wanted me to do it. I told him he was wasting my time. I called again, and asked to be forwarded to a product specialist right away. The latter agreed that it was a mechanical problem, and that the person should not have asked me to reset the PRAM. I do technical support for Windows for a living. I know when a problem is software related and when it's not.

By the way, just a heads up. Always do a PRAM reset before calling them, this will save you a lot of time. To do this: remove the battery and unplugged the power adapter. Hold the power button for five seconds and release. Put back the battery.