So my MBP's nVidia chip finally died...

And I've just dropped it at my local Apple Store to be repaired. Wonder how long it'll take...

They were super nice, I did a quick-drop, and they said they're going to take care of it, for free (of course).

The "genius" guy was kind of surprised to see the Apple logo all distorted like that, I think he's never seen a faulty Macbook Pro.

Anyways...

On the other hand, I just got the new 2.53Ghz Macbook Pro, and I'm loving it. It really is faster than my old 2.4Ghz, everything snaps, it's just great.

Build quality is just top notch, love the design and even the screen, even though it's glossy. I'm a glossy fan.

As far as Windows and gaming performance, I haven't installed 3dMark06 yet, I don't think I will, I don't believe in synthetic numbers.

But I did install Fallout 3. Everything set out to max, 1280x800 resolution, with the latest laptopvideo2go.com driver, FRAPS never went below 30. It even went into 60 inside. Great performance.

Dead Space and Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 as well. All maxed out, native resolution.

I'm really happy. I'm just waiting for my old MBP to get fixed, and maybe sell it after that...

 

Though I'm still not sold on the keyboard (have yet to tinker with the new MBP in the store) I am thinking of getting a new 17" if they follow thru with an upgrade.

 

When I got mine replaced, it took them longer to order in the logicboard, then it did for them to replace it. Took about 3 days for them to replace it.

 

my gpu died too, about 2 weeks ago.

dropped it off on a friday and it was ready on tuesday.

 

I think my GPU may be on its way out as well, but I think it is more likely to a failing temp sensor i my MBP, I have AppleCare on my machine so I am waiting until my schools Winter break to get everything taken care of, as the machine is fully operational without major issues, but I have seen some extremely high temps under heavy rendering, I keep very regular backups so even if the machine fails completely before I can get it fully repaired no major issue really.

I am also very excited to see exactly what they do with the 17" model, even though I am not necessarily in the need of an upgrade, there are definitely some added features that I would love to have on my machine, I am really wondering about the possibility of things like dual FW800 ports or something else on the 17" model.

I wonder what the total cost would be to upgrade to the latest 17" model and 24" LED Cinema Display if I was able to sell my current machine and cinema display as a package?

hmm, anyone want to buy a 1.5year old MBP fully covered by apple care for $2799 and a few month old 20" cinema display for $899? ^_^

 

I just got off the phone with the store guys, they're shipping my laptop today to the repair depot, and it could be up to 10 business days, but the guy said call next tuesday it should be ready by then.

Also, the guy I talked to wanted me to pay $330 for the logic board repair, because he wasn't aware of the faulty nVidia chips.

I asked him: you've never heard of Macbook Pros dying because of nVidia chips? And he replied: "No sir, I've never heard such a thing".

So then we both got our computers out, and searched for this:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2377

And then he was nice enough to apologize about the fact that he didn't know there was an on going issue, and my computer certainly has the symptoms, and in the end, there will be no charges.

 

Ok this sounds scary now. But i'm still looking at a MBP.. Good luck cdnalsi..sounds like you already had some

Lynn

 

This is why I'm surprised apple decided to go all nvidia this time around. Hope the repairs (if needed) will be just as quick and hassle-free on the new models.
Glad you got yours fixed without too much trouble.

 

Talin, I figure that if Apple decided to go all nVidia this time, they know what they're doing.

The new Macbook Pro (2.53) looks and feels and performs just amazing! I'm so very happy with it, and within this year, this time around, I WILL get Apple Care for 3 years so I don't have to deal with all these phone calls and me training the "geniuses" about issues they didn't even know exist...

Anyways, Lynn, if you're looking at it, you're pretty much hooked by now, right?

 

Yep just saving up the money. Don't know which one yet 2.4 or 2.53 really leaning towards the 2.53 from Williams review and his thread...

Lynn

 

isn't it nice to deal with employees and support people that actually function with logic instead of complete incompetence? ^_^

saying the same thing to many other tech support people/systems would probably get you insulted.

 

wonder why they still use Nvidia chips in their new notebooks? Must be getting some really good deals from nVidia to exclusively use them.

 

I want the new mbp!

 

Here are some of my pictures:





More here if you guys are interested:
http://www.sebastianspanache.com/i-fly/macbook-pro/

 

First three links dont work. Guessing they were evidence that it was failing? not sure.

 

They seem to work for me. Anyways, try the fourth link.
And the pictures are of the new Macbook Pro, not the one that the nVidia card failed...

 

Quick update:

It took them a week to replace my logic board. I just picked up my old Macbook Pro.

They also added in a new keyboard, trackpad and top case.

Adding up to a total of $620. But it was free because of the nVidia issue.

So now I'm totally buying Apple Care for my new Macbook Pro.

Yay!

 

I'm glad to hear that Apple resolved the issue for you. What I am curious to know however is why they replaced the top case assembly.

 

Yeah I was wondering that myself. They didn't say...

 

That's what I've been saying too.