Do I have a case to request a replacement for my Macbook?

[SuperSnake2012]

I have a Rev A Macbook, bought in September 2006. I bought the extended Applecare warranty so I'm covered until September 2009. It's been through a bunch of repairs... gotten a new logic board, new battery, 3 new top cases, and it's been in a few times for the inverter to fix the screen flickering issue. On December 18 I dropped off my Macbook at the Apple Store, because the top case chipped again, and the screen flickering issue had been getting worse. It happens mainly when I am on battery power, and since I am using it in college, I see the screen flicker all the time. I just got my Macbook back from the Genius Bar last night, to get a 3rd top case and to fix the flickering issue. I got it back with a new top case, but the flickering was still there. I called Applecare and I was told that the inverter was not even replaced by the genius, despite the Genius telling me that "this was a known issue with the Macbook". I wonder why it took 3 business days to replace the top case? :confused: The person from Applecare said the only thing I could do was bring it to an Apple Store to have it replaced again. Should I just humor them and bring it back to the Apple Store again? Or is there some other course of action I can take to request a replacement? This is really frustrating, because I don't want to have to start the semester without a computer, and I'm getting annoyed with not having my computer for days at a time, and not having the issue fixed. :(

[MattyK]

If I were you I'd walk my ass into a apple store and demand a new laptop, it shouldn't be that faulty.

[queshy]

Yeah, you actually do have a case for a replacement. That's crazy. Good luck, let us know what happens.

[youssefm]

call public relations and ask them to give you a new aluminum macbook

[iVeBeenDrinkin']

You can ask for a replacement and, I think you might get it. But, do not expect to get a new unibody MacBook.

[spazattack674]

You should be able to. If, after the service provided by AppleCare, you still have the same issue, or the same issue is recurring, they should replace it. You may have to talk to a manager/be persistent, but you should be able to get it replaced. I had to have my MacBook (Rev. A, also) replaced because of the second or third occurrence of the same issue. They wanted to send it to the AppleCare service center for two or three weeks, so I then demanded for a refund (around 90 days after purchase), which I knew I wouldn't get. After that, when the manager came over, I just asked for a replacement, and she gladly sent in the request and I had a new MacBook within a week.

[acfusion29]

Isn't it after 3 repairs that you get a replacement?

[JustOneQuickONe]

definitely have a case for getting a replacement. When I bought my first macbook it started going with in the first year. First the disk drive went, they replaced it for free, then the hard drive went, they fixed it, then the hard drive went again, and they said I had been through enough and gave me a new one. This was very nice considering they macbooks had been upgraded by this point. If they don't offer to replace it ask for the on-site manager and expalain the situation you have gone through, but be nice about it and they'll probably help you out.

[jessica.]

You have a case for a replacement. Just don't act like this kid ...
If I were you I'd walk my ass into a apple store and demand a new laptop, it shouldn't be that faulty.

[lidomkj]

I completely agree, do not walk in there demanding a new laptop. Explain the situation and that you have been patient through the whole process. Make sure you talk with the manager or call Apple directly.

I ended up getting my Macbook Air replaced for the new macbook after all the repairs I had. I got the refund for the full purchase price including the external superdrive and Applecare. I even had the Air for about 10 months. I used the refund to purchase the new 2.4 Macbook, warranty, 4gb Ram upgrade and Mobile Me subscription. I called Applecare and they made the arrangements with the local store manager. The exchange was set up before I even stepped through the door. The local store was absolutely no help when I asked them for a replacement the day before. I was not rude or impatient with them at all, but they did not want to help for some reason. It was not until Apple called them directly and told them to replace it for me did I get any help.

[SuperSnake2012]

Who did you speak with to have that set up? I called AppleCare directly and they just told me to go back to Apple Store and give them the case number so they could do a repair. I'd rather not wait through another 3 business day repair, especially around the holidays.

[lidomkj]

It was someone at Apple customer service. I explained the long history and what the Apple store said. I asked them to intervene for me and they took care of it.

[PeterQC]

Isn't it after 3 repairs that you get a replacement?

3 similar repairs, yes.

[MattyK]

You have a case for a replacement. Just don't act like this kid ...

:( way to kill my christmas cheer.

[cogsinister]

I have a Rev A Macbook, bought in September 2006. I bought the extended Applecare warranty so I'm covered until September 2009. It's been through a bunch of repairs... gotten a new logic board, new battery, 3 new top cases, and it's been in a few times for the inverter to fix the screen flickering issue. On December 18 I dropped off my Macbook at the Apple Store, because the top case chipped again, and the screen flickering issue had been getting worse. It happens mainly when I am on battery power, and since I am using it in college, I see the screen flicker all the time. I just got my Macbook back from the Genius Bar last night, to get a 3rd top case and to fix the flickering issue. I got it back with a new top case, but the flickering was still there. I called Applecare and I was told that the inverter was not even replaced by the genius, despite the Genius telling me that "this was a known issue with the Macbook". I wonder why it took 3 business days to replace the top case? :confused: The person from Applecare said the only thing I could do was bring it to an Apple Store to have it replaced again. Should I just humor them and bring it back to the Apple Store again? Or is there some other course of action I can take to request a replacement? This is really frustrating, because I don't want to have to start the semester without a computer, and I'm getting annoyed with not having my computer for days at a time, and not having the issue fixed. :(

I got my plastic MB replaced with a new unibody....

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=619380

[SFStateStudent]

I got my plastic MB replaced with a new unibody....

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=619380

Nice...:cool:

I have a Rev A Macbook, bought in September 2006. I bought the extended Applecare warranty so I'm covered until September 2009. This is really frustrating, because I don't want to have to start the semester without a computer, and I'm getting annoyed with not having my computer for days at a time, and not having the issue fixed. :(

Definitely, overdue for a new MB 2.4 Unibody...:cool:

[SuperSnake2012]

Should I just call back Applecare and request to speak to a manager? I don't know who else I could call. Thanks guys, that would be sweet if they replaced it with a 2.4 unibody MB :cool:

[SuperSnake2012]

Update: I waited a bit after Christmas to make a phone call because I was busy, but I called in today. The person that answered the phone on Applecare suggested that I send it in or bring it to the Apple Store but I told him that I brought it in, and they didn't even fix the issue. He sympathized and transferred me to customer relations, but they're only open from Monday - Friday, so I told him I would call back Monday. Let's hope I can get a Unibody MB and have a Macbook that doesn't flicker uncontrollably :rolleyes:

[HLdan]

Update: I waited a bit after Christmas to make a phone call because I was busy, but I called in today. The person that answered the phone on Applecare suggested that I send it in or bring it to the Apple Store but I told him that I brought it in, and they didn't even fix the issue. He sympathized and transferred me to customer relations, but they're only open from Monday - Friday, so I told him I would call back Monday. Let's hope I can get a Unibody MB and have a Macbook that doesn't flicker uncontrollably :rolleyes:

When you do call customer relations the first thing to do is remain calm. Explain to them that you have had multiple repairs (done by Apple) on this machine and you feel as though you've gotten a lemon. Also tell them that due to all of these repairs your Mac no longer "feels" like a new computer but rather an old refurbished machine with continuous issues. Tell them you no longer have any faith in sending it in for yet another repair that may result in yet, another repair. Politely tell them that you will only be comfortable with a replacement BUT don't try and negotiate for a unibody model because they may think you just have an agenda to get the latest model.
Most likely they will replace it without issue, especially since you have Applecare and you may end up with the new unibody.

At any rate you most certainly deserve a replacement based on what you've been through. Please let us know what happens.

[cogsinister]

When you do call customer relations the first thing to do is remain calm. Explain to them that you have had multiple repairs (done by Apple) on this machine and you feel as though you've gotten a lemon. Also tell them that due to all of these repairs your Mac no longer "feels" like a new computer but rather an old refurbished machine with continuous issues. Tell them you no longer have any faith in sending it in for yet another repair that may result in yet, another repair. Politely tell them that you will only be comfortable with a replacement BUT don't try and negotiate for a unibody model because they may think you just have an agenda to get the latest model.
Most likely they will replace it without issue, especially since you have Applecare and you may end up with the new unibody.

At any rate you most certainly deserve a replacement based on what you've been through. Please let us know what happens.

Very good advice, this approach worked for me.......

[sdsvtdriver]

First, you really need to manage your expectations. You are setting yourself up for disappointment. You should expect them to reasonable resolve the situation and provide you with a working computer, whether it is the one you currently via repair have or a replacement.

Is it reasonable to expect them to replace your machine? Perhaps. Is it reasonable to expect the newest model? Not so much...

Good luck with your problem.

[amrk47]

I am almost 100percent sure you will get a new aluminum macbook

[SuperSnake2012]

I also wanted to mention that I got a new Superdrive from Apple, and I am running on a new hard drive ;) Looking forward to making my phone call on Monday.

[Willis]

Knew I should have taken applecare on mine last xmas before it expired. 2 months after my case cracked. It pains me to see it help together with sticky tape :(

[ahmad123456789]

just let us know what happened!!!:)

[petermcphee]

I hope that Customer Relations gets you sorted out.

[SuperSnake2012]

Hey guys, good news. I spoke to someone in customer relations, and told her my story and all the problems I've been having with my Macbook. She looked at my service record and saw all the repairs done in 2008 alone. She didn't hesitate to offer a replacement computer, so I am getting a 2.0 aluminum Macbook. The specs are pretty much identical to the computer I have right now (I have a 2.0GHz Core Duo, 2GB, 160GB). Not a 2.4 MB but hey, I am not complaining. I'm very excited :D My MB was a CTO though, so I have to do this process in the mail, so I will be without a Mac for a while (especially with New Years coming around). I also get a refund check for the remainder of my AppleCare, so I guess I'm getting a new hard drive with that :D I am very happy because I've just had so many problems with this computer. Thanks for all the advice guys. :)

[mynameisraj]

Hey guys, good news. I spoke to someone in customer relations, and told her my story and all the problems I've been having with my Macbook. She looked at my service record and saw all the repairs done in 2008 alone. She didn't hesitate to offer a replacement computer, so I am getting a 2.0 aluminum Macbook. The specs are pretty much identical to the computer I have right now (I have a 2.0GHz Core Duo, 2GB, 160GB). Not a 2.4 MB but hey, I am not complaining. I'm very excited :D My MB was a CTO though, so I have to do this process in the mail, so I will be without a Mac for a while (especially with New Years coming around). I also get a refund check for the remainder of my AppleCare, so I guess I'm getting a new hard drive with that :D I am very happy because I've just had so many problems with this computer. Thanks for all the advice guys. :)

That's awesome! Glad it worked out.

[Primejimbo]

Hey guys, good news. I spoke to someone in customer relations, and told her my story and all the problems I've been having with my Macbook. She looked at my service record and saw all the repairs done in 2008 alone. She didn't hesitate to offer a replacement computer, so I am getting a 2.0 aluminum Macbook. The specs are pretty much identical to the computer I have right now (I have a 2.0GHz Core Duo, 2GB, 160GB). Not a 2.4 MB but hey, I am not complaining. I'm very excited :D My MB was a CTO though, so I have to do this process in the mail, so I will be without a Mac for a while (especially with New Years coming around). I also get a refund check for the remainder of my AppleCare, so I guess I'm getting a new hard drive with that :D I am very happy because I've just had so many problems with this computer. Thanks for all the advice guys. :)

Congrats, I'm glad it all worked out for you.

[petermcphee]

Hey guys, good news. I spoke to someone in customer relations, and told her my story and all the problems I've been having with my Macbook. She looked at my service record and saw all the repairs done in 2008 alone. She didn't hesitate to offer a replacement computer, so I am getting a 2.0 aluminum Macbook. The specs are pretty much identical to the computer I have right now (I have a 2.0GHz Core Duo, 2GB, 160GB). Not a 2.4 MB but hey, I am not complaining. I'm very excited :D My MB was a CTO though, so I have to do this process in the mail, so I will be without a Mac for a while (especially with New Years coming around). I also get a refund check for the remainder of my AppleCare, so I guess I'm getting a new hard drive with that :D I am very happy because I've just had so many problems with this computer. Thanks for all the advice guys. :)

That is great news! Congratulations!

[HLdan]

AWESOME!!!!! Keep in mind OP that it was "Applecare" that got that you a replacement so take some of that refund money and buy another Applecare plan (From Ebay) for the new aluminum. Glad it worked out for you.

[cogsinister]

Hey guys, good news. I spoke to someone in customer relations, and told her my story and all the problems I've been having with my Macbook. She looked at my service record and saw all the repairs done in 2008 alone. She didn't hesitate to offer a replacement computer, so I am getting a 2.0 aluminum Macbook. The specs are pretty much identical to the computer I have right now (I have a 2.0GHz Core Duo, 2GB, 160GB). Not a 2.4 MB but hey, I am not complaining. I'm very excited :D My MB was a CTO though, so I have to do this process in the mail, so I will be without a Mac for a while (especially with New Years coming around). I also get a refund check for the remainder of my AppleCare, so I guess I'm getting a new hard drive with that :D I am very happy because I've just had so many problems with this computer. Thanks for all the advice guys. :)

Well done !!!!

[MacLadybug]

I agree about the AppleCare. You don't want to be without it. Congrats. You will love your new MB!

[SuperSnake2012]

I think I'm going to use the check to throw in a nice big 7200rpm drive. It comes with a year of Applecare so I'm going to buy that next year. :)

Does anyone know if I still need a screwdriver to install a hard drive in these new Macs? I needed a Torx screw for my whitebook, but since they re-designed the case, do I still need one? Thanks! I can't wait until I have it :)

[SuperSnake2012]

Hey guys,

I got a shipping label emailed to me... am I supposed to receive a box from Applecare too? I didn't receive one yet, and I can't remember if they said they were sending one to me.

[cogsinister]

Hey guys,

I got a shipping label emailed to me... am I supposed to receive a box from Applecare too? I didn't receive one yet, and I can't remember if they said they were sending one to me.

I printed out the shipping labels and put my macbook in a box of my own then stuck the labels on the box then called UPS and they came the same afternoon and picked up my dead macbook.......once your macbook is scanned in by UPS apple start the ball rolling in sending your replacement.......

I left a voicemail message with the customer service rep that was dealing with my replacement telling him that the macbook had been collected by UPS and i quoted my case number and the tracking number of the UPS shipment.......

Good luck......

[SuperSnake2012]

Thanks a lot cogsinister! I put my old hard drive in (couldn't find the stock RAM so I'm sending to back to Apple with 2 gigs) and I re-installed 10.4.6 on here to send it back. Talk about a blast to the past! :D iTunes is green! Hehe. I'm packing it up and shipping it out tomorrow morning. I'll keep you guys updated, when the unibody MB comes in :cool:

[WinkWink726]

If I were you I'd walk my ass into a apple store and demand a new laptop, it shouldn't be that faulty.

I totally agree here!
I had my G4 since (I believe) 2005ish and the only thing that EVER went south was the SuperDrive which was replaced absolutely free of charge (many thanks to applecare!). :D
Otherwise, that replaced SuperDrive would have cost me upwards of $350 (according to the Genius) :eek:

[Jack Flash]

These problems always happen around the time a new model comes out. ;)

[zyuzin4]

i have a similary situation currently. My 1st gen Macbook (5/06) has had multiple repairs. 3 top cases, 1 logic board, 1 hard drive, 1 superdrive, 3 invertors, and 1 display. The genius said if it happened again to talk to him personally to discuss "other options" Well three months later the screen flickering started happening again but I have recently moved so wasn't able to go back to the same guy.

I went to the Apple Store in Manhattan Beach and had a great experience. I tried making a genius bar appointment but they were booked through new years but then a manager came up to me and I told him my story so he took my computer back to check the repair history and said that he would check it in for me as a non-repair status and if the problem is verified they will call me with the configuration of my replacement machine. Since mine was CTO they would have to order me a replacement so hopefully in a week I'll have a Macbook with no problems. I didn't even have to mention what the Valley Fair genius told me.