Using AppleCare+ for MBP and trade-in value after repair

[coolbreeze2]

I accidentally dropped my MBP that's covered by AppleCare+. The bottom keeps coming lose and I have to snap it back in very frequently. In addition, the lid will not close all the way. There is a crack through the MacBook Pro lettering at the bottom of the screen and the "oo" is chipped away. To the right towards the end is a small hole and I can see inside the unit. While this could be viewed as cosmetic damage, it's also dangerous and could lead to further damage. I think Apple will either repair or give me a refurbished unit.


Now that the stores are opened again, can I make a Genius Bar appointment for this matter? If they decide to repair, will they do it while I wait? If they decide to replace, will they give me the replacement while I'm there?

I am asking because the nearest store is 100 miles away and I use my MBP daily for my self-employment venture.

Also, I had already decided to trade the MBP in for a 16-inch 1TB. The website says my trade-in would be $1010 with no damage. Will I still get that amount after the repair/replace? What if I don't repair/replace. Since I have AppleCare+ would I still get the $1010?

 

[venom600]

If they decide to replace it instead of fixing it, they will give you a new machine right then. However, they will likely take the computer in and repair it because they no longer make your model. Once the machine is repaired it's worth the full amount for trade in.

 

[coolbreeze2]

Thanks! for the response. Great that I would get the same amount after the repair. However, what if I don't repair? Since it's covered by Appel Care+ they might as well give me the full amount towards a new one!

 

[coolbreeze2]

I took my MBP to Apple Store yesterday. BTW make sure you have an appt. The stores that are opened after coronavirus shutdown are only allowing people in who have appointments. That inscludes appt to shop! Yes you read that right.

They kept my laptop to send in for repair. It costs me $99 because I had Apple Care+. If I didn’t have AppleCare+ it would have been $799. They made sure I knew that LOL. This morning (day after I took it to the Apple Store) I received text and email notice that the MBP had arrived at repair center (I had no idea where that is located). Now late afternoon I received notice that the repair is completed and the MBP has shipped back to me! I looked at the tracking on FedEx site and the MBP was shipped from Houston. That’s close to me and explains the fast turnaround.

The genius bar associate said that will remove my damaged enclosure and add a new one. She was not sure what else would be done to the laptop. The screen was not damaged but bottom part where the “MacBook Pro” is damaged in two places. So, that had to be repaired. If they can replace that part without adding a new screen then Im sure that’s what they did. If that’s not possible then I will a new screen!.

Bottom line is my MBP is going to arrive at my house tomorrow!! Took it in on a Thursday and back to me by FedEx on Saturday is a super fast turnaround. I am super impressed!!

 

[Grohowiak]

Keep us posed once it gets back to you.

 

[coolbreeze2]

Yea it arrived. I didn't know it but according to the packing slip, my battery was swollen and was replaced. They replaced the top case and the display assembly as well. I think that means the screen is the same. After I left it at the Apple Store I realized that I didn't mention that the track pad didn't feel the same and had no click to it. I guess they checked everything because the track pad now feels like it did when I first purchased the unit. The packing slip said they tested all hardware.

The only thing that concerns me is this: I thought that Apple employees would be handling everything. I now realize that a third party contractor handled the repairs. Had I known that, I would have restored the unit to default, removing all my data. I could have easily restored it back using my backup when it arrived back to me. Now I realize all my personal files were available to the contract employees at some facility. The unit is password protected but I'm sure they had the means to get around that if they wanted to.

AppleCare+ is definitely worth it. My MBP looks and feels like a new computer! Now I got to decide if I want to trade and get a 16 inch 1TB. It feels so new I might not.

 

[fs454]

Yea it arrived. I didn't know it but according to the packing slip, my battery was swollen and was replaced. They replaced the top case and the display assembly as well. I think that means the screen is the same. After I left it at the Apple Store I realized that I didn't mention that the track pad didn't feel the same and had no click to it. I guess they checked everything because the track pad now feels like it did when I first purchased the unit. The packing slip said they tested all hardware.

The only thing that concerns me is this: I thought that Apple employees would be handling everything. I now realize that a third party contractor handled the repairs. Had I known that, I would have restored the unit to default, removing all my data. I could have easily restored it back using my backup when it arrived back to me. Now I realize all my personal files were available to the contract employees at some facility. The unit is password protected but I'm sure they had the means to get around that if they wanted to.

AppleCare+ is definitely worth it. My MBP looks and feels like a new computer! Now I got to decide if I want to trade and get a 16 inch 1TB. It feels so new I might not.

Was it a third party contractor? I think when the units get sent off it's still technically a first-party Apple repair. I don't know who's actually doing the work but usually the larger repairs that cannot be done instore get sent to an Apple-run repair center with more technically trained employees and specialty equipment.

Also, display assembly replacement means that you got a new screen. It just means that the whole display unit (LCD screen, metal chassis, iSight camera, wifi antennas, hinge) was replaced as one fully assembled piece.

 

[jerryk]

Yea it arrived. I didn't know it but according to the packing slip, my battery was swollen and was replaced. They replaced the top case and the display assembly as well. I think that means the screen is the same. After I left it at the Apple Store I realized that I didn't mention that the track pad didn't feel the same and had no click to it. I guess they checked everything because the track pad now feels like it did when I first purchased the unit. The packing slip said they tested all hardware.

The only thing that concerns me is this: I thought that Apple employees would be handling everything. I now realize that a third party contractor handled the repairs. Had I known that, I would have restored the unit to default, removing all my data. I could have easily restored it back using my backup when it arrived back to me. Now I realize all my personal files were available to the contract employees at some facility. The unit is password protected but I'm sure they had the means to get around that if they wanted to.

AppleCare+ is definitely worth it. My MBP looks and feels like a new computer! Now I got to decide if I want to trade and get a 16 inch 1TB. It feels so new I might not.

Battery swelling almost always means a topcase replacement. That is the battery packs, keyboard, trackpad, and Aluminum case where you rest your hands. It is all glued, screwed, and riveted together. So it is easiest to just swap the entire unit that contains those pieces then break it apart and replace components. FWIW, if you every need a new battery after AppleCare runs out you can get this done for $199 on a MBP.

 

[coolbreeze2]

fs454 and Jerry: Based on what you are saying, I have a new machine except the bottom! It certainly looks and feels new. The keyboard feels different and the screen does look new. The track pad is definitely new. Hooray!! for me!!

The packing slip lists the name of the company that completed the repairs. As a matter of fact it also lists the company's address which is close to where I went to college. I used google earth (or whatever it's called these days) and I remember the exact location. I had college buddies who worked there part time after class. I hope the employees were honest people.

 

[mjturner]

AppleCare+ is definitely worth it. My MBP looks and feels like a new computer! Now I got to decide if I want to trade and get a 16 inch 1TB. It feels so new I might not.

Glad it worked out well for you As you've received back a machine with so many parts replaced and it's like new, if you do decide to get a 16", selling your 15" (eBay, Gumtree, Craigslist, etc) may be a better option - you'd certainly get more money than if you traded it in.

 

[coolbreeze2]

Glad it worked out well for you As you've received back a machine with so many parts replaced and it's like new, if you do decide to get a 16", selling your 15" (eBay, Gumtree, Craigslist, etc) may be a better option - you'd certainly get more money than if you traded it in.

Yes that is true!! But I never sold on anyone website. Is it worth setting up on eBay if I am only going to sell just one item? Is there a fee I must pay? And finally, is it a lot of trouble to set my self to receive payment via PayPal?

 

[mjturner]

Yes that is true!! But I never sold on anyone website. Is it worth setting up on eBay if I am only going to sell just one item? Is there a fee I must pay? And finally, is it a lot of trouble to set my self to receive payment via PayPal?

It's not a huge amount of effort to set up on eBay and PayPal but, yes, both charge their own fees. Gumtree, Craigslist or a similar marketplace (eg, AVForums in the UK) may be better - just be careful as such sites have their fair share of scammers.

FWIW, I've sold a fair number (probably 6 or 7) iPhone, several iMacs and MacBooks on eBay and not had any problems. The fees can be a bit nasty but you can set your price to take those into account.

 

[coolbreeze2]

It's not a huge amount of effort to set up on eBay and PayPal but, yes, both charge their own fees. Gumtree, Craigslist or a similar marketplace (eg, AVForums in the UK) may be better - just be careful as such sites have their fair share of scammers.

FWIW, I've sold a fair number (probably 6 or 7) iPhone, several iMacs and MacBooks on eBay and not had any problems. The fees can be a bit nasty but you can set your price to take those into account.

Ok Thanks!

I'm wondering with Apple announcing today their plans to ditch Intel for their own platform (I think they are calling it Silicon) if buying a new MBP right now is a good idea or bad idea?