08-01-2010, 06:44 PM

Hey folks!

Bought my MBP in January (3.06 ghz) 17 inch. Everything has been fine up til recently... It's started to randomly shut off when I've been watching movies or playing video games.

At first I thought it was a one off thing, but it's happening more and more - and it starting to seriously bug me. My laptop is on a 17" cooling pad, so it shouldn't be overheating or anything of the sort. It isn't over clocked or anything either.

Now, I'm not sure what steps to take next. I had to get its hard drive replaced the other month because that ended up faulty... So this is the second time the MBP is causing me issues...


My dilemma is that I won't be traveling as much this year, so would not mind switching to an iMac instead. Is it possible for me to exchange my faulty MBP for an iMac?

Or would it be more sensible to go for a refund and then just buy the iMac?

I'm not too sure about the Apple returns policy, but I've had a read through and it does say that if a product is faulty it can be returned. (Copy and pasted it below)

"Apple, as defined in the table below, warrants this Apple-branded hardware product against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of ONE (1) YEAR from the date of retail purchase by the original end-user purchaser (“Warranty Period”). If a hardware defect arises and a valid claim is received within the Warranty Period, at its option and to the extent permitted by law, Apple will either (1) repair the hardware defect at no charge, using new or parts equivalent to new in performance and reliability, (2) exchange the product with a product that is new or equivalent to new in performance and reliability and is at least functionally equivalent to the original product, or (3) refund the purchase price of the product. Apple may request that you replace defective parts with new or refurbished user-installable parts that Apple provides in fulfillment of its warranty obligation. A replacement product or part, including a user-installable part that has been installed in accordance with instructions provided by Apple, assumes the remaining warranty of the original product or ninety (90) days from the date of replacement or repair, whichever provides longer coverage for you. When a product or part is exchanged, any replacement item becomes your property and the replaced item becomes Apple’s property. Parts provided by Apple in fulfillment of its warranty obligation must be used in products for which warranty service is claimed. When a refund is given, the product for which the refund is provided must be returned to Apple and becomes Apple’s property."

I've bolded the main part I read about refunds.

Anyone have any other insight to this? Or even any previous experience returning/exchanging Apple items?

I live in the UK... But I'm assuming Apples returns policy is world-wide =]

08-01-2010, 08:47 PM

I'd be surprised if they refunded the entire purchase price of your 7-month old computer. I would be even more surprised if they let you swap it out for an iMac instead. You can always ask and see what they say. The worst that can happen is that they say no.

If they only agree to fix the computer, you could buy an external monitor and a keyboard and mouse and just use the MPB like a desktop machine. That way, you can always have a portable machine for when you do need to travel. Either that, or sell the MPB and use the funds from that for an iMac purchase.

08-01-2010, 11:40 PM

If Apple can not repair your MBP and it's still under warranty, they MAY at their discretion refund your purchase price. But I can assure you that would be the very last thing they'll do. They'll first try to repair it, and as the warranty states, they may give you a new machine or a refurbished machine to replace yours.

This does not mean you can walk into your local Apple store and get a refund. An unconditional refund is only given during the first 14 days of ownership and even at that, Apple will charge you a 10% restocking fee. Swapping it for an iMac is not even an option. Forget it.

You really should contact Apple in the UK and speak with them.

Regards.