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Is this a normal Apple experience (I think that Apple sucks)
- Thread starter Canerican
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BUY THE APPLECARE
if you've had all these problems so far, i would definitely recommend getting the applecare, because you never know what else could happen
if you've had all these problems so far, i would definitely recommend getting the applecare, because you never know what else could happen
I have never heard of this happening before I have had my MBP for a year now and have had no problems with it and I must say I am not the nicest of people to my computer
I have not ever heard of a single user having so much trouble. This does not mean to suggest that you have not experienced serious misfortune but you have to understand where Apple is coming from... you seem to be well outside the curve and therefore, seem unbelievable. Do you have other computers at home or school? Perhaps your power is very bad or a roommate's drool has been the source of problems.
Completely inaccurate. Applecare is void if you drop and dent your machine, or if there is any indication of liquid inside the machine.
I don't doubt the OP's story. A certain percentage of hardware problems are inevitable and a certain percentage of multiple hardware problems are also inevitable. I would suggest a couple things:
1. Hardware problems happen to all manufacturers. I don't think you will find better support anywhere else than what you received. You would probably just find fewer hardware problems and never have to contact support like most people.
2. I would shy away from making statements like the above I quoted. It makes you sound like you are exaggerating and never helps to convince anyone. If you call Apple, and I would suggest that you do, just detail the number of problems and current problem and ask for assistance.
It makes perfect sense not to get it as well. It's no secret that extended warranties have profit margins on the order of 40-60%, and that they are a cash cow for most computer/tech companies these days. If we take the statistical average of all computers with Applecare and compare that number to the number of computers that required service, we would see that Applecare is a great idea for Apple. How great of an idea it is for the average consumer is relative. In the OP's case, I think Applecare makes perfect sense because he's had such bad hardware reliability thus far. It also makes sense if you know that in 2 1/2 years, you won't be able to replace your computer in the event of failure. Otherwise, from a statistical standpoint, not buying Applecare makes perfect sense.
However, I digress; this thread is not about the worth of Applecare
Normally I do as I am in management right (my job is, so my major) so I have learned the hard way not to exagerate at all, if not understate problems like this. Unfortunately, I am not exagerating.
@Sedulus
I live at home and my family is very proper, they don't even touch my MB.
I emailed the two addresses people gave and one came back as undeliverable (the applestoreinfo@apple.com one) but I am still waiting for an email back. I'll try and call today but I have a test later on and I have to download a bunch of stuff to study from onto my parents PC
And I agree, I won't buy AppleCare, I replace my computer every two years anyway. Even with a big defect I should get $500 for the parts if I do it right (In a year). So I have a $1400 laptop, takeaway $500 as the minimum I will get for it if it breaks again, takeaway $250 for AppleCare, I am essentially insuring $650, which isn't worth it.
Honestly
You don't think you kind of wore out your welcome? I do not know what you are doing or maybe you are static electrically charged all the time but that kind of luck does sound like you have to take a look at your habits as well. I think your story shows Apple bent over backwards and when you wen to the well one too many times just they said no. I have been buying Macs for over 20 years and each one gets better and better and LIVE LONGER than the predessor. If you want to save some money there is a bug ridden Windows machine waiting for you and it's on sale!
You don't think you kind of wore out your welcome? I do not know what you are doing or maybe you are static electrically charged all the time but that kind of luck does sound like you have to take a look at your habits as well. I think your story shows Apple bent over backwards and when you wen to the well one too many times just they said no. I have been buying Macs for over 20 years and each one gets better and better and LIVE LONGER than the predessor. If you want to save some money there is a bug ridden Windows machine waiting for you and it's on sale!
Was that a serious question? I hope it was sarcasm, but I can't tell.
No I do not. The machines were defective, let me put this into perspective. In the three years that I have been driving I have owned three cars, one used two new. I took my Scion in one time for a warrenteed repair, my Charger has only been brought in for scheduled maintenance, and my first car was a 1977 Triumph, so obviously it had no warrentee. I own a Dell PC and a whitebox PC and I have never taken those in for repairs. My sister has an HP laptop, my Dad has an IBM, I maintain both of them and haven't had an issue. So no I don't think I have worn out my welcome. Apple unknowingly sold me defective computers.
Herzart, if they weren't defective why have they never turned down a repair? Why have they apologized to me the past two times for the defectiveness in their machines? If there was no problem there would be nothing to fix. And in all honesty, I don't care if they hate me at the Apple Store, I will keep going back untill I get the functional machine that I paid for. I will not fork out another $1400 in order to get the machine that I paid for in the first place.
And its not about saving money Herzart, I pay better money in order to get a better product. Apple fooled me once if I follow your logic, therefore, I should try and make sure that no one that works for me and asks me for computer advice, or anyone at my church, or anyone that I ever meet gets fooled into buying a Mac ever again. Right? Because it seems to me that you think that having a working Mac is a privilage, not a right? Is this a common mindset amongst that Apple community, I hope not, or else Apple is screwed.
And they haven't "bent over backwards," if they did I wouldn't be writing this post on a PC.
Tell me how the heck A) this is possible, B) it matters. Everyone has to have a charge on them at all times unless they are grounded, Apple knows this. Either way, static electricity does not affect my bezel cracking up, my screen turning to crap, or my battery and HDD dying. If I was opening the computer and playing around with components, then OK, it is reasonable, but I am not treating my computer in this way, I haven't ever even opened up the bottom bezel.
I bow down in light of your superior math skills.
Whatever the case, I hope the OP gets everything straightened out. I have had one bad Apple laptop before, and it's not fun. But in the end Apple made everything right. Hopefully the same thing will happen here.
Walden Galleria? I don't know whether to feel sorry for you because of your Apple experience or because you live in Buffalo...
Both fortunately when I graduate I have a marketing job lined up in Virginia.
Back on topic
They have had my laptop for nearly 72 hours and haven't touched it. (I called)
I have asked Apple to extend my warrentee for 6 months, no. I asked them to extend for the 3 weeks they have had it... Maybe. In all honesty, I don't think Apple sucks this much. That is why I am so bothered. When my Netgear router failed within warrentee, I expected them to suck, so I never even bothered to complain. When Benq moniter started getting stuck pixels left and right, I put it in the trash where it belonged. Apple was supposed to be different - and they were. Now Apple is acting "one of the big guys who doesn't give a rat's be-hind about its customers."
I figured that Apple would do something, I have read about Apple fixing the problem and then giving a guy an iPod Nano, or an Apple TV, or at least an apology. I am just discouraged. As much as I love my Apple, I hate the people at the Apple store here. I might go Syracuse or Pittsburgh next time. I don't know.
I am just really angery and disappointed.
I would like to thank everyone who has posted. I moderate a fairly large forum, and we dream about guys that are as great as you. Apple certainly attracts intelligent fans.
GBCW (no I don't like the Daily Kos, but that seems fitting)
Bad
Yeah, that's really bad, and also pretty rare. Did you try calling applecare first? Sometimes with the books they will ship you a box and have it turned around in a couple days. I had a questionable experience where the 5th ave apple store scratched the bejesus out of my iMac when it went in for an iSight replacement. Bad experiences happen, but if you call apple care and ask to get elevated, AND are nice about it, they're pretty reasonable. Sorry you had a bad experience, but they happen. I've found that Apple does seem to take better care of the customers than most other companies.
Yeah, that's really bad, and also pretty rare. Did you try calling applecare first? Sometimes with the books they will ship you a box and have it turned around in a couple days. I had a questionable experience where the 5th ave apple store scratched the bejesus out of my iMac when it went in for an iSight replacement. Bad experiences happen, but if you call apple care and ask to get elevated, AND are nice about it, they're pretty reasonable. Sorry you had a bad experience, but they happen. I've found that Apple does seem to take better care of the customers than most other companies.
That's funny you mention that, because the guy at the Apple Store opened the battery with his key and scratch the back, and he also damaged the thing that you turn to release the battery. The Apple Store and he said that it didn't happen.
I am really looking for someone to slap me and wake me up. I had actaully forgotten about that, and honestly didn't care.
You know what, I am seeing that the local Apple Store is just pure crap. Its not Apple as a whole.
Does anyone on this board live in/near Buffalo? Because I went to the Apple Store in Atlantic City and they were way friendlier. I am just wondering if we just have a bad store here.
I am calling Applecare, and I emailed Steve Jobs' supposed address, waiting on a reply. I am sad, angry, disturbed at Apple. Or as Will Ferrel might say, "I'm in a glass case of emotion! OHHHHHHHHHHHHH BAXTER!"
I visited my Apple Store today, and the manager (I beleive she was a suprviser, but that is irrelevant) outright refused to check the status of my repair. She told me they had it in the back, and the part was in, but could not give me any estimate. Ding ding! I know that my MacBook is in the back. She told me I could book an appointment (next available was an hour and a half from then) or call Applecare.
I called AppleCare, spoke to three people and then the supervisor, James. He was polite and called the Apple Store and guess what? They can't give me any estimate. I told him I was told 3-4 days. He told me it was an estimate and that the sales person wouldn't say that. He finally conceded that I might have been told 3-4 days. Great. So they will expedite my service! Wrong.
7-10 days.
I will never never buy an Apple again, and I will exercise my right to tell as many people as I can about my story so they don't buy a Mac. I can not tell you how angry I am. I have been called a liar by three people now at the Apple Store. I am selling my MacBook, will never purchase anything branded Apple ever again.
I went in just wanting a straight answer, and them to live by what they said. I got neither and they will pay for it in lost sales.
I called AppleCare, spoke to three people and then the supervisor, James. He was polite and called the Apple Store and guess what? They can't give me any estimate. I told him I was told 3-4 days. He told me it was an estimate and that the sales person wouldn't say that. He finally conceded that I might have been told 3-4 days. Great. So they will expedite my service! Wrong.
7-10 days.
I will never never buy an Apple again, and I will exercise my right to tell as many people as I can about my story so they don't buy a Mac. I can not tell you how angry I am. I have been called a liar by three people now at the Apple Store. I am selling my MacBook, will never purchase anything branded Apple ever again.
I went in just wanting a straight answer, and them to live by what they said. I got neither and they will pay for it in lost sales.
I'd say you're lucky, considering your computers actually worked for a while. I have received eight defect Apple laptops in a row now. They're giving me a refund. I don't know what to do.
I wish OS X would run on quality hardware so I wouldn't have to bother with this.
I wish OS X would run on quality hardware so I wouldn't have to bother with this.
I do agree this is not a normal apple experience. Honestly Apple is the most flexible with repairs and replacing units. The fact you can talk to someone in person makes it easier then trying to argue with someone over the phone. Any other computer manufacturer would say too bad so sad. I gotta ask...what exactly are you using your computer for to have it have all those issues?
too bad the apple hardware is the same as the rest of the hardware on the market. I know just as many PC users if not more that have had more issues. If you dont treat your computer right it will die on you.
I know many people who have ibooks still that have never had issues, and never have even had to bring them in for a check up. i guess u just didnt have any luck.
too bad the apple hardware is the same as the rest of the hardware on the market. I know just as many PC users if not more that have had more issues. If you dont treat your computer right it will die on you.
I visited my Apple Store today, and the manager (I beleive she was a suprviser, but that is irrelevant) outright refused to check the status of my repair. She told me they had it in the back, and the part was in, but could not give me any estimate. Ding ding! I know that my MacBook is in the back. She told me I could book an appointment (next available was an hour and a half from then) or call Applecare.
I called AppleCare, spoke to three people and then the supervisor, James. He was polite and called the Apple Store and guess what? They can't give me any estimate. I told him I was told 3-4 days. He told me it was an estimate and that the sales person wouldn't say that. He finally conceded that I might have been told 3-4 days. Great. So they will expedite my service! Wrong.
7-10 days.
I will never never buy an Apple again, and I will exercise my right to tell as many people as I can about my story so they don't buy a Mac. I can not tell you how angry I am. I have been called a liar by three people now at the Apple Store. I am selling my MacBook, will never purchase anything branded Apple ever again.
I went in just wanting a straight answer, and them to live by what they said. I got neither and they will pay for it in lost sales.
I know many people who have ibooks still that have never had issues, and never have even had to bring them in for a check up. i guess u just didnt have any luck.
Both fortunately when I graduate I have a marketing job lined up in Virginia.
Back on topic
They have had my laptop for nearly 72 hours and haven't touched it. (I called)
I have asked Apple to extend my warrentee for 6 months, no. I asked them to extend for the 3 weeks they have had it... Maybe. In all honesty, I don't think Apple sucks this much. That is why I am so bothered. When my Netgear router failed within warrentee, I expected them to suck, so I never even bothered to complain. When Benq moniter started getting stuck pixels left and right, I put it in the trash where it belonged. Apple was supposed to be different - and they were. Now Apple is acting "one of the big guys who doesn't give a rat's be-hind about its customers."
I figured that Apple would do something, I have read about Apple fixing the problem and then giving a guy an iPod Nano, or an Apple TV, or at least an apology. I am just discouraged. As much as I love my Apple, I hate the people at the Apple store here. I might go Syracuse or Pittsburgh next time. I don't know.
I am just really angery and disappointed.
I would like to thank everyone who has posted. I moderate a fairly large forum, and we dream about guys that are as great as you. Apple certainly attracts intelligent fans.
GBCW (no I don't like the Daily Kos, but that seems fitting)
I will agree that not all apple stores have the greatest service. Some of of the genii can be pompus butt heads, and the managers can sure be know it alls. When ever I have had an issue they have always fixed it without a fight. Apple may have your computer for a few days, last time I had a PC repaired it was gone for 6 weeks. I thinkt he only other place that may fix a computer as fast as apple is dell, even they can take a long time unless you really complain. I really do feel sorry for you and the fact that you've had to go through so many computer over the last year. Apple truly does have great products and they are made no differently then PC computers either.
I would just like to tell you all what finally happened.
I got my computer back after about a week, the monitor was replaced, the DC-in board was billed as if it had been replaced, but not replaced. I didn't even bother complain. They cracked the topcase when doing the repairs, I went in and the district manager fixed it for me. He did a lousy job, there are giant spaces between the top and bottom case. Again, I didn't complain. I got a new battery because mine was one of the ones recalled, now the DC-in board works all of the time, so that's nice.
I also called the manager at 800-apl-care and told him how everything was resolved, I apologized because I yelled at him, and I asked him to forward my complaint to Apple... He said this (literally), "I'm really busy, I'll do it if I have time. Thanks for calling."
Click. What a pompous ******.
I am still unhappy, I will not buy my products at the Apple store anymore, I would prefer buy it at a third party (Best Buy most likely), that way Apple gets less of my money.
I am not happy with Apple. They didn't really do anything right. But its done now, and my MacBook is out of warranty, so thats all done forever
I got my computer back after about a week, the monitor was replaced, the DC-in board was billed as if it had been replaced, but not replaced. I didn't even bother complain. They cracked the topcase when doing the repairs, I went in and the district manager fixed it for me. He did a lousy job, there are giant spaces between the top and bottom case. Again, I didn't complain. I got a new battery because mine was one of the ones recalled, now the DC-in board works all of the time, so that's nice.
I also called the manager at 800-apl-care and told him how everything was resolved, I apologized because I yelled at him, and I asked him to forward my complaint to Apple... He said this (literally), "I'm really busy, I'll do it if I have time. Thanks for calling."
Click. What a pompous ******.
I am still unhappy, I will not buy my products at the Apple store anymore, I would prefer buy it at a third party (Best Buy most likely), that way Apple gets less of my money.
I am not happy with Apple. They didn't really do anything right. But its done now, and my MacBook is out of warranty, so thats all done forever
Your experience is probably due to the people rather than the company itself.
You are also very unfortunate to receive so many bad Macs.
This is not a typical Apple experience.
You are also very unfortunate to receive so many bad Macs.
This is not a typical Apple experience.
dude
Didn't you get your computer replaced?
When the manager asked what you wanted, why didn't you just say a new, working Macbook?
To be clear, I have gotten three completely new computers
1) The Logic Board was fried
2) The HDD died
3) The one I have now (Bad battery (under the Apple replacement program), bad MagSafe plug (both parts, the wall plug and the part that is actually attached to the computer, bad screen)
Do you think that qualifies as a lemon in NY state?
Thanks for the advice, you'll should be working at the Apple Store!
Didn't you get your computer replaced?
When the manager asked what you wanted, why didn't you just say a new, working Macbook?