Am I just having terrible luck or is this something to be expected?

[TC91]

I don't know where to start... I've been having a horrible experience with my MacBook (late 2009 model). Basically I'm on my 3rd machine, the first one's lid/hinge was misaligned by quite a bit, with a noticeable gap when closed and also the right area of the lower body above the volume keys on the keyboard wasn't solid; it would make odd noises if I pushed down on it. I took that machine to the genius bar at my local Apple retail store and they decided to replace the machine for me (it was just a few days after I got it).

The second machine, unfortunately had the same issue with the lower body, but this time on the left side above the brightness keys and the LCD screen had dead pixels... I took that machine back and they gave me another replacement.

The third machine, which I'm using right now, has been pretty good for the most part but last month the rubberized bottom panel was warping and there was a large gap between it and the lower body. The lid was also misaligned and had a gap when closing the machine. I took it back to the genius bar and they decided to replace the bottom panel and to realign the lid.

When I got the machine back, there were a bunch of scratches on my lid that weren't there before and my LCD panel itself somehow became off centre, shifted towards the left and very slightly tilted counterclockwise. The bezel at the bottom right side was also bowing out. I take the machine back and complain about it and they decide to replace the entire display unit and also made a note for the genius doing the repair to be extra careful.

I just got the machine back a day and a half ago and I just noticed that there are a couple of dents near my power button; it looks like it was caused by someone over-tightening the screws on the other side when they were replacing the display unit. I'm pretty frustrated at them at this point, what should I do? I don't really want to keep going back and forth since its almost an hour's trip each way. Thanks.

 

[Patranus]

You can always call Apple and they will send you a mailer to send them the MacBook.

I guess it is just the luck of the draw. The only *Book I regret buying was a PowerBook 5300c in 1995. I have gone to Dell and Alienware (before they were Dell) and their build quality wasn't even in the same ball park.

I would just call them up (not go to the store) and explain the situation and see what they say. Maybe you can get a refurbished unit out of them.

 

[speg]

Is it possible to take it to another store or mail it in? Sounds like your local guy isn't up to par.

 

[Ka0t1x]

I would definitely call and also report the Apple store that's doing your repairs because obviously they're failing pretty hard.

My last mail-in repair only took 3 days. (Keyboard, Logic Board, Airport Card) Two of the days were transit, one day there, one day back.

 

[umrigar]

i had a 5300c and i got it (at the time) for a great price used - never had any of those hot battery problems that were all over the news.

 

[TC91]

Thanks a lot for the replies, I really appreciate it. I can take it to another store though its a bit further but I could give that a shot.

I went to their website and there are a bunch of different numbers, am I supposed to call: 1-800-692-7753 or 1-800-676-2775? I don't have the extra Apple Care so my phone support 90 days is over; preferably would like to call a toll free number unless I have no other choice. Thanks again!

 

[Patranus]

Thanks a lot for the replies, I really appreciate it. I can take it to another store though its a bit further but I could give that a shot.

I went to their website and there are a bunch of different numbers, am I supposed to call: 1-800-692-7753 or 1-800-676-2775? I don't have the extra Apple Care so my phone support 90 days is over; preferably would like to call a toll free number unless I have no other choice. Thanks again!

Call 1-800-SOS-APPL and ask for customer relations.

 

[TC91]

Thanks a bunch Patranus, I'll give that a shot.

Edit: Darn, it's outside of their business hours, I'll try again tomorrow and/or on Monday.

 

[slugg]

Sounds like you've been horribly unlucky *and* the "genius" fixing your MacBook is cutting too many corners.

 

[hellotyler]

Apple used to be known for their high quality hardware. You'd think it would be good considering they do it all in house but I've seen an absolutely MASSIVE drop in overall quality over the past 4 years or so. I still keep using my iMac because I absolutely love the OS, but Apple is slipping.

 

[TC91]

Just an update if anyone was interested, I ended up with a replacement MacBook (got a "quick swap" at the store) and it works fine thus far *knock on wood* Didn't get a chance to update the thread since my desktop monitor died and the new one that I ordered has now been delayed for an additional 3 weeks