12-13-2011, 09:59 AM

The reason I ask this is because the video card just failed (yes, it's a 8600m). I know Apple have said they'd repair any Macbook Pro's with video card problems, but they said they'd only do it within the first 4 years. I bought this computer refurbished from a computer seller, so I don't have the original receipt for it, so I don't know the sale date. All I know is that it's a Macbook Pro 3.1 and that they were produced from mid 2007 to early 2008.

According to Wikipedia, there are two series of 3.1's made. The first series have the model numbers MA895*, MA896* and MA897*. The second series have the same numbers, with "/A" at the end. If it's the first series, then the laptop will be more than 4 years old meaning there won't be a free replacement, however, if it's one of the second series machines, there's a good chance it'll be less than 4 years old.

I was hoping to find out since the closest Apple Store to me is on the other side of town and I don't want to spend god only knows how much time driving there just to find out that the computer is more than 4 years old. Plus fuel is expensive, you know, so I don't want to drive there unless I know that they'll fix it.

I've already searched the serial number on their website and it just says "MacBook Pro (15-inch 2.4/2.2GHz)", which is no help whatsoever. It also says the warranty has expired, which also doesn't help since Apple have said they'll replace the parts even if the warranty has expired as long as it's within the first 4 years.

Can anyone help? I'll be extremely grateful since it might just save me A LOT of time and about a 1/4 of a tank of petrol.

12-13-2011, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by mr white

I was hoping to find out since the closest Apple Store to me is on the other side of town and I don't want to spend god only knows how much time driving there just to find out that the computer is more than 4 years old. Plus fuel is expensive, you know, so I don't want to drive there unless I know that they'll fix it.

Just take it to your local Apple Store...and have them check it out...they're usually pretty flexible with the repair programs.

As far as having to drive to the other side of town to the Apple Store. Consider yourself VERY lucky that you have a nearby Apple Store!!! It's 50-100 miles or more for some folks to their nearest Apple Store...and some states in the U.S. don't even have an Apple Store!

So don't let a few dollars of gasoline stop you from going to your nearby Apple Store to possibly get your MacBook Pro video issue rectified!

- Nick

12-13-2011, 10:40 AM

Take a look here to see your service/warranty options. Input your serial number and you should get back your answer.

In case you don't know, you can get your serial number easily by going to  > About This Mac > click on the version number once to get the build number and once more to get the serial number.