Questions regarding logic board replacement...

Ralph,

Thank you so much for your reply. I'm trying to gather as much info before I go into this because this is my work computer and being without it for a week is going to be difficult (=impossible?).

A few new questions come to mind:

1. Can they diagnose the problem at the Apple Store, or does it have to be sent off even to diagnose it?

2. If they diagnose it there, will I have the option of repairing it at a local Mac service provider. I am finding that these folks claim they can fix anything in 24-48 hours. I just wasn't sure if they could fix it if it was part of a "recall". The one place I have called so far said that Apple has to authorize it as a recall first, and that the Genius would have to send it off even to have it evaluated, which obviously wouldn't help me too much in the time department.

3. If I take it in to the Apple Store and they are able to diagnose it onsite, do I have to leave my computer right then? Or could I come back and leave it with them at a more convenient time? I feel like time is of the essence, but this is just the absolute worst time for this to happen. Swamped!

Yes, you are being very helpful. Thank you! When it comes to customer service, I try to assume the worst case scenario and prepare for that. The worst case scenario here would be I show up on Saturday and they confiscate my computer at the Genius Bar: "We're taking it NOW or the deal's off!" LOL

I'm thinking I could do without it easier on Tuesday-Thursday of next week so I am thinking of rescheduling my Genius appointment until Tuesday. That way the worst case is they say: "Sorry, we would have fixed it when it was 15 days out of warranty, but now it's 17 days. ***** to be you, doesn't it?"

I think the best case is what you suggest about the referral, and what I would think the most reasonable course of action would be. I get my permission slip and take it to a local joint and they fix it in 2 days.

Perhaps the best thing to do would be to call the Apple Store. I wonder if I would get to talk to a human being?

Update: I called my local Apple Store and after telling the automaton that answered that I wanted to "Speak to a Representative", I did manage to speak to one who was very friendly and helpful. 🙂

He said that they would not require me to leave it at the time of my appointment and they would go over my options and let me decide what to do from there. It's not 100% certain that the logic board will have to be replaced. But if so, he said that most likely they would have to order the part, and I could probably keep my computer till the part came in, then bring it back. He said it was rare that they had to send anyone's computer off anywhere and that they do most such repairs in house.

After speaking with him, I feel more confident about keeping my Saturday appointment. I will be sure to update again after that.

Thanks so much for your help!

Thank you for sharing your experience. I hope mine turns out as well as yours did! I will make sure to mention the VST test. Thanks!

Update: I went to my Genius appointment yesterday and had the VST test done. It FAILED. When it came to whether or not Apple would cover the cost of fixing the problem, there was a bit of a snag. The official policy is that they cover it for 3 years from the date of purchase. For me, that day passed on April 23. The Genius called a manager into the back room to discuss it, then came out and said they were going to cover mine. I was grateful, but really feel like this defect should be remedied no matter how long a person has had the computer.

Then he said that he needed to send it off because it would take the same amount of time as if they did it there. I thought that seemed kind of odd. When I had spoken to a representative prior to coming to my appointment, they told me that they do most repairs in house and that I could probably keep my computer while waiting for the part to come in.

I asked if I could get a "permission slip" to have it repaired locally, the Genius said that since Apple was covering the repairs it would be best for me to just go along with the plan, since they were bending the rules for me, etc.

Yes, I am certainly going to go with the flow! I've found a loaner for the week, so that's a big load off my mind. If this experience has taught me anything it's...

1. Anyone who is as dependent on her computer as I am really MUST have a backup computer. I can't believe this never occurred to me. The only other Mac I currently have is an ancient Power PC (pre-intel) tower. None of my software will even load on that!

2. Next time when I do buy another new computer with the expensive 3-year Apple Care, you better bet that I will be taking it in every time it even flickers while it's under that warranty. Looking back I can remember a few weird things off and on over the years, but in general it's run like a charm up until the last week. Next time I'm going in the second I have any hint of an issue. "It made a funny noise, Mr. Genius. Help!!!"

Call me paranoid, but still.