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Refurbished MBP 15.4" 2.5 - Misleading on Apple Store

T

tank172

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Dec 11, 2008
3
0
If you go to the refurbished apple store and look down the list, you'll see two versions of the same macbook pro 15.4" 2.5 for $1499. The only difference I could tell is one has "glossy" and the other doesn't describe.

I purchased the seemingly non-glossy version literally 30 minutes ago. After purchase, I didn't see anywhere in the order description the specs on the MBP I just purchased. So I enabled a chat with one of the Apple representatives just to confirm I got what I wanted...

After speaking with her, she informed me they do not have matte versions in stock. I ended up with glossy only.

What can I do about this? I could cancel my order, but since they don't have matte in stock... I'm not sure if it's something that should be a make or break kind of thing?

Also, this is my first post after browsing the forum for some time. I noticed that glossy vs matte can be a heated issue, and I do not want this to become one of those threads.

I just wanted to make aware to you guys that the apple store is misleading on this particular machine.

Glossy Machine:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB488LL/A?mco=MjE0NjE5MA
Matte Machine (the link I used to purchase):
http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB134LL/A?mco=MjE0NjE5MA

Did I completely miss something on the link I used to purchase?

Thanks in advance,
Chris
 
I don't think anybody will be able to tell you what happened. If you didn't order the one that specifically says "glossy" then you should receive a matte display.

The best you can do is call them up and ask them. Perhaps you clicked the wrong link when you ordered?
 
six.four said:
Perhaps you clicked the wrong link when you ordered?
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply. I'll call them in the morning. My purchase receipt has the model number: FB134LL/A

A quick google search will point you to the following link (which is the non-glossy machine).
http://store.apple.com/us/product/FB134LL/A?mco=MjE0NDk5Mw

So I used the correct link on Apple Store, but I'm ending up with a glossy display. :( I tried to cancel the order, but it has already been prepared for shipment and the Apple office is closed. So I now either have to wait for the box to arrive and return it to apple at a 10% restocking fee, or I'm just stuck with a glossy screen.

I hope others who are planning to purchase that machine will be aware of this discrepancy on the Apple Refurbished Store.
 
tank172 said:
So I now either have to wait for the box to arrive and return it to apple at a 10% restocking fee, or I'm just stuck with a glossy screen
Click to expand...

There is no restocking fee as long as you don't open the box

Once you get a hold of apple, let them know your situation.

You'll be just fine!
 
On the Australian store it states that you may receive either a glossy OR matte display....

Buy yeah, calling apple should sort it all out.
 
I would look at macmall for a previous version MBP. I do not believe they have refurbished but stock the early 2008's.
 
I imagine Apple will disingenuously claim that while matte is implied in their description because it's listed as a separate product from the same spec MBP with the glossy screen, it doesn't specifically say that the screen is matte. (That's a lawerly way of putting it...)

On the other hand, the gloss on the old MB's and MBP's is not nearly as "bad" as the glass-covered glossy screens on the late '08's. Personally, I don't mind the old level of gloss.

Careful when you order from MacMall, however. I haven't ordered from them myself, but know several people that say they are most unhelpful should something not be right with your product. Also, I believe the prices listed on their site are after a mail-in rebate which they may or may not make you jump through hoops to get.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.
 
Thanks everyone for the helpful advise. I just spoke with apple and I was surprised when I got an intelligent, english speaking person. (no offense to anyone, it's just frustrating when you're trying to get support over the phone and there's a language barrier...)

He stated the glossy version has an '88' in the part number which mine does not. So, the lady I spoke to in the Apple online chat was somehow mistaken. Although she was very convincing during the conversation, so I was sure I ended up with gloss. Also, he mentioned they get calls relating to this issue rather often.

I'm an aerial photographer and photograph multiple locations during a single shoot; and I use my current laptop in the helicopter in conjunction with Google Earth and hand-held GPS. (I really bring it as a safety net/comfort zone. Nothing like paying a taxi $500/hr just to tell him "Sorry buddy, but that house looks like people are home and we need to ask for directions..can we land right there for a minute?!?") So, minimizing reflections are a big issue for me and my work. My current laptop is matte and there are times I'm just looking into a mirror during a bright sunny day.

Thanks everyone,
Chris
 
Scottological said:
Careful when you order from MacMall, however. I haven't ordered from them myself, but know several people that say they are most unhelpful should something not be right with your product. Also, I believe the prices listed on their site are after a mail-in rebate which they may or may not make you jump through hoops to get.
Click to expand...

Yeah, never got my rebate for my ipod from them 3 years ago. Their status page said they never got it. I won't buy anything from them that uses a rebate as a result. I have zero faith in their ability to pay up. Rebates are a gamble that pays out less than some slot machines.
 
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