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Aussies - any updates re PB15 quality issues?

M

macmick

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jul 2, 2003
11
0
Melbourne, Australia
Hi all,
I am currently looking at purchasing either the PB15 or PB17.
As everyone already knows, the new PB15 models have been plagued with quality issues (screen, battery, latches etc).
My question is - has anyone received a new PB15 recently that looks like all these issues have been fixed?

As I am in Australia, I am particularly interested to hear from my felllow aussies who have received a new PB15 recently.

The PB17 rev B model is my 2nd choice (I haven't heard of any quality issues with this model :D, but of course it would hurt the hip pocket more)

I am looking at purchasing after MWSF (hopefully there will be a price drop :rolleyes: ).

Thanks, any feedback is appreciated.
 
The issues seem to be fixed. As long as you don't purchase your computer off My Mac on Flinders, you'll be fine. They have horrible customer service and you will go through every pain you can think of when you do have a problem. Next Byte would be your best source as they've got a large distribution channel and customer support. But the issues have been fixed and official from Apple Australia
 
I had my screen replaced after Apple stated the problem in one of their documents (8862 something or another). I took this as a sign that the issue was resolved. I've had the new screen for a couple of weeks, traveling around, and no spots have occured. On a side note, I noticed that my friends old IBM Think pad has white spots. Basically, all portable screens are prone to this occurring, but there certainly was a serious problem with the new 15 powerbooks.

When I sent my powerbook to have my screen replaced, I also had them replace the battery. My first battery only held 2.4 ah, although it started out holding 3.4. The new battery holds a 4.4 ah charge. Much, much better. It seems that there were some bad batteries in the intial batch, but that should be alright. If you get one, though, check how much charge it holds, and if it is below 4ah, Apple will most likely replace it for you.

And the latch, I think, was never really a problem. Mine did not close too well at first, but I realized that I made it worse by gingerly closing the lid, which led to the latch not having enough intertia to fully connect. Close the lid with enough speed, no need to slam it shut, and all is fine. Also, it is somehting that appears to get better with age as the latch wears in.

Anyway, go ahead and make the purchase. You'll enjoy it immensely.
 
Originally posted by nickfit
When I sent my powerbook to have my screen replaced, I also had them replace the battery. My first battery only held 2.4 ah, although it started out holding 3.4. The new battery holds a 4.4 ah charge. Much, much better. It seems that there were some bad batteries in the intial batch, but that should be alright. If you get one, though, check how much charge it holds, and if it is below 4ah, Apple will most likely replace it for you.
Click to expand...

Incidentally, how can you tell how much charge the battery can hold? I have a 1.25GHz 15" AlPB and my battery only lasts for 2.5hours to 3 hours at best, even with airport and bluetooth turned off.....
 
works good

I just recieved my new 15"ALPB this morning and it works great latch is good battery is good only one bad pixel so im not complaining
 
Thanks everyone for their feedback so far.

Icekey - thanks for the heads-up re My Mac. I've been in there plenty of times to have a bit of a play. The staff seem friendly enough. I work in the city so the Nextbyte on Elizabeth is also pretty handy whenever i feel like having a play :p . I am actually considering purchasing through David Jones (18 months interest free is very tempting when you have a mortgage to look at as well). Applecare would be mandatory if I did go through them.

Nickfit - how many hours of usage to do get with your new battery? I know it will vary based on what I am doing, but I'm just interested ...

Macnut - thanks for the reassuring words

I'm still interested in getting more feedback from people who have received their PB15 recently. So keep on posting your thoughts! Thanks.

ps - Happy New Year everyone.
 
The only thing i have to get used to is alll the room i now have on my screen. The resolution is great
 
Originally posted by nickfit
I get almost 4 hours. 3.5 easy.
Click to expand...

so how do you measure how much charge/current your battery can hold??? 3 hours is the best i can hope for for mine, with bluetooth and airport turned off....backlighting lowered etc
 
nickfit, thanks for mentioning about the battery. i just checked mine now... and it's only 2.4hrs with the screen on lowest light setting!!:eek: i think i'll definitely be taking it into NextByte sometime soon...

but apart from that i've had no problems with my PB. i got it in the week (or two) after they were released, and it was all sweet. :D
 
The guys at My Mac are friendly. But that's all there is. Friendliness might be part of a good customer service, but not returning calls (I counted 17) and blaiming every single issue on Apple, not providing me with an iPod for 7 weeks when paid in full and telling me that they're popular items so I have to be patient along with lying to me for numerous things just makes them a crap store. Plus, rumours are that they're going under so beware!

Nextbyte on Elizabeth is really busy so I prefer going to the one on Bridge Rd.

The 15" is an awesome machine, but I suggest waiting till MWSF before making any decisions on a purchase. It's not because there might be an update, but looking at the current exchange rate and how stable it's been at around 74 US cents, there should be a definate price drop. Also, iLife updates are most likely so you'd want those updates as well. Perhaps a speed bump too :)
 
speed bump + price drop = happy macmick

Yes, I was definitely waiting till after MWSF (for all the reasons mentioned by Icekey).

Well, from the recent reports that everyone has provided, it sounds like apple have got the quality issues under control (finally). Thanks everyone!

The only thing that still worries me is the dodgy battery capacity but it sounds like the battery replacement policy in place is a sensible one.

So, it looks like I will be purchasing the PB15 in a week or two, and getting back into Macs for the first time since my uni days. Can't wait! :D
 
Apple Sales in Victoria, Australia

Hi All

I have noticed this thread emerging..
I would like to make everyone aware of our company, Awave Productions P/L

We are a specialist Apple Solution reseller in Hawthorn Victoria, who sepcialize in Apple and audio.
We are a turnkey based compnay, and we are dedicated to on going support and service.
Please take a look at our web site (http://www.awave.com.au).
I would be pleased to help in any way.
I just received my own 15" powerbook. Everything seems good. NO dead pixels, no white spots...We have supplied a few of these units with 0% return rate or fault rate. I guess we have been very lucky ! From all reports, the problem for 15" powerbooks have been resolved.
If anyone has any question regarding Apple/Emagic's Logic, or any other audio application, please feel free to contact us for any advice.


:)
 
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