I've heard that generally, after 3 attempts to fix the same problem, Apple will give you a brand new machine? I guess once I have my logic board replaced again I'll have to game like crazy in order to break it once more before my apple care expires in August...I'm just not crazy on the design of the new unibody macbook pros...The black around the screen and the new keys suck.
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So are all MBP owners with the 8600m GT cards screwed?
- Thread starter jjahshik32
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I've heard that generally, after 3 attempts to fix the same problem, Apple will give you a brand new machine? I guess once I have my logic board replaced again I'll have to game like crazy in order to break it once more before my apple care expires in August...I'm just not crazy on the design of the new unibody macbook pros...The black around the screen and the new keys suck.
I'd rather have a 5000-series ATI card, for it's OpeCL and better shadermodel and OpenGL
OTOH of that, macs are expensive investments, and if apple were to not backup those investments with good quality support, such as replacement laptops and extended fixing for certain things, they would lose a big chunk of their customers, since people wouldnt recommend macs to people anymore if they had poor quality service ontop of machines that are defective. So apple kinda has to offer good service in a sense
This is indeed true, they sometimes replace a mac after 3 attempts to fix the same problem, although I don't think it is a hard and fast rule. It may also depend on how you interact with the staff at the apple store.
The problem is that with an average lifespan of 18 months, the vast majority of people with the 8600 GT chip with be out of the three year period when their mac finally blows for the third time.
Going for the obvious here
Thanks
Eddy, when you say "Apple hardware test on CD" do you mean the diagnostic tests on the original install CDs?
Thanks
solutions outside of Apple
Has anyone who is out of warranty tried the PowerBookMedic logic board repair program?
https://www.powerbookmedic.com/xcart1/pages.php?pageid=67
Has anyone who is out of warranty tried the PowerBookMedic logic board repair program?
https://www.powerbookmedic.com/xcart1/pages.php?pageid=67
UGH! I was a happy camper till date. This morning the whole MBP screen as I logged into work, appeared to flicker and then it got progressively worse. I tried to reset the PRAM and tried every trick in the book to no avail. The screen is distorted worse than ever. I have plugged in an external monitor and it seems to be working fine, for now.
I found the Apple Support document and will be heading in this evening. My MBP is a year past its warranty, and I have opened it in the meantime (to add RAM and a new HDD). So I am not even sure if Apple will repair it free of charge.
BEfore today, I didn't even know that there was a problem with the SR 2.2 GHz MBPs. Oh why oh why did I not buy AppleCare back then, as I did with my iMac. Ugh. Ugh.
I found the Apple Support document and will be heading in this evening. My MBP is a year past its warranty, and I have opened it in the meantime (to add RAM and a new HDD). So I am not even sure if Apple will repair it free of charge.
BEfore today, I didn't even know that there was a problem with the SR 2.2 GHz MBPs. Oh why oh why did I not buy AppleCare back then, as I did with my iMac. Ugh. Ugh.
If you have Applecare you're fine. If you don't, expect a "service fee" of $300.
Mine was ~2 years past warranty and I'd opened it up to install a new fan and new keyboard (and it had a liquid spill - which I'd cleaned as much as I could). Managed to get it fixed under the program after my chip flaked out.
However, I did take it to an authorised service center instead of the genius bar..
My MBP (SR 2.2GHz) died last night, went to sleep and screen never came back to life. The computer boots up, keyboard backlight works as does sound, just no video on the screen. Luckily within 3 years of purchase date (Nov 2007), cutting it close though. 
Spoke to Apple, who first tried to tell me it was a RAM problem, but I was transferred to a "senior" technician who agreed that it's likely to be the nvidia problem.
Never sent a laptop to Apple for repair before, so hoping it will be a quick and painless experience.
Spoke to Apple, who first tried to tell me it was a RAM problem, but I was transferred to a "senior" technician who agreed that it's likely to be the nvidia problem.
Never sent a laptop to Apple for repair before, so hoping it will be a quick and painless experience.
My MBP (SR 2.2GHz) died last night, went to sleep and screen never came back to life. The computer boots up, keyboard backlight works as does sound, just no video on the screen. Luckily within 3 years of purchase date (Nov 2007), cutting it close though.
Spoke to Apple, who first tried to tell me it was a RAM problem, but I was transferred to a "senior" technician who agreed that it's likely to be the nvidia problem.
Never sent a laptop to Apple for repair before, so hoping it will be a quick and painless experience.
I sympathize. Usually Apple turn around the notebooks quickly, at least within 2 weeks and usually within the week. The problem is of course is that as of November you will be out of the three year period and when your chip fails next time you may be left with a useless brick. At least you should get a bit more time out of it with this new replacement though...
I hope I get plenty more time out of it. I've tried to read most of this thread (it's long) and it seems that there are a few thoughts about what Apple actually replaces/fixes.
In a way it's unfortunate that the card held out this long, as you say, once Nov comes around I'm screwed if it fails again.
In a way it's unfortunate that the card held out this long, as you say, once Nov comes around I'm screwed if it fails again.
I hope I get plenty more time out of it. I've tried to read most of this thread (it's long) and it seems that there are a few thoughts about what Apple actually replaces/fixes.
In a way it's unfortunate that the card held out this long, as you say, once Nov comes around I'm screwed if it fails again.
Indeed, despite the incredibly long thread there isn't much concrete information available here. Just remember though that you are most definitely not alone. There are many people in the same position as you.
Whether Apple will continue to replace broken Nvidia chips after 3 years remains to be seen. They are still claiming that only a small percentage of the chips were affected, which I find hard to believe... still with no firm evidence it is just a suspicion. Time and data will tell though.
So I went for my Genius bar appointment, and it seems that it isn't the nVidia problem after all. Even though my MBP has the 8600 GFX card, the problem that manifested itself here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOpN35y8Tfk) turned out to be a faulty LCD connection to the MacBook Pro body. At least that's what I was told.
It could be that, since I am able to use the MBP without an issue by connecting an external monitor to it, and on shaking the LCD screen on my MBP the distortions go away for a few seconds. The Genius quoted me a figure of $700 for replacing the panel and the connector. I don't know if I could get it done cheaper elsewhere, or what my options are at this point... any help would be highly appreciated.
It could be that, since I am able to use the MBP without an issue by connecting an external monitor to it, and on shaking the LCD screen on my MBP the distortions go away for a few seconds. The Genius quoted me a figure of $700 for replacing the panel and the connector. I don't know if I could get it done cheaper elsewhere, or what my options are at this point... any help would be highly appreciated.
Timdafweak, you're not alone.
It has been posted a couple of times before in this thread, including by myself, but the problem you're experiencing will only get worse over time. The Apple store told me that a repair would be 550,- which roughly corresponds with the $ 700,- figure they gave you.
In my case the technicians applied me for the Apple Leniency program and Apple gave me a free repair. (this was before I experienced the 8600 problem which unfortunatly for you is sure to come....) Perhaps you can ask your store to apply you for a free repair as well.
Otherwise you could look online for MBP's with the faulty 8600 or other problems but still with a working screen. It is fairly easily to replace a screen using the tutorial on iFixit.com.
Goodluck!
i have something similar on my HP laptop from work. don't want to send it to HP since they will just say it's my fault and ask for $500 to fix it since it's in warranty.
only solution is to find a disassembly guide and open it up yourself. i did it a little on my laptop but the issue is still there and going to do it again soon. the LCD itself seems to be in a separate metal unit once you "peel away" the outside. my guess is that a wire is loose or the metal is being exposed and it's a grounding issue
don't be afraid to do it. it's not that hard and most of the people that do it aren't highly trained, get paid close to minimum wage and do it from step by step directions given to them by someone else
My MBP (SR 2.2GHz) died last night, went to sleep and screen never came back to life. The computer boots up, keyboard backlight works as does sound, just no video on the screen. Luckily within 3 years of purchase date (Nov 2007), cutting it close though.
Spoke to Apple, who first tried to tell me it was a RAM problem, but I was transferred to a "senior" technician who agreed that it's likely to be the nvidia problem.
Never sent a laptop to Apple for repair before, so hoping it will be a quick and painless experience.
Very painless experience. Called Apple on the 5th Apr, they sent out the empty box the same day, which I received the next day. I sent the laptop in which Apple received 7th Apr. They repaired it and have shipped it back to me today (7th Apr) and Fedex shows delivery for tomorrow.
Seems they replaced my logic board, Apple rep says it's a "rev 2" of my original board.
Overall I'm really pleased with the repair service. I'd advise people to call Apple if they have the same problem, rather than dealing with a "Genius" or an 3rd party Authorized Repair Center.
Nice to know that you got it repaired with no issues. Was this through applecare?
(I see you have the magical "Rev 2" now as well!)
I haven't ever heard of the "Apple Leniency program", could you tell me what it is?
No Applecare, never purchased it. I'd not be happy at all if I had to pay for this, especially with it being a fault.
Well, I also never heard of it before but the Apple store employee told me he would apply my case (broken display) for that program, which appearantly is a service program for people who are over the warranty period but have a problem that's not because of their own doing. Making you feel special that you actually got a free repair!
However, I suspect that it could be a nice marketing trick. In The Netherlands we have a 3 year warranty by law on computer electronics (expected lifespan). Usually manufacturers only give a one year warranty and optional warranty programs such as Applecare to scare off consumers. However, if you know your rights you can always claim free repair or replacement within three years of purchase. The manufacturer will of course do everything to discourage people to claim that warranty.
So I guess that people who are not easily discouraged are applied to the leniency program for a ree repair so it feels like Apple has been very generous and therefore achieve customer retention. Which naturally happens since you'll nearly have to take other manufacturers to court in order to get your rightful warranty.
The EU warranty requirements, while unique and valid do not do anything to repair items which may have been damaged by use/abuse or simple wear and tear. Granted, some things might be a grey area, like the hinges on a device wearing out over time and use - SHOULD it have lasted three years? Not sure. But, breaks, lcds, batteries, lost keys, etc., are not simply "covered" under this warranty.
The EU warranty extension requirements are meant to catch design and engineering defects and to protect the consumer for a "realistic period".
It is also just one of the many reasons why the costs of these products are SOOO much higher in the EU and UK.
You're right, I meant of course the repair of malfunction outside of the user's doing. I know that's partly why we pay such a wicked premium over US prices, it's just really annoying that big manufacturers are usually moving heaven and hell to keep that warranty from us!