Apple Launches Extended Repair Program for Hard Drives on Early MacBook Models

[MacRumors]

Hardmac notes that Apple has launched a MacBook Repair Extension Program for Hard Drive Issues, allowing customers of Apple's early MacBook models to receive free repairs or compensation for previously-paid repairs related to hard drive failure. Black and white MacBook models sold between May 2006 and December 2007 may be eligible for the repair program.

Symptom
A flashing question mark appears on screen when the MacBook is turned on.

Affected MacBook models
13-inch black and white MacBook models with the following processor speeds and hard drive capacities:

- Processor speed - 1.83GHz, 2GHz, or 2.16GHz
- Hard drive capacity - 60GB, 80GB, 100GB, 120GB, or 160GB

The repair program covers hard drive issues on these machines for three years from the date of purchase or until August 15, 2010, whichever offers longer coverage.

Apple's new program appears to relate to mechanical failures of the read/write head in Seagate drives used in Apple's early MacBook line reported as long as ago as November 2007. Apple acknowledged the reports and noted that it was looking into the issues soon after, but waited over two years before finally issuing an official repair extension program for the affected MacBook machines.

Article Link: Apple Launches Extended Repair Program for Hard Drives on Early MacBook Models

 

[SanibelMan]

Interesting. The hard drive in my 1st-gen MacBook failed about 6 months after I got it. It was replaced under warranty, but I went ahead and upgraded to a 250GB WD drive anyway.

 

[-=XX=-Nephilim]

Great...

Can they please extend guaranty on 20" Cinema Display as well!?

It would be great cos mine died few days ago after only 16 months of use >_<

 

[Rootus]

Already replaced the 120GB in my MacBook after it click-click-click-click-click died. Fortunately it was covered by Apple already because of AppleCare, so no big deal...

 

[themanfromvlad]

What about those who replaced their hard drive out of pocket? Will they get reimbursed?

 

[njudah]

a bit late, eh?

if anyone has one of these things, get your drive replaced NOW.

a friend of mine was in finals at grad school and the hard drive completely died. no data recovery, nothing, it just died. if she hadn't backed up her school-critical files, she woulda been totally dead for school. so remember, back up your stuff and be aware that seagate made some really crappy drives!!!

 

[tofagerl]

Is this the hard-drive or something that affected the hard-drive? I had three drives go bad on me in a year in a gen1 macbook, and I am pissed off if it turns out Apple are to blame.

 

[darthraige]

What about those who replaced their hard drive out of pocket? Will they get reimbursed?

I'm in the same boat as you. Mine died a few months ago. Got the question mark and everything. Figure my warranty was up since I bought in 2006. Went out of pocket at macsales.com for new Hard drive. Cost me 55 bucks.

I want to know if Apple can reimburse me for that in some way.

 

[acfusion29]

My friend actually encountered this problem a few days ago. I had her reset some setting.. I think it may have been SMC and it worked.

 

[ChromeAce]

This is NOT a new program. Apple has been quietly replacing these drives without charge for at least a year. They did it for me. They also replaced the bezel around the front, which cracks after repeated closing of the lid.

 

[CorporateFelon]

What about those who replaced their hard drive out of pocket? Will they get reimbursed?

Same boat myself. However, I did keep the failed drive, so I might be able to get a free drive to use as another external, or sell.

 

[tekcor]

That took a while

It has been known for a long time that the model hard drive used in those MacBooks has been bad. Mine went out after about 18 months, as did a collegue's in a Lenovo (same model drive). I ran from an external for a few months before slapping in a 320GB 7200rpm Western Digital for $80.

If you are using one of these MacBooks, plan now. If you're not using Time Machine, then you are playing with fire. Your best plan of action is to setup Time Machine, create your backup and keep your backup going. If the drive dies, simply get a new one and install it. Installing a drive in these MacBooks is about as simple as installing RAM. You can also use the Time Machine backup to replace the drive ahead of time. Or you can replace the drive without a backup and start from scratch.

 

[hallaisen]

happened to mine a while ago and bought a new hd myself..will they pay me back for it?

 

[jmuchrisf]

What about those who replaced their hard drive out of pocket? Will they get reimbursed?

I'd like to know as well. I also replaced mine (and I think/hope) I have the original, although I believe I took it apart for magnets. i'll have to call Apple.

 

[Powerbooky]

Coincidentally a friend of mine had also a failing hard drive in a MacBook Pro, bought in that same period. Yes... again it was a Seagate hard drive. The local store replaced it right away with a Fujitsu.

 

[e12a]

I see a lot of these macbooks come in.


now if they can issue a warranty extension on 24" white iMacs with defective video cards..

 

[paddy]

Mine failed a few months ago, I better be reimbursed!

 

[t22design]

Add me to the list.

My BlackBook was about 15 months old when the HD died. I took it to the Apple store, but it was out of warranty, and didn't want to pay Apple prices for a repair.

 

[darthraige]

I'm calling Apple later to find out what the deal is. Whether I get money for what I bought or send the old one back (thank God I kept it) for a new one.

 

[scottness]

Is this the hard-drive or something that affected the hard-drive? I had three drives go bad on me in a year in a gen1 macbook, and I am pissed off if it turns out Apple are to blame.

Apple's not to blame here. They don't make hard drives. Seagate maybe, but not Apple.

 

[neiltc13]

Yet more evidence that the quality of Apple's computers has gone down the toilet in recent years.

I don't think anyone can say "it just works" with a straight face any more.

When are they going to start doing this for Time Capsule?

 

[adamgell]

Already replaced the 120GB in my MacBook after it click-click-click-click-click died. Fortunately it was covered by Apple already because of AppleCare, so no big deal...

This. And they also fixed the plastic around the edges as well.

 

[HiVolt]

My Black Macbook from May '06 came with a 80GB Toshiba drive. It still works, in an external enclosure. I've upgraded the drive several times, from the original 80>160>250>500.

My MacBook is nearing 4 years old and its still kickin' without any warranty work! I got lucky cuz i never bought AppleCare.

 

[tingly]

Mine died after maybe 13 months, repaired out of pocket and upgraded cuz the place didn't have 80mb drives in stock.

I have the cracking around the edges as well. I better get it taken care of before the crack goes all the way around.

 

[Virtualball]

They wouldn't replace mine 2 years ago and I had to buy a 120 GB HDD. Trying to get them to reimburse that purchase is ridiculous, seeing as they didn't make me buy it. Apple shouldn't purchase my more expensive and larger 120 GB hdd. I'm just annoyed that I threw out the hdd 2 months ago

Whatever, win some, ya lose some.