AAAAAUGH. Must vent:

So, I sent in my laptop a week ago. They said at the apple store that it would ~$350 (they gave me an exact amount, I just don't remember it) and the people at the "depot" would replace my hard drive and/or logic board, as needed. Sure, this wasn't thrilling, cause the computer is only 2.5 years old, but whatever. For $350, better than having to buy a new computer.

Today I get a call, telling me "Well, because the ethernet port was damaged, and that damaged the logic board, the repair will cost $1240 instead"

Say WHAT? OK, first off, the ethernet port still WORKS. So how damaged can it BE? And secondly, why does that suddenly cause the repair to be FOUR TIMES the cost?? I call them up and they claim that even though fixing it would involve doing the EXACT SAME THING, because it's a "damage" now instead of a "out of warranty repair" it would cost $1240. My only options were "send it back" or "Sure, I'll spend the cost of a new computer to maybe fix this one".

Again, what the fucking fuck? So now they're not fixing ANYTHING on it, and just sending it back to me. Though I'm not clear on whether they're still going to charge me something.

I fail to see how "damage" to the ethernet port that leaves the thing functional can cause my computer to essentially be a BRICK.

Fucking hell. I really DON'T want to buy a new computer. (which is to say, of course I WANT a new computer, they look shiny! but I don't want to BUY one...)

I'm sure it's no comfort, but I think you made the right decision. Spending that kind of dough to repair a computer that old just isn't worth it.

Aw, Meara - that sucks.

Meanwhile, I hooked the vcr up to the cable box and then to the tv (well, to the switcher) and it works!

The only eccentric thing is that I have to have the vcr on to watch the digital cable.

I fail to see how "damage" to the ethernet port that leaves the thing functional can cause my computer to essentially be a BRICK.

I bet one of their techs spilled a diet Coke into it.

Anyway, the logic of their repair pricing mystifies me.

Yes, although I'd assign it to something higher, like R: or S:, instead of G:

I changed the H: to K: and then activated the drive, and no difference. It won't give it a letter.

The guy I'm borrowing it from is looking for the CD that came with it to see if it has a special driver for Win2K or something, although Windows Update is telling me I have the latest one.

So I came home today to find a package containing the replacement battery for my potentially explosive powerbook battery (which was, in fact, a replacement battery itself for the original potential fire hazard powerbook battery). I was excited for all of 12 seconds until I noticed that the new new battery is damaged.

It seems bad batteries come in threes.

Is it any easier to replace the hard drive of a new MacBook than, say, a G3 iBook? For the iBook it was a PITA, but I thought I head that it'd be much easier for the MacBook.

eta: I suppose I should learn to google before asking: [link]

First on AI: Owners of Apple Computer's new MacBook consumer notebooks will find that upgrading or replacing the computer's hard disk is as simple as adding more memory.

Yay!

I don't suppose anyone wants to buy my Apple Cube and LCD monitor?

There's an Apple store that takes trade-ins - think I'll trade the Cube and monitor for a new MacBook or MacBook Pro, unless someone here wants them.

If you don't tell Andi I asked, how much?

:)

I'm selling:

• 17" Apple Studio Display (with USB ports, Apple digital video - I forget what that's called) 1280x1024

Cube:

• 450 mhz G4
• 120 GB HD
• 1088 Meg RAM (512, 512, 64)
• USB speakers
• DVD/CD ROM
• Internal modem and Ethernet
• 2 USB, 1 Firewire
• OS X 10.3.9
• 1 small case imperfection

I'm willing to sell for less than what this stuff would go for on eBay, because I'm sure I'd get less than eBay $ on a trade-in.

So, maybe $130 for the monitor, $220 for the cube, plus shipping.