- Just to add: UK law provides the consumer with 6 years in which to make a claim as to any fault with a product and have it repaired or replaced free of charge. Arguably the most favourable consumer protection warranty laws in the world and very well suited to this GPU issue. So at least in the UK, expecting 5 years isn't unrealistic.
http://www.apple.com/uk/legal/statutory-warranty/
I know I live in the uk lucky for me.
I also agree it's not unrealistic however if you buy under certain conditions as everyone does then you know what you are getting into. Again if you don't like that buy from someone else.
As for your other comments, I do think Apple should fix it and they have but I don't think they have to do that indefinitely or replace the machine.
Every computer you buy is basically being beta tested unless you use only proven 5 year old technology in the machine, that is the price of having new cutting edge technology in machines every year. I for one am willing to take this risk if you are not don't buy them.
Yes people did have failing graphics cards in the first couple of years but that is normal and the same as every other computer it did not become a widespread problem until later.
GPU's also fail with age, yes Apple tested the limits of the thermals on this model and they came up short that's what happens with cutting edge technology.
I am not using image to defend anything, in fact I'm not defending anything.
I'm just pointing out the realities of the tech industry and the realities of the world we live in Apple have behaved better than just about any other tech company has about this sort of issue. Is this good enough?? Maybe not. Is it part of modern consumerism and nothing anyone can do about certainly is.
We are never going to agree on this, I am not personally affected so I'm sure my philosophical approach is just annoying, let's leave it at that.