Sending in MBP help

[Krionis]

I dunno if this goes in buying tips but i didn't really know where to put it.

So here's the situation. My MBP won't work anymore. Whenever I turn it on the front light thing flashes and the screen won't turn on and it won't boot up. I took it in to our local apple certified retailer who told me after a day that they couldn't fix it cuz the oxidation indicator showed that something may have been accidentaly spilled on it and if they sent it into apple like that apple would declare this and it wouldn't be covered by warranty. They said I had to send it in because that way apple would be less likely to deem it my fault for some reason. However when I called apple they told me I was out of my phone service protection and they had to charge me 49.99 just for them to tell me how to send it in and then it would cost more once I actually sent it in. They don't know about the oxidation and I'm still under warranty (it's only been 9 months) so i don't understand why that guy would say it would cost for them to fix it.

Basically I just want to know if theres any way for me to send in my computer to apple without being charged fifty bucks for them to tell me how to send it in. I'm willing to pay for the repair itself if they deem it my fault.

 

[seany916]

are you within driving distance of an Apple retail store?

http://www.apple.com/retail/

 

[Krionis]

not even close, there aren't even any in my state. thanks though.

 

[kajitox]

The problem is that that oxidation whatever thing probably makes the people at Apple think you spilled something, and accidental damaged caused by the user (as opposed to faulty parts, etc.) may not be covered by warranty, in which case they will either charge you to send it back, or they will charge you to fix it...or both.

Have any relatives that live near an Apple Store?

 

[moonzilla]

apple authorized service centers:

http://www.apple.com/buy/locator/service.html


also, try entering your serial number and see where that takes you:
http://www.apple.com/support/

 

[gameguy3001]

if you phone apple and tell them that you know its a hardware issue and you want to send it in for repair. they shouldnt have to charge you $49 for the ASL.

 

[moonzilla]

sorry to be the bearer of bad http://www.macworld.com/weblogs/editors/2007/03/mbpservice/index.php

you know, my recommendation would be to just sign up for applecare. you can buy a brand-new copy off of ebay for mbp for under $200. granted that's no small value, but at least you have peace of mind for 3 years after your purchase. who knows how many times you'll have to spend $50 if you go through it that way.