2.6/16/512
Week 30 or 31 (different sites give me different information.)
Samsung LCD
No IR
And now for the lesson ...
I've been an Apple user since the early 80's and an Apple owner since the late 80's.
I've think I've owned 10+ Apple computers in that time plus numerous add-ons and other devices.
I've stuck with Apple for several reasons, but one is the awesome customer service they give.
I always buy AppleCare on mobile devices, they're far more susceptible to having issues due to being carried around and also having to be built to tighter tolerances. I highly recommend getting it.
I've had a few issues with hardware over the years, generally Apple build quality is very good, but you're always going to get some examples of a unit that are not quite right when you're making millions of them.
My 1st iPhone (1st gen) had the 'dark display' issue, took it to the store, they replaced it on the spot. That replacement had some other issue a few months later that scrambled it. Again replaced without any fuss.
My wife's 1st gen iPhone (her first apple product) had a digitiser issue, replaced again without problems.
My previous MBP had the NVidia graphics fail, took it to the store. Had it back 3 days later fixed, including it travelling across the country and back to get fixed (they didn't have that model to replace for me any more)
Bought a refurb iPad 2 when the 3 came out, immediately found that it had a serious digitiser issue. Once again replaced without fuss.
(Note: I don't consider any of this 'bad', we've had multiple other Apple devices in that time too without issues)
The 'secret' to getting replacements easily?
1. Be well informed what the issue is
2. Be prepared to demonstrate or have photos/video of it doing it
3. And above all be polite to the Apple Representative, but be firm about what you need to be happy.
Never fails.
Sorry to see so many folks have issues with the rMBP here.
Quite frankly it is the most amazing machine I have ever had.
Good luck with getting your issues solved.
.. .Well OK, I have also stuck with Apple cause Windows ***** and I'm an old UNIX geek ;-)