Letter from Apple
I got this email recently. Did anyone else get the same? It looks legit but I don't recognize the email address.
"From: Apple <News_Asia@InsideApple.Apple.com>
Subject: Important information about your iMac.
Date: October 25, 2012 11:47:36 AM GMT+07:00
To: <removed>
Dear iMac owner,
Apple has determined that certain 1TB Seagate hard drives used in 21.5-inch and 27-inch iMac systems may fail. These systems were sold between October 2009 and July 2011.
Our records show that you have an iMac with an affected 1TB Seagate hard drive. Apple will replace your hard drive with a new one, free of charge, under the iMac 1TB Seagate Hard Drive Replacement Program.
Please choose one of the following options to get a replacement hard drive.
Apple Authorised Service Provider Find one here.
Apple Technical Support Contact us for local service options.
Apple recommends replacing your affected hard drive as soon as possible. Before you go in for service, please back up your data. Learn more about backup options.
Additional Information
You will need to have the original Mac OS installation discs that were shipped with your iMac in order to reinstall your operating system, other applications and any backed-up data after your hard drive is replaced.
This worldwide Apple program does not extend the standard warranty coverage of the iMac.
Apple will replace affected 1TB Seagate hard drives, free of charge, for three years from your iMacs original date of purchase or until 12 April, 2013, whichever provides longer coverage for you. Apple will continue to evaluate service data and provide extensions to this program as needed.
We apologise for any inconvenience.
Sincerely,
Apple Inc."
The drive in my 2010 iMac was about to fail (SMART message in Disc Utility.app, delays, freeze-ups and beachballs etc.) and I replaced it with an SSD less than a month ago. When I got the email I called the authorized reseller in Ho Chi Minh City (there is no official Apple store) where I had made the change and they said that if I kept the old drive that I could bring it in and they could give me a replacement and put the SSD where the optical drive is now. My only new cost will be a USB DVD drive.