Does apple replace the shell of a macbook?

Question

sjjubb1989 Author

Level 1

1 points

Does apple replace the shell of a macbook?

Well, I bought the new aluminum macbook at the beginning of this month. I unfortunately have dropped it and caused a slightly annoying dent, to where I have the battery cover not able to close. I already can guess that this is not covered under warranty, but does anybody know if apple repairs(replaces) the outer shell of the macbooks? If so what is the cost?

The laptop works perfectly fine, I am just disappointed to have ruined the case. I am unable to find the new cases on ifixit.com either.

I have no access to an apple store where I live, I am on a military installation about 400 miles from the closest one.

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.5.5)

Posted on Dec 23, 2008 6:43 PM

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Answer 1

a brody

Level 10

85,366 points

Dec 24, 2008 7:53 AM in response to sjjubb1989

Welcome to Apple Discussions!

If after finding the price is too hard to swallow from Apple directly, get a price quote from these places:
http://www.dttservice.com/
http://www.powerbookresq.com/
http://www.microdocusa.com/
http://www.macspecialist.com/
http://www.techrestore.com/

In the future be more careful with your machine.

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Answer 2

Nathan H

Level 2

367 points

Dec 23, 2008 8:09 PM in response to sjjubb1989

The "shell" of the new MacBook might be more than you think it is. In these notebooks, it is the main structural support, and also the foundation around which the other components of the computer are secured to. In order to replace this, virtually all the other components of the computer would have to be removed, then re-installed on another "unibody," the term Apple has coined for this lump of aluminum. In other words, it might end up being cheaper to just replace the whole computer, rather than just that part. Templeton Peck said the only way to find out is to call , and I agree. That would be the best way to find out. Also, don't forget to mention that you are in the military (or something to that extent). They may be a little more sympathetic and willing due to the more hostile environment one might find at such an installation. If Apple does go as far as replacing the computer or one of the components, they will take care of shipping and handling, so you won't be making 800 mile round-trips either.

Best wishes,
Nathan

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Answer 3

sjjubb1989 Author

Level 1

1 points

Dec 25, 2008 10:52 AM in response to sjjubb1989

Thank you,
I gotta call Apple. Afraid to see the "hefty" repair cost as I knew the unibody is called it for a reason. I remember the hassle of taking apart my iBook G4. I heard that just removing the keyboard form the new aluminum has 56 screws alone!!

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Answer 4

Dec 25, 2008 11:13 AM in response to sjjubb1989

There may also be other costs, since the logic board and or HD may have been damaged. I know that the damage my seem superficial, but what lies beneath may be greater damage. Not to scare you, but it must be considered as well.

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Answer 5

sjjubb1989 Author

Level 1

1 points

Dec 27, 2008 1:22 PM in response to MERamos210

I got lucky this time. The only damage was superficial/ some scratches to the battery (which I have been carefully observing and nothing has happened yet). The screen had a close one too, no scratches or malfunctions.

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Answer 6

JStroud

Level 1

50 points

Dec 27, 2008 3:31 PM in response to sjjubb1989

Did you actually damage the main body, or the underbody covers that can be removed via screws?

It wasn't clear in the description, but if its only the covers, it should be pretty easy to fix.

Jonathan

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Answer 7

Dec 23, 2008 6:50 PM in response to sjjubb1989

does anybody know if apple repairs(replaces) the outer shell of the macbooks? If so what is the cost?

Your only definitive answer would come from Apple themselves, so give them a call.

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Answer 8

Dec 24, 2008 7:28 AM in response to sjjubb1989

Call Apple (800) 275-2273 and explain your issue. They should set up a paid mail-in repair.

Best of luck.

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