The problems so far, and the process...

I rang Applecare.

I described the situation, and mentioned that I was at uni.

Telling the representative the problems with the machine, I mentioned the following:

 Blank external display
 Only 1900 x 1080 res on an external screen when its native resolution is 1900 x 1200, and worked fine on the 2006 MBP.
 Freezes periodically
 Flickers when not on full brightness
 Runs hot – it is currently 60 deg c and all I am doing is typing – the 2006 one ran at 45 when I was doing this!
 Artefacts on the screen sometimes

He immediately gave me three options:
1. To do an erase and install to ensure that there was nothing wrong with the factory installation – I already did this when I got the machine!
2. (I THINK he said this, but I can't fully remember) to take the machine to the store for repair… ☹.
3. To replace the machine by taking it to the apple store (I then mentioned I bought it online, and so he is now going to see if he can sort out a replacement thataway! (the applestore online is separate from instore)

Right now, I am waiting for him to call me back with regards to what is going to happen.
He has just asked me again for the order number as he said he may have got a number wrong in the system.

Im now speaking with (name) from apple ☺. He was American, and sounded really kind ☺. I think they called up Cupertino, with Steve Jobs in the background!

(name) is going to send me out a waiver form, which means that I can get the laptop before I send the other back. This means that if I decided to keep both I would be charged etc. Im not charged a second time at all, unless they don’t get the other one back.

This is brilliant cos it means I can work while the other is being shipped and get on with my assignments!

Hopefully now it will all go smoothly, I will keep you updated!

Just received this:

Dear (me),

Thank you for contacting the Apple Store.

Following your request, we have created a replacement ... for your order. Your replacement is scheduled for dispatch by ....

Our carrier will contact you within the next 48 hours to make an appointment for the collection of the original item(s). Please pack the item(s) you are returning along with any cables and documentation in the original packing materials and ensure any personal items (CDs, DVDs) are removed.
To help us process the return, please clearly mark the box with the Returns number ....

Please ensure to obtain a signed collection note from the carrier to proof the return of the item(s).

Kind regards,
The Apple Store


Currently on phone to Apple Tech support – packaging is at home and the ship time in the email is FAR too long! Told the representative this.

He has asked me to verify my original order number and when and where I purchased it.

I have just spoken with (name). He said that the packaging for the new UMBP will be good enough to ship the old one back. He also said that the custom orders that are replacements go ‘priority one’ and so should not be as long as is stated. The stated time above is for normal orders, he said.

I should be receiving the Waiver Form soon, as the above was needed to create the form.

Having received it I filled it out and emailed it to him.

I have now received an order number, and the status of the order is ‘processing’.

I got a call from the courier, and told them what was happening.

This is what has happened so far - a chronological account. Feel free to comment etc/share your experiences. Perhaps this can then spur apple into action.

Issues with the Unibody 17" Macbook Pro

HI Everyone, I will be posting up here shortly about the issues that I have had with my brand new Unibody Macbook Pro 17" (UMBP 17"). This will included a detailed record of my conversings with Apple.

Please feel free to leave comments - these could be on what I have written, or on your experience with the UMBP 17"

Yours,

UMBPIssues