Quote:
Originally Posted by
sheaciti 
It's just not worth it. If I have to take a 10-15% restocking fee to get a refund, then I'll begrudgingly do that. I wasn't completely satisfied with the iMac anyway and I need something I'm truly happy with as I hope to have it for the next 3-5 years. The thing ran way too hot for my liking, especially the top left of the monitor. It's something I'd be constantly worried about. I wasn't doing anything intensive on it.
I'd probably get a comparably priced Windows 7 machine with an i7, 8 GB RAM, 1 GB VRAM, a 1 TB HD and maybe a Blu Ray drive.
I also need to return the AppleCare I bought, which was never opened.
Depending the on the laws where you live, I would have thought for a defective product that you could choose either a brand-new replacement or a 100% refund. Restocking fees (which don't exist in the UK but I understand are common in the US) surely only apply to returning a fully functioning product you simply have decided you don't want anymore - if it's faulty, I can't see how a restocking fee could ever apply.
Still, it's true that no computer company provides 100% reliable products - even the highest quality manufacturer will give you the odd dud - that's what the warranty is there for. Certainly it's possible you'll buy a Windows 7 machine which might also have a fault, but presumably you won't decide you don't want any kind of computer then?!
So I wouldn't give up on the Mac just because of only faulty machine - insist on a brand-new iMac and see how that goes. If the second one is faulty, then maybe insist on a full refund on that one and go back to a Windows PC.
Still, it sounds like you have other issues with you Mac so if you think you've truly made a mistake buying Mac, it could be a good thing it's faulty as it allows you to return for a 100% refund, whereas if you'd just changed your mind you'd have to pay the restock fee.
Still, it seems a shame - it doesn't sound like you had your Mac for very long, so maybe you doubts about it were coloured by the fact that the machine had a fault and not having enough time to get used to how a Mac works - I know I wondered if I'd made a mistake when I got my first Mac but you have to give it a little while to see if you get used to it.
Also, if you list what caused you issues with the Mac on this forum, people are very helpful (especially if you tell them you're a switcher having doubts, they don't want to lose a convert!) - it may be something that they can very easily explain to you and it's not a big deal at all.
Of course I agree you want to be happy with a long-term purchase you're spending lots of money on - but don't forget, you must have had some reasons for choosing Mac over PC when you bought this iMac - don't forget what those were and to take them in to consideration when you decide whether you want to try and new Mac or go back to a PC - it's possible you could regret buying your PC as much as you regret buying a Mac, so be sure to consider all your options and try not to let this experience affect your judgement too much.
Either way it would be great if you came back and told us what you decided and what happened when you returned the machine, because I'd like to know how Apple handles your return - a new iMac should certainly be offered without you having to ask, and I wouldn't be happy if they resisted a full refund too much either...
