Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

MacBook Pro headed for the depot yet again

Jan 18, 2008 10:13AM PST

Today, I finally decided to bring my MacBook Pro back to Apple, for the third time. In short, it's given me a whole lot more trouble since Apple repaired it than before. I have not posted much about some of the newer errors that I have had (since I was busy trying to fix it), so here's a quick list of what's new:
- AirPort dropped connections more frequently
- Ethernet began to drop connections even though AirPort was off
- AirPort would recognize WPA2 networks but saved them as WPA networks with the wrong passwords
- All applications tied to the net would not connect even when the Mac was supposedly connected
- Keyboard keys were misaligned after Apple repairs and some began to make noises when typing on them
- Certain application features, like file transfers and screen sharing in IM applications, failed to work for unknown reasons
- Cosmetic issues (not entirely new, but they're still there, so I'll see how that works out)
- When closed, the screen would sometimes create a U shaped bend
- Network Utility would report multiple errors and sent errors, and had been dropping 100% of packets for awhile (this was remedied after I used my restore disks and upgraded back to Leopard, AGAIN)

And there were others that I may not remember, since there were quite a lot of small things happening to create a big problem. Now I have to hope that my external lasts long enough so I can recover my backup data. It is very frustrating when you have to constantly talk to partners while working on projects while the network keeps dropping, regardless of which network you use.

At least the employees were quick and helpful today. I arrived at the Apple Store 30-40 minutes ahead of my appointment, but I was able to meet with a Genius anyhow. Another Genius came to help out, and together, they documented all the issues I had typed up for them (supposedly) and looked at some of the screenshots I took. According to the Geniuses, when it comes back, they may look into "other options" if it still exhibits problems. I don't expect it to be in perfect condition when it returns (based on my other two visits). I may end up getting a newer Santa Rosa machine after all...
They also told me that the first time they replaced some parts, they replaced the logic board, which I was unaware of. When I sent it out the first time, they informed me that the AirPort card had been replaced. But that's not what they said today...

Still, I can't understand why a new logic board would make the AirPort card work WORSE than before while screwing up the once working Ethernet port at the same time. Well, nothing to do but wait I suppose. At least I was able to buy Office 2008 and a new case for my iPod Touch. That other case for it was terribly made. Anyhow... my iMac will be seeing a lot more use now. I think I'm going to make it my wired machine and I'll install a wireless card in my wired PC. I'm not paying too much for an old AirPort card.

This is really the first time I've had a bad experience with Apple. I've found that it depends which employees you come in contact with.
Another thing: Is it just me, or are they hiring people nowadays who don't understand Macs? Some employees I've talked to don't seem to have a clue.

Disheartened but somewhat optimistic,
-BMF

Discussion is locked