17" PowerBook Repair Options

[Billicus]

Hi all. I've had a 1.3 GHz PowerBook since last October. The model I currently have is the second one, after receiving a PowerBook that wouldn't play DVDs...

Anyway, this computer has been great, but there are a couple of things about the PowerBook that are of a minor annoyance. Mind you, these don't really effect my day to day usage with the computer, but they still detract from the beauty and the elagance of the machine.

The computer has an area on the screen where there is a section of uneven illumination. The technology specialist at my local computer shop doesn't think it is of the same nature of the white spots that were appearing on the 15" Models. The other problem I am experiencing is that there has been some corrosion under the right palm rest, where the annodized alluminum is no longer solid, and has turned into small black dots.

I called Apple Support about these issues, since we recently purchased Applecare for the PowerBook, they gave me a case number, but told me that these were not issues from their Knowledge Base, so they didn't allow me to send it directly to them... They made me drive 45 miles to the local Apple Repair Center so that it could be "examined" by an "expert."

So, after having the PowerBook there for over two weeks, we decided that nothing was going to be done, so we picked it up. They claim to have e-mailed and called Apple, and said that Apple considered my problems as "cosmetic" defects, and as such they wouldn't repair them under AppleCare warranty... How can a problem with the screen and the palm rest be considered cosmetic defects???

Unfortunately, I don't know how to continue from here. As I said, they are just minor annoyances at the moment, but couldn't they develop into bigger problems? And would Apple, at that point in time, still consider them as cosmetic defects?

I don't understand what good AppleCare is if Apple is going to refuse to repair my computer when I have problems with it!!

What can I do know?

 

[dotnina]

Could you post a picture of the problems you've described? It does sound like it might be white spots, or uneven backlighting.

 

[seamuskrat]

Its about how you approach it. Time to play hardball.

Uneven pale illumination, then its the dreaded whitespots. Go to the Discussions boards and get the thread numbers of the white spot discussions and call Apple care. There is no reason that should not be covered.

As for the palm rest, that is tougher. Oils, lotions, etc. from hands can cause reactions to the surface of the laptop. Si, is this a defect? Damage? Its hard to say. Pitting would be related to manufacturing, but I have never heard of this, so I guess it may be something in your environment. However, if they replace the backlight for the whitespots, they may reissue you a new machine, so problem solved.

Hi all. I've had a 1.3 GHz PowerBook since last October. The model I currently have is the second one, after receiving a PowerBook that wouldn't play DVDs...

Anyway, this computer has been great, but there are a couple of things about the PowerBook that are of a minor annoyance. Mind you, these don't really effect my day to day usage with the computer, but they still detract from the beauty and the elagance of the machine.

The computer has an area on the screen where there is a section of uneven illumination. The technology specialist at my local computer shop doesn't think it is of the same nature of the white spots that were appearing on the 15" Models. The other problem I am experiencing is that there has been some corrosion under the right palm rest, where the annodized alluminum is no longer solid, and has turned into small black dots.

I called Apple Support about these issues, since we recently purchased Applecare for the PowerBook, they gave me a case number, but told me that these were not issues from their Knowledge Base, so they didn't allow me to send it directly to them... They made me drive 45 miles to the local Apple Repair Center so that it could be "examined" by an "expert."

So, after having the PowerBook there for over two weeks, we decided that nothing was going to be done, so we picked it up. They claim to have e-mailed and called Apple, and said that Apple considered my problems as "cosmetic" defects, and as such they wouldn't repair them under AppleCare warranty... How can a problem with the screen and the palm rest be considered cosmetic defects???

Unfortunately, I don't know how to continue from here. As I said, they are just minor annoyances at the moment, but couldn't they develop into bigger problems? And would Apple, at that point in time, still consider them as cosmetic defects?

I don't understand what good AppleCare is if Apple is going to refuse to repair my computer when I have problems with it!!

What can I do know?

 

[rendezvouscp]

Yeah, the screen should be taken care of. It can be distracting, and could inhibit you from working at your best. The corrosion is a problem, like the TiBooks paint problems. Sadly, uncovered by AppleCare. Good luck with AppleCare though.
–Chase

 

[jamdr]

The uneven backlight should definitely be fixed. I had the same problem with my iBook and Apple replaced the screen with no problems. You just need to phrase it differently. Don't call it a "minor" issue--say that parts of your screen don't light up fully or something. As for the palm rest, I don't think they're going to replace the case for you.

 

[Billicus]

Thx, all... I'll call Apple again tomorrow...

 

[WinterMute]

My rev A 17" has pitting where my right palm heel rests, it's to do with the acid in sweat attacking the aluminium, and I seriously doubt Apple will wear it under warranty, especially as they won't cop for the feet falling off, and want £15 for a new set.