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Aluminum · Sep 29, 2003, 12:09 PM

Just got my 15" albook after the wait and seems that I have two bright areas on my screen like everyone else was complaining about and there is also a nice little dent on the back of the unit. Really, WTF, Apple needs to get their QC back to where it was, its been awhile since I have heard of so many problems with apple units. It really is a shame that this is a BTO unit and now I am going to see what apple can do for me over at the Apple Store. Guess I wont have this 5400rpm drive for long. What a disappoint overall, and I am a strong apple supporter. I think there are many people in my situation that feel the same. Anyone had luck returning their machines to apple stores?

The Placid Casual · Sep 29, 2003, 12:49 PM

Quality control? What quality control? Welcome to the world of the 'Rev A' hardware beta tester...

On a serious note, if you have had it less than 10 days it can be returned for a brand new unit as a D.O.A. I believe that any Applestore offer this service, although it is always easier in my experience to give them a call.

If it has been longer than this, then you may have to face sending the unit for a repair...

Peace,

Marc

Aluminum · Sep 29, 2003, 01:44 PM

Actually, I just talked to Apple Care and they said that I would have to send it in period, that no Apple Store would accept this unit since it was purchased as a BTO online order. They told me that I have two options. 1) Send it in for replacement, 2)go to your local apple specialist and have them order the parts (new case, and new lcd screen) and have them work on it there. Either or I am one disgruntled man right now since this means more time without a computer. This is really a sad story, in that the majority of people are getting a flawed unit in some way, and since when does revA apply to lcd screens, we arnt talking new technology here, nor the casing. Its just quality control, or apples lack of it.

ASIMO · Sep 29, 2003, 02:26 PM

Originally posted by Aluminum:
...This is really a sad story, in that the majority of people are getting a flawed unit in some way...

And you know this to be the case because...?

And not to turn this into a philosophical free-for-all, but what in life is not "flawed in some way?"

Nelsun · Sep 29, 2003, 02:39 PM

I'll chime in on a little quibble.

I just bought from the local Apple Store a new 17" 1.33mhz Powerbook.

Apple has in the past excellent packaging and the user experience of opening the box has been a pleasure.

My experience was slightly deminished when I opened the box and see the white power adaptor block looking dirty! The clear plastic protective film looked like it was exposed to a dirty area, like it was picked up off the floor. Additionally, there were some small fine scratches were the plastic didn't cover the power adaptor. And to top it off, the cables were slightly dirty. And there was small bits of dirt near the power adaptor in the styofoam compartment. To most, they won't notice this, as I'm anal about stuff. But it spoiled the experience for me a bit.

The Powerbook itself is fine, slight, ever so slight mismatch for the battery to the bottom of the product where it's not perfectly flush. But I can forgive that as I don't see it all the time.

Aluminum · Sep 29, 2003, 02:55 PM

The lcd issues being the main concern. I have never seen this many complaints about powerbook lcd screen in my life. Bright spots and dead pixels are unacceptable in my eyes, maybe I am wrong here, but when you pay close to three grand for a computer it should be 99% perfect. I am cringing at the thought of turning this machine over to apple again, hopefully this time around I will get a screen up to spec and a case that isnt damaged. I am a huge apple supporter, it just seems apple did not come through this time. Needless to say next time I buy a portable from apple it will be from the apple store and I will inspect the unit inside out before purchasing. I have learned my lesson thanks to apple. To those who have the bright spots have they by chance gone away after a few days of use?

ingeniero · Sep 29, 2003, 03:10 PM

when everyone was speculating the arrival of the new 15 PB, I mentioned I would wait to Rev B...I like Marc's remarks above..very true, Rev B would have some of the bugs worked out. I'd be upgrading from one of the best PB's ever built, the Pismo (500).

So now, let's start guessing when the next Revision comes, with a speedbump!!