Warning to those buying new Apple laptops

[maflynn]

Nobody is going to tell you the massive repair costs if you accidentally damage part x. They will probably persuade you to buy Applecare, which doesn't cover accidental damage.

You are correct no one is going to tell you, so tha's why it behooves a customer to do their research. Also you need to read the details of the applecare agreement. It states pretty plainly its only covers manufacturer defects and not accidental damage.

What Apple has done is make a very nice computer that is nice a slim and looks good and performs well...that costs a small fortune (£2500 in my case), and then forcing users who accidentally damage components like the trackpad to pick up the tab for the components that don't need replacing.

It does cost a small fortune, no one will argue that point and it stands to reason if it costs so much to purchase, it will cost a lot to repair. You cannot buy a rolex watch, break it, and expect the repair costs to be nominal.

I should be paying for a trackpad and nothing else.

Perhaps, but its their design and like it or not, the only way to repair it. This is not a new phenomenon, car repairs often includ work required to get at the a broken part or replace parts in/around the work being done.

The bottom line is that you can have them repair it and pay for the it, or choose not repair it. Its their game, and their rules.

 

[shoehornhands]

It is YOUR fault for not having done research before purchasing the product. It is also YOUR fault for not having purchased the AppleCare option.

If you did your research beforehand, you would have known that these parts are either all glued or soldered together, and if one thing breaks, the whole thing has to be replaced.

Like for instance, when my Canon EOS 5D Mk3's CMOS sensor went bust, they replaced the entire logic board, because the sensor was part of the board.

Remember, caveat emptor applies.

Tim Cook will just sweep your email under the carpet. I don't think you would gain much sympathy around here either.

Consider the technical expertise of the average consumer (of which, Apple is very aware of). Apple certainly doesn't advertise that the battery is glued into place. Do you really think it's reasonable to expect the average consumer to research such a thing? Even a diligent consumer may read 10+ reviews of the MacBook Pro without any mention of the battery being glued in place. The only people likely to dig deep enough / search out such a thing are the ones that plan to service the computer themselves and they are certainly in the minority.

I'd argue that there's an expectation for the battery (which is likely to wear out far ahead of anything else) of a mobile computer to be reasonably replaceable (and paying $500 to replace 1/3 of the computer because a $79 battery is worn out is not reasonable). This is even more so for a high-end mobile workstation like the MacBook Pro, which people often use for 5+ years before upgrading.

Just call it what it is already. It's all about business. Apple has markups on all these components. A full top-case-assembly replacement puts more money in Apple's pocket than a simple battery replacement. Additionally, if people are forced to spend $400-$500 to replace the battery on a computer that's several years old, they will often conclude that it's not worth it and purchase a brand new one instead. Now you've gone from a $79 battery replacement to a $2000+ computer. This then compels many people to purchase Applecare (another huge source of revenue for Apple). Scale this across all Apple's product lines and it becomes very significant.

Now I'm not suggesting that Apple is somehow this evil company, but they also aren't this epitome of morality that many like to pretend they are. They are a large company and like any large company, it all comes down to business.

 

[MagicBoy]

I'd be very confident about fixing most laptops ... but not the rMBP. Very little is user serviceable, many of the parts come as a combination item as the OP found out. That's if you can find a supplier.

This is why I bought Applecare for mine last week, just before the 12 months manufacturers warranty expired.

 

[Cattywampus_]

Consider the technical expertise of the average consumer (of which, Apple is very aware of). Apple certainly doesn't advertise that the battery is glued into place. Do you really think it's reasonable to expect the average consumer to research such a thing? Even a diligent consumer may read 10+ reviews of the MacBook Pro without any mention of the battery being glued in place. The only people likely to dig deep enough / search out such a thing are the ones that plan to service the computer themselves and they are certainly in the minority.

I'd argue that there's an expectation for the battery (which is likely to wear out far ahead of anything else) of a mobile computer to be reasonably replaceable (and paying $500 to replace 1/3 of the computer because a $79 battery is worn out is not reasonable). This is even more so for a high-end mobile workstation like the MacBook Pro, which people often use for 5+ years before upgrading.

Just call it what it is already. It's all about business. Apple has markups on all these components. A full top-case-assembly replacement puts more money in Apple's pocket than a simple battery replacement. Additionally, if people are forced to spend $400-$500 to replace the battery on a computer that's several years old, they will often conclude that it's not worth it and purchase a brand new one instead. Now you've gone from a $79 battery replacement to a $2000+ computer. This then compels many people to purchase Applecare (another huge source of revenue for Apple). Scale this across all Apple's product lines and it becomes very significant.

Now I'm not suggesting that Apple is somehow this evil company, but they also aren't this epitome of morality that many like to pretend they are. They are a large company and like any large company, it all comes down to business.

This. Agree totally.

 

[newellj]

Consider the technical expertise of the average consumer (of which, Apple is very aware of). Apple certainly doesn't advertise that the battery is glued into place. Do you really think it's reasonable to expect the average consumer to research such a thing? Even a diligent consumer may read 10+ reviews of the MacBook Pro without any mention of the battery being glued in place. The only people likely to dig deep enough / search out such a thing are the ones that plan to service the computer themselves and they are certainly in the minority.

I'd argue that there's an expectation for the battery (which is likely to wear out far ahead of anything else) of a mobile computer to be reasonably replaceable (and paying $500 to replace 1/3 of the computer because a $79 battery is worn out is not reasonable). This is even more so for a high-end mobile workstation like the MacBook Pro, which people often use for 5+ years before upgrading.

Just call it what it is already. It's all about business. Apple has markups on all these components. A full top-case-assembly replacement puts more money in Apple's pocket than a simple battery replacement. Additionally, if people are forced to spend $400-$500 to replace the battery on a computer that's several years old, they will often conclude that it's not worth it and purchase a brand new one instead. Now you've gone from a $79 battery replacement to a $2000+ computer. This then compels many people to purchase Applecare (another huge source of revenue for Apple). Scale this across all Apple's product lines and it becomes very significant.

Now I'm not suggesting that Apple is somehow this evil company, but they also aren't this epitome of morality that many like to pretend they are. They are a large company and like any large company, it all comes down to business.

On the contrary, considering the technical expertise of the average consumer, it's grossly inappropriate to think that this average consumer would ever expect to be able to open up one of these machines and service the computer themselves.

 

[newellj]

Just an update of where I am at at the moment:

I e-mail the authorised service centres I got quotes from asking whether I could put the computer through for a battery replacement and gain an working trackpad that way. As expected, they said no. In order to do this, the battery has to fail diagnostic tests and even if the battery were damaged, there would likely be more costs due to the damaged trackpad.

So I contacted Applecare over the phone again (I was trying to call the closest Apple store and speak to them directly but couldn't get through). He suggested I go to the Apple store and explain what has happened and see if there is any compromise on the repair costs.

I've found a UK based website that seem to sell the individual components all Graded A. They would cost about £230 + P&P, but theoretically I could buy them and fit them myself. But I am in two minds; yes I want to pay as little as possible to get a working trackpad, but on such an expensive item, I am just thinking I will pay the obscene £400+ to get it done by professionals and know the parts and work are top quality.

I won't be letting this lie though. I have written an e-mail to Tim Cook about this. As I have already said, my issue with what they have done is caused what should be a reasonably inexpensive component replacement to become a hugely expensive job that replaces components that are in perfect working order.

A logical person would examine the computer, realise that the trackpad is obviously in need of replacement, but the keyboard, battery and top case are not in need of replacement. It is not my fault that Apple built a computer that makes it hard to repair. I should pay for the components that NEED replacing... not the parts that must be replaced because it's impossible to replace that part alone.

If you take your car to a mechanic, he doesn't replace the whole engine because you spark plugs need replacing.

Your analogy is completely inappropriate. You - voluntarily - chose to perform a repair - which you were not qualified to attempt - on an expensive, integrated part of the computer. The vehicle analogy doesn't work very well, but what you did was more like running the engine without oil, seizing the bearings, and then complaining when the dealer quotes you for a complete engine replacement instead of disassembling the engine completely and rebuilding the engine from the main bearings to the valve train.

 

[LizKat]

I'd take the environmental friendly option anyway. Ram contacts don't fail all that often- I've never had it happen on any Mac I've owned or serviced, however I've had multiple ram modules fail. Selling and re-buying works great for cashed up people, but not for everyone. The only reason numerous people I know are on 2008-2010 era macs is because they can upgrade.

So true. For use as a spare machine I scarfed up a mid-2010 white unibody MacBook that had been upgraded to 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD instead of the original hard drive. With the extra RAM and the solid state drive it's really speedy. Haven't put Yosemite on it but it runs Mavericks fine so I'll probably put El Capitan on it (but not in the beta). These machines were rated by Apple to use 4GB max RAM, but can actually use 16GB, which is probably why they became so popular.

Kinda nice having an optical drive in a spare machine too. The only annoyance is that the battery is not user replaceable like it was in my old black MacBook. But it is supposed to last for a thousand cycles. Since the machine seems rock solid, I'll likely spring for the batt replacement process when needed but I know I'll be annoyed that I have to ship the machine in instead of just ordering a batt.

My other machine is an Apple refurb 2012 MBP I got from them last year and put applecare on it so it's good into 2017. So I'm set for awhile, and I would never get a machine without getting the AppleCare now. I had to use it a few times on a mid-2010 MBP that must have been made on a Monday... anyway the two or three trips it made for repair were all covered including the shipping and the turnaround time was great.

I sometimes do wonder though about the emphasis on thin, thin, thin in the newer laptops. I've had MBAs in the past and liked them but I'm not sure I need a laptop to be as thin as a pencil. The tablets, yeah, but laptops, I dunno. Once you get down around 3 pounds, what's the draw to two pounds? Style?? I'm not ready to leave laptops behind so I'll have to do my homework. Probably next machine for me will be another Air, though. AND the Applecare.

 

[Cattywampus_]

Your analogy is completely inappropriate. You - voluntarily - chose to perform a repair - which you were not qualified to attempt - on an expensive, integrated part of the computer. The vehicle analogy doesn't work very well, but what you did was more like running the engine without oil, seizing the bearings, and then complaining when the dealer quotes you for a complete engine replacement instead of disassembling the engine completely and rebuilding the engine from the main bearings to the valve train.

Meh...I don't know nothing about cars so yeah it was a "completely inappropriate" analogy.

Whether I caused the damage myself or whether it happened as a result of a manufacturing fault, to have to replace THREE perfectly working parts (top case, battery, keyboard) to fix ONE faulty part and expect the individual to pick up the tab, is ridiculous.

Anyway, I can see this going on indefinitely. Whether the you believe the repair costs are wrong or right is probably ultimately decided whether you're in a position that you just drop £450 without issue.

 

[AdamskiUK]

I'd argue that there's an expectation for the battery (which is likely to wear out far ahead of anything else) of a mobile computer to be reasonably replaceable (and paying $500 to replace 1/3 of the computer because a $79 battery is worn out is not reasonable). This is even more so for a high-end mobile workstation like the MacBook Pro, which people often use for 5+ years before upgrading.

What's funniest is that it doesn't cost anywhere near that amount to just replace the battery. If you check this link, you'll see that they charge £159 for a battery replacement, which is akin to $250, far, far cheaper than the $700 quotation OP's receiving. In my opinion, a £159 charge from Apple isn't unreasonable. Dell, for example, charges around £90-100 for genuine replacement batteries. An extra £60-70 covers labour and Apple Goods Premium Tax (abv. SHAFTED)/A far better battery design which, in my opinion, isn't too bad.

Anyway, I can see this going on indefinitely. Whether the you believe the repair costs are wrong or right is probably ultimately decided whether you're in a position that you just drop £450 without issue.

Moral of the story is, always buy AppleCare. Yes, it's stupid that Apple does this from a consumer's POV, but that's tough if the result is that fewer people need repairs due to fewer mechanical failures etc. That, or take out the ~£90 p/a insurance it costs to cover your Macbook from all eventualities, which anyone who uses their machine for work should have anyway. That, or try and claim it back on home contents. I'm sure the excess/premium rises are more than ameliorated by the £450 saving.

A cheat tip for the future, OP, is that if you can find education store URLs (readily available online), you can buy Macs under the UK HE agreement, which entitles you to a free AppleCare upgrade, parts and labour for 3 years. That's up until 2019, though I'm sure the agreement will be renewed then to 2024. I don't think you have to show any ID for repairs, because if you leave HE after purchasing the laptop, they can't deny you repairs! Something to think about/google around. It's also a nice 8% (or is it 14%, I forget) discount on top. A little difficult to do if you're claiming VAT back from the business, I'd imagine! GL OP.

 

[Quu]

Take a look at this, as you are in the UK you can claim manufacturing fault within 6 years of purchase and the trackpad failing this soon is definitely a manufacturing fault.

http://www.apple.com/uk/legal/statutory-warranty/

 

[shoehornhands]

What's funniest is that it doesn't cost anywhere near that amount to just replace the battery. If you check this link, you'll see that they charge £159 for a battery replacement, which is akin to $250, far, far cheaper than the $700 quotation OP's receiving. In my opinion, a £159 charge from Apple isn't unreasonable. Dell, for example, charges around £90-100 for genuine replacement batteries. An extra £60-70 covers labour and Apple Goods Premium Tax (abv. SHAFTED)/A far better battery design which, in my opinion, isn't too bad.

Thanks for the source. I was indeed going by the OPs experience and hadn't looked into the actual cost myself.

Here's the US link as well: https://support.apple.com/kb/index?page=servicefaq&geo=United_States&product=Macnotebooks

The battery replacement costs are about halfway down the page. It says $199 for a battery replacement on a 13" or 15" Retina MacBook Pro. It also says "The final service fee we charge will be determined during testing. Pricing and terms vary for service through an Apple Authorized Service Provider."

It sounds like the OP might have better luck going through Apple directly (if there are no Apple stores nearby, perhaps he can ship them the computer). It also leads me to believe that there may be an issue with something in addition to the battery that the OP isn't aware of.

OP, did you receive any info regarding diagnostics / tests that were performed on the MacBook Pro? While you only brought the computer in for a battery replacement, perhaps they found some other problem and the price quote you were given included some additional repair costs.

Anyway, if I'm not missing anything and those prices are indeed accurate, $199 (while still higher than it should be) is a bit more reasonable.

 

[Cattywampus_]

Thanks for the source. I was indeed going by the OPs experience and hadn't looked into the actual cost myself.

Here's the US link as well: https://support.apple.com/kb/index?page=servicefaq&geo=United_States&product=Macnotebooks

The battery replacement costs are about halfway down the page. It says $199 for a battery replacement on a 13" or 15" Retina MacBook Pro. It also says "The final service fee we charge will be determined during testing. Pricing and terms vary for service through an Apple Authorized Service Provider."

It sounds like the OP might have better luck going through Apple directly (if there are no Apple stores nearby, perhaps he can ship them the computer). It also leads me to believe that there may be an issue with something in addition to the battery that the OP isn't aware of.

OP, did you receive any info regarding diagnostics / tests that were performed on the MacBook Pro? While you only brought the computer in for a battery replacement, perhaps they found some other problem and the price quote you were given included some additional repair costs.

Anyway, if I'm not missing anything and those prices are indeed accurate, $199 (while still higher than it should be) is a bit more reasonable.

The MBP has not actually been seen by anyone either from Apple or an authorised service centre. I have merely told them that the trackpad is FUBAR'd and needs replacing.

I know full well there is nothing else wrong with the MBP. The battery has less than 100 cycles and the keyboard and top chassis is immaculate.

As I already said, I contacted the authorised service centres where I got the quotes from (all in the 400-450 GBP range) and said could I not just submit the MBP for a battery replacement @ 159 GBP. As expected, they said no as the battery has to fail diagnostics in order to be allowed to be replaced under the battery service program.

I would just like to make clear to those who are arguing against what my issue is with all of this. I fully understand why Apple build the new laptops like this, and I am sure that other manufacturers do or will do the same. I get that they design these obscure batteries and glue them to a million other components to extend battery life and save weight and space etc. Plus as others have said, I get that there are 'environment' benefits to how they do it.

I get it.

What I also get is that Apple is in the business to make money, and as others have said, there are certain situations where once any Applecare warranty has expired, if a component fails and it is going to cost nearly as much to replace the part as it would to replace the computer, then win win for Apple.

But if this is the future of how laptops are built, where does it end? Will it come to a point where they make them in such a way that if your trackpad fails, you have to replace practically everything in the machine except the screen?

And to those who keep going on about buying Applecare. Applecare does not cover accidental damage. Yes my original fault was something that would have been covered by Applecare, I get that too. I thought I was not covered by any kind of warranty anymore, with the MBP being 15 months old (now I realise the UK has some additional statuatory rights that I was not aware of). Anyway - if we imagine that the fault had been caused by myself in the first place, accidentally or caused by misuse, the fact still remains that I damaged ONE component, and yet I am expected to pay for PERFECTLY WORKING COMPONENTS THAT ARE NOT DAMAGED.

I have no issue paying for the damaged component + labour. But replacing the entire top case and other components that are not related to the trackpad damage and expecting the individual... the individual who maybe saved up for months to buy the laptop in the first place and cannot **** money for fun to pay for 1/3 of a new MBP... it is just not right. Sledge hammer to kill an ant is the phrase that springs to mind.

I will end by saying this:
1. I didn't realise that even though I was outside the 12 months Applecare period, I still had rights in the UK and could have probably got the faulty trackpad for free.
2. I didn't realise that the trackpad was not a component that could be replaced without replacing a whole segment of the laptop. Had I known this, I wouldn't have tried to fix it myself and therefore accidentally causing the glass coating on the pad to crack.
3. My lack of understanding of these 2 facts have landed me in a situation where I am more than likely going to have to find a way to pay the obscene repair costs. But I don't agree with it and if one person reads this and avoids the same traps I have landed in then good for them.

I am going to the Apple store on Tuesday to see if I can get a cheaper deal direct through them. Fingers crossed.

 

[Queen6]

You should have brought the issue to Apple directly in the first place, not messed with it yourself resulting in physical damage by your own hand, Apple`s stance is obvious to all. Visit your local store, be polite and explain the circumstance, equally ignorance is not a viable excuse. This being said, being contrite may well go a long way to helping yourself out, also quote your initial concern of the trackpad sticking.

Factually there is nothing wrong with the design of the Retina MacBook Pro as the failure rate for trackpads is very low, have doubt search the forum, it will be far from the top of the list. You can replace the trackpad yourself, equally you need the skills and expertise, if you don't have the same it`s best left to those that do.

Q-6

 

[Derived]

All part of Apple's land-fill policy. Will they send the old top-case back to the factory to be refurbished? or will it end up in the ground in a third world country? In my opinion Apple are very wrong to be producing computers that have to be replaced almost in their entirety rather than replace the little part that isn't working.

They are quite obviously recycled...would be insane and moronic for them not to be...not to mention it would bleed their bottom line. This comment is nonsensical.

 

[Cattywampus_]

I think if it were a £1000 laptop rather than one that cost me £2500, I would most definitely try and make the repair myself.

There are two ways I could, in theory still do the repairs myself:

1. Find a second hand Grade-A replacement trackpad for around £60 inc postage. Then using the method that has been posted a couple of times in this thread, use IPA alcohol to cause the glue to break down and allow the battery to be removed. This is obviously dangerous as the material encapsulating the battery cells may react to the IPA, which could cause a hole. Likewise the material could tear if a wrong move is made. Once getting past the battery however it should be possible so swap out the trackpad.

Even If I were to remove the battery and feel confident it was intact, I could miss a tiny tear or hole that may cause a fire. Or battery acid may leak onto the other components i.e. logic board... meaning even more repairs.

2. I believe that removing the battery to gain access to the trackpad doesn't actually mean I they keyboard needs to be touched.

I could buy a replacement trackpad and new battery suitable for my model of MBP, remove the old battery carefully and discard. I can then swap the trackpad and install the new battery its place.

Will see what they say at Apple store tomorrow though before making any decisions.

 

[shoehornhands]

Given that I have a 15" 2014 rMBP and prefer to service Mac computers myself whenever possible, I decided to look into the battery replacement a bit more.

I can't comment on prices elsewhere, but in the US, there are quite a few online retailers selling rMBP batteries for both 13" and 15" models for under $100. There are tools available to help with battery removal but it looks like isopropyl alcohol is sufficient to remove the adhesive.

Anyway, while certainly not as user friendly as the older unibody design, the do-it-yourself route still looks to be a viable option (assuming you're comfortable working inside a computer).

 

[lowendlinux]

The fact that you broke the track pad in the first place should tell you not to go forward with the repair.

 

[newellj]

The fact that you broke the track pad in the first place should tell you not to go forward with the repair.

Yes, reminds one of the term defined as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

 

[Tony Danger]

Take a look at this, as you are in the UK you can claim manufacturing fault within 6 years of purchase and the trackpad failing this soon is definitely a manufacturing fault.

http://www.apple.com/uk/legal/statutory-warranty/

That would have been okay, had he not broken it further by attempting a repair himself. It takes 5 minutes of googling Fit For Use in the UK to find he would be covered. Or even a quick phonecall to Apple and not a 3rd party reseller/repairer.

Seriously, any time I have had a problem with an Apple product over the years, the first thing I have done is call them. I've had 4 occasions over the years where they have sorted me out side of warranty.

iPhone 3G - 2 Months out of warranty. Screen failed. Free replacement device.
iPhone 3GS - 3 weeks out of warranty. Battery swelled. Free replacement device.
Macbook Pro 2009 - 6 months out of warranty. Battery failure and hard drive failure in two days. Replaced both parts free.
iPhone 5 - Second hand device bought from ebay. 10 months out of warranty. Battery failure. Free replacement device.

The only thing was a pain for me is it is a 120 mile round trip to the nearest store for me (Glasgow), but worth it for a new machine.

Apple are really good if you just speak to them. Don't treat them like idiots or get angry, and most of the time they will sort you out.

 

[Cattywampus_]

Not sure if I mentioned this already in this thread as I didn't think it would make a difference... In June 2014 when the MBP was still well within the 12 months warranty, the trackpad actually did exactly what happened a couple of weeks ago - stopped clicking. At that time, I registered a request for a call back from Applecare but before they got around to calling, it resolved itself, so I cancelled the request and never actually spoke to anyone.

Well, I made the 100 mile round trip to my nearest Apple store in Manchester. I took along copies of all the quotes I got for repairs as well as a print out of the request I made to Apple to call me back back in June 2014. I didn't think it would make a difference as A) they never actually spoke to me at that time B) I was now out of warranty and C) I had inadvertently caused more damage.

Bear in mind that the cheapest repair estimate I got from an authorised repair centre was £380, and the most expensive was £490, plus the cost of shipping it to and from these places - so probably around another £30.

I spoke to one of the genius guys and explained all that had happened. I went on his iPad and gave me a price for the repairs, top case replacement... around £350. A step in the right direction but still way more than I felt was fair.

I asked to speak to a manager which the guy was more than happy to arrange. I explained the situation to the manager again and showed him the copy of the call back request from 2014.

Amazingly, he said that they could give me 50% off the repair costs since I had originally logged the problem while in warranty. So instead of paying nearly £500 + postage if I had gone with the highest estimate, I am actually paying just £170 + £30 fuel costs.

Pretty happy with the result.

 

[Cattywampus_]

FYI for anyone who cares.

I picked up the MacBook. Came to around £185. Not bad considering I might have paid 440+

Confirmed it is a brand new top case as well, zero battery cycles and the keyboard has that newy type feeling

 

[Tony Danger]

So next time, don't try and repair it yourself. You'll probably save more money.

 

[MacModMachine]

I am writing this as a sincere advisory warning to anyone who is considering buying a new Apple laptop. My experience is based on a late 2013 retina Macbook Pro 15-inch.

3 months after my 12 month Applecare warranty expired, the trackpad on my MBP stopped working.

Not a problem I thought. Since its out of warranty, I will try and pick up a new or refurbished trackpad and make do the repairs myself. Should cost no more tan £50. How wrong I was.

Upon opening the MBP, I soon realised that the batteries are glued to the chassis, totally blocking access to the trackpad. A bit of Googling confirms that the batteries are pretty much impossible to remove without the risk of causing damage to them.

So I contact some Apple repair centres to get some quotes to get it fixed by Apple certified technicians, assuming they will have some method of replacing the trackpad safely. I'm thinking it may be £150 tops for the part and labour.

Of the 8 quotes I have received so, 7 of them are wanting over £440, some as high as £490 to fix the trackpad.

The reason that is given?

The trackpad is part of the top chassis case and so to repair the trackpad, the entire top chassis has to be replaced; this includes the keyboard, trackpad and batteries... as well as the chassis.

My 15 month old computer that is in perfect condition and that has less than 100 cycles on its batteries now requires a high chunk of it to be replace to fix one component that no doubt costs Apple less than $50.

I am yet to have the work carried out as I am going to take the MBP to an Apple store and see if they can offer a better price, but I will be going ahead with the work even if it costs me £440. Lets face it, I have no choice.

I find it incomprehensible that Apple think this to be an acceptable practice. Yes I could have extended my Apple warranty, but I didn't. I wouldn't have a problem if I was paying for a logic board as that can be replaced on its own. What I have major issues with is that I am forced to replace 3 other perfectly working parts to fix one other part, the part that is probably the most inexpensive component out of the top chassis.

I have always championed Apple laptops as they are really nice machines. I have had many laptops and their fail rate has been low in my experience. In the past I have taken out the extended Applecare but decided not to as I never needed to use it in the past. I have been caught out this time.

Not to mention apple will not return your old parts , they will profit from those when they get "refurbished" and used on another customer.

 

[Tony Danger]

Nah, I'm good.