From: Daniel A. Lorca-Martinez (lorca@uclink.berkeley.edu)
Date: Mon Feb 24 2003 - 14:53:24 PST
Hello Paul,
I have a different sort of background-I worked in a retailer for
about two years in a different life. The problem that causes this
seeming inflexibility is that Apple *will not* accept returns for the
most part (though arrangements with different retailers vary from
what I understand).
It's also necessary then to evaluate where a reseller like TSW (or
CompUSA, or CDW, or MacMall, etc.) is coming from. Once they have a
product, Apple won't really take the product back unless *maybe* its
dead on arrival (DOA).
Your request, while seemingly reasonable, is not given these
conditions. Its actually very similar to requests (now quite rare)
that the buyer get to see the screen to inspect any 'dead pixels'
that might populate the screen of a prospective purchase. This was
because Apple (and most other computer manufacturers) had no way of
guaranteeing that there wouldn't be any dead pixels...but I digress.
I don't think you'll be able to find any retailer that will let you
open the box BEFORE buying it. Why? Because if you don't want to
buy it, all of a sudden the retailer is stuck with an open box item
that two minutes ago was not an open box item, and they have nothing
to show for it. All just to 'satisfy your whim.' I don't mean to
belittle you concern, as it is quite valid, as is any concern of a
damaged or defective computer. I'm just putting it into perspective.
The options then are:
a) sell you a computer, that might have a problem. If it does, you
can take it up with the Manufacturer (Apple in this case) and they'll
fix the machine as it is under warranty. Its a gamble, but the odds
are in your favor since most machines are just fine out of the box
(Powerbooks 5300 series notwithstanding).
b) let you open a box, which if it has a problem, you'll not take
home or pay for. Someone has to eat the cost of opening that box,
since it can never again be sold as new. I'll tell you this-no one
likes to eat costs...thus, option a) is the only one you're really
likely to see.
Alternatively, you could try the Apple Store in Emeryville. Buy it,
open it up right there. If you have a problem, they'll probably
replace the machine. "But they're more expensive than the retailer"
you might say. See above-no one likes to eat costs-and that money
has to come from somewhere. In this case, it rears its head in the
form of prices higher than average, in addition to any taxes you may
have to pay...
With regard to a bent frame, that is certainly a warranty issue.
Apple should take care of it rather quickly once notified.
That being said, it's not quite rare to see slightly bent frames.
Things to check for:
1) that the surface is *truly* FLAT. Turn the PowerBook in question
90 degrees, and see if the wobbling has changed.
2) TRY AT YOUR OWN RISK: (If the change of direction made no
difference on the wobble)Gently, VERY gently, bend it in the opposite
direction of the wobble to counter the problem, see if this solves
the problem. I have done this with a few iBooks successfully. Then,
sometimes, I had to do it again. My guess is that occasionally in
cases, backpacks, etc., these puppies are strained and give a
little-just a little.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Dan.
At 12:55 PM -0800 2/24/03, Paul B. Glaser wrote:
>Hello All -
>
>I recently purchased a new 12 inch powerbook G4 from a reputable
>online reseller. When it arrived last week, it was immediately
>obvious that the frame was somehow "bent". Resting on a flat table,
>the whole unit wobbled in a "see-saw" fashion from lower right to
>upper left. I called their tech support and arranged for an return.
>They noted that this problem has been cropping up quite a bit, and
>there was some discussion on it:
>
>http://discussions.info.apple.com/webx?230@5.OD6daV2MhSw.16@.3bbf1770
>
>With the wobbly powerbook returned, I figured that If I could buy a
>12" locally and lay hands on it before purchase, I could quickly
>tell if I had a similarly afflicted machine. Calling The Scholars'
>Workstation to confirm they had them in stock, I was told that not
>only could *not inspect* the computer before purchase, if I did
>indeed purchase bent or damaged computer, it would be my problem, as
>all sales on Powerbooks are final! As I already had a defective
>powerbook once, I'm not going to place my self in a position where I
>have no option other than dealing with Apple Service or something.
>
>Given that I am ready to spend my money on a powerbook, for which I
>know an issue exists, does anyone know if another retailer (Apple
>Store, CompuWare) has a less inane policy regarding examining
>merchandise before purchase, or at least has a reasonable return
>policy?
>
>Thanks.
>
>PG
>
>
>
>--
>_____________________________________
>Paul B. Glaser Personal (510) 393 4645 (24/7)
>Tilley Research Group Office (510) 643 9906
>Department of Chemistry FAX (772) 325 6195
>UC Berkeley
>Berkeley, CA 94720
>
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-- Dan Lorca WSS - DOCS - Mac lorca@uclink.berkeley.edu ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The following was automatically added to this message by the list server: For information about MAGNet, its meetings and events, and its mailing list, including information on subscribing and unsubscribing, see the MAGNet Web site at <http://magnet.berkeley.edu/>.
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