Powerbook g4 1.67ghz motherboard replacement 4 time and still problems

Question

Level 1

5 points

Powerbook g4 1.67ghz motherboard replacement 4 time and still problems

My powerbook g4 1.67 has had a series of duff motherboards since the first replacement due to the problems with it's memory slot (a well known fault) and since then has had 3 additional motherboards fitted and the present one has heat issues that result in the fans never terminating once active.

I spoke to apple customer services and they told me they will repair it once more and if it's not fixed they are unsure what will happen after that, I phoned back as politely asked for a replacement laptop but they refused on the grounds that it's more than 12 months old.

They gave me the uk Apple Operations postal address, and told me to take it up with them, they also said that I won't get that far in a roundabout way.

Is there anything I can do to get a replacement or am I completely screwed on this? Any suggestions would be very helpful.

regards

Stefan

powerbook g4 1.67ghz, Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Posted on Nov 12, 2007 12:42 PM

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Answer 1

eww

Level 9

53,052 points

Nov 12, 2007 1:13 PM in response to stefan burt

Hi, Steven, and welcome to Apple Discussions. I suspect that if Apple has agreed to replace your logic board once more at no charge, you won't progress to any next step that involves anything different until you've allowed that step to go forward and it has failed to solve the problem. After five logic boards and no resolution, I can't imagine how anyone could fail to agree that a replacement was justified. Just be sure to keep all your contacts civil and within the bounds of propriety, whatever happens, and keep all your documentation of what's been done and when.

I don't know hether it would be possible, now or at any later time, for Apple to replace your PB with another of the same model. A replacement for it might have to be a MacBook or MacBook Pro, which would bring with it some issues of its own. If things get to that point, be sure to inform yourself about those issues to avoid nasty surprises.

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Answer 2

stefan burt Author

Level 1

5 points

Nov 12, 2007 1:24 PM in response to eww

Hello ewww,

it's good to get some kind suggestions in reply to my issues with my laptop.

I really love apple as a company and this has been quite difficult for me as the quality of the motherboards haven't been up to Apple's usual high standards, and promises of a resolution hasn't come so far.

Your advice is sound and I'll drop the laptop into the shop for one more attempt at getting things fixed.

thanks again for taking the time to post a message

Stefan Burt

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Answer 3

joeuu

Level 5

5,089 points

Nov 12, 2007 5:00 PM in response to stefan burt

I seem to remember many posts on these boards concerning the UK equivalent of our Lemon Laws, and your situation seems more than likely to have passed that acid test.

Joe

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Answer 4

stefan burt Author

Level 1

5 points

Nov 12, 2007 5:11 PM in response to joeuu

Hello joeuu,

do you have any url's for this?, I've been speaking to trading standards which informed me to send letters to the apple service provider the company that I brought the laptop from also Apple.

Apple customer services weren't that helpful even the manager I spoke to said that it back in for repair and if it fails then they can't offer me anymore help, which for a company I really like and promoted to my friends and family comes as a complete disappointment.

thanks for your message !!

Stefan

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Answer 5

joeuu

Level 5

5,089 points

Nov 12, 2007 6:01 PM in response to stefan burt

http://www.bbc.co.uk/consumer/guidesto/lawgoods.shtml

This common sense act apparently has a lot of teeth.

Joe

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Answer 6

stefan burt Author

Level 1

5 points

Nov 12, 2007 6:06 PM in response to joeuu

thanks joeuu,

I'll write a letter to apple directly I have sent an email already to steve job's .mac account, this message was more communicating how disappointed and upset I was by the amount of time and effort this has taken.

I can't waste anymore time driving the machine into the apple reseller as I have to work on my education.

thanks for url again !!

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Answer 7

joeuu

Level 5

5,089 points

Nov 12, 2007 6:36 PM in response to stefan burt

You do realize that the fact your computer is portable, Apple will send you a box, usually via DHL, in order to send your pB directly to Apple for repair. They will send it back to you in short order (if parts are available), no need to drive anywhere, and no need to trust a reseller.

Good Luck!

Joe

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Answer 8

stefan burt Author

Level 1

5 points

Nov 12, 2007 6:52 PM in response to joeuu

I didn't know that and it's something that nobody told me, its understandable that the reseller wouldn't inform me of this point as they get the service repair costs from apple which is very good business for them.

I'm writing the sale of goods act letter at the moment and will post it in the morning I found a template letter after following the url you posted, I don't think I want this machine repaired anymore as I don't trust that it will repaired to a good standard I told the reseller that carried out the repairs if this one didn't work very well then I wouldn't take anymore b.s about it.

I don't know my chances of getting a replacement but I'm going to try my hardest so I can get back to work and stop worry about this.

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Answer 9

joeuu

Level 5

5,089 points

Nov 12, 2007 7:38 PM in response to stefan burt

In your original post, you mentioned that Apple said they would replace the logic board once more, making me think they considered it was still under warranty.

My scenario of Apple sending you a box to send your book back to them in is usually reserved for clearer warranty/AppleCare situations. YRMV here.

Good Luck!

Joe

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Answer 10

stefan burt Author

Level 1

5 points

Nov 12, 2007 7:45 PM in response to joeuu

I had a two year warranty from the company / reseller that I purchased the laptop from also the memory slot repair program was still valid within the two years of purchase date.

I'm not sure if rejecting the repair option and asking for a replacement mac is an option but I think I have a case?

I can I ask what is meant my being under warranty, I know that each time the logic board fails there is a 90 day warranty on the board which I am within, does this make any difference and does it make things worse for me?

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