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reRESERVEDFX · Apr 17, 2008, 07:40 PM

Hi!

I just have kind of an irrelevant question. If anyone ever purchased a MBP, did anyone spotted to have two seals on the box instead of just one?? I'm just wondering because I got my brand new MBP 2.4Ghz on Monday and when I took it out of the box, I noticed a little scuff on the left side of the lid, little discolored like dot on the Esc key and a lot of dust on the screen. I thought I bought a used computer or one someone already opened and all of a sudden spotted that the seal on the box was applied twice. Just to clarify, I purchased the laptop at Micro Center in Westmont, IL. However, everything else seemed new, the system wasn't already configured, everything was in the right place, so I'm just the wondering if the scuffs are just a factory flaws and I should not worry about buying a computer that's been opened before.

Thanks a lot!

Faust · Apr 17, 2008, 07:48 PM

Sounds strange to me. I've bought two Mac notebooks in the past twelve months and neither had two seals on them.

reRESERVEDFX · Apr 17, 2008, 07:54 PM

However, the seal looks identically like the one below it but a bit off to the side. I'm thinking about going to the store and replacing it but I need some argument behind it. So far the computer is good.

Cold Warrior · Apr 17, 2008, 08:08 PM

It shouldn't have two. You might be able to see if someone tampered with the first seal. And if it had a scuff, it's definitely used or has been tampered with. I wonder if the store is trying to pass off used goods for new.

Return it.

Zeeb · Apr 17, 2008, 08:43 PM

When I bought my MBP a few years ago I noticed a double seal as well and I remember wondering about that. It wouldn't surprise me if there is an unspoken "policy" whereby returned computers are resealed and sold new. I'm sure it matters on someone's balance sheet who is involved in managing the store. There shouldn't be dust on a new computer right out of the box.

If you ask about it at the store I would be curious to know how they explain it.

Faust · Apr 17, 2008, 08:46 PM

Originally Posted by reRESERVEDFX

However, the seal looks identically like the one below it but a bit off to the side. I'm thinking about going to the store and replacing it but I need some argument behind it. So far the computer is good.

Well, I think that is the argument. Even refurbs from Apple don't have two seals on them. I would tell them about the colour defect on the key and about the two seals and ask for a replacement. This isn't normal and the device is too expensive to justify defects, dust or suspicious wrapping on a supposedly new, factory-sealed machine (in my opinion).

EndlessMac · Apr 17, 2008, 11:24 PM

If it's factory sealed then it shouldn't have these problems. Even if it is factory sealed I still would return it because I agree with Faust. The MBP is too expensive to accept these flaws for a computer that is supposed to be brand new.

It sounds like the store you bought it from is trying to get away with either a returned item or a demo model and selling it as brand new. It's not the first time a store has done that and not just with computers. I don't have a problem with buying refurbished or used but they would have to give me a discounted price. There is no way I'm going to pay for a new computer when it's not really new. IMO you shouldn't let them get away with that.

Javizun · Apr 17, 2008, 11:31 PM

Be very careful.

I remember a while back about 7 months ago i went to my local apple store
purchased a 17" top of the line beast ran m 3k +.

When i got home it was so obvious they sold me a used computer for 3k. I was so upset
I immediately called the apple store and explined to them that the power supply was untangled and it appeared used. And the seal on the computers sleeve looked like somebody recycled the sticker.

I went back to the store they refused to give me a brand at the beginning but i was not just going to settle for used laptop at retail price.

If you feel like your computer is used just go back to the store and present your argument. I think you have all the right to be satisfied i mean you could have bought a similar computer with the same specs for cheap but you chose apples. They should honor it.

reRESERVEDFX · Apr 18, 2008, 10:42 AM

Just to clarify the seal on THE OUTSIDE OF THE BOX was the one applied twice. However, if someone opened the computer the first seal would be broken in a different place than the first one and my cut is only one. Also, the second seal that's on MBP (that white agreement thing) was not broken and it's made out of cheap paper, so I guess the computer is brand new. Today I'm going to buy ACD 23" so I will take it to apple store to some specialist for inspection and if it WAS opened then Micro Center.... better start pooping in ur pants.

donclarkjr · Apr 18, 2008, 06:27 PM

One thing I have to add is a while back I bought a Powerbook G4 Al and it was right after they release panther I think. Well the Apple.com store actually opened the box and put the Panther disk in with the other restore cds. That might be the case here I am not sure.

Simon · Apr 19, 2008, 02:46 AM

I wouldn't be so worried about the two seals issue by itself. But dust on the screen and a scuff on the case? Nope. That Mac has been opened and used before. I'd return it and demand an unopened product. Personally I almost always buy from the online store and have never seen any signs of the item having been opened and/or used before. If I get refurbished I want to pay refurbished. If I pay full I expect to get brand new.

magicbumone · Apr 21, 2008, 07:56 PM

My Macbook Pro had two seals as well but my MBP looked brand new and all the accessories were sealed. I think just sometime when Apple is sealing them a few MBP get doubled sealed by accident.

reRESERVEDFX · Apr 23, 2008, 03:38 PM

its okay. I got to the store and they gladly returned my money so i went to apple store oak brook and got a new one this time brand spanking new with one seal etc.

thanks guys!

EndlessMac · Apr 23, 2008, 03:50 PM

Originally Posted by reRESERVEDFX

its okay. I got to the store and they gladly returned my money so i went to apple store oak brook and got a new one this time brand spanking new with one seal etc.

thanks guys!

It's good to hear that you were able to get a refund. Enjoy your new Mac!