Apple repair bill- $955 for a new HARD DRIVE!??!?!

[elgrecomac]

Well, I guess I am lucky....kind of....

I bought a new early 2008 17" MBP and a new 30" ACD....and yes, i did upgrade my memory from Crucial to 4GB. After about 6 months, the cooktop computer, (its a cooktop because it can get to 175 deg F), began to have 'issues' so I called apple support and mailed back the cooktop (with the original ram re-installed). Apple found the logic board AND hard drive were defective so they replaced it.....then, about 4 months later...same issues arises again so off to Apple the cooktop went and back it came with a new logic board and HD.....again. So now I have had the cooktop for almost a year with no major issues except for the pending NVIDIA 8600 GPU failure. Can't wait for that!

1st Lesson learned. With all computers, you need an extended warranty.
2nd Lesson learned. Remember to send it back to the company the way you received it so there are no questions about it not working with OEM hardware.

 

[SnowLeopard2008]

There are gapping holes in the OP's story. Events don't match up. Instead of summarizing a voicemail message, quote it or give a detailed bill (personal info omitted of course) description. You're not giving us enough information to work with.

 

[geoffreak]

If the OP is lying it really doesn't matter much to us. Getting our sympathy won't get the OP a new machine.

 

[pkoch1]

Err...you have Applecare. That means that they should NOT be charging you anything (even with the hard drive and memory upgrades -- both of which you are allowed to upgrade without voiding anything (unless you damage something), they even provide upgrade instructions on their site). A logic board is the only replacement that fits the bill they gave you and the problems you're having, but that's charging you as if you were out of warranty. Ask them for a detailed cost breakdown and ask them why it is not covered by Applecare tell them that your Applecare covers this.

this is not correct. If apple determines that it is either the 3rd party ram or the 3rd party hard drive they can most certainly charge you.

It can always go back to the car example. If you replace the sound system in your car and it breaks, why would you expect the car company to fix it for free? Just because it fits in there? No way. You would talk to the manufacturer of the radio. Same in this case.

If the hard drive or ram are defective, then the OP should go through their manufacturers to get them fixed, NOT apple.

The genius was half correct. Replacing the ram and hard drive do void the warranty - but only on the ram and hard drive.

 

[pb1300]

Regarding the HD issue, dont ever let a day go by if a situation like that occurs again. If I was you, I would of dealt with that issue the moment you got the information from the employee.

 

[wlh99]

I had a similar issue with Apple. I had a 30 day old macbook screen go dead. They wanted $800 to fix it (main board replacement) due to some damage to the board. This was a new laptop, no upgrades, never been opened by me. It was just flat out defective.

Long story short (lots of back and forth for over a month) I filed a claim in small claims and Apple quickly repaired the machine for free. It's cheaper then them sending lawyers to you to go to court.

I like OS/X and generally like Apple hardware, but I dislike the company and don't trust or like Apple at all.

Since they also seem to have damaged your HDD, I would suggest looking into small claims. It may save you work and time in the long run.

 

[3goldens]

AppleCare Sucks..they always find a reason to Void Warranty

I have a MacBook late 2008 unibody with upgraded WD 500 HD sent in for hinge problem, display works fine just is awkward opening and closing it....

The repair was held up when received and I got an email stating I had third party hardware, the WD 500, and it would cost me 700 dollars to put original apple part in.

I called, complained and they maintained their position.

So am having it sent back and will put original HD back in and send it right back hoping they have not just completly voided my AppleCare warr.

They really stuck it to me. Imagine paying 700 for a 200 HD!

A lot of nerve these people have and what recourse does one have, NONE!!

 

[HBOC]

yikes, a 6 month old post!

But since it was bumped up, I will add my experience. So I have a early 08' 2.5GHZ MBP. I bought 2 x2 GB crucial ram from frys and added that my self, as it is user replaceable. My logicboard went out 2 months later. I asked the genius if i should put back in the 2 GB, he said no, that they had extra in the back just incase they needed it (which is cool). I send mine in with the 4GB (they tested the ram at the genius bar beforehand) and repaired it.

I upgraded my HD a month ago. I saved my stock one, just so when I do have problems, i will just take my new one out and swap it out. I have heard stories of people sending in their MB(P)s in with upgraded hardware with no problems..

 

[ntrigue]

This is the second thread in as many days where third-party hardware has caused customer dissatisfaction.

Keep your OEM components people! Reinstall before Genius visits!