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Just Pure Bad Luck With 15" MacBook Pro (Unibody)

iLog.Genius

iLog.Genius

macrumors 601
Original poster
Feb 24, 2009
4,925
479
Toronto, Ontario
I hate rants but I have to release this anger. First off, I know no computer is perfect but this is just getting ridiculous. I'm a heavy Mac advocate, I don't go out telling people go buy a Mac because it's the best, I simply bring it up as an alternative. Never owned a Mac until now but have been around them for years so I have a good background of the Mac ecosystem.

After years, finally decided to put down money for a Mac, why not? I have about 3 computers of different variety: reg. home build rig, EeePC and a Sony Vaio laptop.

Excited that I got my first Mac, opened it and shortly after (2 days later) I find a dent. No biggie, it happens went back to the Apple Store. Second MacBook Pro, did a quick check, no dents, build was solid except for a minor part of the external part of the lid was discolored but I didn't mind. Ultimately, video card was bad, back to the Apple Store. Today got my 3rd MacBook Pro, so far so good until I found that the laptop itself isn't leveled! (and it's not the table because I tried multiple surfaces)

We pay the "Apple Tax" because Apple advertises that it's products are solid, but that's not what I'm experiencing already going through 3 MacBook Pro's. I know many are happy, but for me this is getting ridiculous especially from a company that prides in being the best.

Genius member who handled my repair recommended that I speak to CSR if this one is faulty. Hopefully CSR can offer something for time wasted; being to the Apple Store 3 times in less than 2 weeks from my original purchase!

*UPDATE: I know when the computer starts up or when you insert a disc, the drive accepts it and aligns the head accordingly and it makes that retracting sound, I get that sound but it's a MUCH heavier sound and sounds like it's grinding on something. (Maybe I'm not meant to have a Mac?)
 
or just not Rev A devices. Maybe try another store...your store seems to be giving you bad batches
 
Do what I did - After 2 15"MBP replacements I decided a refund was in order and will just wait it out until something new is announced. Now i'm back to my trusty old hackintosh
 
Sorry to hear, I have had no issues with mine as of yet. Sound though using Skype is louder on one side of the speakers than the other:eek:
 
Been to two in the area (GTA) Yorkdale and Sherway, both have been giving me problems.

I'm strongly thinking of going that route totti, I'm not going to shy away from Apple because a few faults (even if it is frustrating), like most products maybe you just need to wait until a second revision is manufactured.

Not like I care, but I know they're "angry" cause I'm messing up someone's sales with 2 returns (going to be 3) which is why the Genius member told me to call CSR, which will tell me to go back to the store since it's still within the 14 days. Hah!
 
Maybe they give you **** because you give them ****... You should take a trip to Montreal's Ste-Catherine street Apple store... or Laval's Carrefour Apple store.
 
Pika said:
Maybe they give you **** because you give them ****... You should take a trip to Montreal's Ste-Catherine street Apple store... or Laval's Carrefour Apple store.
Click to expand...

Hah, I wish I was that kind of person. Working at AppleCare I learned that there's no reason to yell at the Specialists or Geniuses, they don't manufacture the product so it would be pointless. Unless they had a line pushing out and manufacturing Mac's, then that's a different story :p
 
iLog.Genius said:
Today got my 3rd MacBook Pro, so far so good until I found that the laptop itself isn't leveled! (and it's not the table because I tried multiple surfaces)
Click to expand...

So I'm not the only one. Latest thing I've found on my late 08 15" MBP. Tried to fool myself into thinking it was just the surfaces, but no. Worse when it's open.

John B.
 
iLog.Genius said:
Hah, I wish I was that kind of person. Working at AppleCare I learned that there's no reason to yell at the Specialists or Geniuses, they don't manufacture the product so it would be pointless. Unless they had a line pushing out and manufacturing Mac's, then that's a different story :p
Click to expand...
Make a deal... Give the Apple guy a money tip. ;):apple:
 
MacBook Pro defects

I bought my new MacBook Pro unibody in VERY late 2008, and I never noticed this until now: I put the computer down on a flat surface, and lay a ruler with the edge down (plastic, I would never be able to lay a hostile hand on my beautiful Mac) and checked to make sure that everything was even. However, the patches of aluminum where you put your wrists were slightly deformed, around 2-3 mm. I don't think that this affects everyday performance, but the entire laptop sort of creaks, as if the metal is under a heavy stress and is warping. Do you think that I should just ignore it until it gets worse, or should I make a trip to the Apple Retail Store in Shadyside?
 
I dislike Sherway gardens very much.

Honestly, they have some of the rudest Apple Geniuses i've ever had to deal with.
 
johndoe588 said:
So I'm not the only one. Latest thing I've found on my late 08 15" MBP. Tried to fool myself into thinking it was just the surfaces, but no. Worse when it's open.

John B.
Click to expand...

Yup, that's what I'm experiencing! I find it worse at 90 degrees. I think I will make ONE more trip this time to Eaton Center, hopefully 4th time's a charm! (wait, isn't it suppose to be 3?)
 
airjuggernaut said:
I dislike Sherway gardens very much.

Honestly, they have some of the rudest Apple Geniuses i've ever had to deal with.
Click to expand...

Really? I never had a problem but I do find that Yorkdale has the best Geniuses/Specialists/Managers. They hardly question you and they make you feel like they're on your side (as it already should be) and always want to make sure they've satisfied you, though the 2 "duds" say otherwise...hehe...
 
purely bad luck... may the mac isnt for you... they never replace it with a new mac... lets c if you get lucky...
 
raclotz said:
purely bad luck... may the mac isnt for you... they never replace it with a new mac... lets c if you get lucky...
Click to expand...

You know what, that crossed my mind. I definitely can't tell but I have a feeling that they're giving me returns and just are just re-boxing it. Obviously I don't know and can't really tell so it would be useless for me to argue. I'm going to call up CSR explain the situation and then go from there.
 
I always found that Sherway has great customer support, but I guess you could always try the Eaton Center. Or even a local Best Buy/Futureshop. Don't accept anything less than perfection on a machine that expensive.
 
Yeah, I think i just had some rare negative interactions with the geniuses.

The first time I went into repair my First Gen MBP for the notorious CPU Whine issue, they told me it's a non-repairable issue that they KNOW will come back, but they'll try fixing it anyways. And they'll keep repairing it until by (this is the exact quote) "Some lucky chance, when you don't have the issue come back." During this same session, the genius pretty much made a snide remark about the fact that I play games like WoW (I brought my WoW disc to show that the SuperDrive didn't work) and how he "would rather do something more productive with his life" (Ironically, he fit the chubby video game nerd description_ . At the end of the session he told me that "I was lucky Apple was even doing this for me." When i fully had about 3 weeks left on my 3-year AppleCare :|

On the second occasion, when some other new issues came up I went in again. This time, while explaining the issue, the Genius treated me like I was lieing about all of the problems. I knew that the issues were with the display inverter and the fans. I told him, that to hear the new Whine he had to be in a quiet room. So then he went to the "Genius room" and came back 2 minutes later to say he heard nothing. Again, he began with the "I think you're ********ting me" routine. I told him, in order to recreate the issue, you have to keep the laptop STILL for a minute or so and on a flat Surface WITHOUT TOUCHING IT.
He then puts it on the table (in the middle of the noisy apple store, mind you) for about 30 seconds, PUTS HIS HAND on the lid and PUSHES the laptop a bit forward (fully not listening to my instructions) and tells me he hears something but it's really not loud so he thinks it's not an issue. I insist that the laptop sounds like a bug ORGASMING and that I can't stand it. He reluctantly tells me they'll leave it overnight to see if it happens.

I get a Call NEXT day, saying that I WAS RIGHT and the issues were with the Display inverter and Fans and that they'll fix it, yet again.

Now I'm here two weeks later, and I think my left fan is messed.

Oh how I loathe Sherway Gardens with a passion now!

Ah well, at least I got a formal complaint filed against the geniuses :)

(Sorry for the long rant, I needed to vent :mad:)
 
iLog.Genius said:
Been to two in the area (GTA) Yorkdale and Sherway, both have been giving me problems.

I'm strongly thinking of going that route totti, I'm not going to shy away from Apple because a few faults (even if it is frustrating), like most products maybe you just need to wait until a second revision is manufactured.

Not like I care, but I know they're "angry" cause I'm messing up someone's sales with 2 returns (going to be 3) which is why the Genius member told me to call CSR, which will tell me to go back to the store since it's still within the 14 days. Hah!
Click to expand...

I live in the GTA too, i got my MBP at the fairview apple store, Not a single issue, not even minor. This is an amazing machine
 
iLog.Genius said:
Hah, I wish I was that kind of person. Working at AppleCare I learned that there's no reason to yell at the Specialists or Geniuses, they don't manufacture the product so it would be pointless. Unless they had a line pushing out and manufacturing Mac's, then that's a different story :p
Click to expand...

i figured you worked at apple care by the name :D

i work at apple care for ipod ;)
 
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