Can Apple replace my macbook pro for the 2nd time?

Last year I bought the 2.4 stock, macbook pro (early 2008). After I been using it for a couple of months, I had to send it out to Apple multiple times due to different failures such as the trackpad, chassis, no sound on one speaker, etc. After I had enough, I called them to exchange my macbook pro for the unibody version. They sent me out a brand new unibody with similar specs. Now, after having some usage with my new umbp, I've started to get problems such as with the chassis (creaking noise), and hairline cracks on the bezel/hinge. So, I sent it out to Apple for its very first repair. Recently, I got it back from Apple. What was weird is that on the product repair summary, it stated other problems: They replaced the logic board, thermal assy, top case backlit, and a clutch.

After 2 days of having it back, the chassis started creaking again, and worse. I just called Apple for its second repair... I'm tired of having to do this all the time. I don't want a computer that is sitting at a shop every once an a while due to problems. So my question is, is it possible that I can get a 2nd replacement? Even to the newer, similar spec, unibody macbook pro?

 

yes, the rules are clear.

if more than 3 major repair is done and it hasn't fix the problem; you'll get brand new machine.

i'm not sure how bad is your problem. i had a white macbook which has lots of little hairline crack. can't be bothered fixing it. its just a cosmetic. if i repair it; it will be having the same problem again. also, while repairing the case, they need to take out the logic board and all the internal component, creating unnecessary wear and tear to the internal component. although if its actually developed into a crack (not little hairline) i'll be sure to complain.

just call them and see what they'll say.

 

I was just wondering because I don't want to go through multiple repairs with my umbp. I was just wondering if it's not an issue when it comes to having a long history with my past mbp (which was exchanged for my current umbp). I am just concerned if they wouldn't care if my notebook gets replaced even a 2nd time.

NOTE: I did transfer my previous apple care to my umbp.

 

Of course. If you clearly have a lemon - a comparatively frequent occurence with Apple - they replace it.

I don't understand the exclamations of joy Apple users express on receiving a new machine after effectively two months or more of intermittent downtime. I would be - and in fact often am - hopping mad.

I've had limited occurrences of a maximum of three replacements of a single, original machine - something that only the Dell XPS M1330 has come close to in the non-Apple world. And even in those cases the way it's been handled has been the same as the first time that I've triggered their lemon-meter. One thing I do like is that while you can transfer the existing Applecare, each replacement is also Applecare-able as though it's a new computer, something that's not the case for other makers unless you raise a stink.

 

How can a chassis fail?

I bet the unibody isn't causing the creaks, it's probably the cover over the battery. I get squeaks too...but I don't consider them a real problem because I know there is nothing wrong internally, and it's not worth sending it out and risk having them take it apart putting unecessary wear on it.

Maybe you are mistaking scratches for hairline cracks...

I think you are being a little too paranoid or anal over these minor cosmetic issues.

 

Dude, I'm not being paranoid or anal. And my issue just doesn't involve with cosmetic issues. The report summary stated that the logic board had to be exchanged because my ethernet port stopped working. the backlit, back cover, and bezel/hinge were defective. And the cracks on the hinge were not caused by scratches. On top of that, the chassis made too much creaky noises. It is very annoying when it comes to typing. I treat my notebook like if it was brand new.

 

2 separate notebooks that squeak? hmmm are you sure you dont have a mouse in the house? jk.
send that puppy back and have them fix it.

 

hey i'm also in the same boat as you. the logos at the left handside(firewire, audio in,ethernet,etc) have faded out...my laptop is always running on mid 70's (gpu)on windows....my battery life s*cks (about 1hour runtime.) and i have backlight staging on the bottom of my display...i have sent the laptop for repairs in the past concerning the display but they told me it's normal for an led...now i want to get a replacement for all these problems i'm getting with it. do you think i'll also get a replacement??btw, it's in the uk...london regent street..

 

Come on it isn't so bad the way you described if you didn't state the model I'd never thought it was a Macbook Pro.
The mid 70's it the GFX in 2D mode or 3D?
Does the Nvidia GPU has a VGA BIOS if so you can consider Modding the VGA BIOS the PC way.

 

hey, it had even reached 84c while just browing the net and reading my pdf files..it is the default settings, non over clocked with nvidia powermizer on...i had tried locking it in 2d but the temperature didnt change...also the battery life of 1hour kills me..i need a decent amount of battery life while at uni..sometimes, i sit quite far from the power outlet...

 

Have you tried Nibitor to undervolt the GPU?

 

no i havent tried. i heard it voids warranty...anyways, it runs too hot....

 

-_-" They wouldn't know and you can always flash back.
Undervolting is suppose to reduce temperature.
By default OEM are suppose to customise the VGA BIOS some lazy ones are Acer don't I had to UV it to get the temps down.
I checked Dell Studio XPS 9400M G the VGA BIOS was undervolted proof that Dells aren't lazy bums.
However since Apples do not have BIOS it might not help as well.

 

ok so that might give me another reason to ask for a replacement...hot laptop, dodgy display, poor battery life, and sometimes my trackpad does not register my clicks or when i'm dragging, it just drops the item midway...and it used to freeze randomly on Vista...at least i'm glad it runs w7...

 

Wow. Hey, please keep us posted when you give Apple a call for a replacement. You deserve it.

 

hell yeah will keep you posted...now i have my semester exams...so i'm quite busy...but i'll go ask for a replacement in a few weeks...hope all goes well.