Today, Apple finally lost us as customers.
Like many other Apple customers who bought 2011 MacBook Pros we got a computer with a lifespan of less than 3 years.
The problem has been widely covered, for instance see MacWorld, Digital Trends, Apple Insider, Cult of Mac, and is the subject of many discussion threads, one of them hundreds of pages long on Apple’s own forums.
Apple’s “fix” is a new logic board, at the price of a decent new PC, but with only a 90 day warranty; and from numerous online reports this may only be a short-term fix for an inherent design/manufacturing defect, with many users reporting new boards lasting only a few months. Consequently we are left with a very expensive paper weight unless and until Apple admits responsibility and provides a solution.
But Apple has been extremely unhelpful, and has not yet even admitted there is a widespread problem with these computers.
There was a time when the Apple premium bought you a better-built, more reliable computer and better customer service. Now, it seems, the Apple premium is only about looking cool.
If you’re reading this because you have the same MacBook Pro problem, please take action to lobby Apple.
Update, 16 March 2015
On 27 February 2015 Apple started what they term an ‘extended repair program’ for the 2011 MacBook Pro (20 Feb in N America). And it looks like the free repair offered for affected machines is for a new logic board, not just a ‘refurbished’ one removed from another failing Mac, as had been the case with their £450 out-of-warranty repair.
This program is very welcome, but should have been introduced long before now.
Mac users pay a huge premium for Apple products. Some customers may be happy with this for the ‘cool’ value, but business customers in particular need to be getting a quality product and top class after sales service to justify the price differential.