Apple Powerbook

I too am angry and victimized by Apple Computer's Powerbook's "Vertical Display Lines" defect. I know this is an old issue, but they have heard many complaints about this over the years and have done nothing to address it (other than buying another warranty for the price that could have it fixed). In all fairness, the computer still works great, but it's kind of moot when you have to make a $2500 laptop a desktop because you have to use an external monitor for your laptop!

Must there be a class action suit and bad press to address every known defect for Apple? I want to be added to that list of complainants. Please keep me informed about this matter. Thanks for your time.

Apple case number: ** : I purchased a MacBook Pro in August 2009. In August 2010, I started experiencing booting problems and programs quitting unexpectedly. So, I took it into an Apple service provider in Trinidad and Tobago, upon there inspection, they diagnosed it as a software problem and told me that they can re-install the software for a fee as it is not covered by my warranty.

I was also advised that I can simply re-install Mac OS myself at the risk of losing all my data. As this was a new computer, I didn't mind losing the few files I had saved, so I opted for that. My machine worked fine for 2 months following until the same problems started to happen. Immediately, I took the machine to two separate tech companies, including the authorized Apple dealers, both said that my Logic-board is defective. After contacting Apple, before, after and during my ordeal, the verdict was a Bold, Capital Letters. "No, we will not fix, replace or service" my laptop without costs to me. I find this hard to accept for many reasons.

A faulty Logic-Board has been determined to be the problem, there is supposed to be a special warranty for this. The defect was of no cause by me and it has only been 14-months since purchasing this $1200USD machine. (by the way apple est. a cost of 850usd to fix)

I brought the machine to be fixed before the warranty was up, therefore, Apple was aware of an this impending problem. I am a self employed student and the cost of this problem is not only a financial but also stresses on my academics and suffers my business great loss.

Apple has made it clear that it is their policy that customers cannot speak to upper management directly, neither by email or phone and I must only post feedback on website and hope it reaches upper management. Dealing with these problems is a classic David and Goliath, the corporation at this point seems not to care on the individuals on a humanistic level. Thousands of these machines are being produced everyday, it is inevitable that some must be faulty and the onus is on apple to replace my logic-board. At this point, it seems like a battle that I have already lost. Going up against a company this big is daunting to say the least. I beg whoever reads to not to hesitate to share with me their advice or extend to me any courtesies they can. Thank You.

I've had an Apple Powerbook 17 inch in and out of Apple service depots and repair centers since just 1 month after purchasing in 2006. I also purchased 3-year Applecare. Despite pointing out various defects, Apple only attended a couple, finally replacing a faulty hard drive with a refurbished one that subsequently failed just shortly after installation. Since AppleCare lapsed, I was told I would have to pay to get a non-faulty drive installed.

I had also pointed out non-working ports and operating defects for the 3 years of Applecare coverage, but never could get them to fix all of them. I'd made more than ten fifty mile round trips to Apple Stores for service complaints, and still have a computer with a failed hard drive, sparking electrical outlet plug, non-working ports, and a system that operates even when the cover is closed.

I have written a half dozen letters to Apple (Steve Jobs) with no replies. This is not the same Apple Computer that I've been supporting since 1990. I have seven old Apple Computers and a half dozen peripherals, including the original Mac. They won't give me the time of day. This is not the old Apple Computer Company that survived because of loyal users. I cannot rely on this machine. I have to backup hourly because of its imminent failure. I can't use a microphone for creating product. I can't leave it plugged in for fear of fire. It crashes and freezes regularly disrupting my work process and has done so even before the ending of Applecare. I have had to buy multiple backup devices as a precaution. The Mail program crashes often losing data which can't be backed up.

I bought an Apple laptop for my son a few years ago. I think Apple is amazing so when he had a problem with his laptop (his screen went completely blue), I went right on the Apple website to find out where to send it to be repaired. By the way, this was in July. On the website under repairs, I saw MyService. Be aware that this is not affiliated with Apple. The website looks exactly like the Apple website, but they are not Apple. They sent out a box to mail the laptop back, and after a few weeks contacted me saying it was the hard drive. His warranty was up so I figured it would cost a few hundred dollars. I repeatedly told them he needed it to start college!

He is a design student and he had to have this laptop by 8-25-2010 the absolute latest! Well, here it is 8-31-2010 and still the laptop is not here or with my son in college. They missed the logic board problem when they diagnosed it. They called me and told me they missed it. They quoted me yet another price to fix it and assured me he would have it in his hands by 8-25-2010, guaranteed in his hands. Well, they put in the logic board and it was faulty and they said they would get one overnighted from Apple. "From Apple." You are Apple! That should have been my first clue! They never said they weren't Apple. So now 8-31-2010, they are putting in the second logic board, and once again, guaranteeing me he will have it in his hands tomorrow. School started on Monday.

I have called this company every day, they make empty promises and "I am sorry" you to death! Be aware although the website looks like they are Apple. They are not Apple. Stay away from this company. I have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and with Consumer Rip-off website and will continue to let anyone and everyone know what kind of company this really is! I really feel that I was scammed into thinking that I was working with Apple repair. Even when I called Apple to complain, they were shocked just how much this company looked like it was Apple repair. They made empty promises and my son went almost a week without his laptop and they kept guaranteeing it would be there, fixed. He is a Design major and needed his laptop. He saved a lot of his data on hard drive that needed to be retrieved.

I updated the software on my Macbook and the next day my Mac froze. I turned the computer off and tried to turn it back on again. The Apple symbol, grey loading circle and progress bar all appeared and the progress bar finished loading (eventually) but the screen stayed on the grey loading circle for hours before I gave up. After a few more attempts, I took my Mac to the closest Apple servicing center (30 minutes away, might I add). I was informed that the problem was probably a result of my wireless Internet cutting out while my Mac was being updated. They inserted my Mac OS X disc and tried to re-install it on the computer but a message popped up saying my hard drive was full. I have only owned my Mac for about six months and so this seemed ridiculous.

The staff member then decided to search for errors and found a number that she was unable to be fixed then and there. I was then informed that I would have to pay $150 (or I had an option of paying $169 that allows me to keep the external hard drive afterwards) to back-up my data. I feel it is highly unreasonable to ask a customer to pay $150 in order to ensure their data isn't lost when the problem should have never occurred in the first place. I am an 18-year-old university student who has a large number of expenses and I cannot afford to be forking out money on top of that which I paid at the time of purchasing as a consequence of something that was no fault of my own. This cost is not only excessive, but should be included as a part of the warranty of the computer.

An hour and a half later, there's still no result or help. I have had this awful Apple lap for almost 2 years. It already had to have a new battery and a new keyboard. It is the worst computer I have ever had. I just spent almost an hour and a half. First, they had my serial number wrong. Then, they didn't have my extended warranty. Now 1 hour into the cell phone call, I still got no help with their software.

On September 21, 2008, I paid $1733 outright for my first computer which was an Apple Macbook Pro from JB Hi-fi, Bourke St. Melbourne. I was not aware, offered or informed of purchasing Apple care Protection Plan insurance for the machine to cover it after the 12-month warranty runs out. Within the first week, there were problems with the computer. I used it a handful of times and then it failed to start up properly. Only a plain blue blank frozen screen appeared. I rang the Apple phone number and received a case number and was told to return the product which was declared faulty as the sales agent suggested it may have been damaged in the factory.

I returned faulty computer (number 1) to JB Hi-fi, and was given another machine. I was not offered or informed about the Apple care protection plan at that stage either. From Oct. 3 2008 until July 3, 2009, I continued using the machine around five times a week, only for approximately 1-1/2 hours a day to use the Internet and check emails. I also used it infrequently for attempting to record music. Throughout this period of light use of the machine, programs and applications would inexplicably shut down. As time went on, this occurred more and more frequently.

I found this was peculiar, as I took good care of the machine, kept it in the same place in my office at home, didn't move it outside my home and to the very best of my knowledge, no liquid spills or impact have occurred to it whilst in my care. July 3rd I stored the computer safely away for four months and went overseas. I didn't restart the computer until the beginning of November 2009. The machine started up again fine, but soon after applications continued to shut down and got progressively worse until the start of March 2010 when it failed to turn on at all.

I rang Apple and they gave me a case number, after I had explained to them the above information and my unfortunate situation. The customer service agent asked if I had purchased Apple care protection plan before the warranty expired in Sept. 2009, and I said no as I wasn't made aware or informed by JB Hi-fi at time of purchase or by anyone thereafter. After informing me of what it was, I asked if I could purchase it now considering already being inconvenienced with the first machine, not being informed of the further protection plan, that I was not in the country to purchase it leading up to when the warranty was about to expire, and that in total I have only got 13 months use out of the machine! (Oct. 3rd 08 until July 3rd 09, Nov 09 - March 1st 2010). They declined on my request.

I then took it into Next Byte on Elizabeth street Melbourne to get a quote regarding the problem and within a few days they told me the machine had a faulty logic board. I rang Apple again explaining the enormity of the problem. After trying to negotiate with the customer service representative, she said that Apple would pay for the labor involved in fixing the machine. I asked her how much the part would cost me, and she stated she did not know. Upon returning to Next Byte to get quote for the part, I was highly disappointed and felt cheated when they said the part would cost me $891 if not liquid damaged, and around $1900 if it was--exceeding the cost of purchasing a new machine altogether.

I have been a faithful customer of Apple up until this point. I have recommended their products despite my luck to numerous musicians and friends of mine and after these incidences, I am highly disheartened in their products, service, and reputation as a leading brand.I feel it only fair to replace me with a brand new reliable computer that actually does what it is advertised to do, and provide me fairly for what I, as a faithful customer, paid for. It is unacceptable for a company of this size be negligent and irresponsible by giving me not one, but two faulty machines!

I am unable to complete my work, make contact with clients, communicate, and complete my musical projects and recordings. I am also finding it impossible in this day and age to look for new job without computer, which is also impacting on my financial situation, stress levels and quality of life. Any advice or help would be appreciated. Thank you.

My disc drive is reading, but is not playing discs, ejecting them. I brought a Macbook Pro approximately over a year ago. Within eight months, the disc drive failed to read discs. It was under warranty and the problem was fixed. Approximately six months later, I have the same problem. The laptop cost me 1500. Without disc drive, it is now void. The people at Apple I spoke to were indifferent to my problem as I am no longer covered by warranty and I am unable to get it fixed. I am upset and shocked at this. The laptop is now void. I am a filmmaker, music director, and without any way to burn discs, the laptop is now void to me. I have no choice but to buy another laptop and I am worried about purchasing another Macbook Pro as am certain I will experience the same problem.

Against my parents wishes who wanted to buy me an Indian computer, I insisted on Apple I Mac because I felt that its technology is very good and far above HP, Dell, etc. We bought it on Feb. 13, 2010 and on the 14th of March it has stopped working. It is not switching on and we found oil drops coming out from the holes below the screen. Is this Apple technology and quality control?

We were asked to bring the set to the store at Noida and were told that it will be repaired and given to us in about a week's time as parts have to come from Bangalore. My faith is really shaken and I want to know why should I accept a repaired piece when it is in warranty? What if later on some problem again comes when it is not in warranty as it is a defective piece. If Apple believes in customer satisfaction and wants the trust back, they should replace my piece. My work is also suffering as I have no computer with me. I request Apple officials to look into the matter. I want a new piece in replacement and will not accept the repaired piece.

My MacBook that I bought 14 months ago displayed the red light from the audio jack suddenly. We did a research on the Web and found tons of the same problems that many people complain. We used a toothpick and tried to reset the tiny button as many people suggested, but didn't succeed. So we went to an Apple store and asked for a help. The result was that the service woman asked us $280 replacement of the main board. The fact is that the audio jack senses mistakenly a headphone is connected and doesn't provide the sound outside. That is why we hear the sound only through headphone. Moreover, everything is tightly connected to the main board and I need to replace the whole main board.

Whenever I try to use an application on my Macbook I have problems. Today I tried to download picture from my camera. I couldn't figure out how to do it. After waiting for tech support, who finally came online, he couldn't figure it out either. Then he told me to go any further, he would have to charge me. I have had consistent problems with Apple, find that they charge more, but deliver less, and don't recommend them. My digital camera is basically useless without a computer to download it to.

How is it possible that the "Genius" would be so sure of the diagnosis, are those folks in the store really that qualified or is it more of a parts changing operation?

Bought G5 in 2004. Only problem was when CDW techs installed extra HD, they bent a pin. Apple repaired it right away. Four years later, monitor needed to be replaced. Bought a refurbished one; screen was dark, they repaired monitor, it too was dark. Finally they replaced it with a new monitor - they paid postage both ways; only took about 2 months (mainly shipping time). Extremely satisfied with Apple's service and their G5 dual 2.0. Oh, and Apple is always upgrading their software for security and Safari for free. I use it for video editing, the hardest work one can use a computer for - it works GREAT !

I recently bought Apple Mac book pro 15" about few months ago around the price range $2500-$2800. After using it for a couple of months i noticed my macbook hinge was getting loose. I didnt take any further action towards the problem. After a while the hinge problem started to progress. Being student/ working full time i didn't have much time on my hand to take it to the store and report a problem. Few days after i noticed the glue around the hinge was coming out i was very disappointed, paying 2600 for a laptop which is basically made of glue.

After few days of usage my hinge completely snapped off which was very ironic, i didn't really expect that to happen... a computer which is made of "aluminum" just snaps off! After that i had to report it to Apple because my screen wouldn't hold the position i wanted it to be.

Few days after i went to the apple store where i bought it from, after showing to one of the Apple employee's they immediately told me this wasn't going to be covered by the warranty and it would cost me $1200 to fix the problem. I immediately went home and surfed around the web if this was a known issue which can be fixed by buying and fixing it yourself. At this point none of the apple care/rapair websites werent offering this part.

I called apple customer care told them what the situation was, all they told me was go to the apple store and show it to them.. which i already did.. i told him this was not my fault i never dropped or forced it to break. The apple customer care wrote a whole report what the situation was and made an appointment to see one of the Genius bar at the store.

After a week of waiting for the appointment i go to the store.. of course they had no report in front of them and i get the same answer as before. At this point i had enough i talked to the manager of the store she gives me the same answer.

This isnt just my issue, i have noticed their is a website towards this problem. there is plenty of people who are having this issue and i would like to address this to you folks if anything can be done. Paying 2600 for a computer and having this defect is a shame how a big corporate like this cant take care of their customers. Thank you

The hard drive on my new 17" MacBook Pro failed withing two months from new. Design work was lost. In order to have a chance of recovering any work I had pay for a new hard drive and labour to be able to take posession of the failed hard drive. This was do in order to find a less expensive data recovery service than that recommended by Apple/MacForum, a service that was quoted by the provider at a cost equivalent to buying new laptop.

This event has cost me time to recreate as much of the work lost as possible, costs of buying a replacement hard drive plus labour and recovery analysis of the old harddrive. All this in addition to the attitude by Apple that this is a frequent occurance and my interlectual property created and stored on the computer is my resonsibility regardless of the two near month failure period. These are cost no one should have to concider after directly after purchasing a new laptop.

After using my MacBook Pro for a few weeks, I noticed it ran slower than my G-5. This was especially true when accessing email. After several hours on phone, the technical support did not accomplish anything. I went to the Genius at the Apple store. Keep in mind that the Apple store is 45 minutes away, one way. So a trip to the Apple store is a half day's time. I must admit it did seem to work better at the Apple store, but when I got home, it still worked slower than my G-5. It also could not access email regularly. It kept asking me to check my settings. The whole time, my G-5 did not have a problem accessing email. Then, Apple started asking me to check out my airport. I spent several hours with the tech support guys doing "stuff" to the airport. Then eventually took the airport into Apple.

They put in a new software and told me it would solve the problem. When I got home, it still would not work properly. The Apple tech support then told me to reinstall the system. This is a big job and required several hours of time. The result was that it was worse. So they finally accepted it for repair. They switched out the logic board. When I got the computer back, all the files were jumbled. So I called tech support again and they told me to do a clean install. Luckily, I backed up what little work I did on the computer. Then the computer had difficulty accepting the new system. I actually had the tech assistant help me use the install disk just so I could put in my password. The new system would not work. Then when I did the crossover, it was working funny and the first document I opened was corrupted.

Yesterday, I took it back to the Apple store and I am waiting, but feel uncomfortable. I have lost all faith in my computer and the willingness of Apple to stand by their product. Basically, I want a new computer. Frankly, I am in the furniture business and would never expect to get away with asking the customer to spend 30 hours trying to fix a brand new chair.

It seems Apple computers are as sensitive as cell phones when it comes to moisture. What is worse is that they will not do out of warranty repairs; they tell you to go buy a new computer or they will replace the damaged item for what is darn close to a retail price. I find the combination of sensitivity to moisture with lack of interest in helping a customer to be problematic.

The old Apple customer service commitment has gone crassly commercial. In my case, the damage is to the Optical Drive, a $50 item plus labor, and I am being asked to buy a new computer, since they will not do out of warranty repairs. I've never experienced this sort of computer sensitivity to moisture or lack of interest in helping a customer from any other notebook manufacturer. I have to believe it is an irritating bit of planned obsolescence. I will be trading in my iPhone for a Blackberry. Similar for any other Apple product.

The cost of replacement by Apple is $755 plus tax. The retail cost of a new unit is $999. The problem should cost about $100 to resolve, according to an Apple tech. I have been told the coating of sensitive electronics to harden the computer to small amounts of moisture is about $20.

I have been a windows user for over 20 years. I bought a Mac Book to avoid Windows Vista.

In the first 6 months I had to have file corruption issue fixed on average every 2 weeks.

After spending more money on disk software I believe it is finally under control. I will not find out for sure until it fails again or not.

I have also discover that the Mac OS X Leopard is not as robust as Window XP or Vista. It has a number of limited capabilities including a very minimal backup.

Apple's native business applications are very primitive. They do not have anything close to a windowed environment thus multitasking is very difficult.

I just bought a new HP laptop and I will give the Mac to my granddaughter. It is good enough for a casual user but not a serious business user. I have absolutely NOP confidence in the Mac so I cannot take it on the road and risk the embarrassment of not being able to use my PC.

All I can figure it that the keys coming off got wedged when closing it or the heat cracked it. It has NEVER been dropped and actually I have babied this thing like its a raw egg due to its high costs and the $1500 worth of multi media software I also purchased. They would not even replace the keys or any of the other issues unless "I" paid $1400 to replace the screen! So, after years of saving and wanting an Apple. Thousands of dollars of classes and finally the laptop and software I dreamed of, I was told I had dropped it and they refused to do anything.

The battery of my MacBookPro popped! And this made a lot of fun at Apple Store's employess (they said, that's impossible, we want to see that).

The battery is expensive My laptop is no longer portable I use my laptop for work

I don't recommend anyone buy an Apple Macbook. It is twice the price, half the product. I have had difficulties connecting to the internet since day 1, and their tech support knows this is an issue for not just me but other Apple users, but does not resolve the issue. In addition, the hard drive crashed. My machine is over a year old - out of warranty - so I had to get a new hard drive, and pay for data recovery. I've had laptops for many years, and have never had this much problem with any other brand.

About $345 lost in data recovery and getting a new hard drive. Probably hundreds of hours lost in trying to get the machine to work.

I have lived in Thailand for many years and my business now demands that I spend more time in my home country Holland than in Thailand. Nothing but good about my long time Dutch dealer Mac Support (I owned the first major design studio that was all Apple). This good experience is in sharp contrast with those of my Thai Official Apple dealer MacZone from Chiang Mai. Any simple glitch with my computers (I have a powerbook, a MacBook Pro and an iMac) costs Baht 20,000 as a standard price. The repairs always take weeks longer than suggested and invariably the repairs are not done correctly. I mean: things falling off, USB ports that are dead after repairs, the entire disk wiped during the installation of an operating system upgrade and always the price goes up drastically during the repairs.

Last event is with my iMac, the machine was first bought at MacZone in Thailand and taken for two months to Holland where the motherboard was replaced by MacSupport under warranty. Then it came back to Thailand where it performed well until after twelve months it would'nt start up anymore. We brought it to MacZone who-in the blind-said the motherboard had to be replaced at their usual rate of Baht 20,000. I wanted some guarantee for the new motherboard since it looks like the iMac eats them for breakfast. They did not respond at all so in the end we ordered the machine to be fixed. Now they also want/need to replace the hard disk. I do not believe these people anymore. A simultanious failure of and motherboard and hard disk is too hard to imagine.

In my opinion Apple is ruining their reputation with this official dealer in Chiang Mai. Their client base is mainly foreigners as Thai people usually can't afford Apple equipment. I am convinced the foreigner clients are systematically overcharged. Like I said, I have experience with other Apple dealers in Holland and Santa Monica and always found I was in good hands. I suggest you investigate if MacZone of Chiang Mai is a contribution to the Apple image and reputation. I for one will keep using Apple machines but would feel a lot better if the service in Thailand would be as trustworthy as in Holland and the USA. I need my machine in Thailand and hate to hear with every small problem that I'd better buy a new one.

I'm being overcharged by official dealer MacZone but cannot say anything about the actual amount. The experiences with MacZone over the years have convinced me to start using laptops so I can bring them to Holland for servicing. Not what Apple Thailand should want because most Apple users overthere do not have the opportunity to travel to good dealers as I do.

After 20 years positive experience buying Apple products, I purchased an Apple G4 iBook laptop over three years ago and am frankly disgusted with both the product and the treatment I have received. When I first used the machine, it was plagued by blue screen of death crashes. Resolving this problem resulted in an ongoing problem with their spinning wait icon (beach ball), which signals that the machine is taking time to do something else. The problem was, this icon appeared so frequently and for so long that it has caused me a full 3 years of grief, lost time, and lost data, all while covered by the extended warranty for which I had paid. This would have been disgusting coming from any computer manufacturer, but Apple!

As a result of Apple's pathetic performance and seeming shift over to the dark side of technology, I will not purchase another of their machines. Sorry Steve Jobs, I know that you are unwell, but I have to assume that you were when you oversaw your company's slow but inevitable plunge into the pit of mediocrity. The unkindest thing that I can say is that Apple has now accepted the philosophy of so many of their contemporaries - keep costs down, even at the expense of lost product integrity and dismal customer service. Although Apple may not be suffering like these others manufacturers at present, they have in the past and they will in the future. Pity poor Bill Gates (yes, MicroSoft Bill Gates) when he loses most, if not all of his 25% share of Apple stock!

I am one of a legion of Apple G5 owners who are experiencing many severe operating issues with this model. Apple has been mostly unresponsive or, worse, wanting nearly $2000 to replace logic boards and processors. This is almost as much as I paid for the computer new about 4 years ago and hardly a reasonable solution. What does it take to generate a class-action suit to get some movement on resolving this problem?

I am a professional video editor who has lost immeasurable amounts of billable time due to breakdowns with this computer.

I bought a Mac book 13laptop in November 2007 .My warranty expired Nov2008. Monday the 9th my computer froze and would not boot or start up. All attemps by Apple (telephone) technicians could not find the fault. I took it back to the agents. Magnum Mac Albany NZ. To be told there wasn't anything they could do, and I should get hold of Apple myself. Although the Warranty had expired a few month before, this was the 3rd time I had brought the computer back with problems, in that first year. I told them that in NZ we have consumer rights, which includes them repairing the computer as it cost a lot of money and should last at least 3 years. It was after all a Mac and was a well known brand with a good reputation.

They said sorry they were just the third party, and I would need to sort my own complaint out. Anyway I have managed to get it into an Apple repair centre, but was told depending what the problem is I may still have to pay! I am so disgusted with the customer treatment, or rather lack of, I will never again buy anything to do with APPLE. I also have a facebook account and will make sure I tell everyone of my experiences. I have owned cmany computers and all have lasted well over 5 years. The only problem was upgrading them. They got too old. So I would have thought a well known brand like Apple would last at least 3 - 5 Years. It Seems this is not the case.

1st complaint Feb 2008. Computer slow and sometimes I could not shut it down. 2nd Oct 2008: Edges peelig off near keyboard. This was repaired. But I was without a computer for 14 days. 3RD: Computer will not start or boot up. White screen with sounds of fan or disk spinning. This has gone in to be repaired and again told it could be 2 weeks. I need my computer as I am studying!

A year ago I ordered a Power adaptor for a Macbook in the UK which never successfully delivered. The package went back to Apple and I was told I would receive a refund. Nothing happened. I telephoned. Was told the refund was on its way. Wrote a letter. Nothing happened. Phoned again, twice. Assured that 'the matter' (as it had now become) would be looked into. Nothing happened.

Phoned again: explained that my old credit card had now expired and they would need a new a card on which to make a refund. Was assured they would - instead of which I was charged again! I now have been charged twice for a power adaptor which I never received! Trying to raise a dispute with Apple really is a fruitless business which I simply do not have time for. I have no sympathy for foolish people who fail to back-up and lose their data, but for those with service problems like this, my heart goes out to you.

Money lost (now 172) and enormous time wasted: probably worth a further few hundred pounds.

bought a brand new apple iMac last year. The wheel of the mouse only lets you scroll down now, the only way to scroll up is to use the sidebar arrows or page up key. The mouse mat (too big a word for it) is sort of a joke, when you move the mouse the whole cloth moves with it. Better of with an ordinary cheap mouse mat or no mat at all. Sometimes the screen background is unreadable i.e. it is covered with a tv distorted like appearance. This only disappears by starting up another program like a wordprocessor which by the size of it cleans up the whole area.

In case of the mouse you're sometimes really stuck, fast up and down scrolling to find what you're looking for, is not the case and sometimes when in a hurry creating a document for my classes becomes a problem. The same goes for the ridiculous mouse mat. The distorted screen (at the moment it is normal again, but for how long?) is a nuisance. Especially again if in a hurry and you're looking for a docyment or other program.

Apple Computer's Mail service does not work.

My macbook is 2.5 years old. Since I have had it, it has been repaired multiple times: I have had my logic board replaced three times, my heat sync replaced twice, my battery replace twice, the keypad and outer covering replace, the optic drive replaced and now the LCD is going out. I have not dropped my computer or spilled anything on it and I take really good care of it, hardly moving it from a nice cool office.

The most unfortunate part of my experience is that Apple refuses to replace my LEMON of a computer with one that actually works. This time, I'm getting a lawyer and then hopefully will be getting a new computer, which I feel is only fair.

I just bought a Apple MacBook. The screen had a area in the right left corner that appeared a differnt shade. I let it go because it was not that noticeable. I was very careful with my laptop. I noticeed that the a crack in the compurter that has spread to 3 inches to the left side of the computer. I called apple and they said it was my fault and they would not repair even if it was under warrenty.

I then found out that so many people have had the same problem. They told me I would have to pay over $800 to repair which is the price of the computer. I asked them who I could talk to in higher management and they said they could not give me that information

I am not able to look for a job after being laid off. I am very upset and I am so worried that I cannot afford to fix. I also had medical problem and need my computer keep in touch with my family.

I purchased in 12/2004 a new Macintosh computer from COMP USA in Little Rock, AR; Power Mac G5 Serial Number: G844218KQPM dual core 2 GHz processor that is liquid cooled. When I got the machine home I notice it would make very loud, sudden bust of air sound from the fan, at random . Being a new MAC user I thought this was typical. (I did buy the APLLE CARE for 3 years) Since my purchase, I've been around many MAC's and have never seen one make the kind of noise mine does.

So, I research online and found out my MAC has a design flaw where the coolant leaks and is a health risk as well a electrical hazard. I contacted APPLE and was told they were not going to help me but referred me to a repair company that quoted $1100 to fix the problem that APPLE is well aware is their defect. My warranty has expired however this problem should be covered as it is a health and environmental risk. APPLE should have sent out notices about these machines! Please don't let others like me be taken advantage of by a company like APPLE.

PowerBook G4 Purchased late 2005. This computer has been nothing but problems, and, looking at the blogs, I am not the only one. The most common problems are: loss of sound in the speakers and, very bad performance. My machine has multiple issues. 1. No sound in speakers. 2. Red light in audio jack. 3. Continually degrading performance. 4. Irregular functionality. 5. Blurry monitor. 6. Inconsistent behavior, in regard to start up, shut down, speed and functionality of the machine itself and the applications it runs. 7. Monitor clear on one side, blurry on the other. 8. Monitor is loose. 9. Overall, it just does not work very well. 10. Applications do not respond initially. I have to force quit them, which locks up my machine, I then have to un-plug it, restart, which may or may not take, restart the programs, which may or may not restart, or which may start the whole cycle over again.

Yesterday I spent an hour doing what should take about 2 minutes. I have tried to be patient. I have tried everything I know how to remedy these problems. I have visited blogs, executed as many suggestions as I am able but, the machine is still a mess. Normally it takes me at least 30 minutes to get it up to speed. When I first bought it, it took a few minutes, which in retrospect, illustrates that the machine was slow from the get-go. It should not take that long. Once I untangle whatever is going on, the machine will run reasonably well, although, its response time is very slow the first time I select any function. The second time I select that same function it appears normal.

Frustration, loss of time. I am a freelance graphic artist and I depend on this machine for my lively hood. If someone gives me a job and they need a quick turn-around, my mac is a liability. I feel I was not sold what was advertised.

My latop was damaged and unable to boot up. I spoke with Apple (Jonathan) who agreed to fix the computer. I stressed that the most important thing was the data on the machine and that all data needed to be recovered, backed-up etc before any repairs were to be performed. Jonathan agreed. Was later contacted my a Repair Technician, Richard who set up the order and sent me a box etc to send in my laptop. In that box were instructions stating that I needed to back up my data before sending the machine off.

I tried Jonathan 3 separate times without any success - and he never called me back. I left him numerous messages to follow-up with me and the repair techs. I also put a note in the box stating that I was unable to back up the data because I was unable to boot up the machine and that Jonathan promised the data would be restored prior to any work was to be performed. Had Jonathan NOT promised that - I would have taken my hard drive to another vendor to have the data backed up myself.

The computer was returned about 1 week later - hard drive completely replaced; no data recovery was performed and with a broken screen. I have been playing phone tag with about 5 different people there (Alisa - supervisor in Customer Care; Jonathan in Customer Care, 2 other women in Customer Care who I cannot remember their names, and most recently a lady today, named Dee from Texas). These people promise to call me back with a resolution/explanation with how this happened but all have dropped the ball! I have been trying to chase these people down for over 2 months. Finally just got a hold of Jonathan again today and hit a wall - he is going to escalate to upper management. I need assistance to get this resolved! Apple totally took advantage of me. I have a laptop that has none of my data, will not sync with historical data and the screen was returned to me broken!

priceless!! burden now that I don't have a working machine!

My new macbook pro is constantly screwing up from graphics, login, errors, programs not opening, area to scroll with fingers doesnt work sometimes, shutting down by itself or not shutting down wireless doesnt work, overheating and loss of files. Apple Care does not give me any tech support for such an expensive machine. They just refer me to take it in to a store where they tell me I might have to pay regardless of te fact I have Apple Care. They tell me I should go to a third party. Why do I even bother with Apple Care?

Loss of files and Much frustration.

Last thursday I brought my 17-inch Powerbook G4 to my campus apple store with a minor problem. My AC Power Port, which I admittedly broke on my own by jamming a broken power cord in there, had shorted out and was not charging. I had researched the repair and knew it would cost around 100$. The campus computer store technician, a nice guy I've dealt with before, took my computer and asked what was wrong. He wrote in the repair report that the AC power port needed fixing. He also took a look at my computer and noted the hinge was loose, and asked if I wanted that fixed too. We added that to the report as well as my loose right shift key. I had pried off the shift key the previous sunday after my roommate had accidentally spilled a very miniscule amount of water on it. As a result, the shift key had been sticking, but I pried it off, dried it, and left it over night. The next day it worked fine again. Those were the three problems I asked Apple to repair. I was under Applecare warranty.

Monday, I went into the computer store to see if my computer had come back in. The technician looked up my order and said it had been put on hold for an insufficient quote. he told me not to worry as it was probably one of the minor things they were refusing to cover. he told me hed call apple and call me back later in the day. When he called me back an hour later, he asked me if I had ever spilled anything on the computer. I paused, remembering the recent water, but before I could say anything he told me that it looked like I had spilled about half a cups worth of coffee on my computer. When I told him I didn't even drink coffee, he said it could possible be tea or soda or some other brown liquid. He told me to come by the office and look at the pictures apple had sent him.

Sure enough, there was a gigantic brown stain on what appeared to be the inside bottom of my computer. He told me that whatever it was had been pooling inside there for some time, and showed me another picture of how it had begun to drip onto the logicboard. He told me that he was amazed my keyboard was working. I had experienced no problems besides what I had described above.

Apple estimated my repair at 1240 dollars, more than the computer was even worth. To be honest, I don't think I have much of a case here. I've been racking my brain over and over again for the circumstances under which that much liquid have spilled on my computer without me knowing, and the even more unlikely circumstances that it would have sat long enough to pool like that. I can't think of any. I'm a student and I use this computer every day, in class, at home and in the library. I'm rarely apart from it for more than four or five hours, and even thats unusual. There's always a chance that someone did spill coffee on my computer and not tell me, in which case I would be highly embarrassed. But I was experiencing none of the problems that sort of spill would cause.

Obviously, there is a spill on my computer; I just don't think it was there before i sent it in for repair. When I called the Apple help line, I asked the customer service rep if there was any way one could tell how long ago a spill had occurred. It was a firm no. This woman also put me on hold for an extraordinary amount of time to investigate my case a little further, and then again to talk with her supervisor. It seemed very bizarre to me, especially since all the information she came back with was information the campus apple store technican gave me in five minutes: liquid damage at a cost of 1240$.

I am a student and its finals week, so I made the tough choice of buying a new computer at almost the same cost it would to repair my old one. I'm getting the new one sent back tomorrow. In the end, it's been a cost of over 1200$ for a mistake I'm certain I didn't make. I don't expect that there's any way to prove that, but I figured I could at least give it a shot at finding out.

The imac marketting is clever and high class. However, I am a designer myself and find the imac a frustrating tool. The mouse ball is constantly getting clogged and makes using the ball a nightmare. You can't take the mouse apart clean the ball and put it back. If you don't have a proper cleaning material at hand, any cloth will just add more lint and fibre and not help to remove anything. The cable between the mouse and keyboard tangles up because of the poor choice used in material selection and makes comfortable operation with the mouse impossible.

I tunes is another pain, I can't clear songs off my songs list and it should be simple as delete, but no I've yet to understand how.

I bought my imac a few days before apple decided to do a worldwide price reduction on their products and no salesman forewarned of such a possibility and apple wasn't considerate enough to offer some sort of rebate. This tactic and lack of customer respect got apple on my hate list after 2 days following purchase.

Cutomer service is awful, I've found out from experience. At first I thought it was Russian service but I now understand it is inbread Apple policy and organizational faults that have created a customer hell when service is required.

I have tried to be fair to Apple and would hope they would change there ways but I think they have there noses to high in the air and can't see the customers they are walking all over!

I bought an Apple Macbook, 2 years ago. All was fine til I moved to Thailand 1.5 years aog. Since then the mother board has gone twice and now the hard disc is gone. It's totally unacceptable that an expensive computer like Apple rpreforms this way. Only for the Careplan I'd have no computer. It looks like I'll be using Mac for the next year til the plan runs out and then having to buy a notebook. I can't belive I'm actually thinking of a notebook, as I've used Apple for years but have this no way.

I've had to redo all lesson plans (hours of work, all personal photos and documents have been lost. I've had to pay extra for postage and packaging for some strange reason. Have taken time off work get the macbook to the repair shop as there is not repair shop in my town.

Apple does not have phone in or walk in support for the .mac or moble me accounts. You can not talk to any one if you are expereincing problems. There is only 'online chat support'. As a person with a disability I find it very difficult to communicate this way. I believe I should have access to phone or walk in support.

There is no accountablity on Apple's part. I do not believe it is a level playing field for someone with a disability to have to communicate only online in a live chat formate. It is very stressful and time consuming to have to communicate this way.

2 month after purchasing Mac book Pro, new model introduced and my models price fell $700 dollars at Future shop and retailer did nothing to compensate. Does Apple do anything?

I purchased a MacBook Pro to use as the main editor in the home office of my video production company. I have a terrible time with color limitation on my MacBook's monitor. It does not match up to the more sophisticated professional NTSC monitors that I own and the color difference makes editing a very frustrating and tedious project. I end up with a severe migraine that keeps me from working for several days due to the light sensitivity that comes with the migraines.

I cannot log tape or edit videos that are due on a specific time table. When you charge a client $1,500./per minute on a 60-120+ minute documentary, you have to deliver on time! I actually had to turn down work because of this problem... due to the fact that I could not edit or log tape on the time table that was set out in my agreements. I set up a home office because I have 4 chidlren who are all 13 months apart. Editing time is consuming and I was trying to spend as much time at home as I could while working. Obviously, now I cannot work on the MacBook Pro, and the migraines take me out of my job as mother as well.

After two months the top of my new Macbook started cracking and peeling off. After 8 months its battery, hard drive and optical drive died. Even though it is still under warranty, Apple claims I am somehow at fault for not reporting the crack sooner and says the damage to the parts is not covered. I've gone from an Apple fan for 22 years to a very upset consumer.

Design flaw in top piece of lap top make indentation when closes and now a hole they wont fix it because I didnt buy the extended warranty Gee i didnt think that that was my responsability to buy insurance for a design flaw that the Apple told me is a problem (the tech told me). i paid all that $ and no one cares. I guess that wene i sell a dinner at my restaurant i should sell insurance in case the guest says my food is to salty ill just say oh you didnt purchse insurance too bad!

On september the 14th I bought a 13.3 inch white macbook, added 2G of ram in it and paid about 2000$ for it. A month later I learned that the NEW MACBOOK came out and they dared tell me that they had no idea that it was coming out! I just think that they believe I'm stupid.I tried to get them to replace my purchase for the new macbook I said I was ready to pay some kind of extra charge but they won't listen to me. I just find it really wrong that I paid full price for a computer that is already outdated. They say its the same but its really not. The new macbook is lighter, nicer and more performant than the one I bought last month!

If I knew 2 weeks ago that the new macbook was coming out I would've returned it and waited to get the new one. Actually the woman who i spoke to at the store actually said that if i woul've complained within the month of purchase they might have been able to help me out. so basically if I would've called on monday I would be getting a new macbook! I just think that apple isn't doing a good job as to making this experience my best ever. I will definitely think twice before buying a mac again! Now I am waiting for a call from a manager and hopefully he will be understanding and able to help me out!

well I am out 2000$ and I have a brand new computer that is already outdated. I am not happy, I'm very upset and I can't enjoy my computer as much as I did for the last month! This computer was supposed to last me 5 years. well I'll be [upset] off for 5 years!

My power adapter does not charge my battery. Sometimes the LED does not light up. My computer goes into sleep mode even if i still has more than 60% battery indicated on the bar. The percentage sometimes drastically changes in 1-2 seconds (ex. from 30% - 60%) once i plug the power adapter. I first assumed that it must be the warped power adapter that is the problem so I went to the Apple store in Regent Street, London. They told me I am out of warranty and must purchase a new adapter.

I went online again and checked the website: Resolution Whether your product is in or out-of-warranty, you can take your adapter (you don't need to take the computer, however, please do bring the computer's serial number) to an Apple-Authorized Service Provider or Apple Retail Store for evaluation and replacement if necessary. Needless to say, APPLE DID NOT REPLACE MY POWER ADAPTER!!! I am very disappointed with how Apple has treated me. It is not my fault that their products are defective! Why are they even advertising that i can replace my power adapter even if it is out of warranty if their cannot be true to your word!?

what a rip-off

After owning a MacBook Pro for 4 months it crashed. The crash was complete and I called my local Apple store (Victoria Gardens in California). I then waited a week for an appointment. I arrived at the store early but then waited for 45 minutes after the appointment to be seen. The [rep] then told me I didnt have Apple Care. I showed him my receipt. He then said it was not registered, and that I would have to call Apple on Monday to fix it. I called Apple, and they said it was registered and that I should call the store.

I called the store-they said it was registered and they did not know what the Apple Care registration problem was. They went on to tell me that Apple would call me in 2 to 3 days to let me know what was wrong with my laptop. I waited 4 days then called Apple; the recording stated that my computer was back at the store fixed. Overjoyed, I called the store, was told that it was not back yet and that I should call Apple. I called Apple and they did a part search and asked me to call back the next day for the results. I called back and was told that the computer failed final test and had to go back to be worked on. I asked why the phone said it was fixed. They said that it was put into the computer that way and it would remain so. I would just have to call dispatch for updates. T

hey have never had a hold time of less than 15 minutes. I asked Apple if they knew what was wrong with my laptop. They said the logic board and hard drive were replaced, but when it entered final test, the power transformer inside the laptop was not working well. The laptop was in the Houston repair depot during hurricane Ike, so it was almost 3 weeks before I saw it again. I called Apple to see how it was doing and was told that it was back in the store. I called Victoria Gardens Apple store and was then told that it might be back, but to wait two days so that they could unpack and log it.

I drove out and picked up my laptop. About a week later, I called and explained that the battery was not charging properly. I have already tried to restart the computer. I tried to discharge the battery and then recharge it. Neither of these measures worked. I called the Victoria Gardens Apple store and was told that I could bring it in next Tuesday for a replacement battery. According to Apples own tech, the transformer inside the computer is not working well, so why replace the battery? If the replacement batteriy does not work, it will have to be sent in again.

How long am I going to have to be without my computer this time? I wish Apple would just swap this out for something reliable. Does anyone have any recommendations? Im desperate! In owning a MacBook Pro for 6 months I have been deprived of its use for 1.5 months. This makes looking for work difficult.

I've had several issues with my Macbook over the two years that I have owned it. While I was studying abroad, I was left without a computer due to a repair that needed to be completed on my computer. The logicboard, power inverter and topcase were changed at this time. Just a few weeks later, the battery also went bad. More recently, I've found out that the high-pitched whining noise produced by my Macbook between the G and H keys on my keyboard is due to a faulty logicboard...requiring another week in the shop.

I am a college student, and having my computer with me is essential. I use it for everything! Apple support decided, after two hours on the phone, that I get a brown box to send my computer in and two phone numbers in case something else happens WITH THE LOGICBOARD. I was considering the purchase of a new iPod Touch, but seeing as the way this tech call turned out, I might find something else.

I purchased a new Apple MacBook Pro in Barcelona. The case on the computer was already damaged when I purchased it. I just didn't have the opportunity to notice it until I got back to my hotel. The MacBook was packaged in a box and never taken out of the box at the store.

How I discovered the case was damaged was when I put a dvd disc in the player slot and discovered that the disc didn't go in very easily. Still not looking that close at the case, the disc finally went into the player. When the movie finished, the dvd wouldn't come out. Then, I finally checked the case and saw it was bent to a point that was not allowing the dvd to be ejected. Not allowing the dvd to be damaged, I put a pair of scisscors in the dvd opening to open it wider, allowing the dvd to be ejected. The scissors left 2 small dent marks on the case at the dvd opening.

When I returned the computer to El Corte Ingles, the store would not replace the computer because of thr 2 small dents. The manager called Apple and I spoke to an individual who sent me to CTA Serveis to get the damage taken care of. I picked up my computer yesterday{02/10/2008} and the individual that gave me the computer told me the case was not warrantied and he said they replaced an optic drive.

When I reached my hotel, again, I looked at the dvd opening and whoever worked on my computer, damaged the dvd opening all across the front. They tried to bend the opening back to it's original position the same way I did with the scissors and damaged the whole front opening. I'm trying to get either the case replaced or another computer but I'm not having any luck.

I was under the impression from Apple that they were sending me to the Apple service shop to get the case replaced because it had been damage when I purchased it. Instead of replacing the case, they just damaged it more.

I own a Apple Macbook Pro. I am less than 90 days over my warranty period. I have already had my logic board replaced once - within warranty period. Lately I have noticed some lag when doing heavy graphic work. I did an Apple hardware test, and sure enough the diagnostic test spit out a video controller code. I called Apple, and they played dumb, acting like they were unaware of what I was talking about. No resolution offered. No recall offered.

I paid $2,000 for a laptop that could fail at any moment. The only thing Apple has done, is issue a graphic driver update that essentially down clocks the GPU in order to prolong the inevitable. This is not right, or fair to loyal customers. Something needs to be done.

The last time that i had to send my laptop in for repair, it took a week to get it back. I am a freelance graphic designer, and I rely solely on my computer for my business. I essentially lost a whole weeks worth of work.

Now with 3 months of the incident the Hard Drive has crashed which the engineer at the same service center also agree but wont do anything about the data recovery from the faulty hard drive as it is out of warranty. My whole data amounting to 120GB collected in 4 years (prior and after I got my MacBook) including notes/hand written computer programs internship /photographs/ technical reports /resumes/documents collected throughout my academic life are inaccessible forever (till Apple agrees that it is their fault and recovers the data).

The hard drive on my Apple MacBook Pro crashed. It was a Seagate 100gb drive. The cost of the replacement drive, installation and tax was $268.80 repaired at the Apple Store in Leawood, KS. It is well known that the Seagate drive is faulty and should have been recalled. Apple refuses to acknowledge the problem and recall the drive.

I lost all me data and had to pay $268.80 for a new drive.

During the FileMaker DevCon in Phoenix my new Powerbook 17 battery suddenly became defective. No worries, having AppleCare, I went to the Apple Store in Phoenix and asked to replace my battery. It could not be done, because the service engineer was not available, but if I bought one, I could be refunded by any Apple Service Centre when back in Belgium, provided I presented the product back within 3 days after purchase, with the purchase ticket.

Sounded like a good solution, so I paid the 139 dollars for the battery, and when coming home, visited my local Apple Centre in Belgium to get the battery looked at and to be refunded for my cash advance. Uh, this is the first thing we hear about this, said the reseller, there is no such policy we know of.

So I had my battery replaced free of charge, but no refund, and I am now the proud owner of a rather useless second battery, where I paid for because the Apple Store person in Phoenix was just wanting to get rid of me, making some money in the process. What is the use of having an world wide AppleCare subscription, when Apple Store people don't really care?

139 $

I purchased my first Macbook in February with 3 years of Applecare. I had an accident last Saturday and there was liquid damage to my laptop. I tried every avenue in the hopes I could get some kind of coverage for the > accident--Applecare, homeowners insurance and American Express. Then I bit the bullet and sent the machine in for repair on my dime. I called on Thursday to insure that if I replaced the computer the Applecare contract would be transferable. I was told no problem. Friday I received a call from Applecare that the computer was not repairable--with the caveat that Maybe someone local could fix it.

I was outraged--no, I said, if you won't stand behind it, I > don't want to spend any money for what might not work out. I'll buy a new machine, which I did, confident that the Applecare contract would be transferable. My salesman didn't seem to think there would be a problem either. I called today and was told after 40 minutes on and off hold---no dice. They won't transfer my Applecare and I need to call back on Monday and talk to someone else to cancel the contract and buy a new contract--not sure why I would do this. I am happy with the product but the customer service is beyond horrible! I couldn't even find a way to email anyone about my problem. TALK ABOUT ADDING INSULT TO INJURY!

The customer service is a joke--beyond horrible. The product is so good they seem to think they don't have to provide any service--you are at their mercy....you want an Apple product--you have to take whatever bad service they chose to give out--this is accomplished by layers of bureaucracy--they keep telling you to call back the 800 number and they personally can't help you.

I sent my Macbook computer to be repaired for the 5th time. 1st time because the screen went blank, it was said that I needed to replace my battery which was not even a year old. When purchased it did not make a difference so I took it back. 2nd Time: it was taken in at the Dallas Location, there was an error with the software so they could not even back up my information because even their own gadgets would not allow it. So I lost all of my work. 3rd time: upon getting my book back, it was installed with Tiger which I had Leopard. Upon updating the computer it began to freeze. I tried many times to get it working and it would not stop freezing. 4th time: took it in to be reinstalled and looked at. Apple could not see any problems and I went back home. The computer would not stop freezing again.

Then on June 4, 2008, it stopped turning on. 5th time: the initial diagnosis was that the mother board went out and would need replacing. Today is June 16, 2008 and have not update on my computer. I called the apple store and they do not have any indication of the computer being shipped back. Nowhere in their system to know what the status of my repair is. I go online and no updates. I call the automated service and the number for the repair cannot locate my computer, it gives me a second number and that number is invalid as well. So as of right now I don't know where my computer is and someone at the store is trying to locate.

I started having problems with the computer in December and I bought in May of 2007. I have been a faithful mac user since high school and I don't know what is happening. I don't even know how to get in contact with upper management to either fix it or give me another computer. If anyone knows how to contact the big bosses, please help.

one year worth of work gone, personal files and now can't work because I have no computer.

I bought a Apple Macbook 2 months ago and did not really expect it to crash in its second month of use. But it did. When I called tech support instead of first telling me what could be possibly wrong, this is what I was told your warranty has expired. If you want support via phone you have two options, get a one time deal for $49 or a 3 yr something for 250$. When I stressed that I was still in the warranty period and I would just go to a store if he can't help me on phone the agent did the only helpful thing.. gave me an appointment with an agent.

When I reached the store the genius could not understand why my mac refused to start up. He said I would have to leave it for them to ship off and I should check back in a week or so. I work on deadlines and losing a week would mean immense financial and psychological damage. When I pointed that out to him he was most dismissive and said If your work is that important you should back it up. When I said I back up every week since APPLE macs with their fancy time machnines and what not promise to be so reliable. He insisted that technology is technology and I should back up EVERY HOUR! No sympathy, no help.

He went on to tell me that if I want to speed things up I should purchase the Pro care plan which is about 150$. WHen he saw I was totally shocked at their inefficiency, he told me that there is a poosibility that they could backup whatever data is left in my hard drive. IF I pay them %50.

I am just shocked at the support system APPLE offers. For every query I was just told (both on phone and at the store) how much extra I would have to pay. If you want us to fix it fast, join pro care for extra $. If you want us to try and save your existing data (which ANY tech support should do in any case) you have to pay us $50. We cannot assure you anything, we cannot tell you what the problem is, nor are we at all apologetic that a computer which you spent $1600 to purchase just two months ago crashed on you. I have used PCs for 5 years and I have never faced such complete lack of support.

I bought a faulty product of theirs (iMac G5-1st series before the dual processors came out). They replaced the logic board 3 times and the power supply once. The warranties ran out and I'm stuck with another bad logic board and/or hard drive without the origin of the problem fixed.

I was told after over an hour on the phone with them that I needed new memory. I went to the local Mac store and bought the suggested memory for that computer and it still didn't work. All Apple ever told me was that since the warranties expired they didn't have to do anything for me.

I am am owner of two Macbook laptops, one is 2 years old and the other is one year old. Just recently, Apple released some security updates. When these updates were applied to the laptops, their wi-fi cards started dropping connection to my wireless router.

I was able to rollback the update on both the laptops but only one of them started working as it was prior to the update (the 1 year old one). The other one no longer connects to my open wireless network. After all attempts at fixing this, I went to the Apple Genius Bar. They said its the first time they are hearing about this. Furthermore, he said its working on out wireless network so its a problem with your wireless router.

When questioned why it worked before the security update, he said he doesn't know, go figure. Then he just started repeating louder and louder till he got people's head turning in the store. I think he should have been polite and said sorry we can't help you because we don't know how to. He said if your other laptop is working go use that one ... is that something you tell a customer sitting in front of you with a laptop that is no longer working because of Apple provided security updates? Have customer support standard changed in the recent past ... Ive trained so many guys in tech support area and dealing with an unhappy customer was the first and foremost lesson ...

The guy said I can try apple support and see if they know something that he didn't. I was humiliated at my first and last attempt to receive technical assistance from apple. I complained to the store manager there and she was very apologetic but I want to convey my message beyond the store level. Is there any way?

Apple sold me a new iMac computer that was old stock and outdated. I have tried to contact Apple Corporate Offices in Cupertino to resolve the situation but we have not been able to reach an adequate resolution to my complaint. I ordered the computer on March 31st 2008 as a gift for my wife's 50th Birthday on April 19th, at the time of purchase I specifically asked if there was to be a new model or revision, and was told by the sales representative that they were not aware of a new model or revision coming out. However, just a few weeks later a new model in fact was released, different specs and upgraded from the model I had been sold!

Apple has a mere 14 day price protection (unlike most other retail stores who offer at least 30 days), and because I had ordered additional RAM Memory it was considered a custom configuation - even though the new updated model has that additional RAM Memory included! Although the sales representative may not have known that the model she sold me was old stock (because Apple deliberately do not inform their sales staff) Apple Executives would have known full well that a revision was imminent and thus intended old product to be sold rather than being honest and upfront with it's customers. It is evident that Apple deliberately keeps it's staff and customers poorly informed, which is a poor business pratice and not in the best interest of customers.

Apple subsequently offered a coupon for 15 percent off a future purchase valid March 30th to June 29th. I found this to be totally inadequate and quite insulting - since it has already half expired!

Misleading consumers and selling old stock is a bad business practice. Had I known about the upgrade with 2GB memory installed as a standard feature I would have saved myself several hundred dollars and received a new and up to date computer.

I own a Macintosh Ibook G4, great computer, awful power adapter. I am on my 5th chord, they are not built to last. I read on the AppleCare website that you can receive extended warranty on products, but have had to put out $100 every time it has tired of working. I called the support centre after my 4th one broke but didn't get anywhere.

I need my computer for work and recently ordered a generic power adapter hoping to save $70, but it was a lemon. I am frusterated at having to buy a new chord every 6 months and have spent roughly $500 on this product alone.

I bought this Mac SO Leopard 2 weeks ago, and had NOTHING but grief! FINALLY, after MANY gurus and mavens helped me, I've figured MOST of it out, but it wasn't easy. First off, I traded in that supersensitive keyboard for one with keys you have to PRESS. I can't BEGIN to list all the problems I had but it boils down to this: The software procedures are unnecessarily complicated and complex. To do ANYTHING, you have to press a zillion keys! Why couldn't they have programmed it so that if you wanted to print something on the screen, simply hit PRINT and let the internal circuits do all the work?

The same could be said of playing a CD. In other words, a good program would make it more user friendly to DUMMIES as am I! I seems to me that your nerds are so technical, they simply don't how to make things simple and easy. Even the book I bought, by Robin Williams is deeply flawed, and simplu does not address many issues. They should furnish a comprehensive and instructive video with each unit, or, at least , offer one for sale. I think you do it on purpose just to enrage people as I.

I purchased a new Apple iMac with the intel core duo (before the core duo 2). It was my third mac. I did not purchase the apple care extended warranty, because my previous two machines did not have one single issue. Just after the warranty expired, less than a month after, the machine would not turn on. I took it to a repair depot, and they reset a couple of things, and I was up and away again. However, after 15 and a half months from purchase, the same problem occurred, except this time the logics board was fried, and I was told I was better off buying a new one!

I called apple and explained the situation. I asked if there was something they could do, as it was only 3 and a half months after warranty. I was told being that I had not experienced any hardware issues in the past, there was nothing they were willing to do! I told them if I bought a new car, had no problems with it all during warranty, and if the engine was shot 3 and a half months after the warranty expired, I KNOW the car company would do something for me. Nevertheless, Apple was not willing to do anything for me! If it wasn't for all the software I have for macs, I would have switched to a Windows machine right then and there! I've replaced the dead machine with a new one, including the apple care. If I experience any troubles with this machine during the warranty period, I am going to bite the bullet, sell it, and purchase a Windows machine and software! That's your last chance Apple. Nothing worse than slapping a loyal customer in the face!

As a result, I needed to replace the machine in a period of time where I do not have the money to just go out and drop $2,000 for new equipment! I have had to borrow the money, and am in debt for this unnecessary purchase!

The complaint is not so much about the computer system itself as it is about the fact that many open source programs do not run properly, if at all. I own a Mac mini (Intel) that will not run Gimp at all. The X11 shipped with Apple has major glitches and they don't seem to worry about resolving this problem. The XDarwin project is no better - charging an exorbitant rate for something that was developed by the original programmers as open source. Everyone is catching the greed bug, and I, for one, am sick of it. These problems should not exist on this platform, and I have become more than disappointed with Apple's and other projects failing their customer base. The machines and software to run an Apple computer are expensive enough - 10 times more so than any P.C. This will eventually drive more people away from Apple - if they can't see this for what it is, then they deserve to lose their customer base.

I have spent over $4,000 on 2 macbook pro's in less than a year. Both were HORRIBLE, defective, buggy machines! None of my software tools that I depend on for a living worked on either machine without crashing constantly, causing hours and hours of work to disappear. Never mind the extreme frustration and the economic consequences to my business, the list is endless. Even my back up hard drive wouldn't function properly.

HUGE loss of money and time, emotional duress. I could not get through to Apple support. I was never on hold for for under 30 minutes! On the occasion I got though, I was transfered from one tech to another about 8 times, each time having to give the same information. It was utterly absurd, I got no where and Apple's attitude was, well, that's too bad.

I bought a MacBook Air from Mac Online, A great product. It was offered with a full rebate for an HP printer. Mac charged me online, they sent the product online, they helped me set it up online. When it came to getting my rebate, I had to go ONLINE, send a claim in, THEN cut out all the relevant information from the boxes (including the cardboard backing). I had to send them together with any relevant invoices and my bank details to a company I know absolutely nothing about. Mac makes it, sells it, guarantees it. Yet they expect me to reveal to a third party very personal details in order to get THEIR special offer refunded to me. And then have to wait six weeks for the privilege of getting my own money back.

It's not so much economic damage. It's the fact that everything is done online except when it comes to getting your own money back.

In September I bought a $2700 Macbook Pro. Now I have a crack in the inner part of the display despite never having trauma to the screen. Apple tells me there had to be trauma. I told them they can't tell me there is NEVER a faulty screen. A pin-point crack could and does spread. They insisted I should have seen it. What may have been PINPOINT is a $1200 repair on a 5-month-old machine that has been taken care of. I need advice on who and where I can go to get action. The supervisor told me she was the end of the line. I'm furious!

I need my computer.

I bought an IMac G5 with isight. Shortly after the warranty went out, I had to replace the hard drive; and now my screen is going out. It has two vertical lines about 1.5 inches. One line is translucent, and the other is white.

I went to the Apple Store on Farmington Blvd, in Germantown TN on February 2, 2008. As soon as I walked in the door, I was treated very poorly and as if I was dirt. As I was there looking to buy a computer, this is completely unacceptable. Apple obviously encourages this air of arrogance as they refuse to offer a method of email contact, instead offering only expensive phone numbers which you can call and be put on indefinite hold. I sent a email to them using a support form for their Mac service, because I had no other choice. This screams of arrogance and incompetence. Both are pretty well interchangeable, and both accurately describe Apple's business practices. I strongly suggest that you go elsewhere for your computing needs. Windows XP might crash, but even Microsoft isn't so arrogant. Ubuntu Linux is extremely stable, and does most everything most people will ever need. There is no reason to be treated like dirt for a system that is over priced and most likely worse than the alternatives. I have never seen a company act so arrogant and sell a decent product, so I doubt OS/X and Mac computers are worth half of what they charge for them.

I was irritated, but little else could happen. I saved money by not buying a defective machine, and am building my own, much more powerful, computer for less money, even after buying Windows XP.

My Macbook battery, after 1.5 years, has a full charge capcity of about 25%. They took me through the steps, and eventually deemed it necessary to replace (send replacement, I send original back). However, CSR incorrectly billed me, despite saying that under Applecare Protection Plan, I have full coverage. She EXPLICITLY stated that I would not be billed unless original battery was not returned within 10 days. However, 12 HOURS LATER, credit card bill shows up. I immediately called Customer Support, where I'm on the phone for literally an hour and half. On hold for about 30 minutes, as I'm transferred to various tiers. RIDICULOUS. I spend hundreds of dollars on extended warranty, only to be billed for a replacement part that's covered. Then, in resolving the situation, CSR makes it seem as if it's MY fault that the original CSR incorrectly billed me. The matter should have been quickly and efficiently processed, but instead I'm punished, my time is wasted, and I'm down $120 that I greatly need as a college student. I STILL HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED REIMBURSEMENT or REFUND. CSR has not responded to a SINGLE e-mail.

My new so-called top of the line MacBook Pro began to crack cds and dvds that were inserted in the optical drive. I figured this out as the machine destroyed a dvd that I had borrowed from the library. I went to the store only to be told that I needed to make a reservation to register my complaint and the earliest appointment would be in 2 days of my visit. I schlepped the laptop back home. When I called Apple I was put on hold for an hour+, including being transfered from an agent to a specialist. In the end, the specialist whose Australian accent was so incomprehensible, chided me for thinking that Apple would shoulder the responsibility to reimburse my local library for the cost of the damaged cd. I was ready to forego the very rare and expensive opera cd that the laptop ate up. The specialist said that Apple would be in billions of dollars if it agreed to pay for such damages. When I went on-line to complain about the service on Apple's website, the copy read: don't expect us to get back to you. If your feedback proves valuable to the company, we reserve the right to use your idea without paying you.

25 dollars I paid at the local library, 50 dollars for the Opera cd. To send the laptop for a repair I needed to backup the data. So an external drive that will cost close to 150 dollars. So 225 bucks in total.

I purchased a Macbook (white) Core 2 duo laptop in August 2007. After 3-4 months an annoying electric whine coming from the left hand side of the machine began to manifest itself. This whine was not present when I first started using the machine. I use only certified software on the machine and update frequently. Thinking that there was some kind of an issue with the computer, I updated all software using the system preferences. The noise still would not go away. I thought that upgrading to the latest operating system software released from Apple would solve the issue and upgraded to Mac OS X Leopard. The issue did not resolve itself. I went online to see if there was anyone else having the same problem and discovered that MANY people are complaining of the same issue. Some people seem to ignore the problem and eventually do not notice it. This is not the case for me and a growing number of users. I prefer a very quite environment when working and find this irritating noise very distracting and eventually it leads to a headache.

I do not want to risk having my machine fixed by having it replaced with another machine that has the exact same problem, or an even worse problem. This is very frustrating, being a recent college graduate and having spent a large sum of money on a product I expected to work well, I am at a loss as to what avenue to take. Apple does not offer phone support after 90 days of purchase without spending more money on an extended warranty. If I take my machine to a store location the surroundings are so loud that no technician is able to hear the noise and I therefore have not been able to file a complaint. I hope that if enough people complain about the issue and awareness is raised Apple will fix the problem and I will not have to just deal with it.

I find that the noise is very distracting and I cannot concentrate while doing research on my computer. The noise has slowly caused me to not be able to use my machine. Previously I had not experienced headaches whatsoever, but find that now I have headaches a few times a week and sometimes become nauseous after working at the computer for an extended period of time. In a quiet room the noise slowly bores into the brain, making it almost impossible to concentrate.

My college, where I teach full time, purchased a brand new imac laptop for my Art Department. After a period of months it died. I would have thought this an anomaly (I have owned Macs for years with no problems) but the Department's two other Macs (both new Apple G-5's) exploded -- literally. Sparks flew.

At home I have G-3 Powerbook that is seven years old and still going strong, if a little slowly. My concern is that the quality of the new Macs is not what is once was.

I have invested thousands of dollars into my video editing system. From the start my G4 Platinum PowerBook Laptop had problems. Within months the hard drive failed and I lost thousands of contacts and files. As a promoter, this was a huge income loss for my business.

At the Genius Bar, it was suggested this is normal, that even though my color classic w/ 1/10th the HD size still worked but yet this new, faster, bigger drive was known to fail.. so he asked me WHY DIDN'T BACK IT UP? Well, it was only a few months old, so I didn't know it would fail so quick.

Three more times that hard drive failed. Finally by the 3rd time I had found software that could actually make a 2nd and complete startup. Sometimes they, the geniuses of apple, tried to blame the HD failure on me!! Then one day, after the 3rd drive they replaced this electronic connector that connects the HD to the system (well known to fail, but rather than replace the 1st - 3 times my drive failed, they waited) they also upgraded my OS, which has left me in a harder situation since I did not upgrade the OS.

Now my Apple Extended Warranty is over, and I pray every day because I can not afford a new computer nor do I have any interest in spending so much money for something that failed!

There are two small bars, were the top meets the keyboard, on the Ibook that have twice caused a crack in the cover of the keyboard. The crack is said to be caused by abuse but I believe it is a design problem and Apple should stand behind it.

They fixed it the first time under warranty, but they refuse to do so now. They wrote their stores indicating that they would no longer service it under the warranty.

The computer is less than one year old. To replace the part costs $180, and it would simply break again. Help.

I purchased a refurbished Power Mac G5 that, as was promised, was supposed to work like new. I purchased the warranty protection plan as well. So far, within one year I've had the same problems with the computer and they just keep having me bring in my computer, supposedly fixing it, only to have me return within a few weeks or less for the same problem. When I try to reach someone at a higher level they keep telling me that the only thing they could do is bring it to the same people that claim to fix it, but don't. I have a freelance business that is effected as a result. Also, the last time I brought the computer in for repair, they held the computer for over a week just to tell me that they reset the SMU, which is basically pressing a button inside the computer, which I had done anyway, and told me I shouldn't have any more problems only to have it not turn on a little over 2 weeks later. I can't get a final solution or resolution and it is causing me to make excuses and possibly lose clients as a result. Also, when trying to contact the Apple by phone they put me on hold for over 20 minutes without any type of help other than call the store, which I had already done.

I was layed off from my job about a week ago and I'm trying to do freelance work until I can find work. I'm an Art Director and my design programs only work on the broken computer (I'm writing from an older laptop) which I have them registered to be used on. Not only do I have to take an over 20 minute drive to get to the store for service, I'm not able to get assitance for, at the earliest a day, or as much as 4 days. I also cannot apply for jobs with my resume and archive portfolio accessible from that computer, which is not currently starting again for the 3rd time in 10 months.

An Apple Store employee sent my MacBook back to Apple for repairs. A week later it was returned to me with the exact same problem. I spent over a thousand dollars to buy a reconditioned MacBook from Apple Computer. The reconditioned computer was recommended to me by an Apple Store employee as a way to save a couple hundred dollars. The first laptop they sent me kept shutting down. It didn't seem possible it had been tested by Apple. Apple said they would take it back and send me another. The second computer also had problems, but not as severe. I had also bought the Apple Support program. Apple Support spent an hour on the phone with me, and once they determined I truly had a problem, they told me that I had to bring my computer in to a store. When I said that was a hardship for me, and that no one at the Apple Store had been helpful when I had problems with my last Apple. That's why I had caved in and bought this one. Only then did the Apple Care worker volunteer to make an appointment for me at the store. Unhappily, I agreed to wait for two days to get the next available appointment. At the Apple Store the employee agreed my computer had problems and that he had to send it back to Apple. A week later I received my computer. It still has the same problem. No one at Apple could have tested it. That would be the third time Apple sent me a product that was not tested. Apple says they will not give me a computer that works but will continue to try to fix this one. It's been two months. How can a company take a thousand dollars from someone and ask them to be responsible for the mutually agreed upon faulty product? I would never treat a customer my way.

Apple Computer is not testing their products after repair. I had to send my computer back to Apple for repair and it was returned with the exact same problem. No one at Apple could have tested it. That would be the third time Apple Support sent me a product that was not tested.

I bought a Macbook laptop on 9/13/07 from the Apple store in Providence RI. After about 3 weeks the power cord of the laptop frayed, then wires began coming out. Shortly after, sparks began to fly out of the adapter. After getting mildly electrocuted, the adapter died completely.

The adapter costs $79.

I purchased a a $2000 Powerbook G4 from Apple Computer apprx. 18 months ago. I also purchased the extended warranty after discovering 3 mos in that the computer was unstable (a motherboard supposedly was replaced at 11 months). The computer refuses to wake from sleep mode, the date and time resets itself (to 1969!) but what really galls me is that I just got it out of so-called repair for the second time and it's doing exactly what it did when I brought it to the store.

Apple does not want to take any responsibility for their products and I really think they have become extremely arrogant. I had to FORCE the assistant store manager (Fashion Valley, CA) to even send the computer to be repaired and what did I get a $300 warranty for? When I got the computer back and the first screen I saw said my computer's date and time was March 1969, I was so upset I went on to the Apple discussion board and posted the facts and they removed it!

Instead of sending me an email apologizing and offering assistance, they said in an email they removed it b/c my posting was inappropriate!
Needless to say, I won't be renewing my .Mac mail account when it's up and will bash Apple every chance I get.
And the white Apple sticker on the window of my car? A Black Sharpie will be writing Rotten Lemon inside it.

Nice way to get the word out.

The logic board on my G3 ibook has failed for the third time. Apple knows that there is a design flaw, and even if it is repaired, chances are it will happen again.

Apple will only offer to fix my computer for $300, more than the computer itself is worth. There are over 7000 affected computers and I think Apple needs to completely recall this product and offer customers an alternative to fixing it temporarily.

I had a G4 powerbook a few years ago and one of the original Ipods and I NEVER had a problem. Ever... until of course it was time to upgrade and move on.

Last March I purchased another powerbook, a nano and an Ipod. The nano died... litreally died after 2 months. Apple stated that they WOULD not replace it. Not COULD not, just WOULD not.

The Powerbook was sent back to Apple 5 times in the space of 7 months. My husband is a freelance graphic designer and this is NOT good business.

On the fourth incident with the powerbook, I got very irate with the extremley rude man on the phone. My warranty was going to be up soon and I did not want to end up with this useless piece of equipment.

When he told me that he was unwilling to send me a different one, I asked for his supervisor, to which he flat out refused me, thus making me more infuriated.

So, we sent it back again and again it malfunctioned after 2 weeks of its return.

Again, I call apple. They tell me to pay for the 5 year warranty. Are you kidding me? Why on this earth would I put a 5 year warranty on a computer that is obviously faulty? Stupid people.
So, after arguing with the man he agreed to send me a macbook.
Thank you


We get this macbook which ran fine for a couple of weeks.
And, I would like to point out here that although I paid full price for a NEW computer that never worked, they sent me a refurbished one in exchange.

But, I was not in the mood to argue anymore so we took it.

Low and behold after a couple of weeks, the macbook starts turning itself off randomly.

I call apple. they wont talk to me because I have not paid for the tech support help, they claim there is no warranty on it. The store wants money just to look at it.

So, now the freaking laptop will NOT EVEN TURN ON unless it is constantly plugged in. And I cant do anything about it.

I may as well have burned $3000.00.

Never will I buy another mac or mac product again.

The top and bottom assembly was replaced on my laptop 2 times, the display was replaced 3 times, 2 repairs were done at the depot and 1 in the store. After many attempts and substantial time without my laptop, I was given ridiculous excuses previously and simply fed up with substandard repair work. The third time I went to pick up my laptop I had the camera on my Treo rolling, and I captured everything people didn't believe

In my efforts to prove what shoddy service I was receiving at the Apple Store concerning Apple refusing to fix my Macbook Pro, I went in to the store (the third time the display was replaced) to check it out with the video recording on my Treo. I was hoping I would capture another BS excuse about the bend in the display, or an excuse that its acceptable and listed in their confidential? specs. Well it looks like I gathered much more than I could have asked for.

The first Apple Store employee is Drew R at the Crabtree Valley Mall Store in Raleigh, NC. He is mad at me and offers to wait for me in the parking lot and throw down.

The second Apple Employee in the video is General Manager of the Apple Store at Crabtree Valley Mall, Khalil Smith. He admits that the warpage and bend in the Macbook Pros are literally part of the design. This really is Apple saying that all Macbook Pros are supposed to have a bent display, and remember that these displays are not covered under warranty, and cost nearly $1,400.00 to replace.

I paid that $1400.00, incurred all of the aforementioned inconveniences, and still have a laptop with a bent display.

It looks like a poll taken on macosxhints.com forums reports over 60% of 15 MBPs have display lid warpage out of the over 460 people who voted.

The repair work has still not been resolved.

I have had a number of problems with my Mac Powerbook over the past year. The laptop which is barely a year old has been in and out of apple repair 5 times (for various reasons)!! Being totally unacceptable by itself, Apple refuses to fix issues that I am currently experiencing with the CD/DVD drive and kernel panics. They now claim that I have spilled a liquid on it (truth is, I have never done so). As a result they refuse to do warranty repairs on it(I also have the extended plan which covers it until Aug '09).

Its my word against their word... and they were very glad to lose a customer(a.k.a me).

I have given up on apple and their products. They will not even give me a written statement about their diagnosis.


I am a college student with limited funds and cannot afford a new laptop every year!!

Apple doesn't live up to their claim of putting their educational customers/students first.

I baught my mac powerbook on 5th of Aug. 2006. Till now, it has only been used carefully for 9 months. When I shut it down as usual on the night of 2nd of May. 2007, it can not be started up the next day. So I sent it to the apple store, Scotsys on 3rd of May. It was accepted politely. The people of the apple store said they will fix it and have it ready to collect in 10~14 days. But it is 24th of May now, and they still kept sending me emails from time to time saying different parts of my computer is being changed.

Till now, almost all major parts have been reported to be defective. My job been greatly effected by the delay of the computer's coming back, which the apple company told me that the repairment can be made within 10-14 days.I am now very unhappy about all these and want the company to send me a new one instead of waiting any longer, which is completely reasonable based on all the defects on the old one. But the customer service keeps saying sorry but can do nothing! I am really angry about this and have decided to take some effective action.

The graduation project of the MSc is significantly affected. I have lost 3 weekes' work time. As the work time of this project is only 2 months. It definately affects the final result of my MSc degree which in turn affects my application for the PhD programme and job after graduation.

Let's add up the costs. $1200 for plane tickets to fly to the country to get the data I need for my Ph.D. thesis. $2000 in hotel and other travel expensesin that country. Lost wages for potentially having to put off my graduation for my PhD by six months to a year ($40,000). Apple computer not getting my computer back in time, so the whole trip is a waste of money and will set my PhD thesis work back a year ... PRICELESS!!!!!

My Powerbook G4 must be disassembled to insert a wireless card [internet]. I took the computer to my authorised Apple Store and under the supervision of a technician removed all but "one" screw. It is so deeply imbedded in the machine that the technician istructed me to contact Apple, as the Apple Care Warranty would cover this production fault. Eric at Apple declined to cover this on the basis that this type of "fault" was not possible. He refused to call my Apple Technician to confirm my request. i have to pay $95.00/hr to drill out the screw, redrill and thread a new hole and insert a larger screw.

I purchased an Apple Powerbook G3 Firewire on September 2000 from MacWarehouse in the US. Two months later I moved to Central America, and the computer died barely used. The local representative told me the machine had no repair, but since I purchased it in the US I had to contact Apple headquarters for a replacement. I did, and the customer service rep for Central America, located in Florida, told me the machine could be fixed; take it to another service center. And I did; whatever was damaged (I was never really informed about what was wrong) was fixed with replacements sent from Florida. The computer seemed to work fine afterwards, though it overheated.

A few months later I moved to Spain, and I brought my laptop. Because of the problems I had I did not hesitate to purchase for the equivalent of $300 an extension of my guarantee under the Apple Care Protection Plan. Since I purchased the computer in the US, at first I thought I had to purchase the plan there, but I was adviced by Apple US not to because in case of a repair I would have to pay to send it there. So I purchased the plan with Apple Spain. Once here, I realized the battery was not charging properly. I called Apple Spain under the impression that it was a repair they had to pay for. The person over the phone told me to download some extensions, but that did not work, so after persisting because they were refusing to solve my problem, I was told to take the machine to a service center, where I was told that all laptops in Europe are taken to the Netherlands for repairs.

I called Apple Spain customer service repeatedly to inquire about my computer. The first news I had was that the repair would cost me $900 and that it would not be covered because I dropped the machine. I was not asked if I had dropped the machine, I was blatantly accused. That of course irritated me, but because I persisted they then changed their story since they could not prove that I had dropped the machine, which I never did. I was then accused that I had tampered with the computer; that parts inside the machine were moved around. Well, certainly, it was ruined and then repaired at an authorized center.

That was not enough. I was told they could not see that on their system, that I could have stolen the machine. I was required to provide proof of purchase and a report from the center that had repaired it. And so I finally managed to obtain all of this and send it to the center, which by the way is not even in Spain, but rather in Ireland. So finally they picked up the bill for the repair and after waiting several weeks, the computer arrived. Because I had to drop all my freelance jobs because of this mess and since I am working at a company now, I seldom use the computer. But the other day I did, the battery did seemed to work properly, but now it will not recognize my printer, which worked just fine before sending it to the repair center. I have done all the usual things when this happens: reinstall the printer drive, check the operating system, extensions, etc. I even tested the printer on another computer and it works just as it did work on my computer.

I have called Apple Spain, wasted a week trying all the solutions they provided me, and still I cannot print. The service rep admited today that the problem was beyond him; that he would contact the engineers. I could only wonder when I would receive a reply. So I thought that maybe in California they had something to say. Apparently, someone I had spoken to before took my call. She said she could do nothing for me except giving me the phone numbers of Apple Spain, which I already have. She said that she knew I want a replacement computer, that she was sorry, but "Apple is not in the business of replacing computers." I can only wonder what is their business . . .