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Macbook Water Damage, argh!

Techhie

Techhie

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Dec 7, 2008
1,160
0
The hub of stupidity
My friend bought a MacBook 2.1 Ghz penryn for $350 on Tues. night. Got a great deal, and the laptop is fully functioning. There is a small chipping on the corner, which I verified AppleCare would cover when I called before I bought the laptop with the serial number ready. I called to verify if the laptop had any prior damage or voided the warranty, and they told me NO. Now when I go to get the damage repaired, I get told there has been a reported water damage by a genius off record and he suggested "doing some research". I have a couple options, as I was going to sell to save for a new unibody MacBook.

1. Replace top of laptop with damage and then sell

2. Do the "rubbing alcohol trick" on the litmus paper on the Logic Board (is that where it is??)

3. Sell the laptop as-is (won't get much money for a fully functioning MacBook)

4. Keep and use it, though liquid damage has been unpredictable and I really want a new MacBook.

I really need your advice on this one, as I feel like I let my friend down leading them to this deal.
 
So you thought a $350 MB was a 'great deal'. Why would anyone sell it at that price unless something was wrong with it?
 
Techhie said:
I know, but they already bought it and I need a solution, not someone telling me I'm stupid.

thanks
Click to expand...

sell it on ebay as mint

iv done it with a macbook with damage before, my the time the buyer finds out there has been water damage, you will be allready using your new macbook, the worst thing that will happens is you will get negative reputation
 
Techhie said:
I know, but they already bought it and I need a solution, not someone telling me I'm stupid.

thanks
Click to expand...

Did the Genius inform you what the reported water damage was? Since this was a 'great deal', maybe looking into another logic board to purchase is an option?

If I was the friend, I'd look on ebay and see whats available. Best help I can offer.

(Any issues with the computer 'as is'?
 
amrk47 said:
sell it on ebay as mint

iv done it with a macbook with damage before, my the time the buyer finds out there has been water damage, you will be allready using your new macbook, the worst thing that will happens is you will get negative reputation
Click to expand...

exactly why i never use ebay or online shopping.
 
amrk47 said:
sell it on ebay as mint

iv done it with a macbook with damage before, my the time the buyer finds out there has been water damage, you will be allready using your new macbook, the worst thing that will happens is you will get negative reputation
Click to expand...

And thats why God created Hell.
 
Yeah, I could sell as mint and have a guilty conscience, but I'd rather be able to sell with a replaced top case that doesn't have a crack for more money. I'm just not sure that the alcohol trick will work on the litmus paper. I mean, selling on Craigslist or eBay as mint wouldn't be bad, because it is a FULLY working MacBook
 
amrk47 said:
sell it on ebay as mint

iv done it with a macbook with damage before, my the time the buyer finds out there has been water damage, you will be allready using your new macbook, the worst thing that will happens is you will get negative reputation
Click to expand...


You have to love these boards...........One of the few places where people confess and relish in their sins. You people sicken me.

Karma is a bitch baby, (and I'm not talking about the E-bay reputation point kind.)
 
amrk47 said:
sell it on ebay as mint

iv done it with a macbook with damage before, my the time the buyer finds out there has been water damage, you will be allready using your new macbook, the worst thing that will happens is you will get negative reputation
Click to expand...

LoL i'd do a charge back and keep your stuff if you tried that on me ;), and now that paypal is on this 'guilty until innocent' trip with its sellers, its you against the world.
 
amrk47 said:
sell it on ebay as mint

iv done it with a macbook with damage before, my the time the buyer finds out there has been water damage, you will be allready using your new macbook, the worst thing that will happens is you will get negative reputation
Click to expand...

No, the worst thing that will happen is that you will put some more bad karma out there and encourage someone to trust others a little less. I don't image that that would trouble you too much. Your folks must be real proud about how you turned out. It's kind of amazing how quickly you tanked your reputation on this thread. Good luck with the rest of your life.
 
Techhie said:
didn't mean to get anyone pissed, I'm just trying to find a way so my friend doesn't get screwed over because of me
Click to expand...

Well the wrong solution would be to turn around and screw someone else like your friend got screwed. I would think that since your friend bought a Macbook with water damage that wasn't disclosed that you wouldn't want him to sell it without disclosing the problems it has. It's not mint, do the right thing. Seriously, that's why Ebay has bad rep. Your OP is a bit confusing, you stated that your friend bought the Macbook but you seem to be taking on the responsibility of getting it fixed and selling it so YOU can buy a Macbook? Could you please clarify this?
 
Friend bought this MacBook after I advised him, and I'm trying to get him an alu. MacBook. I sort of feel responsible because I assured him that nothing could be wrong with it, especially because I didn't think AppleCare would LIE to me on the phone when I provided the serial number. I am just trying to make this work out for him, and he and his family don't have much money to be out buying new logic boards and paying for this. Essentially he got screwed over, and I'm the one trying to figure it out so he can have a good computer with no BS.
 
Techhie said:
Friend bought this MacBook after I advised him, and I'm trying to get him an alu. MacBook. I sort of feel responsible because I assured him that nothing could be wrong with it, especially because I didn't think AppleCare would LIE to me on the phone when I provided the serial number. I am just trying to make this work out for him, and he and his family don't have much money to be out buying new logic boards and paying for this. Essentially he got screwed over, and I'm the one trying to figure it out so he can have a good computer with no BS.
Click to expand...

Have you thought about phoning Apple and making a complaint.
When they say "we may record this call for training purposes" it means "we record all calls".
 
Yeah, but where will that really get me? It might get someone fired, but that doesn't help me at all =). I'm worrying about this, if only because it's my friends money and I feel responsible
 
companies make money on a reputation bases... covering a repair which is technically under a voided warranty is 'pennies' to a company of Apple's magnitude. I'm sure with a few minutes on a phone talking to the right people they'd make an exception in order to keep a good reputation.
 
I just got off the phone with AppleCare, and even though the main line was closed, the guy told me that they would most likely do something. I hope they fix it! =)
 
amrk47 said:
sell it on ebay as mint

iv done it with a macbook with damage before, my the time the buyer finds out there has been water damage, you will be allready using your new macbook, the worst thing that will happens is you will get negative reputation
Click to expand...


so everybody: watch out on ebay for someone selling macbooks from detroit michigan or has an email address ending in wayne.edu
 
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