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Aw, I just bought a MacBook last week ...

by Cory Bohon Oct 17th 2008 at 8:00AM

When I was faced with the decision of buying a MacBook Pro or waiting, I immediately took the leap of faith without knowing if Apple would be releasing a new unit within the next few weeks or not. As it turns out, I was wrong and Apple did release a new MacBook Pro. However, I did not suck it up and go on ... I went searching for some answers as to what you can do if you are in the same situation. In this post, I'm going to tell you what I found out.

When you purchase a new product from Apple (either through the online store, or though a brick-and-mortar store) you have 14 days to return the product. With this 14-day policy, Apple also gives you price protection. From my understanding this covers both pricing decreases as well as new products coming out.

When I took my MacBook Pro to the Apple Store, they immediately looked at my receipt and asked if I wanted a new one. I thought, "This can't be this easy, can it?" There is a caveat with replacing your old machine with a new model: the Apple Store might charge you a "re-stocking" fee. This is a 10% fee based on the initial purchase price. I questioned them about this and they told me that I would be getting an upgraded product. However, I was able to get my re-stocking fee waived after talking with the manager for a little while.

The Bottom Line
If you bought a MacBook/Pro/Air in the past 14 days and want to upgrade to one of the newer models, it definitely wouldn't hurt to call up your local store (or Apple online customer service at 1-800-MY-APPLE) and talk to them about returning. Don't be surprised if they tell you about the restocking fee, they told me the same story until I took it into the store. Unlike most computer companies, Apple does try to make the situation right, and most of the time, you come out on top of the matter.

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When I was faced with the decision of buying a MacBook Pro or waiting, I immediately took the leap of faith without knowing if Apple would...
 

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Andrew

I actually bought the old MacBook Pro 11 days before the announcement.

I do not work for an Apple blog, but I was well aware of what was being released on the 14th and of when. That is precisely why I bought when I did.

I expected the new models to be glossy-only, which I definitely didn't want. There was already a shortage of matte screen 15" base models in my local area, so I bought one, knowing that I would get a nice refund when Apple applied clearance pricing.

My only disappointment is that I didn't spring for the higher-end model, which had a larger price cut. In the end, I got a fast and gorgeous matte-screen powerhouse for $1599, but could have had double the level 2 cache, a very minor 100 MHz processor speed increase and double the video ram for $200, which is a much better deal than the $500 difference 11 days earlier.

Still, I am extremely delighted with my computer and had no thought of returning it whatsoever, especially since the high-end 15" matte was already sold-out locally by the 16th.

October 20 2008 at 2:18 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Alex

NO SHIT SHERLOCK

October 20 2008 at 8:52 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Scarlett

Until I happened upon this site today, I did not know that they had upgraded/redesigned the MBP; so all were not aware it was on the horizon. I had just bought mine (which I loved) a short while back, and was distressed. I went to the Apple store, prepared for a "no/can't" and spoke to the manager, explaining that, had I known, I would've waited. He said immediately he'd swap it out for the new one! And there was no mention of a fee. I was out in 10 minutes. This morning I was distressed...tonight I'm delighted.

October 20 2008 at 1:58 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Gabriel Radic

So you were ready to pay extra for an uglier machine without FireWire? Dang!

October 19 2008 at 10:44 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Nuclear Fire

My wife bought herself an Air not long before at the local Best Buy. The price dropped $400 after the announcements of the upgraded versions coming out. I took the receipt in and they changed the price, refunding the different, without hassle. I'm not usually a BB fan, but I was pretty impressed.

October 19 2008 at 9:36 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
AJ

I hope the next revision of macbooks have a firewire 400, i wouldn't even paying a little extra just to get it. I currently have a pro and since i dont do any of the things i used to do a macbook would be perfect. The only thing i use my firewire for is hard drive and noticed a huge difference in performance when using firewire instead of usb 2.0. And you know apple and their revisions i got burned with this 1st gen macbook pro only firewire 400 the next month it was shipping with an 800 port. So i would prefer it not happen again with the new macbook.

October 18 2008 at 9:30 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
zongamin

Are you stupid? The laptop event was announced well in advance - everyone knew they were refreshing this laptop line.

October 18 2008 at 7:18 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Raphael

Honestly, if you bought a Macbook 14 days before the new one came out then you deserve no sympathy. I think you should count yourself lucky that Apple even lets you return it. Everyone knew a new Macbook was about to be released, but you were so damn impatient that you couldn't wait.

I think you should suck it up and enjoy your plastic Macbook. And think carefull about how to evolve into an intelligent human being (rather than an impulsive ape) so you can avoid this problem next time ;)

October 17 2008 at 3:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Raphael's comment
MikeN

are you stupid, did you even read the post. He never had an issue and did you even think that maybe we got it like a few others in advance in case the new ones are not up to par. Example, A new one might be coming out .. Apple sometimes might do a in stores now type deal. and the old models are no longer in the store or easy to get.

So in this case a student might want a black macbook for the speed and firewire but the new macbooks don't have firewire. Go to the apple store and you can't buy a black one anymore.

So in the chance the new product was not what he wanted. he at least had the older one handy and if he really did want to new one he could go exchange it.

and by the way your stupid ! you dumb ape fo pawn yourself in your grandmothers basement !

October 17 2008 at 4:15 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Commodore Guff

There wouldn't happen to be any way those of us who bought a MacBook for school a few months ago could get any similar sort of reprieve, is there?

Short of paying $1299, that is.

October 17 2008 at 3:07 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Marshal Pull

Hi,

I have found good tips and tricks website for purchasing computer accesssiors and components. it's very good website. http://www.cheapshoppingcenter.com/

thanks

October 17 2008 at 1:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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