I have a 15" Powerbook for which I purchased the Applecare warranty extension. I brought it in for service soon after purchasing it because there was a problem with a function key and was told then that I should also replace the bottom casing because it contained a small dent incurred during a slight mishap and this was supposed to pose some kind of electric hazard (?!). Because the damage was due to mishandling, I had to pay almost $200.
Now two years later, the latch on the PB no longer shuts properly and feeling relieved that I still had applecare coverage, I brought it to a service centre. Again, I was told that fixing the latch required replacing the entire bottom casing and would cost another $200, as this was not covered by applecare. I thought this was ridiculous and called Apple directly to complain. The rep apologized and gave me a case number, saying the repair would be pre-approved.
So I brought it back again and was told it would take 7-10 days. Two weeks later, I get a call from the centre saying they have a quote for the repair -- $200! The person said there was no indication of any pre-approval. Supposedly the problem is classified as "abuse" because my laptop case has some scratches on it and a minor dent on one corner where I bumped it against my desk some time last year. Yet the problem with the latch occured only recently.
I suppose the laptop must remain in pristine condition, otherwise they can always cite "abuse" as a reason not to honor the warranty. And what kind of design is this, that you need to replace an entire casing because a latch doesn't shut? Applecare seems to have been a waste of money.
Now two years later, the latch on the PB no longer shuts properly and feeling relieved that I still had applecare coverage, I brought it to a service centre. Again, I was told that fixing the latch required replacing the entire bottom casing and would cost another $200, as this was not covered by applecare. I thought this was ridiculous and called Apple directly to complain. The rep apologized and gave me a case number, saying the repair would be pre-approved.
So I brought it back again and was told it would take 7-10 days. Two weeks later, I get a call from the centre saying they have a quote for the repair -- $200! The person said there was no indication of any pre-approval. Supposedly the problem is classified as "abuse" because my laptop case has some scratches on it and a minor dent on one corner where I bumped it against my desk some time last year. Yet the problem with the latch occured only recently.
I suppose the laptop must remain in pristine condition, otherwise they can always cite "abuse" as a reason not to honor the warranty. And what kind of design is this, that you need to replace an entire casing because a latch doesn't shut? Applecare seems to have been a waste of money.
