CD/DVD drive broke and right speaker connection destroyed; cosmetically tarnished.

[mark28]

Not trying to burst your bubble, but the lady next to me (while we were at the genius bar - I was having my Mac looked at too, since I dropped it and screwed it up a little), well, she was quoted $1250 for repairs. She dropped hers too

Apple are a freaking joke when it comes to repair. My iPod was broken ( it was Apple's fault, alot of iPod had the same problem ) and the repair cost was $300. I took it back home, opened it and fixed in 10 minutes.

Not sure how costly this repair is, but I'm sure she can save tonnes of money doing it herself.

 

[bigjobby]

No I don't have a job, because I have no high school degree or a license to drive yet.

That's not an excuse. I don't have any of those either yet I'm still able to more than sufficiently provide for my sizable family and feed our gadget hunger. Call it perseverance in life if you want but please don't make poor excuses.

Anyway, as suggested earlier in the thread. Find a way to save and get an external drive, speakers, or headphones and live with it. Get it fixed properly when you can afford it. What has happened has happened. If you're afraid of your parents finding out, just be upfront with them. People make mistakes and accidents happen and you just got to move on; that's life.

Looks like you're going to do far more damage fixing it yourself. Not everyone is skilled enough to mend things and if you don't think you can do it, then don't!... and I don't mean it in a horrible way either.

 

[ZenErik]

Apple are a freaking joke when it comes to repair. My iPod was broken ( it was Apple's fault, alot of iPod had the same problem ) and the repair cost was $300. I took it back home, opened it and fixed in 10 minutes.

Not sure how costly this repair is, but I'm sure she can save tonnes of money doing it herself.

A majority of Apple "repairs" = giving the customer a new/refurbished device. That doesn't really make their prices any less ridiculous though. Apple employees quote all sorts of different prices. They are not consistent, and they profile.

 

[devilstrider]

Not trying to burst your bubble, but the lady next to me (while we were at the genius bar - I was having my Mac looked at too, since I dropped it and screwed it up a little), well, she was quoted $1250 for repairs. She dropped hers too

Man apple be ripping.

 

[devilstrider]

From what I have read it seems the OP has burned his bridges here. I don't understand how you can break your machine and ask for help. Then when people try you criticize them. If you can't afford to fix it don't buy it or take better care of it. That's all I have to say because the OP has been a real ****** to people trying to help.

 

[cambookpro]

Right.
If I was in this situation (and I can't get to the Apple Store) I would re-assemble the computer and use it temporarily.
Buy some dirt cheap headphones online for the sound and if an external drive is not viable just try to not use it for a month or two.
Then I'd sell the computer and buy a mid-spec older MacBook.

I know it's not ideal but it sound like you've snapped the connector and busted the drive.

Sorry I can't be more help.

 

[AppleMacFinder]

I am the computer 'whiz' of the family. Sad, I know.
This computer was my 18th birthday present, as well as my Christmas present. A DVD drive from family or friends on Christmas is highly unlikely.

External DVD drives are very cheap nowadays (start at 29$)

 

[wordoflife]

I think you can make at least $500 off that computer (well maybe) and then you can buy yourself a budget PC laptop

I know, I know, but thats the best you can do if you want a fully working laptop without paying. You should be able to cover most, if not all, the costs.

 

[derf36]

can I throw my two bits in? btw, I am a Dad to three teens, 19, 18 and 16 if that is relevant to you.

It seems the only way to find out how big the problem is, is to go to the apple store for a proper diagnosis and repair estimate. It could be free or it could be expensive but you don't know that until you go. So, why the reluctance? By reading between the lines, I suspect that you have not told your parents about the drop, don't know how to get to the apple store without them finding out, hence you tried to fix it in your room behind a closed door.

I get that your reluctant to tell your parents given that it was a recent gift but I think that's where you are. Seems like you have to get them involved. "Mom/Dad, I made a mistake and dropped my new macbook. I was being careful but it just slipped. Everything still works but the CD drive. I've looked into how it can be fixed and I think the best way is to take it to the Apple store for a free quote. I'd really like your help; Is there a way that we can go in together please?"

It will be a bit of a difficult conversation but your parents are necessary at this point to get you to the Apple store. Trust me, they would rather you be upfront and take responsibility then have you hide a damaged laptop in your room.

They may also be able to give you some perspective in 'your situation', I suspect that they would be in your corner.

If my assumptions, hence my advice, is off base I apologize. Although I'm on your side, you are welcome to take what you want from my comments.

 

[gorjan]

It isn't only the DVD drive. One of the speakers is broke. No I don't have a job, because I have no high school degree or a license to drive yet.

I didn't know flipping burgers at McD needed high school? It's $40 or so, you'll make that in a day.

Do you really consider your MBP unusable because or a non-functioning speaker and DVD-drive? Oh no, mono youtube videos!

Turn the speaker balance over to the functioning speaker and you'll forget the other one doesn't work. Save up and buy an external DVD-drive. Simple as that. OR, sell on ebay for what you can get and buy a netbook. It'll suffice to surf the net.

And why would you try fixing this yourself if you obviously didn't know what you were doing? I seems like you wanted a magical fix, sadly none of us here can do that.

To Built: Young people can absolutely have deep depressions.

Edit: You said you were looking into public transportation? How hard can it be, check out the schedules and get on the bus.

 

[wordoflife]

can I throw my two bits in? btw, I am a Dad to three teens, 19, 18 and 16 if that is relevant to you.

It seems the only way to find out how big the problem is, is to go to the apple store for a proper diagnosis and repair estimate. It could be free or it could be expensive but you don't know that until you go. So, why the reluctance? By reading between the lines, I suspect that you have not told your parents about the drop, don't know how to get to the apple store without them finding out, hence you tried to fix it in your room behind a closed door.

I get that your reluctant to tell your parents given that it was a recent gift but I think that's where you are. Seems like you have to get them involved. "Mom/Dad, I made a mistake and dropped my new macbook. I was being careful but it just slipped. Everything still works but the CD drive. I've looked into how it can be fixed and I think the best way is to take it to the Apple store for a free quote. I'd really like your help; Is there a way that we can go in together please?"

It will be a bit of a difficult conversation but your parents are necessary at this point to get you to the Apple store. Trust me, they would rather you be upfront and take responsibility then have you hide a damaged laptop in your room.

They may also be able to give you some perspective in 'your situation', I suspect that they would be in your corner.

If my assumptions, hence my advice, is off base I apologize. Although I'm on your side, you are welcome to take what you want from my comments.

This:

Read the thread! it's more than that.

I don't even know if either of my parents can take me to the Apple store. My mom doesn't have a drivers license and my dad is at work during their hours.

Now I'm just hoping I can get the speaker connector ON, much less getting the DVD drive to work now

 

[revelated]

Look, I tried to fix it myself (as was suggested) and I made it worse.

Just like I said you would.

I've called Apple on the phone, and they told me to go to the Apple store.

Just like I said you should.

I've done what I can thus far, and I attempting to try and find public transportation of some sort so I can get to that elusive Apple store.

Which is likely pointless now that you've gone and messed with it, they're probably even more likely to tell you to buzz off.

Again, I tried several solutions.

All except the correct one.

I've listened. I've read every single reply. Put yourself in my shoes and maybe you can understand why I acted the way I did.

My best guess is that you are spoiled; that your parents cover everything for you. Speaking as one who was moderately spoiled early on as a child, I really do feel bad for when you don't have them to take care of you. You remind me of that chick whose husband died and she didn't even know how to pump gas.

Look guy, I might come off callous. But I'm being dead honest straight with you. You didn't listen. The first suggestion made was to take it to the Apple Store. If it meant that much to you then you find a way to get down there. This "I have no transportation" is BS. I could find bus fare in my couch right now if I had to. If you don't learn how to deal with minor crises I shudder to think what is going to happen when you hit a major one.

 

[therealdeal]

Hi,

Just like I said you would.

Just like I said you should.

Which is likely pointless now that you've gone and messed with it, they're probably even more likely to tell you to buzz off.

All except the correct one.

My best guess is that you are spoiled; that your parents cover everything for you. Speaking as one who was moderately spoiled early on as a child, I really do feel bad for when you don't have them to take care of you. You remind me of that chick whose husband died and she didn't even know how to pump gas.

Look guy, I might come off callous. But I'm being dead honest straight with you. You didn't listen. The first suggestion made was to take it to the Apple Store. If it meant that much to you then you find a way to get down there. This "I have no transportation" is BS. I could find bus fare in my couch right now if I had to. If you don't learn how to deal with minor crises I shudder to think what is going to happen when you hit a major one.

You came to this thread far too late. You made no omnipresent predictions. The aforementioned events took place in their order because that is the order that I received the advice. You had nothing to do with anything, at all. You came in here after the fact, waltz about like your something special and give me useless advice with 'predictions' that already took place in a snide, demeaning fashion.

Then, after I restate my situation to help you understand my current position, you turned around, said that your 'predictions' came true and added a nice personal attack to boot.

Furthermore, you have no idea of my exact location. You can call BS if you want to, but the fact remains that there are only two Apple stores in the state of Oklahoma and I am not located as close to one as you might think.

Get off your high horse; just because I'm 18 doesn't immediately give you the right to condescend to me like I'm your kid. Your not my boss, so lose your cynical insolence and respect me as a fellow adult.

Until next time,
--therealdeal

 

[revelated]

Your not my boss, so lose your cynical insolence and respect me as a fellow adult.

Two digits do not an adult make. Most adults work for a living. Real adults understand what taking responsibility means. Mature adults don't whine about what they "can't" do, they find a way to do it. Even if it means hard work.

All you've done is throw excuses about why you "can't". "can't" drive to the Apple Store. "Can't" ask a friend. "Can't" ask your parents. That's all we've heard from you.

DO whatever you do, dude. In my eyes you're a spoiled brat who is meeting Life for the first time. I truly do hope you learn from this experience, because I guarantee that if you can't learn to deal with this, you're going to struggle.

 

[Eddyisgreat]

Hi op.

it sounds like your machine is hosed, and the materials + time to fix it would outstrip any benefit easily.

My advice is to use the machine you do have (well...what's left of it) and use it to make you some cash. Not telling you how to live your life; not beating you down, just giving you my honest opinion.Once you get a job, you'll get the cash to fix it in a jiffy.

I'm 21 and have gone through 3 MBPs so far. I got my first laptop @ 16 on black friday for $400 bucks. I've then went to a 2.2 Ghz MBP -> 2.5 MBP -> to my current i7 17 inch MBP (All paid for from working).

If i can do it, you can as well . Its easy.

 

[therealdeal]

Hi,

Two digits do not an adult make. Most adults work for a living. Real adults understand what taking responsibility means. Mature adults don't whine about what they "can't" do, they find a way to do it. Even if it means hard work.

All you've done is throw excuses about why you "can't". "can't" drive to the Apple Store. "Can't" ask a friend. "Can't" ask your parents. That's all we've heard from you.

DO whatever you do, dude. In my eyes you're a spoiled brat who is meeting Life for the first time. I truly do hope you learn from this experience, because I guarantee that if you can't learn to deal with this, you're going to struggle.

Hello? Earth to revelated, Earth to revelated, reality speaking.

I can't do it for my specified reasons, which you are clearly to lazy to read to comprehend. For the love of God!

In my eyes, you're a cynical, insolent bastard who has a bone to pick. Stop flaming here. Go to a psychiatrist, they'll fix you right up, OK, Mr. Mid-Life crisis?

 

[therealdeal]

Hi,

Hi op.

it sounds like your machine is hosed, and the materials + time to fix it would outstrip any benefit easily.

My advice is to use the machine you do have (well...what's left of it) and use it to make you some cash. Not telling you how to live your life; not beating you down, just giving you my honest opinion.Once you get a job, you'll get the cash to fix it in a jiffy.

I'm 21 and have gone through 3 MBPs so far. I got my first laptop @ 16 on black friday for $400 bucks. I've then went to a 2.2 Ghz MBP -> 2.5 MBP -> to my current i7 17 inch MBP (All paid for from working).

If i can do it, you can as well . Its easy.

Thanks for your advice, and this is what has the highest chance of happening. TBH, I think this is my only option. There is a Taco Bell around the corner somewhere. Perhaps I'll try there.

Right now, I'm doing my best to find a bus route (or 2... or 3... lol) to get me to the Apple store and at least see if I have a chance there first.

I do appreciate the kind words.

 

[bigjobby]

Tell your parents to get some home contents insurance that covers accidental damage then make a claim 5-6 months down the line. It screams fraud, but hey, I hate insurance companies!... no offence to those working in the industry.

 

[blueroom]

How did the machine go from a busted speaker and DVD drive to a busted computer. I hardly use the speakers or DVD.

 

[therealdeal]

How did the machine go from a busted speaker and DVD drive to a busted computer. I hardly use the speakers or DVD.

That's you though. I like testing different operating systems out, watching movies, using DVD as a RW medium for data transfer, and listening/burning CDs; so a DVD drive (for me) is pretty important. And the speakers are pretty darned important too. I use 'em for everything, including DVD movies, listening to music, browsing the web, playing games and what not.

It's not a busted computer, but it is considerably less useful and definitely less aesthetically appealing than it was when I first bought it.

This has been a most frustrating experience for me. I am still looking for a darn bus route, but I still can't find one.

 

[suburbia]

therealdeal: I think it would be better for you to stop trying to defend yourself to those who you feel are hard and critical of you.

What's done is done. It's unfortunate, but it was an accident. I can understand you're overwhelmed and extremely disappointed that your new notebook is damaged, but there's no point in arguing with strangers on a forum anymore. You need to get to an Apple Store, or an Apple-authorized technician, and find out what can be done.

Be thankful you're not relying on your notebook for work-- and by work, I don't mean schoolwork, but work that pays the bills. You'll be temporarily inconvenienced, but it's not the end of the world. You'll find a way to earn the money to fix your notebook. Chalk it up as a life lesson.

Good luck

 

[wpotere]

therealdeal: I think it would be better for you to stop trying to defend yourself to those who you feel are hard and critical of you.

What's done is done. It's unfortunate, but it was an accident. I can understand you're overwhelmed and extremely disappointed that your new notebook is damaged, but there's no point in arguing with strangers on a forum anymore. You need to get to an Apple Store, or an Apple-authorized technician, and find out what can be done.

Be thankful you're not relying on your notebook for work-- and by work, I don't mean schoolwork, but work that pays the bills. You'll be temporarily inconvenienced, but it's not the end of the world. You'll find a way to earn the money to fix your notebook. Chalk it up as a life lesson.

Good luck

Solid advice!

 

[utl768]

That's you though. I like testing different operating systems out, watching movies, using DVD as a RW medium for data transfer, and listening/burning CDs; so a DVD drive (for me) is pretty important. And the speakers are pretty darned important too. I use 'em for everything, including DVD movies, listening to music, browsing the web, playing games and what not.

It's not a busted computer, but it is considerably less useful and definitely less aesthetically appealing than it was when I first bought it.

This has been a most frustrating experience for me. I am still looking for a darn bus route, but I still can't find one.

why not just get some headphones and a cheap external drive

i understand hard times but im pretty sure you can raise the 35 bucks itd cost to get both

 

[therealdeal]

therealdeal: I think it would be better for you to stop trying to defend yourself to those who you feel are hard and critical of you.

What's done is done. It's unfortunate, but it was an accident. I can understand you're overwhelmed and extremely disappointed that your new notebook is damaged, but there's no point in arguing with strangers on a forum anymore. You need to get to an Apple Store, or an Apple-authorized technician, and find out what can be done.

Be thankful you're not relying on your notebook for work-- and by work, I don't mean schoolwork, but work that pays the bills. You'll be temporarily inconvenienced, but it's not the end of the world. You'll find a way to earn the money to fix your notebook. Chalk it up as a life lesson.

Good luck

Indeed, this is good advice.

I'm not really defending myself anymore, I've kind of yielded a bit. I'm just answering members' questions and providing additional rationale behind my statements to hopefully provide better understanding and compensate for my lack of attention to detail throughout the thread.

@utl768;

Talk about inconveniences. I had a netbook with an external drive and poor speakers and I thought to myself at that point in time that if I ever got a chance to get a new computer, I would get one with a builtin DVD drive and good speakers. And lo, it came to pass, in a very surprising, fortunate set of events. Won't be counting on that to happen again though, lol. Not to mention the fact that it limits the computers portability somewhat and destroys the sex appeal, lol.