Rain + MBP Unibody = Disaster

[DavidHariri]

Long story short-my early 2008 Macbook Pro Unibody baby was rained on in the middle of the night. I fell asleep with it on the floor next to me with the window open and the rest is history. I go to a university so we have a campus hardware repair center with an apple certified repair technician. heres the catch: after drying it out there are no apparent problems except that theres no backlight to the screen. After his initial take-apart he noticed that the LCD cable is not looking so hot, but the logic board seems to behave fine. He doesn't know what to replace, the logic board or the LCD assembly.

Option 1: Go for the 800 dollar LCD assembly replacement and hope for the best If it doesn't work though, i'm our 800 and have to opt for the 1400 dollar repair to the logic board, and now i may as well have bought a new machine.

Option 2: Go to the apple store that i bought it at and claim negligence and hope for the best, although i'm pretty sure they wouldn't replace it as there are humidity sensors and all that.

Option 3: Sell the damn thing (How much could i get for it?) And buy a macbook pro 13" and be on my way, never to look back

Option 4: Do the repair myself and still end up spending a crap load of money

What do you guys think? I know i'm new here and all that rubbish but i need the help of a strong mac community. anyone have experience with this sort of thing? Is it the logic board?

Thanks in advance

[electroshock]

Well, 3 of 4 options have you spending quite a few bucks... so... odds are you may end up doing exactly that.

Option #2: did the tech enter details about your case in any Apple database? If yes, then the Apple Store employees (and Apple themselves) may see the story behind this situation. If they didn't, well, then... let your conscience be your guide.

Let's call this one option #5: take the MBP to another Apple Store and see what they think. If nothing else, it's helpful to get a second opinion on if it's likely the LCD or the main logic board, as knowing that could help guide your decision making. Information is power, after all, right?

[DavidHariri]

I called apple tech support today and told them the truth as i wanted to know if the unibody models had an inverter board. The guy was adamant that there was one but i don't think there is. however i didn't give them the serial number of my computer when they asked so i doubt they took down all the information... Honestly, i'm a student, it's not going to bother me that a multi-billion dollar computer company gives me a new computer under false pretenses.

[Techhie]

What I would do is the following (off the record):

1. Go to the Apple Tech on your campus, and get him to tell you where the moisture censors are inside of the computer.

2. Reverse the color of them with the ol' cotton swab and isopropyl trick (don't quote me on this, I don't know if the sensors are the same litmus paper that they are in the iPods)

3. Go to the Apple Store and claim GPU failure, and hope for the best. The worst they can do is say no.

Alternatively, you could have Apple take a look at it, but 99.9% of geniuses out there will automatically tell you that you need a logic board replacement when they see the internal sensors tripped. This is Apple policy, and there is no way around it; even if the logic board is fine they aren't allowed to replace any parts or service the laptop in any way.

Best of luck, and remember, try to keep at least some degree of morality in tact :rolleyes:

[DavidHariri]

Thanks i've decided i'll take the bus to toronto and try my luck at the apple store. I found out the location of the moisture sensors, and i'm pretty sure they've been tripped, although i can't tell until i take the thing apart tommorow.

http://gizmodo.com/5063556/new-macbooks-will-totally-tell-mom-if-you-take-them-swimming

[Techhie]

just a warning, If they get their hand on the serial number, you are screwed. I would at least attempt to reverse the litmus paper before I go in, even if there is a 1/10 chance it will work =)

[Scottsdale]

Take it apart. Air dry it for 15 days. Put back together. Ensure you not turn on at all for full time. Probably will work like new. Unless you have damaged already, by turning on, it usually does the trick with water - especially rain water. I have turned on a computer before after water damage to no avail. After drying for a few weeks was as new. Good luck.

[DavidHariri]

Take it apart. Air dry it for 15 days. Put back together. Ensure you not turn on at all for full time. Probably will work like new. Unless you have damaged already, by turning on, it usually does the trick with water - especially rain water. I have turned on a computer before after water damage to no avail. After drying for a few weeks was as new. Good luck.

Thanks but i didn't know how much water was in so after a few hours i plugged her in only to here a pop after 3 minutes of normal behaviour. Thats when the backlight died. Pop sounded like it came from where the display ribbon meets the logic board

[gr8tfly]

I called apple tech support today and told them the truth as i wanted to know if the unibody models had an inverter board. The guy was adamant that there was one but i don't think there is. however i didn't give them the serial number of my computer when they asked so i doubt they took down all the information... Honestly, i'm a student, it's not going to bother me that a multi-billion dollar computer company gives me a new computer under false pretenses.

The inverter would be high on my list of suspects, too, but they're only needed on cold-cathode lit displays.

Just double-checking - it is a unibody model? You said "early 2008", and they came out late 2008.

Anyway, assuming the latter, the backlight goes through the LVDS cable assy, so they should have tried to reseat it. Otherwise, they should be able to easily isolate the problem to either the logic board or the display assy. All they have to do is connect a known good display assy. The driver for the backlight is on the logic board, so a short (rain) could have damaged a component there. It's also "downstream", so there's more of a chance of water damaging the logic board than the display. IMO if it's something physically damaged, it's more likely the logic board.

As an aside, even if the tech didn't have their own experience to rely on, the same basic troubleshooting suggestions are in the service manual. The "option 5" electroshock mentioned seems like a good idea.

edit: I hadn't read the part about the "pop". That doesn't sound good (no pun intended). Only two things I can think of that go pop: a connector arcing or a component letting its smoke out. I lean towards the loss of smoke - which means logic board.

edit 2: Honestly, i'm a student, it's not going to bother me that a multi-billion dollar computer company gives me a new computer under false pretenses. I missed that one, too. Nice. Especially for us stockholders. I really, really, want to help pay for your replacement MBP because you left one out in the rain. Really. I do. :rolleyes: :mad: I hope you still have a few more years of college left, 'cause you certainly have some things left to learn.

[tcphoto]

I cannot believe that you would actually commit this fraud. Not only are you going to lie about how the damage was done but manipulate the sensors to support your story. Karma is a bi!ch when it sneaks up on you and it will most likely be more expensive than the $800 that would have fixed the machine.

[DavidHariri]

I cannot believe that you would actually commit this fraud. Not only are you going to lie about how the damage was done but manipulate the sensors to support your story. Karma is a bi!ch when it sneaks up on you and it will most likely be more expensive than the $800 that would have fixed the machine.

Karma, got it. Dually noted.

...Next

[the1payday]

I cannot believe that you would actually commit this fraud. Not only are you going to lie about how the damage was done but manipulate the sensors to support your story. Karma is a bi!ch when it sneaks up on you and it will most likely be more expensive than the $800 that would have fixed the machine.

He can get the machine fixed when Apple shouldn't fix it because it was his own fault. Oh wait! Apple will also decline probably 100 or so repairs this year based on stupid things that AREN'T the user's fault. We'll call it even, deal?

[Techhie]

I cannot believe that you would actually commit this fraud. Not only are you going to lie about how the damage was done but manipulate the sensors to support your story. Karma is a bi!ch when it sneaks up on you and it will most likely be more expensive than the $800 that would have fixed the machine.

I'm sorry, I didn't realize that denying scoffy Apple geniuses the task of saying "that will be $1,000 for a new logic board" was fraud. Seriously, a minor accident like this should not have to end up in a huge repair, and telling a multi billion dollar corporation to replace just one more out of 100,000 laptops in a year isn't doing that much wrong. If you ask me, Apple owes small guys like this for purposely not including accidental in AppleCare specifically for this sort of situation to take advantage of their customers' deep(average) wallets.

[touchtone561]

Most credit cards have an accidental damage and protection program. (AMEX)
So if you have the card and proof of purchase documents and are within the alloted timeframe they will cover the loss for you.

This is an insurance program for just such an event. I used it when my razr got wet 90 days after I bought it. No problems.

If you paid cash - your S.O.L.

But if your credit card has an accidental damage portion you maybe okay for the loss. Even if you have a $50 copay - you would be ahead of the game, so check it out & keep your karma intact. ;)

[gr8tfly]

I'm sorry, I didn't realize that denying scoffy Apple geniuses the task of saying "that will be $1,000 for a new logic board" was fraud. Seriously, a minor accident like this should not have to end up in a huge repair, and telling a multi billion dollar corporation to replace just one more out of 100,000 laptops in a year isn't doing that much wrong. If you ask me, Apple owes small guys like this for purposely not including accidental in AppleCare specifically for this sort of situation to take advantage of their customers' deep(average) wallets.

Ah, it was the degree of wrongness that made it ok... I see. Good lesson there... :rolleyes: Btw: Apple doesn't owe anything it's not contracted for. Just because they have a lot of money DOES NOT MEAN SOME OF IT IS YOURS (sorry for yelling).

Soaking a piece of electronic equipment in water is hardly "a minor accident". Unfortunate as it was, leaving it by an open window is on the far side of "accidental" anyway. I sympathize with the OP, but it's not Apples responsibility to make sure the windows are closed when there's a chance of rain. (It makes me nuts when someone [actually] posts their intent on defrauding someone AND gets support for it here! Now, I'm just getting angry, so I'll stop here. :mad:)

As for the price of the logic board: You (the customer) have no say in how much a repair will cost. It's up to the company. Also, providing individual parts for repair is ALWAYS more costly than it seems it should. The logistics of pulling them from production, stocking, etc. is much more than if the part remained in the production line.

[electroshock]

Seriously, a minor accident like this should not have to end up in a huge repair.

Just curious: how do you know this is a minor repair -- sight unseen and having never looked at or even touched the OP's MBP and only know a few tidbits? Why not just tell the OP what part numbers or a description of the inexpensive parts he needs to order to repair it himself? After all, this is minor, right? ;)

[getz76]

It is nothing new, but I am always amazed that people feel justified in stealing from large corporations or rich individuals.

After reading the first post, I was hoping that the OP's computer could be fixed cheaply. After reading on, I am no longer hoping for that scenario.

[S-Man]

If you do decide to purchase a new lcd unit, isn't there a cheaper option, like the matte-display replacement by those guys...Techrestore is it? Yeah that's them. Check THIS (http://www.techrestore.com/xcart/home.php?cat=430) out. $199 or something for a matte screen.

[Techhie]

Just curious: how do you know this is a minor repair -- sight unseen and having never looked at or even touched the OP's MBP and only know a few tidbits? Why not just tell the OP what part numbers or a description of the inexpensive parts he needs to order to repair it himself? After all, this is minor, right? ;)

When I say "Major", I am not referring to the actual problem, but Apple's policy not to fix anything but the logic board if the sensors are tripped. If they think it has water damage, anything that's wrong with it regardless of how small becomes a huge problem (to have Apple fix, anyway)

[Techhie]

It is nothing new, but I am always amazed that people feel justified in stealing from large corporations or rich individuals.

After reading the first post, I was hoping that the OP's computer could be fixed cheaply. After reading on, I am no longer hoping for that scenario.

I'm not saying it's right, but there is no denying that Apple is basically asking people to do it without providing even a hint of accidental coverage among any of their product lines. That being said, I do feel some sympathy for those who have pumped thousands into Apple, only to be taken advantage of by the warranty system. Every other computer manufacturer provides a way to protect your expensive investment other than just replacing failing parts, why doesn't Apple?

[getz76]

I'm not saying it's right, but there is no denying that Apple is basically asking people to do it without providing even a hint of accidental coverage among any of their product lines. That being said, I do feel some sympathy for those who have pumped thousands into Apple, only to be taken advantage of by the warranty system. Every other computer manufacturer provides a way to protect your expensive investment other than just replacing failing parts, why doesn't Apple?

I am no Apple fanboy, but the fact is that most accidental coverage offered at point-of-sale is a complete rip-off (over-priced, high deductible, usually only covers replacement cost instead of purchase value). Buy accidental damage coverage from your current insurance provider. Get a rider for items not covered in your general policy. Know your insurance.

If you don't like the options, why buy an Apple?

[Techhie]

I am no Apple fanboy, but the fact is that most accidental coverage offered at point-of-sale is a complete rip-off (over-priced, high deductible, usually only covers replacement cost instead of purchase value). Buy accidental damage coverage from your current insurance provider. Get a rider for items not covered in your general policy. Know your insurance.

If you don't like the options, why buy an Apple?

I buy Apple because of the quality of their products, and my reliance on OS X. I call BS on the "high deductible", almost all major OEMs don't require any cash upon the repair of accidental damage, and only require the one time fee of buying the actual insurance. Many of these warranties can be had for little more than the cost of AppleCare. When I pay such large amounts of money for a computer from a company the size of Apple, I would think that they would follow industry standards (the good ones, that is), and at least provide me with an option for accidental coverage. I should not be inconvenienced to have to put the computer under my own insurance when there is a perfectly able multi billion dollar corporation that can back me up.

[getz76]

Believe what you like. Apple would not be backing you, an insurance company would be. Nothing wrong with that, as one provides my livelihood.

The reason Dell, BestBuy, etc. offer PoS insurance on portable electronics is for the commission, which tends to be 25-50% of the premium depending on experience. Policies without deductibles tend to have an even higher premium.

Why do insurance companies pay high premiums? High margins. Combined ratios for these types of products ((losses + commissions) / premiums) tend to be in the low 80%. Meanwhile, general homeowner policies hover in the low 90% range. PoS insurance tends to be for the uninformed. There are exceptions (event insurance, like some travel), but the are few and far between.

[Techhie]

Believe what you like. Apple would not be backing you, an insurance company would be. Nothing wrong with that, as one provides my livelihood.

The reason Dell, BestBuy, etc. offer PoS insurance on portable electronics is for the commission, which tends to be 25-50% of the premium depending on experience. Policies without deductibles tend to have an even higher premium.

Why do insurance companies pay high premiums? High margins. Combined ratios for these types of products ((losses + commissions) / premiums) tend to be in the low 80%. Meanwhile, general homeowner policies hover in the low 90% range. PoS insurance tends to be for the uninformed. There are exceptions (event insurance, like some travel), but the are few and far between.

Kind sir, I think that you may have the concepts of warranties and insurance confused. As I was aware, online sales earn no one commission. How insurance companies manipulate their funds is irrelevant, and the point is that the only reason AppleCare does not include accidental coverage is because Apple wants to force people into overpaying for repairs when they break something. It is as simple as that.

[Davidkoh]

Kind sir, I think that you may have the concepts of warranties and insurance confused. As I was aware, online sales earn no one commission. How insurance companies manipulate their funds is irrelevant, and the point is that the only reason AppleCare does not include accidental coverage is because Apple wants to force people into overpaying for repairs when they break something. It is as simple as that.

If you break your computer you should pay alot, maybe you will learn not to be a moron then...


for OP:
I would just sell that computer and buy a new one. If you try to fraud them I hope they catch you and you get charged with fraud. Maybe that would teach you to grow up and take responsibility for your stupid actions.

[shadow1]

I would personally reserve the sensors and then claim that there's an internal defect

[maflynn]

I'm not saying it's right, but there is no denying that Apple is basically asking people to do it without providing even a hint of accidental coverage among any of their product lines. That being said, I do feel some sympathy for those who have pumped thousands into Apple, only to be taken advantage of by the warranty system. Every other computer manufacturer provides a way to protect your expensive investment other than just replacing failing parts, why doesn't Apple?

Yes its fraud because you are lying to get something for nothing. No offense to the OP but he was negligent and to cover that negligence you are suggesting lying, and modifying the hardware. You cannot justify it by how apple's business practices.

To the OP, you may be better off getting a new machine, if drying it out for a while fails to work. Trying to get it repaired may be like a dog chasing its tail. You fix one thing, only to find another component has also failed. Sell the laptop as parts to help offset the cost of a new machine. You can also look at the refurbs to help ease the hit to your wallet.

Also, take this as an expensive life lesson. Its incredibly risky to leave a laptop on the floor. I've read enough posts about people doing that only to step on it, throw up on it (after a night of partying) or in your case getting it soaked from rain. I don't know about you but if I'm going to spend > 2k on something, I'm going to bend over backwards to take care of it - just food for thought.

[clyde2801]

Karma, got it. Dually noted.

...Next

I believe you mean 'duly noted'. Unless you noted it twice.:D

[DavidHariri]

Holy moly, i didn't think this thread would get so much attention. Let me please clear some things up. I take extremely good care of my belongings (I know probably everyone says that, but in this case it's true) I have expensive taste, but i work for what i own and thats not a crime. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before and so i'm not quite sure how to go about this, hence why i posted this thread.

I realize that right now my morals are in question, but let me break it down for you. I've been using apple products since i was 6 (I'm 19). My dad alone has a Macbook Pro, a Mac Pro with 30" Cinema Display, and a macbook Air. To put it lightly, were not the average customer and hopefully apple will recognize that. Apple says that i'll be looking at around 1400 dollars to repair my computer, which is way beyond my budget (before anyone asks, my parents are not paying for this one). The computer repair technician can't figure out what the problem is so it's either 1400 for the logic board, or 800 for the display and then if that doesn't work its another 1400 = 2200.

Apples repair policies, which basically condone and encourage buying a new computer after what should be reparable, are more questionable than me "frauding" a company into taking care of it's loyal customers. I'm sorry to have offended anyone with this thread and i thank everyone who offered ideas. I came here looking for an intelligent and strong mac community and i got it. I will let you all know how it goes.

[getz76]

Kind sir, I think that you may have the concepts of warranties and insurance confused. As I was aware, online sales earn no one commission. How insurance companies manipulate their funds is irrelevant, and the point is that the only reason AppleCare does not include accidental coverage is because Apple wants to force people into overpaying for repairs when they break something. It is as simple as that.

You got one thing right; you called me sir.

Whatever you want to think. Insurance is my day job.

To make clear this is mis-information for the rest of the folks, let me clarify.

In the U.S., it is illegal to offer property insurance without a license to issue insurance. Dell, BestBuy, et.al. do not insure the products. A large majority are covered by AIG (AIG) and Assurant (AIZ). A commission is paid to the seller of insurance (i.e., BestBuy or Dell, in this example). Online sales do indeed earn a commission.

Warranties are much more loosely regulated. The reason being there is no "event" (i.e, rain damage, fall from a table, etc.), rather a manufactured defect. This ends up being a service contract. However, the same two companies (AIG and AIZ) offer warranties as well (because there is money in it). AIG offers warranties through BestBuy, PC Richards, etc. AIZ offered through then Circuit City and CompUSA (and is still servicing existing contracts).

As a rule of thumb for consumer electronics, if you are paying more than 2% of value a year to cover something for accidental damage for a personal use item, you are getting ripped off.

[Davidkoh]

Apples repair policies, which basically condone and encourage buying a new computer after what should be reparable, are more questionable than me "frauding" a company into taking care of it's loyal customers. I'm sorry to have offended anyone with this thread and i thank everyone who offered ideas. I came here looking for an intelligent and strong mac community and i got it. I will let you all know how it goes.

So wait a minute? Just because you bought alot of stuff before you should be allowed to break your **** and then get free repairs? That's a egoistic way to live your life. Obviously you do not take care of your stuff, otherwise we would not be having this discussion.

For the insurance discussion:
I got a "Accidental damage" in my insurance plan for my apartment, not the best payouts (think its -20% of buying value per year and then a one time fee of 200 dollars if I use the plan), so if I break my computer within 6 months I get Buying value*0.9 - 200 dollars. Decently atleast.

[spice weasel]

For the OP: I hope you learned a valuable lesson here. No, that lesson is not "don't let my laptop get wet" (although that is a good one to learn too). It is, "don't admit on these forums that I'm contemplating attempting to defraud Apple." Because if you do, as you have witnessed, you will be on the receiving end of the sanctimony stick.

[CrackedButter]

So wait a minute? Just because you bought alot of stuff before you should be allowed to break your **** and then get free repairs? That's a egoistic way to live your life. Obviously you do not take care of your stuff, otherwise we would not be having this discussion.

This reminds me of those people who buy an iPhone on contract and then demand the new one (for free) 12 months later because they have been a loyal customer when all they have done is stick to the terms of their contract.

Just because I buy Apple gear doesn't make me a loyal customer. Being a loyal customer would actually mean I wouldn't try to defraud them out of a new machine.

If you can't be honest about it then suck it up and buy a cheaper windows alternative and do your work on that instead. Some other people have nothing in this world.

[george.dye]

[For the purpose of my post, I will assume OP is a college student. I believe this was stated earlier]


I too am a college student, 19: an art major with a MBP. I am in murky financial waters; so every decision affects my livelihood. I as well work for everything I have. I work two jobs to pay for school. I do see the OP's conundrum with his mounting repair costs or his less honorable route.

I believe this gentlemen should defraud apple. Based not upon what is just or righteous against a mighty corporation; or to "stick-it" to "the man". Simply because what this man did was accidental and to be punished so harshly for an accident is ludicrous. So if I were in your position I would fib to apple.

[electroshock]

I believe this gentlemen should defraud apple. Based not upon what is just or righteous against a mighty corporation; or to "stick-it" to "the man". Simply because what this man did was accidental and to be punished so harshly for an accident is ludicrous. So if I were in your position I would fib to apple.

Oh boy, here we go...

[Davidkoh]

[For the purpose of my post, I will assume OP is a college student. I believe this was stated earlier]


I too am a college student, 19: an art major with a MBP. I am in murky financial waters; so every decision affects my livelihood. I as well work for everything I have. I work two jobs to pay for school. I do see the OP's conundrum with his mounting repair costs or his less honorable route.

I believe this gentlemen should defraud apple. Based not upon what is just or righteous against a mighty corporation; or to "stick-it" to "the man". Simply because what this man did was accidental and to be punished so harshly for an accident is ludicrous. So if I were in your position I would fib to apple.

If he cannot afford he can get a cheaper computer? I am a college student too, but I don't go around breaking my stuff. Just because you are a student does not make it right to break your things then get free repairs by misleading any company. Sure it was an accident, but he made the accident happen. I would not say you take care of your computer if you leave it ON THE FLOOR, in front of an open window on a rainy day. Laptops have nothing to do on the floor to start with. An accident is when something unforeseen happens, I could of told the OP from the start leaving his computer there was a bad idea.

[DavidHariri]

If he cannot afford he can get a cheaper computer? I am a college student too, but I don't go around breaking my stuff. Just because you are a student does not make it right to break your things then get free repairs by misleading any company. Sure it was an accident, but he made the accident happen. I would not say you take care of your computer if you leave it ON THE FLOOR, in front of an open window on a rainy day. Laptops have nothing to do on the floor to start with. An accident is when something unforeseen happens, I could of told the OP from the start leaving his computer there was a bad idea.

I refuse to get heated over it, but you really need to take a step back and think about the way you address people. It's really rude.

In other news, I decided to do the honorable thing and own up to my accidents. Like i said before i've never been a liar and after a couple days of though i decided that today would not be the day to start.

I bought a 23" Screen (ACER) and an apple keyboard. I downloaded insomnia and it's now running as a desktop. My university was kind enough to give me store credit for the money that i payed the repair technician as he basically told me what i already knew.

Thanks again to everyone for replying so quickly. Not going to close the thread just yet as i'd like to see where this debate about insurance etc... goes. Hope everyones having a fantastic tuesday.

[CrackedButter]

Simply because what this man did was accidental and to be punished so harshly for an accident is ludicrous. So if I were in your position I would fib to apple.

Can of worms.

Lol, who is being punished? If you break something, then you fix it, simple.

[Davidkoh]

I refuse to get heated over it, but you really need to take a step back and think about the way you address people. It's really rude.


Rude? You were talking about trying to get free repairs when YOU broke the computer. That is really rude to me who get to pay a higher price for Apples computers because you are lying to get free repairs. Why would I care about being rude to someone who wants to commit crimes? Now you did not do it so you deserve more respect.

Now you changed your mind though and did the right thing, that's very good of you. You did the right thing.

[snberk103]

Holy moly, i didn't think this thread would get so much attention. Let me please clear some things up. I take extremely good care of my belongings (I know probably everyone says that, but in this case it's true) I have expensive taste, but i work for what i own and thats not a crime. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before and so i'm not quite sure how to go about this, hence why i posted this thread.

I realize that right now my morals are in question, but let me break it down for you. I've been using apple products since i was 6 (I'm 19). My dad alone has a Macbook Pro, a Mac Pro with 30" Cinema Display, and a macbook Air. To put it lightly, were not the average customer and hopefully apple will recognize that. ... (stuff snipped)

A) Take the notebook to an authorized Apple Repair centre (not the Apple Store)... get some recommendations for good ones in your area. A proper repair centre will swap out some parts to isolate the bad part. From what I've read on the board over the past few years, an Apple Store is last place I would take a system in for repair, except for the case where they are swapping out a defective part (or system) under warranty. An Apple Store is primarily a retail place to sell systems, they do not run a repair shop. Its a store that also does repairs. Find a repair shop, and see what they say.

[Edited out a section due to the OP's posting of his updates while I was typing - karmic balance is maintained]

You've had bad luck... (snipped) If you had stuck with the I've had "bad luck" how do I cope with this.... you would likely have found this community much more willing to help. I've seen Mac owners on this site offer to loan spare parts, or to actually help with the disassembly to facilitate repairs or diagnostics.

Good Luck with your repairs - try a repair facility, run by a geek with shelves full of spare parts, and partly cannibalized G3, G4, and G5 carcasses on the floor.

[getz76]

B) Regardless of your "loyalty" to Apple - you are thinking about committing fraud. At least admit it, and ask for advice on the best way to defraud Apple instead of justifying it.

Thank you. That's the thing that worries me most; the rationalizing of it all.

[Scallywag]

edit 2: I missed that one, too. Nice. Especially for us stockholders. I really, really, want to help pay for your replacement MBP because you left one out in the rain. Really. I do. :rolleyes: :mad: I hope you still have a few more years of college left, 'cause you certainly have some things left to learn.

How would the OP's doing this effect Apple's stock price???? This is a asinine comment. Replacing his computer would cost Apple nothing...there are stockpiles of these computers readily available for that purpose.
If this is a moral issue, then fine. But this will in no way at all effect Apple's earnings or your precious stock.

[MattZani]

OP -

Of its working in desktop mode, then it is the LCD, not the logic board, just keep shopping around for an LCD, then bam all good.

[Davidkoh]

How would the OP's doing this effect Apple's stock price???? This is a asinine comment. Replacing his computer would cost Apple nothing...there are stockpiles of these computers readily available for that purpose.
If this is a moral issue, then fine. But this will in no way at all effect Apple's earnings or your precious stock.

It won't? Wait a second, so if all Apple customers broke their computers and demanded new ones it would not change a thing? Apple would magically get new ones without any cost what so ever! How great. Reality check? No thank you!

[auero]

usually if you take it to the apple store there are flat rates for depo repairs. Each level costs a different amount but I dont think there is anything higher than ~600. Not sure though. Check an apple store.

[allmIne]

Karma, got it. Dually noted.

...Next

I lol'd pretty hard :)

Aside from the bickering, there are some great points here though.

[tcphoto]

BTW, Apple did not add the liquid sensors until the introduction of the unibody MBP. If there wasn't any watermarks Apple would have probably fixed it for free.

I'm sure that you are a little embarrassed that you actually thought aloud that you'd commit fraud and lie to Apple in order to get it repaired for free. I do not care if you bought every Apple product over the past five years, you are not entitled to anything for free except for a functioning piece of gear. You broke the computer through negligence and you should pay for the repair.

[MacModMachine]

this is one of those freak accidents....

like

"it got pee'd on while i was browsing by the flush"

i hate freak accidents....

[melman101]

You know, I always read these threads and wonder if the people who are all like "Don't commit fraud, etc" have ever had something bad happen to them. I bet they thought of "Hey I'll bring it in for warranty and try my luck." Anyone who says "Don't commit fraud", I just don't believe they never did anything like that or never had the thought to commit fraud. Or even just plain ole' lied to someone. Now, everyone reply and say "Hey, I never did." :-)

And I am also very very careful with my stuff, but accidents do happen.

[Davidkoh]

You know, I always read these threads and wonder if the people who are all like "Don't commit fraud, etc" have ever had something bad happen to them. I bet they thought of "Hey I'll bring it in for warranty and try my luck." Anyone who says "Don't commit fraud", I just don't believe they never did anything like that or never had the thought to commit fraud. Or even just plain ole' lied to someone. Now, everyone reply and say "Hey, I never did." :-)

And I am also very very careful with my stuff, but accidents do happen.

If you only know the amount of **** I broke ;) Never my computer since I am pretty careful with it. If I break **** I pay for new, simple as that. You never grow up if you don't learn to take responsibility for your mistakes.

[BaronvdB]

This mindset drives me crazy....Apple makes a lot of money so if YOU screw up THEY should pay for it??? that's nuts!!

Sounds familiar though....some people make THEIR choice not to go to college, work hard, etc (granted there are some people that just have bad luck) and they think the people that did work hard to make a lot of money should pay for their shortfall by paying even higher taxes....that is even more nuts!

[kryptonianjorel]

I just want to wish you good luck. I'm not here to judge you or your morals, that's all up to you, and do what you have to do.

Being an engineering student, I would take this as a challenge (after cursing and screaming for a few hours). I would take it apart myself and replace the backlighting assembly and cabling.

[LeToasterman]

i was lookin for somewhere to post this, and this seems like a good place. I was usin my new macbook (i bought it two days ago) at the dock by my cottage, and my friend who was drunk spilt beer all over the keyboard. I got angry and stood up and droped it, and it fell between the cracks of the dock board.

I read that you can find the water indicators and remove them? Is this true? Can i do this and apple will replace my laptop?

Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it.

[Ptyger]

i was lookin for somewhere to post this, and this seems like a good place. I was usin my new macbook (i bought it two days ago) at the dock by my cottage, and my friend who was drunk spilt beer all over the keyboard. I got angry and stood up and droped it, and it fell between the cracks of the dock board.

I read that you can find the water indicators and remove them? Is this true? Can i do this and apple will replace my laptop?

Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it.

:eek::eek::eek:

I seriously hope you are being sarcastic. If you aren't... well, words cannot adequately express my disgust.

[sn0warmy]

What I would do is the following (off the record):

1. Go to the Apple Tech on your campus, and get him to tell you where the moisture censors are inside of the computer.

2. Reverse the color of them with the ol' cotton swab and isopropyl trick (don't quote me on this, I don't know if the sensors are the same litmus paper that they are in the iPods)

3. Go to the Apple Store and claim GPU failure, and hope for the best. The worst they can do is say no.

Alternatively, you could have Apple take a look at it, but 99.9% of geniuses out there will automatically tell you that you need a logic board replacement when they see the internal sensors tripped. This is Apple policy, and there is no way around it; even if the logic board is fine they aren't allowed to replace any parts or service the laptop in any way.

Best of luck, and remember, try to keep at least some degree of morality in tact :rolleyes:

haha, you are posting this on the internet for the entire world to see "off the record"?

But yes, if I was in the OP's shoes, I would do exactly this.

I cannot believe that you would actually commit this fraud. Not only are you going to lie about how the damage was done but manipulate the sensors to support your story. Karma is a bi!ch when it sneaks up on you and it will most likely be more expensive than the $800 that would have fixed the machine.

Hi, you must be Jesus. And I'm sure you've never broken a law or policy in your life.

I love the ridiculous amount of hypocrites on this forum.

:eek::eek::eek:

I seriously hope you are being sarcastic. If you aren't... well, words cannot adequately express my disgust.

If someone else wants to find a way to beat the "Almighty Apple Regime" and you care enough to actually be disgusted, then you have some real mental issues.

[Techhie]

I pay $2,000 for a computer that takes Apple 1/2 of that to make. Then, I buy a warranty that has been specifically designed to increase profit by yet again overcharging people for hardware repairs when "accidents" happen.

Not to say that lying to Apple isn't fraud, but I have yet to understand how people can be so hypocritical as to stand up for a company who is blatantly ripping them off. That being said, I have owned dozens of Macs and various Apple products and appreciate the quality and thought that has gone into them with every day.

I understand that fibbing goes against morals and that no amount of money you have paid can serve as justification, but when it becomes obvious that you are being manipulated by a corporation (for your own stupidity, etc.) it becomes a question of ethics.

Growing up does mean taking responsibility for your actions, I agree with that. However if this is the case, Apple must still be in it's infancy; hundreds of things happen every year that they just sweep under the carpet.

I don't mean this to be a rally against Apple, but I don't think it's right when people aren't even willing to consider other points of view because it goes against ingrained conduct.

[michaelsviews]

I refuse to get heated over it, but you really need to take a step back and think about the way you address people. It's really rude.

In other news, I decided to do the honorable thing and own up to my accidents. Like i said before i've never been a liar and after a couple days of though i decided that today would not be the day to start.

I bought a 23" Screen (ACER) and an apple keyboard. I downloaded insomnia and it's now running as a desktop. My university was kind enough to give me store credit for the money that i payed the repair technician as he basically told me what i already knew.

Thanks again to everyone for replying so quickly. Not going to close the thread just yet as i'd like to see where this debate about insurance etc... goes. Hope everyones having a fantastic tuesday.

Not sure if your in the States or oversea's but if in the states do Mom and Dad have home owners insurance ? and if they DO did you try going through them? It worked for my son's friend at college and all he had to do was pay the deductible, the insurance company took the laptop and gave them a check for the exact same computer "system was only a few months old and still available in stores" But anyways minus the 250 and thats it.

[gr8tfly]

How would the OP's doing this effect Apple's stock price???? This is a asinine comment. Replacing his computer would cost Apple nothing...there are stockpiles of these computers readily available for that purpose.
If this is a moral issue, then fine. But this will in no way at all effect Apple's earnings or your precious stock.

Wait, what? Do you even understand what stock is?

A company's financial performance affects their stock price. If the company is losing product through fraud, then it affects their bottom line - one way or the other. Where do you think these "stockpiles" come from?? It takes money to produce them. They come from the same production line as the ones ending up shipped or sitting on store shelves. If they are not sold, but instead used to cover a falsely obtained warranty claim, they are a loss to the company. Do you think they're somehow "free"? No matter how you rationalize it ("replacing his computer would cost Apple nothing"), those stockpiles and the money it takes to produce them ARE NOT YOURS OR THE OPS for the taking. They belong to the company AND its stockholders.

I'm a self-admitted lousy business person, but even I can see the link.

[gr8tfly]

I pay $2,000 for a computer that takes Apple 1/2 of that to make. Then, I buy a warranty that has been specifically designed to increase profit by yet again overcharging people for hardware repairs when "accidents" happen.

50% is a pretty typical margin. If you think it's too expensive, don't buy it. There are cheaper, lower margin computers out there.

Don't buy the warranty.

Not to say that lying to Apple isn't fraud, but I have yet to understand how people can be so hypocritical as to stand up for a company who is blatantly ripping them off. That being said, I have owned dozens of Macs and various Apple products and appreciate the quality and thought that has gone into them with every day.

Back to the 50% - where do you think they get the money to produce a product with "the quality and thought that has gone into them..."?

I understand that fibbing goes against morals and that no amount of money you have paid can serve as justification, but when it becomes obvious that you are being manipulated by a corporation (for your own stupidity, etc.) it becomes a question of ethics.

Yes. Ethics. Do not buy a company's product if you feel cheated by them. Otherwise, you have no claim against them. You don't get to rationalize your own "ethics" because you don't like the company.

Growing up does mean taking responsibility for your actions, I agree with that. However if this is the case, Apple must still be in it's infancy; hundreds of things happen every year that they just sweep under the carpet.

I won't comment on the "growing up" part :rolleyes:. What "things" get swept under the carpet, though? Apple isn't without its faults and does make mistakes, if that's what you mean. But, "hundreds"?

I don't mean this to be a rally against Apple, but I don't think it's right when people aren't even willing to consider other points of view because it goes against ingrained conduct.

That's because the "other points of view" condone fraudulent actions. It's not even a gray area. It's very simply wrong vs. right. You don't get to change rules you didn't make, just because you don't agree with them, or dislike the person or company which made them.

The things I've broken, I've paid for. If, by chance, I had accidental damage insurance, and they covered such damage, sure I'd make the claim. There wouldn't be any reason to lie about it, though. Either they covered water damage or not. Some policies do (I had such coverage on a cell phone that got soaked).

Obviously, I feel strongly about what's right & wrong. Anytime someone posts they're going to defraud someone or posts about how it's somehow justified, I'm going to be commenting on it. I see others have too, and I hope to continue seeing them do so. Have a good one.

[Techhie]

50% is a pretty typical margin. If you think it's too expensive, don't buy it. There are cheaper, lower margin computers out there.

Don't buy the warranty.



Back to the 50% - where do you think they get the money to produce a product with "the quality and thought that has gone into them..."?


Yes. Ethics. Do not buy a company's product if you feel cheated by them. Otherwise, you have no claim against them. You don't get to rationalize your own "ethics" because you don't like the company.



I won't comment on the "growing up" part :rolleyes:. What "things" get swept under the carpet, though? Apple isn't without its faults and does make mistakes, if that's what you mean. But, "hundreds"?



That's because the "other points of view" condone fraudulent actions. It's not even a gray area. It's very simply wrong vs. right. You don't get to change rules you didn't make, just because you don't agree with them, or dislike the person or company which made them.

The things I've broken, I've paid for. If, by chance, I had accidental damage insurance, and they covered such damage, sure I'd make the claim. There wouldn't be any reason to lie about it, though. Either they covered water damage or not. Some policies do (I had such coverage on a cell phone that got soaked).

Obviously, I feel strongly about what's right & wrong. Anytime someone posts they're going to defraud someone or posts about how it's somehow justified, I'm going to be commenting on it. I see others have too, and I hope to continue seeing them do so. Have a good one.

I have to say, I respect your opinion. Like I've said numerous times before, I am not in any way suggesting that fraud is justifiable. However, I feel that if you fall victim to one of these "accidents" involving a certain expensive item that you own, your rationality might change. Of course, my guess is that you will be the first one in line to pony up $2,000 for a new machine; just like the other righteous people before you.

/thread

[NC MacGuy]

I think the OP is a clown who's not serious in the least. #1 post.. Number two was in the bathtub. Do the maths.:rolleyes: