MacBook Air - hinge broken (out of warranty)

[MagicDude4Eva]

Just opened my MacBook Air's (rev1, 2008/April model) lid, heard a cracking sound hand the right hinge dislodged - looks similar to this:

Although Apple acknowledges that there is an issue (see here http://support.apple.com/kb/ts2948), it seems that the iStores plead ignorance and say that since the laptop is out of warranty (by about 6 months) they will not fix. Will probably cost in excess of USD 800 since Apple US seems to replace the whole display then rather fixing the hinge.

Anyone got any contacts (either with Core or a Apple repair shop) where I can get this sorted?

 

[bwana]

The hinge went on my old TiPB, fortunately it was insured - is yours?

 

[phiber]

You need to print this article and take it to the apple store:

Resolution

You can take your MacBook Air to an Apple-Authorized Service Provider or Apple Retail Store for evaluation and repair if necessary, even if your product is out of warranty.

If you previously paid for a repair for hinge-related issues that were not caused by accidental damage, you may be eligible for a refund. Contact Apple for more information.

If they still refuse mail apple directly and start asking them to sort this out. It seems to be an issue which they must fix no cost. Also try call core directly!!

A few years back nike did a recall on a soccer kit, took a printout from the arsenal website and the shirt(shirt was worn on and off for about a year) to total sports and they replaced it. Shirt wasn't even bought in SA... Thats how a problem like this should be dealt with, i would raise hell before i paid for this sort of a repair!

 

[ponder]

Thats how a problem like this should be dealt with, i would raise hell before i paid for this sort of a repair!

Agreed.

My JVC camcorder had a sensor failure about two months after warranty expired. I found out that this was a common problem and that the repair was free even out of warranty. The local agents first told me to get stuffed. I downloaded the directive/notice from the JVC site and forwarded it to the agents and CC'ed JVC support in Japan. Problem was promptly dealt with but then they wanted to charge me for labour. Another mail explaining that there would have been no labour in the first place if the product was not defective from the factory and people form other countries payed zip with a another CC to Japan did the trick.

Local service levels in SA suck and they will try and screw the consumer at every opportunity.

 

[chris2.0]

If all else fails - sell it to me - I want mod the Air into an iTablet!

 

[VertigoZA]

Phone Apple in the US and get a repair reference number. Quote that number to Core. Don't stop bitching until they fix it.

 

[phiber]

Phone Apple in the US and get a repair reference number. Quote that number to Core. Don't stop bitching until they fix it.

YES!!! That is a smart idea, get the repair number from the US and scream at core.. I have a number for core repairs, incredible gave it to me a while back...

011 523 9400. Hope it helps!

 

[MagicDude4Eva]

Just got a nice quote from Core asking to pay R 7,500 to have it fixed. They seem to just want to replace the display (nothing wrong with it other than the hinge itself). Have now escalated to Apple, especially since there are lots of reported similar cases.

This is really pathetic. I phoned Apple US and they where very helpful, awaiting now feedback from Core. So much for supporting loyal customers (just bought a MacBook Pro the other day from the same shop I handed in the Air as well as a copy of the KB article).

I see a nice blog-post coming on shortly about this one...

 

[phiber]

Did core come back and help u ? Did u pay for the repair ?

 

[MagicDude4Eva]

Did core come back and help u ? Did u pay for the repair ?

yes they did. repair will happen as extended warranty (= Core acknowledges that this is a quality/manufacturing issue). Will be repaired for free. Was supposed to pick up the laptop on Monday, but the chasing was not put together properly.

 

[phiber]

Awesome that they will repair for free!!!

 

[PeterCH]

Not awesome that he had to fight for it. Imagine if he wasn't an internet savvy guy. He would have had to give them R7K. Poor Core, very poor. Of course, I blame Apple US for this and Steve Jobs who couldn't care less.

 

[phiber]

Not awesome that he had to fight for it. Imagine if he wasn't an internet savvy guy. He would have had to give them R7K. Poor Core, very poor. Of course, I blame Apple US for this and Steve Jobs who couldn't care less.

Yea not awesome that he had to fight for it, but awesome that in the end they will fix it. Whats the chances that any American (maybe except dell) that will fix a manufacturer issue in South Africa without wanting a letter from head office ?

Still think its awesome that they will repair it for free. Never said they have awesome business practice, or that core is an awesome company

 

[PeterCH]

Yea not awesome that he had to fight for it, but awesome that in the end they will fix it. Whats the chances that any American (maybe except dell) that will fix a manufacturer issue in South Africa without wanting a letter from head office ?

Still think its awesome that they will repair it for free. Never said they have awesome business practice, or that core is an awesome company

AFAIK this is a well known manufacturing defect with an Apple KB article. It hardly needs a letter from head office . It's like the Seagate HDD Firmware issue or faulty Sony Vaio battery issue.

 

[chris2.0]

Good to hear they fixed it!!! Although there goes my plans for my Air Tablet!!!