Applespider - I don't think that is quite right. If they were saying no, and not helping, or if they went bust, as you pointed out, then they would indeed step in.
But Apple have offered a refund, just with stupid stupid rules surrounding it. They have also offered to repair it, which with the condition of the machine is not a good idea.
By all means try Visa, but don't hold your breath. The other thing is to do what MacRand suggested, get your limit increased on the back of this refund coming in in 3 weeks. By the way, I think it may well be less than 3 weeks, thats a worse case scenario.
The other thing is, although I said not a good idea, send it to be repaired, ensuring they know EVERY problem. The Tech's are not going to sit and rebuild it from scratch, they will just find you a new machine, or if it is repairable, from my experience, do a great job of fixing it, as you tend to get the more personal touch than the production line. If it is really bad, you may even get a brand new machine. But you can bet they won't spend days repairing the thing, not cost efficient.
I have heard from somewhere - can't remember where - that when Apple get a DOA on a new machine, they write it off. Then it is sent to be refurbished, and if successful - I would guess a high percentage here - they have pure profit. This means they can afford to just throw them away when they really are dead. You just need to convince someone that what they really want to do is just ship you another machine, you are not asking for a better model, they can wait until yours gets back even, but just get another one out.
Someone mentioned Cancom. Give them a ring, see if they can do anything to help. Ask really nicely, and be a little cheeky, promise to use them forever and ever. If they look after you, I for one would look at them in a new light.
If we are being brutally honest, you have no other option legally, so it is now down to your wit and wisdom, and being a little bit sharp on the phone. Not teaching you how to suck eggs, but be over nice, ask again and again. You should say things like 'with respect, and no offence, but that is not good service'. Also ask them over and over 'what else can you do for me, that is not an option, what else could you offer if you really tried'.
It's a matter of principle now, more than anything. Oh, and if you get to a supervisor, ask for their supervisor - everyone has a boss somewhere!
Feel free to email me, if I can help anymore I will.
Good luck, and keep smiling, they can tell you are smiling when you call - i'm not kidding - and a friendly chat will get you further than a frustrated rant, even if you actually feel like ripping the jugular from their throats.
Marc
But Apple have offered a refund, just with stupid stupid rules surrounding it. They have also offered to repair it, which with the condition of the machine is not a good idea.
By all means try Visa, but don't hold your breath. The other thing is to do what MacRand suggested, get your limit increased on the back of this refund coming in in 3 weeks. By the way, I think it may well be less than 3 weeks, thats a worse case scenario.
The other thing is, although I said not a good idea, send it to be repaired, ensuring they know EVERY problem. The Tech's are not going to sit and rebuild it from scratch, they will just find you a new machine, or if it is repairable, from my experience, do a great job of fixing it, as you tend to get the more personal touch than the production line. If it is really bad, you may even get a brand new machine. But you can bet they won't spend days repairing the thing, not cost efficient.
I have heard from somewhere - can't remember where - that when Apple get a DOA on a new machine, they write it off. Then it is sent to be refurbished, and if successful - I would guess a high percentage here - they have pure profit. This means they can afford to just throw them away when they really are dead. You just need to convince someone that what they really want to do is just ship you another machine, you are not asking for a better model, they can wait until yours gets back even, but just get another one out.
Someone mentioned Cancom. Give them a ring, see if they can do anything to help. Ask really nicely, and be a little cheeky, promise to use them forever and ever. If they look after you, I for one would look at them in a new light.
If we are being brutally honest, you have no other option legally, so it is now down to your wit and wisdom, and being a little bit sharp on the phone. Not teaching you how to suck eggs, but be over nice, ask again and again. You should say things like 'with respect, and no offence, but that is not good service'. Also ask them over and over 'what else can you do for me, that is not an option, what else could you offer if you really tried'.
It's a matter of principle now, more than anything. Oh, and if you get to a supervisor, ask for their supervisor - everyone has a boss somewhere!
Feel free to email me, if I can help anymore I will.
Good luck, and keep smiling, they can tell you are smiling when you call - i'm not kidding - and a friendly chat will get you further than a frustrated rant, even if you actually feel like ripping the jugular from their throats.
Marc