Planned obsolescence with Mackbook pro early 2011

[carolparanhos]

Hi,
I just discoverd my obsolate mackbook pro early 2011 was planned to die. Its completely disappointed to see how Apple plans the obsolescence of their products.My logic board died in four years, then it was replaced...after four years it died again, but the equipmment was considerd obsolate, it means Apple is not responsible for any repair or replace. Does anyone aware about this? I tried to talk about that at Apple support communities, but they delete my comments. I hidden defect should be hidden, they dont want to talk about defects, specially when they knew it before. Its disgusting!!!!

 

[trusso]

I'm of the belief that Apple's planned obsolescence is implemented primarily on the software-compatibility side. I have a 2010 MacBook Pro that continues to work as good as the day I bought it (granted, I've added RAM and an SSD, but the rest is all original).

YMMV.

 

[carolparanhos]

I'm of the belief that Apple's planned obsolescence is implemented primarily on the software-compatibility side. I have a 2010 MacBook Pro that continues to work as good as the day I bought it (granted, I've added RAM and an SSD, but the rest is all original).

YMMV.

I have just added SSD and RAM as well, but if i knew it has a fabric defect, i would have sailed it before it dies again.

 

[retta283]

Blame AMD for this. They manufactured the defective chips and apparently never provided a real solution. Apple's answer wasn't great either but they aren't the ones who are responsible for the failures you have suffered on this hardware.

Since 2012 though I do tend to agree that these computers are meant to be trashed instead of repaired. Soldered parts are non user serviceable for the majority and even repair shops source parts in limited quantity. Labor prices are high on these units as a result, but Apple's repair prices are too high.

 

[DeltaMac]

Nothing new about this issue. (Search for "radeongate") The 2011 15 and 17-inch MacBook Pros had issues with the graphics chips virtually from the beginning. Apple did have a repair program, where they would replace the logic board. But, the replacement logic boards had the same issue. Users often had multiple repairs, but the boards would eventually fail again. The repair program stopped sometime in 2016, if I recall correctly, some time after the original warranty had expired.
I don't know if I would call that "planned obsolescence", just an engineering mis-step - from 10 years ago.

 

[carolparanhos]

Nothing new about this issue. (Search for "radeongate") The 2011 15 and 17-inch MacBook Pros had issues with the graphics chips virtually from the beginning. Apple did have a repair program, where they would replace the logic board. But, the replacement logic boards had the same issue. Users often had multiple repairs, but the boards would eventually fail again. The repair program stopped sometime in 2016, if I recall correctly, some time after the original warranty had expired.
I don't know if I would call that "planned obsolescence", just an engineering mis-step - from 10 years ago.

The logic board died in four years(2015). its not resonable time!! It was planned to die, and the replaced it until the equipment become obsolate. My MBP was upgraded with SSD and RAM, i would expect it to live more time.

 

[carolparanhos]

Blame AMD for this. They manufactured the defective chips and apparently never provided a real solution. Apple's answer wasn't great either but they aren't the ones who are responsible for the failures you have suffered on this hardware.

Since 2012 though I do tend to agree that these computers are meant to be trashed instead of repaired. Soldered parts are non user serviceable for the majority and even repair shops source parts in limited quantity. Labor prices are high on these units as a result, but Apple's repair prices are too high.

Apple is responsible as well, even if it was manufactured by AMD.

 

[bob_zz123]

I think you're being a bit dramatic here - "it's disgusting"(?!? bit over the top!) , your computer is now over 10 years old. Parts can't be expected to be made available forever, it doesn't make economic sense for companies to make parts for old computers indefinitely (As it sounds like that is what you are looking for). Equally although upgrades for some bring a new lease of life into old computers, sinking money into old parts for old computers just to keep it ticking away isn't always the best option from a user experience point of view either.

And Apple is no way the only organisation in the industry who obsoletes products after a few years.

I think with this one you will have to chalk this up to experience, the 2011 machines had a lot of problems, they were not all Apple's fault, they were a lot to do with AMD, and you simply have unrealistic expectations if you expect them to repair it forever for you.

 

[carolparanhos]

I think you're being a bit dramatic here, your computer is now over 10 years old. Parts can't be expected to be made available forever, it doesn't make economic sense for companies to make parts for old computers indefinitely (As it sounds like that is what you are looking for). Equally although upgrades for some bring a new lease of life into old computers, sinking money into old parts for old computers just to keep it ticking away isn't always the best option from a user experience point of view either.

And Apple is no way the only organisation in the industry who obsoletes products after a few years.

I think with this one you will have to chalk this up to experience, the 2011 machines had a lot of problems, they were not all Apple's fault, they were a lot to do with AMD, and you simply have unrealistic expectations if you expect them to repair it forever for you.

No. I dont expect they replace it forever, but i do expect they use good faith, as i did. its a minimum i could expect from Apple. Im a consumer not just of this MBP, all my equipments are from Apple and have reason to be disapointed. I would expect more from Apple. They should care about me, and over all, about the enviroment and the eletronical trash they are contributing to make.

 

[DeltaMac]

I agree with you. Hardware failure is not going to be a happy event.
But, you got 4 years each time, which is longer than many similar reports on these forums.
I know, that doesn't help your experience. But, the issue has had long discussions on this, and other forums.
Apple did take responsibilty for repairs for several years, but such repair programs eventually expire, usually because new (or even remanufactured) parts are no longer available. And, Apple has always placed a limit on the length of time they actively support hardware models for service/repair -- usually about 5 to 7 years after last new sale.

 

[carolparanhos]

I agree with you. Hardware failure is not going to be a happy event.
But, you got 4 years each time, which is longer than many similar reports on these forums.
I know, that doesn't help your experience. But, the issue has had long discussions on this, and other forums.
Apple did take responsibilty for repairs for several years, but such repair programs eventually expire, usually because new (or even remanufactured) parts are no longer available. And, Apple has always placed a limit on the length of time they actively support hardware models for service/repair -- usually about 5 to 7 years after last new sale.

After 2015, apple placed a limit on the hardware support, and becomes to classifie products as vintage and obsolate.

 

[carolparanhos]

After 2015, apple placed a limit on the hardware support, and becomes to classifie products as vintage and obsolate.

Now I realize its an old discussion on this forum and everywhere, but for me its knew. I just realized its a fabric defect now, and for my surprise, there is many decisions of intenational courts about this MBP 2011, all them in favor of consumer.

 

[carolparanhos]

I think you're being a bit dramatic here - "it's disgusting"(?!? bit over the top!) , your computer is now over 10 years old. Parts can't be expected to be made available forever, it doesn't make economic sense for companies to make parts for old computers indefinitely (As it sounds like that is what you are looking for). Equally although upgrades for some bring a new lease of life into old computers, sinking money into old parts for old computers just to keep it ticking away isn't always the best option from a user experience point of view either.

And Apple is no way the only organisation in the industry who obsoletes products after a few years.

I think with this one you will have to chalk this up to experience, the 2011 machines had a lot of problems, they were not all Apple's fault, they were a lot to do with AMD, and you simply have unrealistic expectations if you expect them to repair it forever for you.

My be im dramatic, but i expect more from apple. They could not send me a product with defect. Its not right!!! have a safety product is a consumer right in most of the countries, so its not so much to claim for it.

 

[bob_zz123]

No. I dont expect they replace it forever, but i do expect they use good faith, as i did. its a minimum i could expect from Apple. Im a consumer not just of this MBP, all my equipments are from Apple and have reason to be disapointed. I would expect more from Apple. They should care about me, and over all, about the enviroment and the eletronical trash they are contributing to make.

Well, have they acted in bad faith? They told you they don't make parts for your product anymore and that the repair programs have ended. That's unfortunate, but I don't think they went out of their way to make an egregiously bad faith decision by doing that. I don't think it is an absolutely unreasonable business decision to stop making parts for very old computers (at least by technology standards), and nobody is stopping you performing component level repair on the computer or taking it to organisations that specialise in that kind of thing (For better or worse).

Now I realize its an old discussion on this forum and everywhere, but for me its knew. I just realized its a fabric defect now, and for my surprise, there is many decisions of intenational courts about this MBP 2011, all them in favor of consumer.

I think if you took Apple to court these things are all arguable but I mean it would be at your own risk and cost to do that, presumably more than it would cost to just buy a new computer!

My be im dramatic, but i expect more from apple. They could not send me a product with defect. Its not right!!! have a safety product is a consumer right in most of the countries, so its not so much to claim for it.

The computer not powering on / displaying anything on the screen is not a safety issue.

 

[carolparanhos]

The right to repair, replace and refound!!! its very simple!

 

[carolparanhos]

Well, have they acted in bad faith? They told you they don't make parts for your product anymore and that the repair programs have ended. That's unfortunate, but I don't think they went out of their way to make an egregiously bad faith decision by doing that. I don't think it is an absolutely unreasonable business decision to stop making parts for very old computers (at least by technology standards), and nobody is stopping you performing component level repair on the computer or taking it to organisations that specialise in that kind of thing (For better or worse).



I think if you took Apple to court these things are all arguable but I mean it would be at your own risk and cost to do that, presumably more than it would cost to just buy a new computer!



I don't think this is a safety issue.

we are apple consumers buit we are not stupied, im a law student and im aware about my rights. It seams you defend Apple not as a consumer....

 

[carolparanhos]

we are apple consumers buit we are not stupied, im a law student and im aware about my rights. It seams you defend Apple not as a consumer....

They have soldiers everywhere. I saw at apple cumunities... they defend apple and at same time, they say" im a consumer like you..." im not sure of this!!

 

[bob_zz123]

The right to repair, replace and refound!!! its very simple!

There isn't really "right to repair" legislation in many jurisdictions at the moment. Lots of people want these laws, but until and unless they are enacted, the "right to repair" is nothing concrete. Lobby your national government.

we are apple consumers buit we are not stupied, im a law student and im aware about my rights. It seams you defend Apple not as a consumer....

Look, it's unfortunate your product has failed. But in my (very) humble opinion, there has to be a line drawn somewhere - and your computer is now 10 years old. It's not realistic to expect companies to repair your products forever. And if they did, they might not even consider it to be good business sense to be in this kind of business, and you might not have a MacBook Pro to begin with because they might have never made it! You also said earlier you don't expect them to repair your product forever. But it's now been 10 years! What is an acceptable length of time for you?!

They have soldiers everywhere. I saw at apple cumunities... they defend apple and at same time, they say" im a consumer like you..." im not sure of this!!

I am definitely not an Apple soldier, haha. I am sorry to hear your product has failed and it was definitely a product with a lot of problems (the 2011 models). And I respect your opinion. I don't agree with a lot of what you have said, but I respect your right to have the opinion. And I hope you'll respect my differing view.

 

[carolparanhos]

They have soldiers everywhere. I saw at apple cumunities... they defend apple and at same time, they say" im a consumer like you..." im not sure of this!!

There isn't really "right to repair" legislation in many jurisdictions at the moment. Lots of people want these laws, but until and unless they are enacted, the "right to repair" is nothing concrete. Lobby your national government.



Look, it's unfortunate your product has failed. But in my (very) humble opinion, there has to be a line drawn somewhere - and your computer is now 10 years old. It's not realistic to expect companies to repair your products forever. And if they did, they might not even consider it to be good business sense to be in this kind of business, and you might not have a MacBook Pro to begin with because they might have never made it! You also said earlier you don't expect them to repair your product forever. But it's now been 10 years! What is an acceptable length of time for you?!



I am definitely not an Apple soldier, haha. I am sorry to hear your product has failed and it was definitely a product with a lot of problems (the 2011 models). And I respect your opinion. I don't agree with a lot of what you have said, but I respect your right to have the opinion. And I hope you'll respect my differing view.

The right to repair is no longer a consumer right; and a way to not discard products, specially electrical ones. There are many isolated decisions concerning this right to consumer. The enviroment thanks you!!

 

[ian87w]

Blame AMD for this. They manufactured the defective chips and apparently never provided a real solution. Apple's answer wasn't great either but they aren't the ones who are responsible for the failures you have suffered on this hardware.

Apple was the one that picked AMD as the component, did the QA, and in the end should've been the one providing support and service for Apple's customers. Blaming AMD is not helping anyone. Apple should've stepped up, considering the premium positioning. Apple, despite their pretense of customer focus and premium brand, seemed to suffer the same attitude of any tech companies, ie. blaming their own users for design/manufacturing defects (antennagate, bendgate, scissor keyboards, various logic board issues on macbooks, the backstage lighting of recent macbook Pros due to too-short display cable, etc).

 

[carolparanhos]

Apple was the one that picked AMD as the component, did the QA, and in the end should've been the one providing support and service for Apple's customers. Blaming AMD is not helping anyone. Apple should've stepped up, considering the premium positioning. Apple, despite their pretense of customer focus and premium brand, seemed to suffer the same attitude of any tech companies, ie. blaming their own users for design/manufacturing defects (antennagate, bendgate, scissor keyboards, various logic board issues on macbooks, the backstage lighting of recent macbook Pros due to too-short display cable, etc).

Thank you!! Finally a real consumer like me.

 

[ian87w]

They have soldiers everywhere. I saw at apple cumunities... they defend apple and at same time, they say" im a consumer like you..." im not sure of this!!

It's the power of the brand that Apple has been building, and it paid off. Having such powerful brand will provide additional "buffer" when you made mistakes as your fans will tend to forgive and defend you. Apple is like the top 5, or even number 1, of tech brands out there. It will take a lot of missteps from Apple to erode that.

The same can be said with other brands, like Amazon. Amazon did a lot of bad stuff, even to their own workers, but people are still praising the company/brand.

 

[Mr. Dee]

Still have a PowerBook G4 Titanium with macOS 10.2

 

[macar00n]

I know exactly how you feel. I drive a 1999 Chevy Cavalier and the dealer won't fix anything under warranty. They delete my comments and tell me my car is obsolat. It's disgusting, this car should last at least 30 years without issue and it has barely been 20. I should have sailed it

 

[carolparanhos]

It's the power of the brand that Apple has been building, and it paid off. Having such powerful brand will provide additional "buffer" when you made mistakes as your fans will tend to forgive and defend you. Apple is like the top 5, or even number 1, of tech brands out there. It will take a lot of missteps from Apple to erode that.

The same can be said with other brands, like Amazon. Amazon did a lot of bad stuff, even to their own workers, but people are still praising the company/brand.

Its unbeliveble.. how people can defend the company even knowing their mistakes?? I was an apple admirer until i saw the way they faced their manufactured defect. They denied it. I bought my MBP in Australia and the consumer support just told me unreal information. I became to realized their power when they deleted my posts at apple comunities, they even threated me to suspend my internet provider, and block my apple id. I was chocked with the way the talked to me. Its really disgusting the way they act and people still admires and love apple!!!