Since I always read about negative Apple repair experiences (high cost, delays, etc.) I figured I’d post my great recent repair experience. I’ve got a 2 year old Pismo 400 that had all the usual problems – weakened screen hinges, several cracks in bottom plastics, and (what needed actual repair) a broken internal solder point for the power adapter plug.
I brought it to the Apple Store in Plano, TX where they told me it would be a US$310 flat fee to replace the power/sound board. A bit high in my opinion, but I didn’t really have a choice. I asked about the plastics (case) and they said the usual “plastics not covered by any type of warranty”. So I left my laptop on Tuesday and was told it would return in 5-7 business days.
Friday morning (three days later) I get a call saying it’s ready to pick up, and that the power / sound board had been replaced, along with the plastics for the bottom case and around the keyboard. Also they swapped out one of my two batteries. All combined under the initially quoted US$310. Woo-hoo! The new plastics also helped immensely with the weak screen hinges (still a little play there, but much improved).
Additionally, when I got home it still wouldn’t charge. So I brought my repaired laptop with power supply (third yo-yo I’ve bought so far) back to the retail store in Plano. Turns out the power supply was bad too. They swapped it with an in-store-use-only one from the back room for free.
So in all, for US$310, I got a new power board, new battery, new plastic skin, and new yo-yo power adapter, and all in three days time. Makes me happy to have an incredible service experience like this!
