Half our company are still using these, what's the smart thing to do here? I assume actual risk of fire is very minimal, but the advice is to "please stop using it". Losing our machines for a couple weeks would be pretty impactful...
I had both speakers blown out, three keys with chipped paint, and a couple sticky keys, so I got it replaced and fixed with their latest keyboard replacement program. I was told that the way to go about getting a "loaner" machine is to ship out your broken machine, buy a new one on a credit card, and then bring the new one back once you receive your replacement. Apple has a 30-day full refund policy.
I never went through with buying a new one and returning it, but it's something to look into or ask about!
(After some quick Googling, it looks like it's a 14-day return policy, not 30..)
>I was told that the way to go about getting a "loaner" machine is to ship out your broken machine, buy a new one on a credit card, and then bring the new one back once you receive your replacement.
Who told you to do that? (Are we talking, like, a friend? Or an actual Apple employee?)
The only reason I ask is because I thought that was "return fraud."
Buy some ThinkPads or zBooks or Latitudes, give those to a subset of your affected users, then send the freed-up units to service. Repeat until all affected units have been serviced.
Then, when the time comes (soon?) to replace the 2015-2017 MBPs, consider whether you'd rather repeat that with future MBPs or buy something different that has on-site same-day service and user-replaceable batteries and other components.
You should know better than to post that suggestion in a thread full of Apple users with Mac OS lockin ... But don't worry, now my comment will be accompanying yours in the HN downvote afterlife :P
And for that, at least in this sort of situation, I'd expect a company to at least temporarily look into the various services that enable you to rent a MacOS device in the cloud for the moments you need it (usually app builds).
You might be able to use an authorized Apple Service Provider for the repair and have the machines out of your hands for way less time.
For example, I just had the battery (+ top case) on my late 2013 15" MBP replaced this week. I brought it to a local service shop for a quick inspection, then took the machine home. Part arrived the next day, brought it back in, and it was all done in a couple of hours.
It's been years since I was involved in this sort of thing, but at one time Apple had separate people to handle business accounts, especially ones with many machines.
I would be very reluctant to give up my computer for 1-2 weeks. If they are so concerned about safety, they should either fix it when I bring it to the store or give me a replacement.
If you live in the US, Apple has a no questions asked 14 day return policy. When my computer goes in for service I just buy one, restore my machine from time machine onto it, and then return it.
My girlfriend took her 12-inch MacBook in for its 2nd(!) keyboard replacement. When she asked about a loaner, the employee actually recommended buying and returning a new one. She got the new retina Air for a nice 5 day test drive — and now we're both pretty sold on it.
In EU you have similar policy, but it is mandated by law, for all the things that you buy online. I know of people who bought new 55 inch TV only to watch soccer World Cup, and then returned it.
With tens of thousands of retail workers involved, that's hardly surprising that some would suggest the technique.
That doesn't change the fact that these sorts of abuses of a return policy cost everyone else money, and risk getting the policy shortened/restricted for all.
Agreed, if your MacBook is critical to your job, shouldn't you have Apple Care or some sort of insurance policy to ensure you get a timely replacement? Relying on Apple's goodwill seems like risky business.
> Equipment Loaner Service. If the issue with your Mac Computer requires us to keep it for more than twenty‑four (24) hours, you will be provided the option of borrowing a similar Apple product from our pool of loaner products ("Loaner") based on availability at your local Apple Retail Store. Apple is not obliged to provide a Loaner that is the same as, or of equivalent or better functionality or appearance to your Mac Computer; nor does Apple make any representation that a specific software program is or will be installed on your Loaner. Please see below for additional terms and conditions relating to this Equipment Loaner Service.
Search "loaner" on apple.com - hundreds of results relating to iPhone financing, and Clean Supplier Standards Codes. No mention of this program.
Search "Joint Venture" if you're lucky enough to know the name - results on the use of Conflict Minerals, and Sustainability Reports. No mention of this program.
I agree; I have it and I don’t even write software full time (and have 2 other laptops). Its main advantage to me is that it lets me cut the line for getting service appointments in-store.
How often do you replace laptops? We're on a 3-year schedule across the organization, PC or Mac. All leased or covered by some sort of business-class warranty/service plan. It can be slightly annoying, as IT doesn't do any in-house repairs any more, but it mostly works. I thought a 3-year replacement schedule was fairly standard.
Unfortunately not. There are also 4-5 year renewal cycles. In any case, for the affected machines, there is no Apple Care aware any more as it is limited to 3 years after purchase.
This is an even greater problem with iPads, Apple Care only lasts for 2 years after the purchase, so any significant repair after that usually means a total loss.
These cards exist in the US as well. They're called "charge cards" here. The classic American Express card is one example. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure that anyone else still issues them.
presumably mail turn around? I'm sure it's also padded to give the appearance of speed (e.g they said it would take 1-2 weeks but it only took a few days! Apple is a amazing and I want their babies! ;) )
Cool!
> Service may take 1-2 weeks.
Wait, what?