fake news.. Apple is not worth the price.. As stated, When Jobs died Apple died with him. The current CEO is not an innovator, but a businessman..
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Apple Launches SSD Service Program for 13-Inch Non-Touch Bar MacBook Pro Sold Between June 2017 and June 2018
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fake news.. Apple is not worth the price.. As stated, When Jobs died Apple died with him. The current CEO is not an innovator, but a businessman..
Yep. But in the world of business, Tim Cook is very good at what he does. He took Apple to $1T (and back below for now). With that said, no, he is not a Steve Jobs. But who is in the tech industry? Nobody is pushing the boundaries anymore. Maybe we would not be at a plateau if jobs were still around. We’ll never know.
How dare you question Jony Ive using logic, reason, and common sense!? Have you no shame?
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Yet another person questioning the Thinness and Genius of Jony Ive? The use of computer is utterly irrelevant, it's how good it looks transposed in a marketing video while Jony takes two paragraphs worth of babble to say that the computer has rounded corners: this is what matters! Not unimportant things like CPU speed, GPU ability, or 'serviceability'.
And don't even start questioning how green and positive Apple is for the environment: nothing is better for the earth than having to throw out and replace the whole logic board because the soldered SSD failed, NOTHING!
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I have yet to see that Apple's soldered SSDs are faster than the top M.2 NVMe SSDs available on the open market, the read / write speeds are totally comparable AND we know the SSDs are manufactured by a third party. They have ZERO reason to solder the SSD, other than to rip off their clients.
Soldering the SSD or anything to the motherboard was the first step in Apple's downward spiral with the Mac lineup. No matter how many customers they dissuaded from upgrading their Macs to save a little cash over the life of the product (which applies inversely to Apple too - they are saving the same cents) they gained more ill-will than anything.
Learn from 90's Windows and then Google, Apple. It is about recruiting and enlarging your base, and iPhones alone should not be the agent.
The accountant is now running the company, instead of the perfectionist visionary, that's what happened.
How is fixing this problem for no charge a way to ‘scam more money out of users’?
How? Really??
By offering replaceable internal HD/SSD, so the user can just buy its own drive and replace it themselves. The same way we did it with the old Mac Pro and old Macbooks.
Apple is just producing disposable computers and forcing all its customers if they have a drive failure to take it to Apple.
Although I need to upgrade several of my Macs, that is the main reason, why I did not buy any of the new computers (Macbook Pro, Mac Mini, etc).
What a joke...
Has anyone got their's done yet? I got mine done on Monday and now my boot time has doubled. Is this happening to anyone else?
To be specific they didn't change the drive, they just ran a diagnostic and found there to be an issue, then they reinstalled Mojave and sent me on my way.
To be specific they didn't change the drive, they just ran a diagnostic and found there to be an issue, then they reinstalled Mojave and sent me on my way.
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I don’t think that’s what they do. I’m not sure though. They install something off their server.
I was yesterday in my local Apple Store, Oberhausen, Germany (One of the biggest, top 3 in germany). There were three people next to me at the Genius Bar with the same problem. Here the process from my understanding:
Genius explains the complete process (backup!, because of erase).
Plugs powercable and an ethernet cable into the macbook.
Runs standard disgnostic on his 9.7“ iPad, everything was fine for me (all checkboxes green).
Restarts macbook and selects bootup from specific server location.
You have to wait 10-20min. After that the macbook gets into somekind of recovery mode and offers a firmware update for the ssd with complete erase of the ssd (backup!). Wait another 10-20min, till firmware update is finished. Everything worked fine, here is the point were faulty ssds fail(?) and you have to get the macbook checked in for repair/ssd exchange (genius said max. 14 days return time, but all customers with me only had to run the update and they were good to go).
The last steps were (genius said „precautionary“) reinstall of fresh macos (you are able to select from your own time machine backup, so my tip bring it with you in the store), genius ran another standard diagnostic, everything fine again.
Done. I was around 1-2h in the store with everything.
Made screenshots before and after, you can clearly see the firmware update.
Genius explains the complete process (backup!, because of erase).
Plugs powercable and an ethernet cable into the macbook.
Runs standard disgnostic on his 9.7“ iPad, everything was fine for me (all checkboxes green).
Restarts macbook and selects bootup from specific server location.
You have to wait 10-20min. After that the macbook gets into somekind of recovery mode and offers a firmware update for the ssd with complete erase of the ssd (backup!). Wait another 10-20min, till firmware update is finished. Everything worked fine, here is the point were faulty ssds fail(?) and you have to get the macbook checked in for repair/ssd exchange (genius said max. 14 days return time, but all customers with me only had to run the update and they were good to go).
The last steps were (genius said „precautionary“) reinstall of fresh macos (you are able to select from your own time machine backup, so my tip bring it with you in the store), genius ran another standard diagnostic, everything fine again.
Done. I was around 1-2h in the store with everything.
Made screenshots before and after, you can clearly see the firmware update.
Attachments
is there anyway to extract that firmware and install it on my machine? the service centre I went to today had no idea about this and they were clueless. They offered me to reinstall the os XD.
I have same exact ssd firmware in your before update picture.
This is an issue across many industries. MBAs (not the MacBook Air!) with no passion for a particular industry are making the decisions. I understand there needs to be a layer of management that understand business, but when the bean counters take over completely, who look at spreadsheets all day and think of ways to generate more money, something must be cut to make the extra dollars.
I fail to see how fixing this problem, at no charge, is worse than owner’s spending money to buy and replace a defective part at their own expense.
I went into the Apple store on November 13th with my MacBook and I told the "genius" that I saw that there was an SSD service program and that I was eligible. He seemed oblivious to the program and just ran some tests and saw that it seemed to be working fine. Anyway, he took the computer stating - "...Mac is eligible for SSD replacement and would like the SSD replaced...Customer would also like keyboard cleaned as there is a sticky tab key". ...hmm ok...
On November 16, I was able to pick up my MacBook. The SSD was replaced and my keyboard still had a sticky key. The guy at the apple store checked my ID and handed me back the computer and then rushed off.
I am not too impressed with the customer service, they did not seem knowledgable about the problem, they didn't really listen or bother try to find out more about the program before saying that my SSD would be replaced...
Also my keyboard tab key is still sticky.
Anyway..
On November 16, I was able to pick up my MacBook. The SSD was replaced and my keyboard still had a sticky key. The guy at the apple store checked my ID and handed me back the computer and then rushed off.
I am not too impressed with the customer service, they did not seem knowledgable about the problem, they didn't really listen or bother try to find out more about the program before saying that my SSD would be replaced...
Also my keyboard tab key is still sticky.
Anyway..
I've been checking daily for an appointment slot for my work macbook pro, I've yet to see a free slot, let alone one that fits with my schedule. I was all set to upgrade my home MBA this year with a Pro but that plan has gone out the window. They're just too unreliable.
Please provide proof and show me where does it say that Apple will repair at NO COST any of the internal SSD if they fail beyond the warranty time. If you care to read well, the repair program is just for a single Macbook model.
You fail to understand the problem with all the latest Apple computer models from Macbook Pros, to Mac Mini, to Macbook Air. One more time, since the internal SSD is now soldered to the logic board, if the internal SSD fails and your warranty is over, you basically have a dead computer and you have to pay Apple the extremely expensive repair prices in order to just simply buy and replace the internal hard drive.
One more way that Apple is using to squeeze more money out of its customers.
Lately, Apple innovation has been about prices and Emojis only.
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This is my experience from a Genus bar appointment regarding this issue.
My computer had obvious imperfections (bottom part of chassis is loose, a knocking sound coming from the bottom of the lcd display when i tilt the computer) originating from manufacturing, which I asked the genius to check and mitigate if possible. But the main purpose of my visit was to run the SSD firmware update needed for the 13" nTB 2017 macbook pro models as I wanted to get done with it.
The genius employees were generally rude, and told me my computer is not eligible for the replacement program. I insisted they run the check itself, and that indicated that the computer was indeed defective and the firmware update had to be done. 5 days later, I go to the bar to collect my computer, which the employee is bringing to me open, using it as a tray for her iPad (iPad on being left the keyboard).
The computer was in its original state (nothing has been done to it on the outside and it still runs my OS installation with all my files), and when i noticed and told them, they tell me that they run the ssd firmware utility and it did not work for my laptop. Then, on their own, they offered to try again.
I asked what would change now? Does the utility misbehave? Maybe you forgot to run it in the first time? She replied that they did not forget and whether I want to leave it with them again.
I did not think much about it and I left it there, but now that I know that they could lie about it being fixed, I do not trust them anymore with my computer. How can I check that the SSD firmware has indeed been updated? Do I have to try another store to run the utility again?
Btw, anyone want to buy a slightly used Macbook Pro 13" 2017 with 16gb of ram? (an all the rest of my Apple gear?
)
My computer had obvious imperfections (bottom part of chassis is loose, a knocking sound coming from the bottom of the lcd display when i tilt the computer) originating from manufacturing, which I asked the genius to check and mitigate if possible. But the main purpose of my visit was to run the SSD firmware update needed for the 13" nTB 2017 macbook pro models as I wanted to get done with it.
The genius employees were generally rude, and told me my computer is not eligible for the replacement program. I insisted they run the check itself, and that indicated that the computer was indeed defective and the firmware update had to be done. 5 days later, I go to the bar to collect my computer, which the employee is bringing to me open, using it as a tray for her iPad (iPad on being left the keyboard).
The computer was in its original state (nothing has been done to it on the outside and it still runs my OS installation with all my files), and when i noticed and told them, they tell me that they run the ssd firmware utility and it did not work for my laptop. Then, on their own, they offered to try again.
I asked what would change now? Does the utility misbehave? Maybe you forgot to run it in the first time? She replied that they did not forget and whether I want to leave it with them again.
I did not think much about it and I left it there, but now that I know that they could lie about it being fixed, I do not trust them anymore with my computer. How can I check that the SSD firmware has indeed been updated? Do I have to try another store to run the utility again?
Btw, anyone want to buy a slightly used Macbook Pro 13" 2017 with 16gb of ram? (an all the rest of my Apple gear?
)Check for the ssd firmware version by going into About This Mac->System Report->NVMexpressThis is my experience from a Genus bar appointment regarding this issue.
My computer had obvious imperfections (bottom part of chassis is loose, a knocking sound coming from the bottom of the lcd display when i tilt the computer) originating from manufacturing, which I asked the genius to check and mitigate if possible. But the main purpose of my visit was to run the SSD firmware update needed for the 13" nTB 2017 macbook pro models as I wanted to get done with it.
The genius employees were generally rude, and told me my computer is not eligible for the replacement program. I insisted they run the check itself, and that indicated that the computer was indeed defective and the firmware update had to be done. 5 days later, I go to the bar to collect my computer, which the employee is bringing to me open, using it as a tray for her iPad (iPad on being left the keyboard).
The computer was in its original state (nothing has been done to it on the outside and it still runs my OS installation with all my files), and when i noticed and told them, they tell me that they run the ssd firmware utility and it did not work for my laptop. Then, on their own, they offered to try again.
I asked what would change now? Does the utility misbehave? Maybe you forgot to run it in the first time? She replied that they did not forget and whether I want to leave it with them again.
I did not think much about it and I left it there, but now that I know that they could lie about it being fixed, I do not trust them anymore with my computer. How can I check that the SSD firmware has indeed been updated? Do I have to try another store to run the utility again?
Btw, anyone want to buy a slightly used Macbook Pro 13" 2017 with 16gb of ram? (an all the rest of my Apple gear?
If it's the same as after update version posted at #111 then I think it's updated otherwise it is not updated.
Just wanted to share my experience on this. I wasn't having any issues with my 2017 bought in September 2017 but because I am in that "range" of affected machines, I made an appointment and brought it in. I did verify my firmware was in fact the JA version from Post #111 before I went in.
After about 45 mins, I observed what was essentially the tech re-installing MacOS from their network. PXE boot if you will. I didn't see him do any kind of firmware update that I could tell, but he assured me this was the steps for that service bulletin involved replacing the recovery partition and a fresh reload. I questioned him on it a few times and he insisted that it was correct. I left with a fresh copy of 10.14.1, and the same exact JA firmware version on the drive. Not the LA version that is listed above. The tech setup a call for later that night to answer any other questions I may have had, but that wasn't much help. They could not answer any tech related questions and referred me back to the store.
Again, I wasn't having any problems but maybe my drive didn't need the firmware update, idk...
Anyway I thought I would share.
After about 45 mins, I observed what was essentially the tech re-installing MacOS from their network. PXE boot if you will. I didn't see him do any kind of firmware update that I could tell, but he assured me this was the steps for that service bulletin involved replacing the recovery partition and a fresh reload. I questioned him on it a few times and he insisted that it was correct. I left with a fresh copy of 10.14.1, and the same exact JA firmware version on the drive. Not the LA version that is listed above. The tech setup a call for later that night to answer any other questions I may have had, but that wasn't much help. They could not answer any tech related questions and referred me back to the store.
Again, I wasn't having any problems but maybe my drive didn't need the firmware update, idk...
Anyway I thought I would share.
I went to all three service centres available in my area. First two didn't had any clue about this but the third one I went to first said that it's a hardware issue and ssd will be replaced. After some argument with him I showed him the repair program page that is on apple's website. He was even denying to run a diagnostics test. Well after all of that he ran the diagnostic then updated my ssd's firmware and reinstalled macOS. It took him about 2-3 hours. My firmware version is now LA one(it was JA one before update). I haven't noticed any changes on my machine, no slowdowns or anything.
I think apple should employee ppl who really know what's going on. I had bad experiences with service centre's. Atleast it's over now.
I think apple should employee ppl who really know what's going on. I had bad experiences with service centre's. Atleast it's over now.
Great to hear about your success. I share your opinion about apple should briefing their 3th party service centers better.
These last few posts are making me a little nervous about my visit to an Apple store for this issue on my work laptop on thursday. If they make me wait 2-3 hours for a firmware update I shall perch somewhere visible in their store and work on my Microsoft Surface. Bet they won't appreciate that.
Man I spent a solid hour in there and all that dude did was wipe and reload my machine. I was like dude, read your tablet. It says SSD firmware service. This is no lie... this is what he said... That means replace your recovery partition.
Idk about Apple techs sometimes. I figure I will just use mine until it dies with the same old JA firmware, or try again next year.