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Apple 'geniuses'
http://www.x404.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2649		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  tombolt [ Mon Sep 07, 2009 10:26 am ]
Post subject:  Apple 'geniuses'
My mate's ibook G4 was playing up and the hard drive was making funny noises, so I suggested he took it down to the Apple Store in Exeter as I thought they'd be able to fix it for him. They said his hard drive was on the way out and there was nothing to be done to fix it and he'd have to fork out for a new Macbook. Not exactly sound advice is it?

I've said I'll do it, which I don't mind, but you'd think he could have had it done professionally.
Author:  big_D [ Mon Sep 07, 2009 11:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Apple 'geniuses'
Well, the diagnosis was correct, I would guess. Clicking hard drive is usually a sign of a very sick drive.

Buying a new MacBook is a bit drastic though. 2.5" IDE drives are becoming harder to find and are pricey, compared to SATA drives - a quick search showed a 320GB 2.5" drive was around 20% more expensive on a PATA as opposed to SATA connector... :?

If the rest of the iBook seems to be in good condition, then I'd have a go at upgrading the drive, but, realistically, I'd probably look at it as an opportunity to get a new MacBook, if I didn't have any Mac OS 9 only legacy software and the for a new machine...
Author:  Nick [ Mon Sep 07, 2009 11:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Apple 'geniuses'
Dave, I think you've missed the point.

The "genius" didn't even suggest that the drive could be replaced. They said the only option was to replace the machine, which is pretty bad form IMO.
Author:  paulzolo [ Mon Sep 07, 2009 11:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Apple 'geniuses'
Replacing the herd drive in an iBook is a major strip-down and rebuild (I’ve done it, it’s involved).

Quote:
The iBook G4 Dual USB's internal hard drive is very difficult to get to and is not classified by Apple as a user installed part. Mac Upgrades can install drives for you, please contact us for details.

http://www.macupgrades.co.uk/store/mach ... e=ibook-g4

I am not surprised an Apple Store Genius isn’t going to do that - they probably aren’t allowed to get too deep into the hardware.
Author:  timark_uk [ Mon Sep 07, 2009 11:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Apple 'geniuses'
paulzolo wrote:
Replacing the herd drive
I know other computer users call Apple users sheep, but that's taking things a little too far, Paul. (8+p

Mark
Author:  jonbwfc [ Mon Sep 07, 2009 3:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Apple 'geniuses'
timark_uk wrote:
paulzolo wrote:
Replacing the herd drive
I know other computer users call Apple users sheep, but that's taking things a little too far, Paul. (8+p

Mark

maybe he was subliminally suggesting the purchase of one of these.
Author:  ChurchCat [ Mon Sep 07, 2009 8:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Apple 'geniuses'
Nick wrote:
Dave, I think you've missed the point.

The "genius" didn't even suggest that the drive could be replaced. They said the only option was to replace the machine, which is pretty bad form IMO.


Maybe…

No-one here actually knows what the genius said or did not say. We only know what was understood to have been said and we only know that second hand.

The genius may well have said that it was not an economic repair. If the machine for example is worth £100-£200 in pristine condition and fitting a new drive would cost as much to do then this would be true. Cheaper to buy a replacement G4 on Ebay.

The genius may well have said Apple are not able to repair it as the parts are no longer carried. She may then have suggested a new or refurbished Macbook that being the best that could be offered.

Either way at this distance it is not easy to pass judgement.
Author:  saspro [ Sun Sep 13, 2009 9:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Apple 'geniuses'
Every experience of Apple "genius's" I've ebver had have been bad. It's always replace the unit if it's out of warranty or "we'll need to send it off for repair" if it's in warranty.
They do appear to be on a similar level of knowledge to PCWorld's Geek Squad (i.e. next to nothing).

Maybe I'm a bit overcritical being in the industry myself.
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