I Hate One of the Geniuses at the Apple Store

[Dmac77]

Go I hate the dang "Geniuses"!!!

I went to the Apple store today, to see if they could replace my iPhone 3G that has two cracks on it. And they told me that I had gouged it with my keys (I don't even have keys, I'm 14), and after I told them that, they said that dust in my case gouged it (I clean the phone twice a day), then they said that cracks only happen in the . So now I have a $300 phone with cracks on the backing. The genius treated me like a total idiot, and talked down to me like I'm a retard. I just sent an email to whoever reads the mail at steve@mac.com, and hopefully I'll get this resolved.

Anyone else here have problems with "Geniuses' that are total jerks?

Don

[thejadedmonkey]

Last time I was in an Apple store, I heard a "Genius" telling an old couple that the Mac Mini can not run Photoshop and only an iMac or a Mac Pro is capable of running it.

[Dmac77]

Last time I was in an Apple store, I heard a "Genius" telling an old couple that the Mac Mini can not run Photoshop and only an iMac or a Mac Pro is capable of running it.

I can't stand these people. They are the most annoying, and retarded people on the face of the earth. After the Genius didn't do anything to help me, I asked for the manager, and he just showed me his iPhone, and pointed out the scratches that his case had caused. Like I care about his phone!

Sorry, but I have to vent:o

Don

[iParis]

The last time I went to the Genius Bar this (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=612765) happened!:D

[Dmac77]

The last time I went to the Genius Bar this (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=612765) happened!:D

I want the genius I dealt with to get in a car wreck tonight. I want to deal with the genius you got.

Don

[iParis]

I want the genius I dealt with to get in a car wreck tonight. I want to deal with the genius you got.

Don

Come to New Mexico. Lol.
Well, if you get a chance maybe you can try going to a different Apple Store.

[daflake]

I want the genius I dealt with to get in a car wreck tonight. I want to deal with the genius you got.

Don

I'm going to guess, and it is a wild one, that your attitude is what got you tossed out. Bit of advice for you at 14....

You can attract more flies with honey.

Frankly I wouldn't want to help you either with that attitude.

[BoyBach]

I want the genius I dealt with to get in a car wreck tonight. I want to deal with the genius you got.

Don


So your phone has a crack in it and you want a sales person - who is not responsible for said scratch - to be involved in a potentially fatal car accident in revenge? Grow up.

[TwinCities Dan]

I want the genius I dealt with to get in a car wreck tonight. I want to deal with the genius you got.

Don

That really shows your level of maturity! :rolleyes:

[iParis]

I'm going to guess, and it is a wild one, that your attitude is what got you tossed out. Bit of advice for you at 14....

You can attract more flies with honey.

Frankly I wouldn't want to help you either with that attitude.

I was barely 16 when they replaced mine.

So your phone has a crack in it and you want a sales person - who is not responsible for said scratch - to be involved in a potentially fatal car accident in revenge? Grow up.

That really shows your level of maturity! :rolleyes:

He's 14, what do you expect. We all say immature things at a young age.

[TwinCities Dan]

He's 14, what do you expect. We all say immature things at a young age.

And are treated accordingly! :rolleyes: ;)

[Rodimus Prime]

so you are whinning because of what sounds like minor cosmic problems which is not covered unwarrenty. Plastic cracks over time. I am assuming the cracks are not all the way though the case and just more hire line. He is right it does do that over time and he is right the dusk case can cause that as well. You taking it out to clean it just makes it worse and more likely to happen.

Besides you have a cover on it so what does it matter you can not see it.

[iParis]

so you are whinning because of what sounds like minor cosmic problems which is not covered unwarrenty. Plastic cracks over time. I am assuming the cracks are not all the way though the case and just more hire line. He is right it does do that over time and he is right the dusk case can cause that as well. You taking it out to clean it just makes it worse and more likely to happen.

Besides you have a cover on it so what does it matter you can not see it.

I believe in some thread I've seen pics of it, they're not that minor at all. And I believe those are covered by the warranty.

[daflake]

I was barely 16 when they replaced mine.





He's 14, what do you expect. We all say immature things at a young age.

My point is that you probably went in with a level head thus were treated differently. From the looks of it, this kid went in more demanding and was probably denied due to his attitude. When I was 14 I would have never wished this on anyone.

[Lone Deranger]

It's threads like this that make me wish internet forums had more stringent age limits.

[iParis]

My point is that you probably went in with a level head thus were treated differently. From the looks of it, this kid went in more demanding and was denied due to his attitude. When I was 14 I would have never wished this on anyone.

Most likely. If you read this post (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=6723401&postcount=5) from the thread I mentioned earlier you can tell that you are right.

[miles01110]

Why do you need an iPhone (or a cell phone in general) when you're 14? School gets out at the same time every day...

[iParis]

Why do you need an iPhone (or a cell phone in general) when you're 14? School gets out at the same time every day...

That doesn't relate to the thread... next...

Anyways... he probably hangs out with his friends... like most teens. In fact, almost all teens nowadays have cell phones. The phone of his choosing was an iPhone, big whoop. Why bash him for it?

[Turmoil]

Go I hate the dang "Geniuses"!!


Hatred is so sad. What a negative emotion. I hope you learn.

[miles01110]

Anyways... he probably hangs out with his friends... like most teens. In fact, almost all teens nowadays have cell phones. The phone of his choosing was an iPhone, big whoop. Why bash him for it?

14 years is middle school. You don't need a cell phone in Middle School. If you're hanging out with your friends, do you need your cell phone to communicate? You could just "talk" to them, unless that has gone out of style. Furthermore there's almost a 100% chance he didn't pay for it and doesn't pay for the plan, further delegitimizing his complaints. Anyways, you're right- I shouldn't simply pass judgement.

In regard to the actual problem: I have a very hard time imagining "cracks on the backing." The back of the unit is made of anodized aluminum, isn't it? Or is it black plastic now? Aluminum doesn't crack, and plastic only cracks under direct force suggesting user damage i.e. not covered under AppleCare (which the OP doesn't have, apparently). The edges might be a different story, but over flat surfaces random cracks due to material defects are extremely rare. The phone still functions, so what is there to complain about other than aesthetics? If it's in a case you won't see the scratches in the first place.

Several times I've taken my macs into Apple Stores to see Geniuses- I've always found them to be helpful and courteous. Of course maybe the X factor is that I'm in my late 20s... and I had actual problems I couldn't solve myself or simply ignore due to triviality.

[TwinCities Dan]

The back of the unit is made of anodized aluminum, isn't it? Or is it black plastic now?

Umm, yea, the 3G's are plastic. But kudos on the rest of your post... ;)

[bradenwh]

14 years is middle school. You don't need a cell phone in Middle School. If you're hanging out with your friends, do you need your cell phone to communicate? You could just "talk" to them, unless that has gone out of style. Furthermore there's almost a 100% chance he didn't pay for it and doesn't pay for the plan, further delegitimizing his complaints. Anyways, you're right- I shouldn't simply pass judgement.

14 is High School. Typically 9th grade, which is typically High School. I'm 15, and have an iPhone, and I pay my bill. Sure, cell phone's aren't a necessity, but in a world like today's, when they're usually quite affordable, why not have one? It's a lot better to have one and not "need" it, than need it and not have it.
If you say you "shouldn't simply pass judgement," then it would be a good idea to not simply pass judgement, like you said you would not do.

[ZAK248313]

So your phone has a crack in it and you want a sales person - who is not responsible for said scratch - to be involved in a potentially fatal car accident in revenge? Grow up.

Potentially fatal? haha, you realise that none of this actualy happened didn't you?

Sounded like a pretty tongue in cheek comment to me- I found it more funny that you actually took it as seriously as you did.

[miles01110]

14 is High School. Typically 9th grade, which is typically High School. I'm 15, and have an iPhone, and I pay my bill. Sure, cell phone's aren't a necessity, but in a world like today's, when they're usually quite affordable, why not have one? It's a lot better to have one and not "need" it, than need it and not have it.
If you say you "shouldn't simply pass judgement," then it would be a good idea to not simply pass judgement, like you said you would not do.

OK- early high school. Cell phones are "usually quite affordable," but since we're talking about the iPhone I think it's safe to can that argument. Since the OP makes no secret that his phone costs $300 (clearly in an attempt to garner more sympathy), it's obvious that he thinks since he paid that much for his iPhone it entitles him special privileges.

Anyways, the situation as I see it is this: A young adult walks into an Apple store with an aesthetic problem with their iPhone that a) is [probably] user-inflicted, b) is minor, and c) doesn't affect the ability of the unit to function. The young adult asks for a replacement, effectively trading a used phone for a brand new one, and the Genius refuses on the grounds that it's not Apple's policy to replace used phones with new ones on a whim unless there's something Apple can be held accountable for.

Since this is not what the young adult wants to hear, he becomes upset (further biasing his opinion of *all* Apple Geniuses) and asks to speak to the manager. This implies that he or she thinks they know more about the problem than the Genius does. This sometimes works if there's a special situation surrounding the incident in question, but usually not for run-of-the-mill scratches on plastic. The manager shows that the back of the iPhone can indeed be scratched by pocket detritus, and the young adult still doesn't like what they hear so he posts on the Macrumors forums (re: Apple Geniuses):

They are the most annoying, and retarded people on the face of the earth.

Ironic, because I promise you that's what the Genius said to his friends when he got home that night about some of his customers.

While I am sure that not all Geniuses are helpful or courteous towards all of their customers, I do sympathize with their position. Their job, basically, is to deal with special hardware and software cases brought to them by a customer base that more often than not isn't going to know a thing about their problem except that it's not what they expect. Many times this will be legitimate- something makes a strange sound, something doesn't work like it should, etc.- but other times it's just a waste of time. Like this incident, for example.

To the OP: I could offer a better informed opinion if you posted some pictures of these "cracks," but like I said before I have an extremely hard time imagining plastic randomly cracking on a unit like the iPhone. Unless you've been baking it in an oven while you charge it, plastic is a very reliable material as far as resistance to cracks. Characteristics of a structural flaw in the plastic will be a very jagged crack, as opposed to a clean, straight crack that is usually brought about by enormous pressure exerted at that point.

[plinden]

Back to the original post ... I can't tell from it what exactly the issue is with your phone. You talk about "cracks", but you say the Genius talks about "gouges". Which is it? There's a big difference.

Can you post a picture of the damage?

If the case is cracked, it'd be pretty obvious whether it was caused by e.g. dropping it or whether it is a structural problem with the plastics. If it has gouges or deep scratches (which it appears the Genius thought they were), then I'm afraid there's nothing the Apple Store would ever do about it. They're not going to take your word for it that you didn't scratch it.

I'm having difficulty in believing that gouges could form spontaneously. Cracks are a different matter.

[iParis]

14 years is middle school. You don't need a cell phone in Middle School. If you're hanging out with your friends, do you need your cell phone to communicate? You could just "talk" to them, unless that has gone out of style. Furthermore there's almost a 100% chance he didn't pay for it and doesn't pay for the plan, further delegitimizing his complaints. Anyways, you're right- I shouldn't simply pass judgement.

In regard to the actual problem: I have a very hard time imagining "cracks on the backing." The back of the unit is made of anodized aluminum, isn't it? Or is it black plastic now? Aluminum doesn't crack, and plastic only cracks under direct force suggesting user damage i.e. not covered under AppleCare (which the OP doesn't have, apparently). The edges might be a different story, but over flat surfaces random cracks due to material defects are extremely rare. The phone still functions, so what is there to complain about other than aesthetics? If it's in a case you won't see the scratches in the first place.

Several times I've taken my macs into Apple Stores to see Geniuses- I've always found them to be helpful and courteous. Of course maybe the X factor is that I'm in my late 20s... and I had actual problems I couldn't solve myself or simply ignore due to triviality.

In eighth grade you turn 14 and in ninth grade you turn 15.

It's plastic, the housing cracked under no pressure, I'm assuming since I think I've previously seen him mention this the cracks have been there for awhile so he may have just got the chance to go into the Apple Store.

[nick9191]

Either the geniuses are far too lenient, replacing items that are out of warranty or are the fault of the user, or are complete pricks trying to blame defects on the user.

Apple needs to tighten up on their geniuses, make them firm but fair. They would save a lot of cash and then hopefully pass some of that onto the consumer.

[BoyBach]

Potentially fatal? haha, you realise that none of this actualy happened didn't you?

You may want to reread what was actually typed before you jump to defend Dmac77's puerile outburst.

Dmac77 wrote "I want the genius I dealt with to get in a car wreck tonight", to which I responded "you want..." - I was well aware that the wished for car accident didn't actually occur.


Sounded like a pretty tongue in cheek comment to me- I found it more funny that you actually took it as seriously as you did.

Well excuse me if I don't find wishing someone to be in a car accident as being "funny" or "tongue in cheek".

[jessica.]

It's a shame they did not replace it, but I'm going to go with the idea that the attitude displayed here is the same attitude displayed in the store the moment he was told "no". Aside from verbally wishing an accident on the guy that is.

I find it to be utter BS that someone would resort to wishing ill-will on someone who clearly doesn't make the rules. I find it sad that you have people defending the OP for his statements.

[aristobrat]

Can you post a picture of the damage?
He did here:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=7028772&postcount=1206

[miles01110]

Looks like a scratch made by a coin to me, could be just the picture though.

[motulist]

Looks like a scratch made by a coin to me, could be just the picture though.

THAT is is the problem he wants Apple to replace his phone over?! :eek: Why do you think Apple owes you a free repair or replacement because of that damage? Do you think there was a problem with Apple's manufacturing that managed to make your iphone's case spontaneously degrade in such a way that makes the damage look EXACTLY as if some external object had gouged a mark in it, and that this magical manufacturing defect was also magically only present in your iphone's case and no one else's? :rolleyes:

[plinden]

He did here:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=7028772&postcount=1206

Sorry Dmac77, but that looks like accidental damage. I'm not going to speculate on how it would have happened, but it's certainly not a structural defect.

[schizoidwoman]

Looks like a scratch made by a coin to me, could be just the picture though.

It actually does look like that; the marks to the left of the crack/gouge look as though something has scuffed it before actually doing the real, deep damage. I wonder if maybe something got caught in the case and worked against the phone to damage it (and maybe went unnoticed when you took the phone out to clean it) because surely that couldn't be a manufacturing defect?

[aristobrat]

Looks like a scratch made by a coin to me
That seems to be in line with the "so-called" Genius' thought that keys did it...

[daflake]

You guys need to search the forum more. There are numerous threads about the housing on the IPhone 3G cracking so he has a legitimate complaint. Even mine is cracked but I am not bothered by it. I wouldn't want a replacement but rather the back replaced.

[ZAK248313]

You may want to reread what was actually typed before you jump to defend Dmac77's puerile outburst.

Dmac77 wrote

You may want to reread what was actually typed before you jump to defend Dmac77's puerile outburst.

Dmac77 wrote "I want the genius I dealt with to get in a car wreck tonight", to which I responded "you want..." - I was well aware that the wished for car accident didn't actually occur.

"I want the genius I dealt with to get in a car wreck tonight", to which I responded "you want..." - I was well aware that the wished for car accident didn't actually occur.

Well excuse me if I don't find wishing someone to be in a car accident as being "funny" or "tongue in cheek".

Sheesh- lighten up dude... :rolleyes:

And dont put words in my mouth- I never said the word "funny".

[coupdetat]

I can't stand them either. They are the embodiment of why some people dislike Apple users--they are arrogant and act like they know everything, and talk down to you. And not only that, but I've often heard them tell customers totally ridiculous things.

[therealdt]

He did here:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=7028772&postcount=1206

lol

you can't be serious. that's the problem with people/kids these days. too spoiled for their own good. good choice the genius made :apple:

[plinden]

You guys need to search the forum more. There are numerous threads about the housing on the IPhone 3G cracking so he has a legitimate complaint. Even mine is cracked but I am not bothered by it. I wouldn't want a replacement but rather the back replaced.

Have you looked at the picture the OP posted in a different thread? It's not a manufacturing or structural defect. It's not a "crack". It's a deep scratch.

[Love]

I turned 16 at the end of December and bought an iPhone shortly before that. I pay some of the bill, but not all.

I thoroughly enjoy my iPhone, even though due to both service provider and technical issues (lying and deceit on the part of the people who sold me the iPhone, and noise from my headphones), I'm now on my third iPhone. When I went to the Apple Store to have that second one replaced, they were out of stock and the Genius wanted me to wait 10-14 business days for a new one. Was I peeved? Sure. Was I disappointed? Sure. But I don't by any means hate the Genius. He was ultimately apologetic, and in my opinion that's what matters. There are other methods of getting a replacement (I ended up having Rogers Wireless send me a replacement). I had to wait a few days, but I was thankful that the Apple Store was so good to me to offer me a free replacement when apple originally wanted $30. You really do have to take the good with the bad - Apple Store employees can't help it if their policies limit how they can replace it, or even if the Apple Store employees think it's not worth replacing. You have to understand that everyone's response will be slightly different. Call Apple and have them send you a new one.

In any event, unlike others, I have no issue with you being 14 and having an iPhone. I think that the more people who get involved in Apple and enjoy the Mac and iPhone community, the better. This community is such a great place to be in and involved with, and anybody, regardless of age, can contribute a lot.

-Tom

PS: The little car wreck thing took it too far. Avoid that in the future.

[jpk32092]

Go I hate the dang "Geniuses"!!!

I went to the Apple store today, to see if they could replace my iPhone 3G that has two cracks on it. And they told me that I had gouged it with my keys (I don't even have keys, I'm 14), and after I told them that, they said that dust in my case gouged it (I clean the phone twice a day), then they said that cracks only happen in the . So now I have a $300 phone with cracks on the backing. The genius treated me like a total idiot, and talked down to me like I'm a retard. I just sent an email to whoever reads the mail at steve@mac.com, and hopefully I'll get this resolved.

Anyone else here have problems with "Geniuses' that are total jerks?

Don

It must be an age thing. I'm 17 and when ever I go to an apple store with a question/problem, they always treat me like **** turning the problem back on me.

Now I just call AppleCare before going to the store. :mad:

[Dmac77]

It must be an age thing. I'm 17 and when ever I go to an apple store with a question/problem, they always treat me like **** turning the problem back on me.

Now I just call AppleCare before going to the store. :mad:

Exactly.

To those of you who say that I had an attitude with the genius, or that damage is user inflicted you are wrong. I walked into the Apple Store, and the genius looked at it. First he said that cracks are not a known issue. I refereed him the the 49 page thread on MacRumors. Then he said that it was a gouge made by coins or keys, which isn't possible, because the phone only comes out of the case to get cleaned, and I clean it twice a day (and I'm not cleaning the phone with a key, or with a coin). After I told him that, he told me that dust caused the "gouge", which is implausible because I clean the phone twice a day, plus the "gouge" is 1.5 mm deep, dust can't do that in less then 24 hours.

I shouldn't have wished the "Genius" harm (it was extremely childish), but I was and still am extremely ticked, because I've dealt with this genius before and he always gives me problems (the same genius that accused me of putting a cigarette in my iMac, because my iMac started to spew smoke out of the vents when it was turned on). What angered me even more, is that he authorized a replacement for an iPhone with a cracked screen, while he was telling me that my issue is not covered.

I'm thinking of calling AppleCare tomorrow, to see if they can do anything for me.

The picture I posted in the other thread over-exposed (I think:confused:, I'm not sure of the proper term) the crack. I took another picture that actually show what the crack looks like. There's also a hairline crack up by the headphone port, which the genius dismissed as a scratch.

Don
156006156008

[miles01110]

Then he said that it was a gouge made by coins or keys, which isn't possible, because the phone only comes out of the case to get cleaned, and I clean it twice a day (and I'm not cleaning the phone with a key, or with a coin).

Sure it's "possible." Just because you clean it twice a day (why?) doesn't mean stuff can't get in the case.


After I told him that, he told me that dust caused the "gouge", which is implausible because I clean the phone twice a day, plus the "gouge" is 1.5 mm deep, dust can't do that in less then 24 hours.

Well by the standard definition of "dust" I don't think anything that small could cause a gouge 1.5 mm deep. That doesn't mean something else can't cause something of that depth (how accurate is that, by the way? How did you measure it?). And it only takes a second to cause a scratch, so your 24-hour argument doesn't really apply.

I shouldn't have wished the "Genius" harm (it was extremely childish), but I was and still am extremely ticked, because I've dealt with this genius before and he always gives me problems (the same genius that accused me of putting a cigarette in my iMac, because my iMac started to spew smoke out of the vents when it was turned on). What angered me even more, is that he authorized a replacement for an iPhone with a cracked screen, while he was telling me that my issue is not covered.


Go into the store with your father, or have your father take it in for you.

[Osarkon]

I'm afraid I'm going to back the Genius on this one.

From the pictures, it doesn't look like a manufacturing defect. Phones accumulate scratches and so forth in their life-time, that's just how it is. Mine has them and I baby the thing.

Sure the phone isn't pristine anymore, but it still works.

[iSaygoodbye]

I'm going to guess, and it is a wild one, that your attitude is what got you tossed out. Bit of advice for you at 14....

You can attract more flies with honey.

Frankly I wouldn't want to help you either with that attitude.

dude hes just venting leave him alone id do the same thing if i were him. its a forum for a reason to tell people things about APPLE haha

genius's are mentally retarded lol. i went to replace my atv remote like 20 days after getting it quote"um im not sure but do you have a recite(idk how to spell) um no i dont well i guess we can replace it maybe not sure" the guy was retarded i know more than most of those so called geniuss'

[MacSociology]

ironspyder: Could you please write that in English please? It's difficult to understand what you're trying to tell us.

[iParis]

I love how the OP said that he couldn't anywhere with the scratch/gouges in his iPhone... then he gets flamed for being 14.

ironspyder: Could you please write that in English please? It's difficult to understand what you're trying to tell us.

At least it's not as bad as some of those people that use chat speak.

[miles01110]

At least it's not as bad as some of those people that use chat speak.

That doesn't relate to the thread... next...

...

[iParis]

...

That, too doesn't relate to the thread. ;)

[chilipie]

genius's are mentally retarded lol. i went to replace my atv remote like 20 days after getting it quote"um im not sure but do you have a recite(idk how to spell) um no i dont well i guess we can replace it maybe not sure" the guy was retarded i know more than most of those so called geniuss'
Yup, Apple Geniuses are all mentally retarded, and you probably know more than they ever will. I mean, I bet they don't even know how to use apostrophes or a dictionary!

I'm afraid I'm going to back the Genius on this one.

From the pictures, it doesn't look like a manufacturing defect. Phones accumulate scratches and so forth in their life-time, that's just how it is. Mine has them and I baby the thing.

Sure the phone isn't pristine anymore, but it still works.
I concur. If the phone had been scratched out of the box I could understand why you'd be hacked off, but there's no structural damage and the phone still works. To expect a company to replace an expensive item because "I've been using it and it got a bit scratched" is ridiculous, frankly.

[Dmac77]

Sure it's "possible." Just because you clean it twice a day (why?) doesn't mean stuff can't get in the case.

I clean it twice a day, because I've heard horror stories about dust/dirt getting in the case and scratching the phone up, really badly.

Well by the standard definition of "dust" I don't think anything that small could cause a gouge 1.5 mm deep. That doesn't mean something else can't cause something of that depth (how accurate is that, by the way? How did you measure it?). And it only takes a second to cause a scratch, so your 24-hour argument doesn't really apply.

The "Genius" measured it with a thin metal wire, that had marks in it.

Go into the store with your father, or have your father take it in for you.

My mother went into the store yesterday with it, and the (same) genius gave her the same crap. "There is no known problem regarding cracks in the iPhone 3G.", then my Mom showed the the MacRumors thread about iPhones cracking., and he said "Only white iPhones crack." She showed him pictures of black iPhones with cracks, and then he said "the cracks only start on the edge of the phone, and work there way inwards, and that "Dust caused the gouge."

This genius has always hassled me, and anyone else who deals with him. I've seen people curse him out in the store before, he is like the replacement Nazi. All of the other geniuses gladly replace devices that have "cosmetic damage". I don't know what this guy's problem is, but I'll be taking it out to the Novi (Twelve Oaks) store this weekend.

I'm starting to notice hairline cracks down by the dock connector now, and I'm really staring to wish that I would have gotten a first gen iPhone off of eBay now.

Don

[JNB]

This genius has always hassled me, and anyone else who deals with him. I've seen people curse him out in the store before, he is like the replacement Nazi. All of the other geniuses gladly replace devices that have "cosmetic damage". I don't know what this guy's problem is, but I'll be taking it out to the Novi (Twelve Oaks) store this weekend

So really, all this just boils down to one guy, right?

[Dmac77]

So really, all this just boils down to one guy, right?

I have a feeling that one of the other geniuses at the store would have replaced the phone. I'll be taking it to the Novi store this weekend so I there isn't a chance that I'll end up dealing with this guy again.

Like I said earlier, I'm noticing some hairline cracks down by the dock connector, and it looks like some of the metal around the dock connector (not the chrome) is staring to warp. So this isn't just "cosmetic damage" anymore. We'll see if the cracks continue to expand, over the week.

Don

[Vulcan]

Just call AppleCare, you will get an iPhone representative who actually deals with these problems daily.

[Primejimbo]

I want the genius I dealt with to get in a car wreck tonight. I want to deal with the genius you got.

Don
I would never wish something like that on anyone. You know how bad you would feel if that actually happened?
I had keys since I was 11, so it can be possible.
I personally never had a problem with the Genius people, I found them very nice and helpful so far.

[steviem]

Mate,

How's the screen looking? All that really matters is that the screen has no scratches still. Yeah those tiny scratches might annoy you a little bit, but its a mobile phone. Get over it, I can't wait for the day you get a car, leave it in a car park and come back to see a ding from someone's door. That is really annoying. Tiny scratches on a phone that is functioning properly are nothing.

I had keys since I was 11 too, I'm 23 now (but will I live to see 24, the way things are goin' I dunno) - woah went all Coolio there. Anyway, I'm 23 now and my iPhone's back is scratched to hell, but its because I sometimes put it in a pocket with coins or keys in it, I dropped it once as well but the screen doesn't have a single blemish and all that matters is that you can use the phone.

Don't go ranting about tiny scratches and a guy who can do NOTHING AT ALL to get rid of your scratches. Go blow off some steam, play some soccer, hack the ankles away from an opponent, take a volley and aim for the goalie's face.

[daflake]

ironspyder: Could you please write that in English please? It's difficult to understand what you're trying to tell us.

I'm not going to even try to respond to him.... :eek:

As for the thread starter, it sounds like you have calmed a bit. Honestly the scratch at the jack does not look like the normal one that happens. However, the one on the side does, so I think you do have a case. Have you tried talking to the manager of the store? Surely he has to answer to someone.

[Mr_Brightside_@]

Don't go ranting about tiny scratches and a guy who can do NOTHING AT ALL to get rid of your scratches. Go blow off some steam, play some soccer, hack the ankles away from an opponent, take a volley and aim for the goalie's face.
So... take out your anger towards a piece of plastic on... another human bring? That's allowed? AWESOME

[plumbingandtech]

And they told me that I had gouged it with my keys (I don't even have keys, I'm 14),

You got house keys don't you?

But you are right. Apple is evil.

You should buy a Pre.

[Mr_Brightside_@]

You should buy a Pre.
I'm sure I'm not the first to say this, but what is the Pre before?

[Vulcan]

You got house keys don't you?

But you are right. Apple is evil.

You should buy a Pre.

Keypads on garage door openers are the new house keys.

[Kardashian]

I just sent an email to whoever reads the mail at steve@mac.com, and hopefully I'll get this resolved.

Anyone else here have problems with "Geniuses' that are total jerks?

Don

It's sjobs@apple.com

Mailed it myself a few weeks ago. Don't slag off the staff, or Apple, simply state that you're only 14, you've had to save hard for the iPhone, blah blah, you know its not a rare case as its documented online - and someone will call you back.

Apple know its an issue, I witnessed a Genius getting his iPhone replaced for the exact same reason only a few days ago.

[Kardashian]

I concur. If the phone had been scratched out of the box I could understand why you'd be hacked off, but there's no structural damage and the phone still works. To expect a company to replace an expensive item because "I've been using it and it got a bit scratched" is ridiculous, frankly.

It's documented that some iPhone 3G's have had very fragile casing which is cracking under 'normal' regular use.

Not through mistreating the item.

What is you bought a car that randomly cracked? :rolleyes:

[gibbz]

Yup, Apple Geniuses are all mentally retarded, and you probably know more than they ever will. I mean, I bet they don't even know how to use apostrophes or a dictionary!

You win a cookie my friend.:)

[Dmac77]

Mate,

How's the screen looking? All that really matters is that the screen has no scratches still. Yeah those tiny scratches might annoy you a little bit, but its a mobile phone. Get over it, I can't wait for the day you get a car, leave it in a car park and come back to see a ding from someone's door. That is really annoying. Tiny scratches on a phone that is functioning properly are nothing.

I had keys since I was 11 too, I'm 23 now (but will I live to see 24, the way things are goin' I dunno) - woah went all Coolio there. Anyway, I'm 23 now and my iPhone's back is scratched to hell, but its because I sometimes put it in a pocket with coins or keys in it, I dropped it once as well but the screen doesn't have a single blemish and all that matters is that you can use the phone.

Don't go ranting about tiny scratches and a guy who can do NOTHING AT ALL to get rid of your scratches. Go blow off some steam, play some soccer, hack the ankles away from an opponent, take a volley and aim for the goalie's face.

The screen looks fine. It just really bothers me that this is happening.

You got house keys don't you?

But you are right. Apple is evil.

You should buy a Pre.

No need for house keys, we have a keypad for our garage. I would get a Pre, if I could use it with AT&T.

It's sjobs@apple.com

Mailed it myself a few weeks ago. Don't slag off the staff, or Apple, simply state that you're only 14, you've had to save hard for the iPhone, blah blah, you know its not a rare case as its documented online - and someone will call you back.

Apple know its an issue, I witnessed a Genius getting his iPhone replaced for the exact same reason only a few days ago.

I tried steve@mac.com, I'll try the address you provided also.

It's documented that some iPhone 3G's have had very fragile casing which is cracking under 'normal' regular use.

Not through mistreating the item.

What is you bought a car that randomly cracked? :rolleyes:

That's exactly my point. It's not like I'm ruff on the phone or anything like that. I baby it.

Below are some pictures of what is now happening to the dock connector area (It's not as bad al it looks in the picture, the macro function on my camera really makes things look bad) but the cracks are probably 5mm (on the right) and 3mm long (on the left). The plastic around the cracks is kind of whitish-grey (stress marks, I think), and those little things that look like scratches are actually small hairline cracks (my fingernail gets stuck in them, when I move it over them).

And I really haven't even used the phone since Sunday. I've made one phone call, and that's it, and it has been in its case. I haven't dropped it or anything (it doesn't even look like what happens to an iPhone when it gets dropped). I could live with what's up by the volume rocker and the vibrate switch, but this I can't. I don't know if it could be caused by frequent docking, but that's all I can think off.

I'm thinking of just calling AppleCare, instead of going out to Novi with my Mom this weekend. Would AppleCare send me a phone for temporary use, while they have my iPhone?

I don't mean to be petty, but this just sucks.

Don

[miles01110]

I still see no convincing evidence that it's the case that's at fault and not you removing the dock connector and scratching it. Also, I've never heard of Apple sending out "temporary replacement" anything while an item is sent in under warranty for repair.

[Dmac77]

I still see no convincing evidence that it's the case that's at fault and not you removing the dock connector and scratching it. Also, I've never heard of Apple sending out "temporary replacement" anything while an item is sent in under warranty for repair.

yeah, because scratches penetrate al the way through the plastic:rolleyes:

FYI, the cracks go all the way through the back casing. I think you'd have to maliciously do something to get it to crack, unless there's a manufacturers defect.

Don

[miles01110]

yeah, because scratches penetrate al the way through the plastic:rolleyes:

FYI, the cracks go all the way through the back casing. I think you'd have to maliciously do something to get it to crack, unless there's a manufacturers defect.

How can you tell they go all the way through? You can't see the other side...because it's on the inside of the unit...

[Dmac77]

How can you tell they go all the way through? You can't see the other side...because it's on the inside of the unit...

Because if you push on the plastic in-between the to cracks, it will depress, kind of like pushing a button. They go all the way through, I'm sure of it.

Don

[TomsMacBook]

Well, maybe a little off topic, but when I was buying my first MacBook (I was... 15 at the time, I think), I went into the shop, and was told that "Maybe I would be interested in the iPod Nano, which comes in different colours!"

So I said thanks, but no thanks, and found another salesman. He started the same pitch when I interrupted him, pulled out the money from my wallet, and said I was buying a MacBook.

I agree with the majority in this thread. The people in the store are - I reckon - told to go after the people who look like they have money. Can't blame them for that. It may get infuriating, but hey. Thats life.

[frankiec]

"Geniuses" are not professionals, they're retail employees.

It would do wonders if people started realizing reality for what it is.

[frankiec]

I agree with the majority in this thread. The people in the store are - I reckon - told to go after the people who look like they have money. Can't blame them for that. It may get infuriating, but hey. Thats life.
No one is telling those employees to "go after" people "who look like they have money" -- on the contrary. Retail managers will encourage their employees to go after everyone, regardless if they think they have money or not.

The young person was treated like that because he was in a retail environment. Retail employees are not exactly the cream of the cultural crop.

[BLewisMaltz]

I used to love going into the Apple Store, hanging out, talking with a Genius. But recently, I have been having more and more bad experiances as mostly all they do is try and push stuff on me like a car salesman, and tell me that whatever problem I am having is not my fault, and whatever is broken on my computer isn't covered by AppleCare.

My friend says this is what happens as Apple gains a larger share of the market. More and more people are switching, and the downside is that as Apple grows it can't offer such special customer service anymore.

le sigh

[daflake]

That new photo actually looks like the phone was dropped. Do you use a case?

[Dmac77]

That new photo actually looks like the phone was dropped. Do you use a case?

All the time. It only come out to get cleaned, and I clean it in my bedroom, which is carpeted. I haven't been out of the house this week, I've been home sick from school.

Don

[aluren]

looks like some big cracks there, but definitely something caused by you versus an apple manufacturing defect, from the genius's perspective. i have a 3rd gen ipod nano that's all scratched up in the back, i'd doubt apple would replace my ipod just cuz of cosmetic damage. so just lightened up man, get a case to cover the crack, and forget about it. besides, you're just 14 and you have an iphone! i know people in college that still can't afford to get it...

[gnasher729]

Go I hate the dang "Geniuses"!!!

So what would you do if someone at your school said "help me doing this or that, and by the way, I hate you"? Would you help them? Some people are *******s, some people are saints, but the majority of people will give you as much respect as they think you deserve and will treat you the way you treat them.

[Digital Skunk]

Nope, the Geniuses are just fine, and in fact there are pretty good at determining if something is covered by the warranty, since that's pretty much what they are trained to do outside of opening up computers.

The fact is that the iPhone is a waste of time if you don't have any kind of insurance on the $400-->$500 thing. The list for me not getting one is very short, and that's near the top of it.

Other than that, try going to another Apple Store, but be happy that it's not your screen that is cracked. The guy at the bar was probably just pissed that a 14 year old kid was bitching about scratches on their expensive phone. Especially given that most employees there are around 19-->21 years old anyhow.

They all piss me off whenever I go, and my friend that works there is around 26 years old, and he wants to stab everyone of his co-workers.

[karenajane]

14 years is middle school. You don't need a cell phone in Middle School.

No one needs a cell phone.

At any age.

Cell phones are a luxury. But they are a luxury, one could argue, that children "need" more than adults do. If an adult gets stuck in a bad situation, an adult can drive himself or herself home. An adult can usually figure things out on his/her own.

I'm guessing you don't have a child in middle school. They do more than just go to school, get on a bus and ride home. They have school dances, after-school activities, sports, piano lessons, projects at the library...and broken bones. They have bullies, sleepovers, divorced parents and any number of valid reasons to call home.

My 11 year-old daughter has a cellphone -- a barebones, $25 SonyEricsson...and I thank goodness she does. She has been extremely responsible with it since she got it 6 months ago. It still looks brand new. She doesn't abuse the privilege of owning it. She uses it to call me, her dad and her grandparents. Occasionally she calls a friend for homework help.

Heck, I've broken a cellphone in fewer than 6 months myself! I cracked the screen on my iPhone 2 days after I replaced the first one. I should let her carry my phone. :)

Don't underestimate children...their needs or their abilities!

[NT1440]

So you take it out of a case twice a day, and the "cracks" (i say that because from the photos they look a hell of alot like scratches) couldn't be caused by that?

It seems like a cosmetic issue that can occur during every day use...

[miles01110]

No one needs a cell phone.

At any age.

Cell phones are a luxury. But they are a luxury, one could argue, that children "need" more than adults do. If an adult gets stuck in a bad situation, an adult can drive himself or herself home. An adult can usually figure things out on his/her own.

I'm guessing you don't have a child in middle school. They do more than just go to school, get on a bus and ride home. They have school dances, after-school activities, sports, piano lessons, projects at the library...and broken bones. They have bullies, sleepovers, divorced parents and any number of valid reasons to call home.

School dances, after-school activities, sports, piano lessons are all luxuries too. If you want to get into a subjective "Need vs. Want" debate, then that's a different thread. Not to mention I fail to see why you need a cell phone to dance, play sports, or play a piano. Maybe things have changed since I did those things in high school.

Anyways; did the OP resolve this issue at the other store I wonder?

[HBOC]

No one needs a cell phone.

At any age.

Cell phones are a luxury. But they are a luxury, one could argue, that children "need" more than adults do. If an adult gets stuck in a bad situation, an adult can drive himself or herself home. An adult can usually figure things out on his/her own.

I'm guessing you don't have a child in middle school. They do more than just go to school, get on a bus and ride home. They have school dances, after-school activities, sports, piano lessons, projects at the library...and broken bones. They have bullies, sleepovers, divorced parents and any number of valid reasons to call home.

My 11 year-old daughter has a cellphone -- a barebones, $25 SonyEricsson...and I thank goodness she does. She has been extremely responsible with it since she got it 6 months ago. It still looks brand new. She doesn't abuse the privilege of owning it. She uses it to call me, her dad and her grandparents. Occasionally she calls a friend for homework help.

Heck, I've broken a cellphone in fewer than 6 months myself! I cracked the screen on my iPhone 2 days after I replaced the first one. I should let her carry my phone. :)

Don't underestimate children...their needs or their abilities!

I understand some of your points, but how many generations have grown up before that had no cell phones? I know i didnt get my first cell phone until i was out of high school (graduated 97').
What i dont get is why young kids have an iphone, and how do you pay for the bill if you dont have a job? I had my first job at 14 in a liquor store in so cal, but i am sure the age limit and restrictions have changed in 15 years...

Back to the topic,
those DON'T look like hairline scratches. I have had my iPhone replaced twice, one for the CRACKS near the vibrate toggle. I had no problems getting it replaced. I have never had any problems with any experience i have had with the genius's. I had the logic board go out in my 2 month old MBP 3 days before going on xmas break (and during finals, which i needed projects off of the computer) and they not only burned the info i needed to a cd, they overnighted my MBP from PDX in a snowstrom to missorui on thrusday and it was at my parents house in Orange County on saturday at 10am! They sent it to where i wanted it to go!! Talk about amazing service.

Anyone in portland, oregon; i highly suggest the pioneer place apple store!!

[carlosbutler]

No one needs a cell phone.

Cell phones are a luxury. But they are a luxury, one could argue, that children "need" more than adults do. If an adult gets stuck in a bad situation, an adult can drive himself or herself home. An adult can usually figure things out on his/her own.


an adult does not need the phone less than a teen. if the adult is able to get out of a sticky situation by using a car, what about if the car is broken on the motorway - is the adult going to whip out a magical car from their pocket then?

in terms of apple genius' being helpful, (and im saying this from the point of view of a salesperson, since i was one part time during university holidays) if someone comes in with a broken/scratched/dirty product, its nothing to do with the salesperson. and salesperson get this a lot because people always like, better still, LOVE to blame others for something going wrong. and i hate it, if someone comes up to me in the store and asks about the product i will help, if they even hint at it being anyones fault but theirs i do just walk away ignoring them, and then i tell all my coworkers to not serve them.

so what im saying after my long rant because i HATE people that do this, is dont go in blaming anyone and dont even think of asking for another phone because that isnt going to happen. the only chance you have of getting anything for free is if you kiss ass and listen to what they want to say, and make sure that there is an understanding between each other. ask the salesperson what THEY honestly make of what ever has gone wrong, and it will put in their minds what it would feel like to be you.

also i suggest you use a protector shield and not a case, such as invisible shield by zagg. cheap, easy to fit and very good

[ashjamben]

Last time I was in an Apple store, I heard a "Genius" telling an old couple that the Mac Mini can not run Photoshop and only an iMac or a Mac Pro is capable of running it.

old post, but similar story. when i went into the apple shop to with my girlfriend to buy a macbook they told her that it wouldn't be able to run photoshop. i asked him if he knew what the system requirements were for photoshop, and he said it required a graphics card. what the hell? a couple of features need it, thats all. i'm running it fine on my macbook.

and to the point, if you're younger it's always best to ask your parent to go in for you. it shouldn't be like that, but they'll get alot more respect.