Does Apple consider the low(er) quality screen a defect? Options for exchange?

I contacted MacConnection because I wanted to exchange my Macbook 2.4GHz for a Macbook Pro 2.53 GHz. I was promptly informed of a 15% restocking fee if the item is defect free. The defects had to be acknowledged by Apple.

Another odd problem I've noticed with the computer is that the screen sometimes flashes and the DVD drive makes a noise.

I never mentioned to MacConnection that I wanted an exchange for a different notebook. If they don't consider the above to be problems, do you think they would waive the 15% fee? Are there other options that I have (contact credit card, contact Apple, etc)?

 

Uhm......DVD drives make noise, and I hate to say it, but it sounds to me like you're trying to find a way out of the restocking fee.

 

I definitely am, you're totally right. But the main reason why I want the upgrade is for the better screen, so it is a "defect", at least to me. Better screen, then better performance is just the tip of the iceberg for the reasons why I want the Pro.

I'm not trying to waive the fee because I need the cash and want to return the computer after "trying it out". I'm going for a higher end model, with a legit reason to boot.

 

I know with Apple it is fairly easy, however since you bought it from MacConnection I am not so sure. Try to talk to a manager.

 

I'm seriously considering the Macbook. What is this "defect" you speak of? Other than being glossy, I've heard the new LCD is excellent.

How was Mac Connection? I see they have the lowest price, but I'm skeptical of the rebate and their service. How long after you ordered did they ship?

 

I ordered on the 28th of November (Friday), and the website clearly stated "ship today". However, it hadn't shipped by Monday, so I called them and they said they hadn't shipped it out due to the high volume of sales because of the holiday. I called again on Tuesday and got a different answer. It was something about me being a new customer and the needed to confirm a phone number. Anyway, I gave them my home phone and they called me back to confirm. Not sure how the process would have gone down if I hadn't called them about the order.

I got the Macbook on the 8th, which is acceptable I guess but not exactly speedy service.

My main gripe with the LCD is the narrow viewing angle. You have to look at it exactly at 90 degrees, plus or take 10 degrees to get the right colors. And my display is considered to be the best model out of the aluminum Macbook offerings - the 9C8C... imagine if you got something else. I think Gizmodo had a pretty clear picture about the huge color reproduction difference between the Macbook and the Macbook Pro.

Not sure how their rebate is. Haven't sent it in.

Yet despite these difficulties I'm pretty sure I'll end up keeping it and just upgrading the RAM. I'm just into graphics and ordinary tasks, and not a lot of gaming, so it should suit me fine for two and a half years.

Good luck with your purchase!

 

As far as DVD noise goes, sorry to kinda butt in on the topic,

My new MBP makes a lot less noise when booting up and reading DVDs than my old one. And I have friends who have both the new Macbook and the old one. Same thing.

There still IS A NOISE. Not sure what loud means to you or you, it kinda differs from every unit I guess.

 

In other words, there's nothing wrong with the display.....it's not defective.....it's more so your personal preference that isn't being fulfilled.

 

Tell them it slows down n shuts down after long use. thats a defect. if they deny you, deny them and fight for your MBP

 

I returned my Macbook for the same reason.

At first they wanted to charge me 15% restocking. I spoke to the manager. I told him I paid top dollar for the Macbook and expected a good screen comparable to competitors like Sony. I showed him objective data proving the low contrast and poor black levels. He then called in a techie. The techie confirmed my story and that the data I showed him was correct.

They offered 5% restocking or a trade in for previous gen MBA SSD. I opted for the MBA. Sold it and finally got my money back.

I got the LG/Philips screen in the Macbook. The AU Optronics is slightly better.

Many people can't tell the difference between a good and a mediocre display, contrast or black levels. If you're like that you will be satisfied with it.

If you want more opinions on the display quality I suggest you do a search for 9C89 here, or on forums.macrumors.com

Here's a good start:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=321151

 

Why must people encourage others to be dishonest?

 

this thread is hilarious, there is no real reason you should be able to avoid the restocking fee, you act like you deserve not to pay it because of your personal preference.

well, it is good that you know you shouldn't be able to avoid it.

so annoying when people like this come into a store, and just expect whatever they want to happen, when they know for a fact that they are just taking advantage of the system and making someone's day much worse for their own benefit.

 

LOL, the MacBook's LCD is a POS and no where near the advertised viewing angle. I think that is a good reason for return. It is hard to notice at first because Apple stores are well lit. But when you bring it home it hits you in the head. Some people may be fine with it but others may not be. There are tons of threads on various forums about the LCD.

 

Which means that it's all personal preference and not a "defect" as many are trying to pawn it off as.

 

Actually, they advertise it at a much wider angle. Correct me if I'm wrong but there have been countries where Apple's iPhone ads have been pulled simply because the "twice as fast" label is incorrect.

Edit: Let me clarify on the DVD drive issue. I meant sometimes, during usage, the screen flashes and the DVD drive makes the noise it does from bootup.