Macbook Pro Reliability
I am a potential switcher that is very close to pulling the trigger on a new Macbook Pro. However, in doing some research I have become very concerned about the reliability of these machines. I see surveys that indicate as many as 1/3 of these have been in for repairs. I also see lots of links about the random shutdown syndrome. Is there any word on whether these issues have been resolved? I haven't really seen an explanation for the shutdown problem or any indication that it was resolved.
Even with these reservations, I had my order form all filled out on the Apple store when I decided to add an extra Magsafe power adapter. I've always had two power adapters for any laptop I own. As I glanced at the description, I notice that the user ratings were very low. I started reading some of them, and was shocked that there was one failure after another with these adapters, far too many to be ignored. Now, I am hesitant to go through with an order. The Macbook Pro seems like a very elegant design, but I don't want the headaches of an unreliable product.
By the way, it is a foregone conclusion that I would get the Applecare warranty with this purchase. However, I need this machine for work, and I can't afford to have it off being repaired. Does Apple make any guarantees on turnaround if a repair is necessary?
Even with these reservations, I had my order form all filled out on the Apple store when I decided to add an extra Magsafe power adapter. I've always had two power adapters for any laptop I own. As I glanced at the description, I notice that the user ratings were very low. I started reading some of them, and was shocked that there was one failure after another with these adapters, far too many to be ignored. Now, I am hesitant to go through with an order. The Macbook Pro seems like a very elegant design, but I don't want the headaches of an unreliable product.
By the way, it is a foregone conclusion that I would get the Applecare warranty with this purchase. However, I need this machine for work, and I can't afford to have it off being repaired. Does Apple make any guarantees on turnaround if a repair is necessary?
Comments
By the way, it is a foregone conclusion that I would get the Applecare warranty with this purchase. However, I need this machine for work, and I can't afford to have it off being repaired. Does Apple make any guarantees on turnaround if a repair is necessary?
Apple is usually pretty quick, but maybe not quick enough for you if you have to have it every day. I don't know if arrangements can be made for a "loaner" or not.
BTW: After nine months, I had my magsafe adapter replaced. Basically the pins didn't push out properly anymore. I wonder if I ought to pack silicone grease into the pin seats if corrosion was the problem, but if it is particulates, I suppose grease might cause more problems.
The Macbook Pro seems like a very elegant design, but I don't want the headaches of an unreliable product.
Then don't buy it.
I've maintained a few powerbooks and mac book pros for several clients that rely on the machines everyday and the quality of these Apple products is at all time low right. Not surprising considering Apple is not using very good OEMs to build their machines.
Then don't buy it.
I've maintained a few powerbooks and mac book pros for several clients that rely on the machines everyday and the quality of these Apple products is at all time low right. Not surprising considering Apple is not using very good OEMs to build their machines.
I'm reading similar QC complaints about some new digital cameras. Sometimes having everything made on the cheap in China isn't such a good thing. Do you have any experience with the regular Macbooks? I'm trying to get my Mom to purchase her first computer at the same time I switch to a Mac myself (am waiting for Leopard to take the plunge). I just don't want to talk her into getting a new computer that's going to break down on her, especially after I try selling her on the idea of paying more for a Mac because they don't break down like Windows computers do (I guess maybe it's just the software side?) I guess we have to pay extra for Apple Care and hold our breaths?
I'm reading similar QC complaints about some new digital cameras. Sometimes having everything made on the cheap in China isn't such a good thing. Do you have any experience with the regular Macbooks? I'm trying to get my Mom to purchase her first computer at the same time I switch to a Mac myself (am waiting for Leopard to take the plunge). I just don't want to talk her into getting a new computer that's going to break down on her, especially after I try selling her on the idea of paying more for a Mac because they don't break down like Windows computers do (I guess maybe it's just the software side?) I guess we have to pay extra for Apple Care and hold our breaths?
It's important to remember that the pcs are made in China too. They aren't being put together at a Mercedes plant in Germany. Buy Apple care and don't look back.
Oh I know. It's hard to find anything that isn't these days! Just wondered if Macbooks were any worse than other laptops.
Just wondered if Macbooks were any worse than other laptops.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2006499,00.asp
Moral of the story...most faults will become apparent within the first year under warranty. If you're not satisfied with that get the extended warranty. I have NOT experienced anything like random shut downs or other problems. This is a great laptop that I'm sure will last for for years if treated well.
I perused Apple's Discussion Board and did not find that many problmes (a couple of very boisterous complainers on a couple of machines, but I have also had my bad runs).
What is the current status of the MBP? Buy or Don't Buy?
Also, how soon do we think an upgraded version will be out and what is the play call for Leopard?
SDWs machine falls into the second set which had far fewer repairs. NAy new buyers would be in this group, too.
http://www.macintouch.com/reliability/macbooks2.html
My wife's MB's screen is better than my 23" Apple Display... (IMO...OC)
I've a MBP core 2 and it's been fabulous. If I needed one now I'd get it. I know Santa Rosa is around the corner but from what I read on another thread it doesn't look like something I'd wait for if I were in the maket for a MBP. The most important feature improvement may well be the better integrated graphics and that's a non-issue if you're looking at a MBP. Yes the faster clock speed, up to 2.4ghz, and faster FSB are nice but I wouldn't hold out for them. My 2 cents.
My wife's MB is glossy and it is fabulous at home; had a few minutes at a shop today looking at a matte 17" and it seemed a little dull in comparison but didn't reflect the lights that were behind me.
The main reason I have to consider the MBP over the MB is the size of my hands. The MB, being almost the same size as the 12" PB I used to have, is painful to use (nowhere to rest my hands beside the keyboard). Of course, I also like the real estate; I use Aperture a lot now and the bigger the screen the better (but not 17").
Do you have the matte or the glossy screen?
My wife's MB is glossy and it is fabulous at home; had a few minutes at a shop today looking at a matte 17" and it seemed a little dull in comparison but didn't reflect the lights that were behind me.
The main reason I have to consider the MBP over the MB is the size of my hands. The MB, being almost the same size as the 12" PB I used to have, is painful to use (nowhere to rest my hands beside the keyboard). Of course, I also like the real estate; I use Aperture a lot now and the bigger the screen the better (but not 17").
I've got the matte screen which I like but it's just a personal preference. I've some pc laptops at work with the glossy screen and I wanted to try the matte screen. I think I like the matte screen better but I could easily work with either. How do you like Aperature? I thinking of trying it or lightroom.
As for my machine, it was purchased in October. It think that would put in the first batch of C2Ds?