Apple can refuse service of user SSDs in iMacs

[blueroom]

Just an FYI.

Took my 2009 iMac to Apple to get the Superdrive replaced. I told them I replaced the HDD with an SSD (using a bracket) as I figured it was out of warranty so nothing to lose.

Seems Apple can refuse a repair if the user has gone digging around inside. Fortunately they're going to do the repair but if anything is damaged as they pull it apart they're going to simply reassemble and void the Superdrive replacement.

I'll know in a week or two (they had to order the Superdrive).

Oh yea. Cost for the Superdrive, $125, installation $39

Silly thing is I rarely use the Superdrive. I hummed and hawed over this repair for months.

 

[Ice Dragon]

Yeah this was already pretty well known. Look for a Mac specialist and not any of the so called "geniuses."

 

[uptownnyc]

Isn't the solution to this problem to just keep the original drive around, and put it back in if you need service?

 

[zoffdino]

You can take it to any Authorized Apple Reseller. They are less strict on that rule since, obviously, they must compete with the mothership.

At $160 for a new SuperDrive, I would rather go external for $79.

 

[blueroom]

I've got an external Blu-Ray, works fine. The big useless slot on the right just bothered me enough to get it repaired.

The 27" 2009 i5 quad core with an SSD is still a very impressive machine. I'm still amazed when Handbrake heats the big aluminum case up.

Next fun thing is the Blu-Ray goes in the WMC-PC with AnyDVD & Apple Remote Drive. Not sure if it'll work but should be fun to try.

 

[Huginnmuninn]

Seems Apple can refuse a repair if the user has gone digging around inside.

Your manual clearly states, Your iMac has no user-serviceable parts, except the keyboard, mouse, and memory (see “Installing Memory” on page 39). Do not attempt to open your iMac. If your iMac needs service, contact an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple for service. See “Learning More, Service, and Support” on page 62. If you open your iMac or install items other than memory, you risk damaging your equipment. Such damage isn’t covered by the limited warranty on your iMac.

Even when it comes to installing RAM, "Apple recommends that you have an Apple-certified technician install memory."

http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/imac_mid2011_ug.pdf

So you're lucky they decided to help you.

 

[Hellhammer]

Your manual clearly states, Your iMac has no user-serviceable parts, except the keyboard, mouse, and memory (see “Installing Memory” on page 39). Do not attempt to open your iMac. If your iMac needs service, contact an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple for service. See “Learning More, Service, and Support” on page 62. If you open your iMac or install items other than memory, you risk damaging your equipment. Such damage isn’t covered by the limited warranty on your iMac.

Even when it comes to installing RAM, "Apple recommends that you have an Apple-certified technician install memory."

http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/imac_mid2011_ug.pdf

So you're lucky they decided to help you.

But there is also this line:

If you open your iMac or install items other than memory, you risk damaging your
equipment. Such damage isn’t covered by the limited warranty on your iMac.

This is an age old debate and I don't think there has ever been a good clarification. Even Apple employees interpret the warranty in different ways. My personal interpretation is that Apple is responsible for repairs if the failure is clearly not related to the user's actions (e.g. if your GPU dies but you have changed the HD to an SSD). With things like logic board it becomes complicated because it might have been damaged during the process.

 

[marzer]

Just an FYI.

Took my 2009 iMac to Apple to get the Superdrive replaced. I told them I replaced the HDD with an SSD (using a bracket) as I figured it was out of warranty so nothing to lose.

Seems Apple can refuse a repair if the user has gone digging around inside. Fortunately they're going to do the repair but if anything is damaged as they pull it apart they're going to simply reassemble and void the Superdrive replacement.

I'll know in a week or two (they had to order the Superdrive).

Oh yea. Cost for the Superdrive, $125, installation $39

Silly thing is I rarely use the Superdrive. I hummed and hawed over this repair for months.

Just curious. If you replaced the HD, why not replace the Superdrive yourself?

 

[Roller]

Seems to me that Apple is more likely to refuse repair on a computer that's been opened by the owner if it's still under warranty. But Apple Store personnel have a fair bit of discretion. I once brought in a MacBook Pro (under warranty) that had milk spilled on it. I told them what had happened when I brought it in, and they still repaired it at no charge.

 

[blueroom]

Just curious. If you replaced the HD, why not replace the Superdrive yourself?

There's the rub, can't seem to buy the thing.

Also it's possible to swap the HDD without taking out the LCD, just prop up the top of the LCD and you can squeeze a screwdriver in there and get to the HDD (the bottom is on pins).

 

[uptownnyc]

There's the rub, can't seem to buy the thing.

Have you tried eBay? They appear to be available there.

 

[marzer]

There's the rub, can't seem to buy the thing.

Also it's possible to swap the HDD without taking out the LCD, just prop up the top of the LCD and you can squeeze a screwdriver in there and get to the HDD (the bottom is on pins).

Oh. Good info to know. I'm contemplating replacing my hdd with an ssd.

On the other hand a good portable usb odd can run as little as $30. I use the apple external drive on the foot of my iMac, very nice match aesthetically

 

[blueroom]

You'll need a 2.5-3.5 adapter and a short length of wire to short out the thermal sensor.