Get replacement after 1/27 event?

[ariesfeng]

I'll hold out as long as I can. I was only upgraded from 15" to 17" because I require the Express card slot. If the express card slot was still in the 15", then I would be getting a 15". I'm still using this defective one at the moment, and its problems continue to trouble me. I'll be shipping this out in the next few days, after some long thought... I do agree though, apple does have lots of stock of the current models and I too find it hard to believe that they would just give up the new one, for replacement.. sounds too good to be true. If I do decide to wait with that shipping tag, I'll update everyone on what happens..

Amorcito, have you shipped your old machine to Apple yet? I just brought mine to FedEX yesterday and hopefully I will hear from them on Monday.

 

[amorcito]

Amorcito, have you shipped your old machine to Apple yet? I just brought mine to FedEX yesterday and hopefully I will hear from them on Monday.

Hello,

Yes, I did actually. They are pretty quick to respond. I thought it would be coming from the Elk Grove distribution center here in California, but it's actually on its way from Shanghai, China. I was quite surprised to find that out, once I got the tracking number. It just entered California early this morning, and I hope I receive it in the next couple of days.

As the 27th gets closer and closer.. I'm feeling the need to just not open the box once its delivered, and ask for an exchange ... I think that's the insane part of my conscience talking.. as there's no logic in that. I travel out of the country a lot, I really don't need a 1st revision computer on an international trip to be in and out of repair either... but those faster speeds are just tempting *insane part talking again* ...Will apple even have a Generation 2 Express slot on the MBP, that will support 5gps? Currently it only supports up to 3gps. If it supports 5 on this upcoming refresh, everyone will want to buy a USB 3.0 Express card...Hmm.. the many wonders...

Just drop the Apple representative an email, and let him/her know that you dropped off the unit. They'll send you an email either Monday, or Tuesday (More likely Tue, given the holiday). That will give you the tracking number and when it will be "prepared for shipment". Once the tracking number is generated, you can then click on it, and it'll take you to the Fedex site for tracking.

To pass the time, I've just been browsing the forums and reading up on SSD. I have to narrow it down between the OCZ Vertex 2, which won't be out till March.. or an SSD that fits into the Express Slot. I might go with the latter as the Vertex will be a bit pricey, and I only want to dump my OS and a few apps on it. Unfortunately, those drives don't last so long. Tiger direct sells them, and offers a 1 year or a 2 year replacement plan on them, which kicks in after the MFG warranty is over.. which isn't bad, actually...

Intels SSD comes with a 5 year warranty! But Vertex beats intel with their new controller.. The current Vertex models only come with a 2-3 year warranty on Tiger direct, and of course you have the option for Tiger Directs warranty as well.

Good luck with everything!

 

[amorcito]

Amorcito, have you shipped your old machine to Apple yet? I just brought mine to FedEX yesterday and hopefully I will hear from them on Monday.

I just received my new 17" MBP today. The funny thing is when I began using it, after awhile the screen began to flicker for a second or less, several times throughout the time it was on. I then switched to the dedicated graphics, and i have not seen the problem.

I saw many many posts on similar problems on the older Nvidia cards, as well as the current 9400 card. What's the deal? Is this problem a never ending cycle with apple? I called apple and made an appointment to bring it in, and have it either "exchanged or repaired". I told the tech I'd prefer to exchange it, as I just got it, and its not worth being sent out on something that's supposed to be new, and 100% functional.

Depending on what chipset the new MBP comes with, I just may exchange for that model. Hopefully ATI will come back on board with Apple.

ariesfeng: Let me know if you encounter any problems.

If anyone else has encountered any problems with the mid-2009 17" macbook pro, I'd like to hear it.. I guess I'll spend the rest of the evening reading through those many posts... It's gonna be a long night...

 

[ariesfeng]

Amorcito, Thank you for your very thoughtful explanation about the process of getting replacement. I am sorry to hear you have issues with your new MBP. Since I just dropped off the old machine last Friday, I expect to get my machine this week. I will get back to you as soon as I test the machine. And good luck with your appointment with the genius bar

I just received my new 17" MBP today. The funny thing is when I began using it, after awhile the screen began to flicker for a second or less, several times throughout the time it was on. I then switched to the dedicated graphics, and i have not seen the problem.

I saw many many posts on similar problems on the older Nvidia cards, as well as the current 9400 card. What's the deal? Is this problem a never ending cycle with apple? I called apple and made an appointment to bring it in, and have it either "exchanged or repaired". I told the tech I'd prefer to exchange it, as I just got it, and its not worth being sent out on something that's supposed to be new, and 100% functional.

Depending on what chipset the new MBP comes with, I just may exchange for that model. Hopefully ATI will come back on board with Apple.

ariesfeng: Let me know if you encounter any problems.

If anyone else has encountered any problems with the mid-2009 17" macbook pro, I'd like to hear it.. I guess I'll spend the rest of the evening reading through those many posts... It's gonna be a long night...

 

[WilliamG]

I just received my new 17" MBP today. The funny thing is when I began using it, after awhile the screen began to flicker for a second or less, several times throughout the time it was on. I then switched to the dedicated graphics, and i have not seen the problem.

I saw many many posts on similar problems on the older Nvidia cards, as well as the current 9400 card. What's the deal? Is this problem a never ending cycle with apple? I called apple and made an appointment to bring it in, and have it either "exchanged or repaired". I told the tech I'd prefer to exchange it, as I just got it, and its not worth being sent out on something that's supposed to be new, and 100% functional.

Depending on what chipset the new MBP comes with, I just may exchange for that model. Hopefully ATI will come back on board with Apple.

ariesfeng: Let me know if you encounter any problems.

If anyone else has encountered any problems with the mid-2009 17" macbook pro, I'd like to hear it.. I guess I'll spend the rest of the evening reading through those many posts... It's gonna be a long night...

Never had a problem with my early 2009 2.66Ghz 17" MBP with flickering...

 

[thadoggfather]

when you get a replacement through Apple support, do they ship you a new laptop in the retail packaging and everything?

Also, can you just take in your replacement (assuming it has retail packaging) and do a swap for the newest model (with no receipt or documentation you bought it from that store)? because apple just authorized a replacement for my lemon machine which has had numerous repairs and still is having problems, the last step is i have to first take it to an apple store and have some of the problems documented on the report before they will fully let it go.

i dont really think at this point i even need the power of arrandale, but just curious.

 

[amorcito]

when you get a replacement through Apple support, do they ship you a new laptop in the retail packaging and everything?

Also, can you just take in your replacement (assuming it has retail packaging) and do a swap for the newest model (with no receipt or documentation you bought it from that store)? because apple just authorized a replacement for my lemon machine which has had numerous repairs and still is having problems, the last step is i have to first take it to an apple store and have some of the problems documented on the report before they will fully let it go.

i dont really think at this point i even need the power of arrandale, but just curious.

Yes, the replacement is shipped in new packaging, as if you bought it from the store. After speaking with a customer relations rep today, I was told that I have 14 days to exchange a defective, replacement. Now, the store can choose to do this exchange, but it is at their discretion. They could be negative, and say "NO!" But normally they help people, and will offer an exchange if problems are found on the replacement computer. You must first call Apple and explain the issue at hand, and they will give you a service ticket number, which contains all of the notes on the current problem, explaining to the tech to give you an exchange, or send it off to service.

In my situation, I have a flickering screen on my just replaced MBP 17". After reading up lots of posts and various forums of users who have this same problem, no solution was found. The only thing apple does is either replace the screen, or the logic board. I can go in and exchange, from what I was told, at that stores discretion, but I don't want another Nvidia chipset based Macbook Pro. I'm hoping those new units are released on the 27th, and hopefully contain an ATI chipset. If I'm blessed with that good news on the 27th, off to the apple store I will go, and see if I can get it exchanged. Problems you may face: 1) Paying a difference in price if there is a price drop (hopefully they are not that money hungry, but we do live in the United States, so don't be surprised) 2) Finding the right person to assist in the exchange process who won't fight tooth and nail with you to send it out for repair, and not exchange it. So my advice to you is to pick the most friendliest apple store and go there.

Please also, keep in mind, that replacement will be mailed to your home, possibly from China, like mine was.. but that 14 day window does begin when the customer relations rep places your order, not when you actually receive it... This is what I was told... from customer relations... Good luck!

 

[ariesfeng]

Amorcito,

My replacement just came in today and it was shipped from China too. The machine was sitting in a sealed box, as you bought it from Apple. I tested both graphic cards and there is no flickering issue. The 2 Core gives me adequate power and I am going to keep it.

Please keep us updated on what happens to your MBP.

Yes, the replacement is shipped in new packaging, as if you bought it from the store. After speaking with a customer relations rep today, I was told that I have 14 days to exchange a defective, replacement. Now, the store can choose to do this exchange, but it is at their discretion. They could be negative, and say "NO!" But normally they help people, and will offer an exchange if problems are found on the replacement computer. You must first call Apple and explain the issue at hand, and they will give you a service ticket number, which contains all of the notes on the current problem, explaining to the tech to give you an exchange, or send it off to service.

In my situation, I have a flickering screen on my just replaced MBP 17". After reading up lots of posts and various forums of users who have this same problem, no solution was found. The only thing apple does is either replace the screen, or the logic board. I can go in and exchange, from what I was told, at that stores discretion, but I don't want another Nvidia chipset based Macbook Pro. I'm hoping those new units are released on the 27th, and hopefully contain an ATI chipset. If I'm blessed with that good news on the 27th, off to the apple store I will go, and see if I can get it exchanged. Problems you may face: 1) Paying a difference in price if there is a price drop (hopefully they are not that money hungry, but we do live in the United States, so don't be surprised) 2) Finding the right person to assist in the exchange process who won't fight tooth and nail with you to send it out for repair, and not exchange it. So my advice to you is to pick the most friendliest apple store and go there.

Please also, keep in mind, that replacement will be mailed to your home, possibly from China, like mine was.. but that 14 day window does begin when the customer relations rep places your order, not when you actually receive it... This is what I was told... from customer relations... Good luck!

 

[amorcito]

Amorcito,

My replacement just came in today and it was shipped from China too. The machine was sitting in a sealed box, as you bought it from Apple. I tested both graphic cards and there is no flickering issue. The 2 Core gives me adequate power and I am going to keep it.

Please keep us updated on what happens to your MBP.

Congrats! I'm glad to hear it came! It's a nice computer! And coming from China, it comes fast! I'm really wanting to keep it, minus the flickering of course, as everything else seems to work beautifully. Give it the ultimate test, use it, do some 3d stress tests. Hopefully u don't have any of those flickering issues as I have. They've even gotten worse today. I'll keep ya up to date with what happens when I go to apple next week. Enjoy your system!

 

[ariesfeng]

It looks like there's no surprise for us today. Amorcito, are you planning to bring your MBP back to the store this week?

Congrats! I'm glad to hear it came! It's a nice computer! And coming from China, it comes fast! I'm really wanting to keep it, minus the flickering of course, as everything else seems to work beautifully. Give it the ultimate test, use it, do some 3d stress tests. Hopefully u don't have any of those flickering issues as I have. They've even gotten worse today. I'll keep ya up to date with what happens when I go to apple next week. Enjoy your system!