Custom ibook return policy? Afraid of Dead Pixels

[Jeff5i]

Hi all i'm considering purchasing a 12" ibook today from apple.com. I want to upgrade the hard drive to 60g.

$994 + free ipod mini with student discount

If i make this customization to the purchase price, will I still be able to return the unit for exchange if a dead pixel arises?

thanks so much,

Jeff

 

[kanpachi]

Hi all i'm considering purchasing a 12" ibook today from apple.com. I want to upgrade the hard drive to 60g.

$994 + free ipod mini with student discount

If i make this customization to the purchase price, will I still be able to return the unit for exchange if a dead pixel arises?

thanks so much,

Jeff

It is highly unlikely that you will be able to return the iBook, and this is for two reasons: 1) Apple typically does not allow returns on BTO (build to order) laptops and 2) they require at least 6 or something dead pixels to qualify for a return. Of course, negotiation is always an effective means of getting a return (at a high opportunity cost -- time, and the chances that they won't allow a return), but the first reason mentioned above will make it very difficult for you to get a return. I'm not sure what the probability of getting a dead pixel is, but I can imagine it to be pretty low, although the risk-optimal route would be to buy a stock version of the iBook and then press for a return if you do get a dead pixel. It all depends on how much the extra 20GB means to you vs. the risk of getting a dead pixel and not being able to return your iBook.

I always felt that BTO orders were a very risky approach, and I'm sure Apple makes the most money on these types of orders because of their stringent return policies (i.e. cannot return an engraved iPod either).

Good luck.

 

[robbieduncan]

For a single pixel? No. For a few or a clump, probably.

Check "Apple's Policy Document". It's pretty vague though.

 

[AstrosFan]

Hi all i'm considering purchasing a 12" ibook today from apple.com. I want to upgrade the hard drive to 60g.

$994 + free ipod mini with student discount

If i make this customization to the purchase price, will I still be able to return the unit for exchange if a dead pixel arises?

thanks so much,

Jeff

From Apple's website:

Please note that Apple does not permit the return of or offer refunds for the following products:

1. Product that is custom configured to your specifications
2. Opened memory
3. Opened software*
4. Electronic software downloads
5. Personalized iPods
6. Software Up to Date Program Products (SW upgrades)

That being said, if you definitely want to customize it, I would still go ahead and do it. I wouldn't let the fear of a potential pixel problem prevent you from getting the machine that you definitely want.
However, if the potential for dead pixels outweighs your desire for customization, then you could always go buy it in person & request that the salesperson turn it on prior to you purchasing it.

Good luck - either way you'll end up with a great laptop!

 

[wdlove]

You are taking the wrong approach. Think positively. Order the iBook of your choice. Then see what happens on arrival. Most times just one pixel won't in many cases be noticeable.

 

[Steadmuffin]

Dead pixels covered under AppleCare

I recently received my 12" iBook BTO with the 60 gig hard drive. Before buying, I had the exact same concern as you. So I called Apple. The person on the phone told me that AppleCare covers dead pixels. I asked her if even a BTO iBook would be covered, and she said yes. I then asked her if there had to be a certain number of pixels dead, or if there had to be a certain number of them in a row, and she said no. Even just one dead pixel counts as DOA (Dead on Arrival) and falls under the DOA section of AppleCare.

I wasn't convinced, as I'm sure you still aren't, so I called again a few days later before ordering, and asked the same questions. I received the same answers. That was good enough for me.

So my advice would be to call 1-800-MY-APPLE and ask these questions, and see what kind of answers you get.

FYI, the AppleCare warranty page says nothing specifically about dead pixels (belive me, I read it a few times to make sure).

 

[Jeff5i]

Well i'm reconsidering the BTO machine now because of this risk.

Will i see a whole lot of difference between a 40g and a 60g drive? The difference is $45 in price between the 2. Going up to 80g is over my budget of $1000.

jeff

 

[AstrosFan]

Well i'm reconsidering the BTO machine now because of this risk.

Will i see a whole lot of difference between a 40g and a 60g drive? The difference is $45 in price between the 2. Going up to 80g is over my budget of $1000.

jeff

One of the mantras I have read many times on this board is to "Get as much HD space as possible" when buying a laptop.
Many people have said that the space will fill up much quicker than you can think.
I think it's a good idea to get the 60GB HD.

 

[Jeff5i]

I recently received my 12" iBook BTO with the 60 gig hard drive. Before buying, I had the exact same concern as you. So I called Apple. The person on the phone told me that AppleCare covers dead pixels. I asked her if even a BTO iBook would be covered, and she said yes. I then asked her if there had to be a certain number of pixels dead, or if there had to be a certain number of them in a row, and she said no. Even just one dead pixel counts as DOA (Dead on Arrival) and falls under the DOA section of AppleCare.

I wasn't convinced, as I'm sure you still aren't, so I called again a few days later before ordering, and asked the same questions. I received the same answers. That was good enough for me.

So my advice would be to call 1-800-MY-APPLE and ask these questions, and see what kind of answers you get.

FYI, the AppleCare warranty page says nothing specifically about dead pixels (belive me, I read it a few times to make sure).

So your ibook came with 0 dead pixels?

jeff

 

[Jeff5i]

One of the mantras I have read many times on this board is to "Get as much HD space as possible" when buying a laptop.
Many people have said that the space will fill up much quicker than you can think.
I think it's a good idea to get the 60GB HD.

Thats very good advice, especially since I have a 30g ipod photo. Thats most of the 40g!

jeff

 

[drake]

Guess this is a very common concern. I was going to ask this EXACT question. But I also wanted to know if I can use my credit card to purchase under the Educational program if my wife is a faculty member (the machine is for her ). That is, would my using my card make them think its not my purchase, hence no discount and no iPod.

 

[deetschei]

It depends. If you use the stock computers at the store, which are usually outfitted with stock tiger and only microsoft office, plus a few songs, you'll notice that their HD is pushing 25-30 gig of consumed space. That will leave you 15 G to play with, even less when you consider you will only REALLY have 37G to start with. You are basically handicapped from putting too much on your computer from the start with 40G, in my opinion.

Well i'm reconsidering the BTO machine now because of this risk.

Will i see a whole lot of difference between a 40g and a 60g drive? The difference is $45 in price between the 2. Going up to 80g is over my budget of $1000.

jeff

 

[Jeff5i]

It depends. If you use the stock computers at the store, which are usually outfitted with stock tiger and only microsoft office, plus a few songs, you'll notice that their HD is pushing 25-30 gig of consumed space. That will leave you 15 G to play with, even less when you consider you will only REALLY have 37G to start with. You are basically handicapped from putting too much on your computer from the start with 40G, in my opinion.

Hmm, adding the 60g puts me close to $1000. For only $399 more (edu discount) I could have the 12" powebook (1.5, w/ 60g).

Whats your thoughts on this?

jeff

 

[StarbucksSam]

Guess this is a very common concern. I was going to ask this EXACT question. But I also wanted to know if I can use my credit card to purchase under the Educational program if my wife is a faculty member (the machine is for her ). That is, would my using my card make them think its not my purchase, hence no discount and no iPod.

Nope, it would work anyway. They don't care who pays the bill as long as it's paid. Haha. Hope you enjoy.

 

[devilot]

Shameless plug for myself

Hmm, adding the 60g puts me close to $1000. For only $399 more (edu discount) I could have the 12" powebook (1.5, w/ 60g).

Whats your thoughts on this?

jeff

My thoughts? Buy a previously loved 12" PB. Similar specs as the current iBook but w/ natively enabled screen spanning, 60GB HD, etc...

 

[eleveneastgate]

Refurb

You cannot return B.T.O. --- That's what Apple told me,

Check out the Refurb section at the Apple store, you can find some pretty good deals there... Peace!

 

[Chrispy]

I can tell you from experience that if you BTO a machine you cannot return it. I had a powerbook with a dead pixel and they would not let me return it until I threw a very large fit (Dell will let you return for any reason within the first 2 weeks.. even on custom builds). I then had a BTO powermac with a bad power supply and all they were willing to do was repair it... and it was only a few days old . I am very afraid of going BTO anymore but I just ordered a 15" 1.67 powerbook with 128VRAM so I am keeping my fingers corsssed that I don't have any problems.

 

[appleguy]

Its all how you contact them and speak to them on the phone.
if you are nice an polite they may do an exchange or at least let the LCD screen get covered to get replaced by a service engineer

 

[Steadmuffin]

Well i'm reconsidering the BTO machine now because of this risk.

Will i see a whole lot of difference between a 40g and a 60g drive? The difference is $45 in price between the 2. Going up to 80g is over my budget of $1000.

jeff

Get the 60 giger. I just got my iBook on Wednesday the 3rd of August. I've installed MS Office for Mac (300 megs) limewire, iWork, and 4 gigs of music. I've got 30 gigs left.

The preinstalled software takes up a lot of space. Defenitley go for the 60 giger. It's just $45. If you can afford more, heck go for the 80, or the max you can get.

 

[Steadmuffin]

So your ibook came with 0 dead pixels?

jeff

Yep! Not a singal dead pixel.

 

[AP_piano295]

Hmm, adding the 60g puts me close to $1000. For only $399 more (edu discount) I could have the 12" powebook (1.5, w/ 60g).

Whats your thoughts on this?

jeff

only 400 dollars more

 

[TaKashMoney]

I just received my BTO 12"ibook with 80gb HD and 1gig RAM. I am happy to report that it is flawless, no dead pixels, no scratches, even my power charger acts as it should (I heard some dont change colors, either always orange or green). I am one happy switcher

 

[Jeff5i]

I just received my BTO 12"ibook with 80gb HD and 1gig RAM. I am happy to report that it is flawless, no dead pixels, no scratches, even my power charger acts as it should (I heard some dont change colors, either always orange or green). I am one happy switcher

I ended up ordering the BTO with 60gig's for 994 with a free ipod mini.

I'm hoping the shipping doesnt take too terribly long with the BTO ( I did pay extra for expedited.)

I can't wait to use it. I hope the 60g is enough.

Jeff

 

[terriyaki]

I ended up ordering the BTO with 60gig's for 994 with a free ipod mini.

I'm hoping the shipping doesnt take too terribly long with the BTO ( I did pay extra for expedited.)

I can't wait to use it. I hope the 60g is enough.

Jeff

Well you can always uninstall programs and get rid of things you won't need.

I, for example, uninstalled GarageBand, iDVD and used a little program called Monolingual to remove unnecesary language files and saved a few Gigs.

There's no point in having things you don't need, might as well get rid of them. You can always reinstall them later if you feel the need to.

 

[prp134]

It depends. If you use the stock computers at the store, which are usually outfitted with stock tiger and only microsoft office, plus a few songs, you'll notice that their HD is pushing 25-30 gig of consumed space. That will leave you 15 G to play with, even less when you consider you will only REALLY have 37G to start with. You are basically handicapped from putting too much on your computer from the start with 40G, in my opinion.

computers in stock at the store comes with Microsoft office? what about BTO ?