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Apple called: They want their prototype 3G MacBook Pro back

Astute TUAW readers may remember a story from two weeks ago about a prototype 2007 MacBook Pro with a 3G antenna built into the side of the LCD screen as well as a SIM slot. The device was being sold on eBay and had received bids in the neighborhood of US$70,000 before Apple requested that the sale be stopped. Now Apple wants the prototype back from its current owner.

CNet contacted the seller, Carl Frega of North Carolina, who had purchased the unique machine from someone on Craigslist. The machine wasn't working, so Frega sold it again on Craigslist. This owner brought the machine to an Apple Store Genius Bar. When the machine was opened up, Apple refused to repair it as they noted that almost every part inside the device was "third party" -- the main logic board, optical drive, display, hard drive, and top case were all non-standard.

The second buyer was miffed that Apple refused service and, thinking that the machine was a fake, took Frega to small claims court. Frega was forced to return the buyer's money and got the one-of-a-kind MacBook Pro back, after which he tried to sell the device on eBay to see if he could recoup his losses.

Apple has now contacted Frega to recover the MacBook Pro, and the fate of the machine rests in the hands of the powers-that-be in Cupertino. It's too bad that this one can't be photographed for the Shrine of Apple.



Apple has now contacted Frega to recover the MacBook Pro, after which the fate of the machine rests in the hands of the powers-that-be in Cupertino
 

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johnjhenry1

Steve ********* and his rotten Apples

August 31 2011 at 10:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
realrambo

want your prototype back shell out the money or sue EBay they are down the street from you ....

August 31 2011 at 9:41 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mark

This idiot is living proof my maxim: most Americans would screw up a free lunch. This idiot has a prototype so he takes it to ebay of all places.

August 31 2011 at 8:40 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
alfredschrader

If I wanted one that did this, I'd make it. Jobs started Apple in his garage. I have some very nice equipment in my garage lab....Alfred-

August 31 2011 at 8:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
shyguy151

Hey if Apple wants to top the last bid then they can buy it at auction. I have no doubt it is a test model and the dummy at the Apple store had no idea they were looking at a test model. Things are built with beta test parts all the time until the final design is settled on, and even then you know stuff is outsourced.

August 31 2011 at 6:49 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ryanraymond321

I hate apple. You never hear anything good about them anymore.

August 31 2011 at 6:44 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
josh633

then let the cheap bastards buy it they have enough iphone money

August 31 2011 at 6:16 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to josh633's comment
undrgrndgirl

no sh..!

September 01 2011 at 1:51 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
buffjetmech

Its can only be stolen if Apple reported it stolen at some point in the past. Since they have twice had it in their posseion and denied it was an Apple product it would appear that it is not theirs and was never reported stolen .

August 31 2011 at 5:02 PM Report abuse +3 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to buffjetmech's comment
Trisha Lynn Dragon

That makes sense. Too bad it won't matter :/

September 01 2011 at 12:02 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
cesarvis

too late a women bought it in a McDonalds parking lot!

August 31 2011 at 4:48 PM Report abuse +5 rate up rate down Reply
3 replies to cesarvis's comment
lvdiceman

Apple had 2 chances to recover the item if in fact it was stolen. First when they refused to repair claiming it was not their product, Second when it was taken to Small claims court they had a chance to recover. It was determined by a judge to be owned by the person otherwise the judge would have required repayment to buyer and take said item into the courts posession. So Apple had no claim on this item

August 31 2011 at 4:28 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
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