Apple offers replacement Mbp, should I accept?

[Eerriikkoo]

I purchased my first Macbook pro in 2017. It was a 2016 15.4 inch model with tb, 2.7 ghz cpu and Radeon pro 460 gpu.

After two screen replacements and three keyboard (topcase) replacements Apple has offered to replace the entire unit for a newer 2018 model. That is nice.

But, they offer me the base model which has 2.2 ghz cpu, and a 555x gpu. In my opinion that is not an acceptable offer. The cpu is ok, but the 555x is not as good as the 460, or so the benchmarks tell me. Also with all the upgrades the macbook was priced at over 3200 euro, while the base model is ‘only’ 2700 euro.

Am I right to think it is not acceptable or should I be happy and accept?

 

[Howard2k]

I would not accept that. It should perform the same as or better than the one that is being replaced.

Tell them that you were born at night, but not last night.

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

I purchased my first Macbook pro in 2017. It was a 2016 15.4 inch model with tb, 2.7 ghz cpu and Radeon pro 460 gpu.

After two screen replacements and three keyboard (topcase) replacements Apple has offered to replace the entire unit for a newer 2018 model. That is nice.

But, they offer me the base model which has 2.2 ghz cpu, and a 555x gpu. In my opinion that is not an acceptable offer. The cpu is ok, but the 555x is not as good as the 460, or so the benchmarks tell me. Also with all the upgrades the macbook was priced at over 3200 euro, while the base model is ‘only’ 2700 euro.

Am I right to think it is not acceptable or should I be happy and accept?

I would expect a replacement with at least the same specs (or better). In my opinion you should not accept it.

 

[Eerriikkoo]

I would not accept that. It should perform the same as or better than the one that is being replaced.

Tell them that you were born at night, but not last night.

Haha. Yes I already told them I was not inclined to accept, but their response was that because the cpu is better it would be a good offer. I then told them about the gpu that has lesser specs. Have not heard back yet. At the same time I wonder if I am being too demanding because I am being offered a brand new device instead of my failing lemon from 2016. Therefore my question here.
But you are clear. I should maintain my position. I will.

 

[Fishrrman]

"Am I right to think it is not acceptable or should I be happy and accept?"

BE HAPPY.
Accept it with a BIG smile.
Then walk out of there with a smile on your face!

 

[Wrong Turn]

I had my MBP 2011 replaced with a MBP 2016 after 3 failures to fix the graphics issue (the widespread error that was on older macs).
They told me, wor-for-word that Apple replacement must be equal or better than the original product on each individual part.
So in my case i got a 1TB HDD and a ******** of dongles (4 or 5 of them).
I was also able to upgrade at my own cost if i so wished (which i did with the graphics card).

So don't give in, tell them that their policy in replacement is to replace at equal level or better, on EVERY INDIVIDUAL PART.

 

[Ploki]

At least they could offer it with the 560X.

 

[Eerriikkoo]

I would expect a replacement with at least the same specs (or better). In my opinion you should not accept it.

Thanks,

At least they could offer it with the 560X.

Exactly, that is what I am wondering about. Why not? 555x is not better than 460, it is worse.
[doublepost=1548348043][/doublepost]

"Am I right to think it is not acceptable or should I be happy and accept?"

BE HAPPY.
Accept it with a BIG smile.
Then walk out of there with a smile on your face!

I wish I could and maybe I should but it just doesn’t feel right. Maybe if I have tried to convince them some more and they can explain better why there is nothing more they can offer, I will be happier. But not yet.
[doublepost=1548348238][/doublepost]

I had my MBP 2011 replaced with a MBP 2016 after 3 failures to fix the graphics issue (the widespread error that was on older macs).
They told me, wor-for-word that Apple replacement must be equal or better than the original product on each individual part.
So in my case i got a 1TB HDD and a ******** of dongles (4 or 5 of them).
I was also able to upgrade at my own cost if i so wished (which i did with the graphics card).

So don't give in, tell them that their policy in replacement is to replace at equal level or better, on EVERY INDIVIDUAL PART.

That is why I am a little surprised, that they just offer the base model and when I point them to the inferior (but still fine for most usecases) specs they just offer the same thing again, in a dismissive way

 

[gabe211]

Not a similar situation but they offered a replacement on my faulty MBP 2018 with the 560X, I asked for the upgraded Vega 20 GPU (since that was not an option when I originally purchased) and they let me under the condition that I pay the difference in cost.

At the very least they may let you upgrade any component if you offer to pay the difference, but in your case, Apple should absolutely be offering you better specs at no cost to you.

 

[SDColorado]

Don't accept their initial offer imho. The Trillion Dollar company isn't going to go broke by giving you a fair deal. They could offer it with the 560X and the difference to them is pennies on the dollar.

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

Don't accept their initial offer imho. The Trillion Dollar company isn't going to go broke by giving you a fair deal. They could offer it with the 560X and the difference to them is pennies on the dollar.

The more I think about it... After 2 screen replacements and three keyboard replacements within 2 years: Apple should send the OP flowers (including a sincere apology letter), give the OP's money back, offer the OP a brand new machine (top of the line, with a ribbon around it) for free and reimburse the OP for all the costs he/she made (including taking days off for appointments with the genius bar). Also the new MacBook should be personally delivered to the OP by Phil Schiller or Jony Ive with a crocodile tear in the eye.

I know that will never happen, but one can keep dreaming

 

[Camark08]

They will probably get back with you and give you what you want. They were probably being stingy, per usual and going to see if they could get away with that.

 

[SDColorado]

The more I think about it... After 2 screen replacements and three keyboard replacements within 2 years: Apple should send the OP flowers (including a sincere apology letter), give the OP's money back, offer the OP a brand new machine (top of the line, with a ribbon around it) and reimburse the OP for all the costs he/she made (including taking days off for appointments with the genius bar). And it should be personally delivered to the OP by Phil Schiller or Jony Ive with a crocodile tear in the eye.

I know that will never happen, but one can keep dreaming

Haha and maybe an all-expense paid a trip to CA with a visit to the Apple Campus and dinner on Tim.

But in the realm of realistic options that they could/should offer, at least a machine that is equal to or better in every spec. The difference in what Apple is offering and the next bump up in GPU costs them next to nothing and makes a disgruntled customer more "gruntled." Betting that $100 upgrade charge from 555X to 560X cost Apple less than $10

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

Haha and maybe an all-expense paid a trip to CA with a visit to the Apple Campus and dinner on Tim.

But in the realm of realistic options that they could/should offer, at least a machine that is equal to or better in every spec. The difference in what Apple is offering and the next bump up in GPU costs them next to nothing and makes a disgruntled customer more "gruntled."

Yes, sadly your are right. I just got carried away.. Thanks for pulling me back into reality

 

[Eerriikkoo]

Yes, sadly your are right. I just got carried away.. Thanks for pulling me back into reality

Haha I almost felt like I really deserved all those things you said.
I did spend a lot of time on repairs, visits to the store etc, not to mention all the frustration while trying to type in a normal fashion. Their small offer makes me a little more disgruntled indeed and for sure it has me wondering a bit how a Surface pro could fit into my workflow.
[doublepost=1548352314][/doublepost]

They will probably get back with you and give you what you want. They were probably being stingy, per usual and going to see if they could get away with that.

I hope so!

 

[EDS66]

I purchased my first Macbook pro in 2017. It was a 2016 15.4 inch model with tb, 2.7 ghz cpu and Radeon pro 460 gpu.

After two screen replacements and three keyboard (topcase) replacements Apple has offered to replace the entire unit for a newer 2018 model. That is nice.

But, they offer me the base model which has 2.2 ghz cpu, and a 555x gpu. In my opinion that is not an acceptable offer. The cpu is ok, but the 555x is not as good as the 460, or so the benchmarks tell me. Also with all the upgrades the macbook was priced at over 3200 euro, while the base model is ‘only’ 2700 euro.

Am I right to think it is not acceptable or should I be happy and accept?

Dude, the two are not even in the same universe in terms of performance. Jump on the offer!

 

[SDColorado]

Haha I almost felt like I really deserved all those things you said.
I did spend a lot of time on repairs, visits to the store etc, not to mention all the frustration while trying to type in a normal fashion. Their small offer makes me a little more disgruntled indeed and for sure it has me wondering a bit how a Surface pro could fit into my workflow.
[doublepost=1548352314][/doublepost]
I hope so!

Tell me about it. I am on unit #5. They probably could have thrown a bone my way for the trouble as well Or maybe just a "Worlds Biggest Sucker" coffee mug or something hahaha

 

[internetrando]

There’s nothing worse about the replacement that they’re offering you.

Jesus. Take it and be grateful. From the sound of it, they’re offering you a base model for a base model. That’s a huge upgrade.

 

[SDColorado]

There’s nothing worse about the replacement that they’re offering you.

Jesus. Take it and be grateful. From the sound of it, they’re offering you a base model for a base model. That’s a huge upgrade.

I may be wrong, but I believe 2016 base model was a 2.6GHz processor with Radeon Pro 450 2GB. The next tier up was 2.7GHz processor with Pro 455 2GB. Upgrade to 460 4GB was an additional charge to that second tier. It would seem he made and paid for a couple of upgrades from the 2016 base.

Edit: Apple verified...

https://support.apple.com/kb/SP749?locale=en_US

 

[Eerriikkoo]

I may be wrong, but I believe 2016 base model was a 2.6GHz processor with Radeon Pro 450 2GB. The next tier up was 2.7GHz processor with Pro 455 2GB. Upgrade to 460 4GB was an additional charge to that second tier. It would seem he made and paid for a couple of upgrades from the 2016 base.

Edit: Apple verified...

https://support.apple.com/kb/SP749?locale=en_US

That is correct. I paid for 1 step up better cpu, 1 step up better storage and a maxed out gpu. In total it was 3390 euro actually instead of 3200 that I mentioned earlier. What they offer now is a base model that costs 2400 euro in most stores here in the Netherlands. There is a difference, although maybe performance wise I am better of with the base model now. Except for the gpu that is. And that together with the price difference makes it hard to be happy with their offer for me.

 

[SDColorado]

That is correct. I paid for 1 step up better cpu, 1 step up better storage and a maxed out gpu. In total it was 3390 euro actually instead of 3200 that I mentioned earlier. What they offer now is a base model that costs 2400 euro in most stores here in the Netherlands. There is a difference, although maybe performance wise I am better of with the base model now. Except for the gpu that is. And that together with the price difference makes it hard to be happy with their offer for me.

I can appreciate that. You paid for a GPU upgrade with your initial purchase. They could easily give you one now. Despite their listed upgrade costs at time of purchase, the cost to them is pennies on the dollar.

 

[Eerriikkoo]

Tell me about it. I am on unit #5. They probably could have thrown a bone my way for the trouble as well Or maybe just a "Worlds Biggest Sucker" coffee mug or something hahaha

How about a mug with a lemon on it! Wow, unit #5. I am only at #4 as one screen and topcase replacement were done at the same time.

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

There’s nothing worse about the replacement that they’re offering you.

Jesus. Take it and be grateful. From the sound of it, they’re offering you a base model for a base model. That’s a huge upgrade.

Don't patronizingly 'Jesus' the OP.
Five part-replacements/repairs within 2 years. Basically the thing never worked properly.

The original model the OP bought was a lemon and also not a base model as you claim, but a model with a, paid extra for, updated CPU/GPU. Apple should offer a new machine with at least the same specs, sincere apologies and a free trip to Disneyland for all I care.

Why should the OP be grateful to Apple? The OP bought a premium laptop for premium money and has had nothing but trouble.

You take apologizing for Apple to a whole new level.

 

[TheRealAlex]

I purchased my first Macbook pro in 2017. It was a 2016 15.4 inch model with tb, 2.7 ghz cpu and Radeon pro 460 gpu.

After two screen replacements and three keyboard (topcase) replacements Apple has offered to replace the entire unit for a newer 2018 model. That is nice.

But, they offer me the base model which has 2.2 ghz cpu, and a 555x gpu. In my opinion that is not an acceptable offer. The cpu is ok, but the 555x is not as good as the 460, or so the benchmarks tell me. Also with all the upgrades the macbook was priced at over 3200 euro, while the base model is ‘only’ 2700 euro.

Am I right to think it is not acceptable or should I be happy and accept?

This same thing happened to me. This happens also with car insurance claims. Simply put Apple is Negotiating.

This is when you do 4 critical things.

#1. Have everything documented via emails I assume.
#2. Ask many questions. Like warranty coverage etc., has the replacement model been used ? Ask how they decided to offer you that 2.2Ghz Model ? Never accept a downgraded CPU. But ask that’s not the same performance you would not buy a V8 Car Get in an crash and accept a replacement 4 Cylinder Engine from insurance repairs.
#3. Accept the offer, Write I accept in the email Topic but include Conditions. This is how I was give a 3x Upgrade.
I was made a similar offer, and I wrote back I accepted but in the email body I said I would accept if the CPU was a Core i7 and it had 8GB RAM, someone didn’t read that and Apple had give me what was a 3x upgrade in Laptop class.
#4. Find some minuscule factual detail Such as CPU Cache, I am sure that the Base Model 2.2Ghz CPU has less Cache than the 2.7Ghz model verify this using Intel CPU model numbers.

 

[SDColorado]

This same thing happened to me. This happens also with car insurance claims. Simply put Apple is Negotiating.

This is when you do 4 critical things.

#1. Have everything documented via emails I assume.
#2. Ask many questions. Like warranty coverage etc., has the replacement model been used ? Ask how they decided to offer you that 2.2Ghz Model ? Never accept a downgraded CPU. But ask that’s not the same performance you would not buy a V8 Car Get in an crash and accept a replacement 4 Cylinder Engine from insurance repairs.
#3. Accept the offer, Write I accept in the email Topic but include Conditions. This is how I was give a 3x Upgrade.
I was made a similar offer, and I wrote back I accepted but in the email body I said I would accept if the CPU was a Core i7 and it had 8GB RAM, someone didn’t read that and Apple had give me what was a 3x upgrade in Laptop class.
#4. Find some minuscule factual detail Such as CPU Cache, I am sure that the Base Model 2.2Ghz CPU has less Cache than the 2.7Ghz model verify this using Intel CPU model numbers.

It can be a hard thing to do is to get Apple pinned down to anything in email. When I was dealing with them they would only call, never email. You could email them, but they said it was their policy to only call, claiming it was because they had to have a more personal “face to face” experience with the customer. While that may be true in part, I suspect it was also because they aren’t allowed to put anything in writing.

Depending on your states laws I believe you could record them. In some states that only requires the permission of one party. But they also try to say that if you accept you aren’t suppose to disclose the details of what they offered.

In Apples case I declined their offer, but I did agree to a deal with Triumph Motorcycle with those sort of terms back in 2013 and had to sign that I wouldn’t disclose the details of the agreement.