MAC Attack
So, my G4 Powerbook purchase earlier this week has turned into a slightly unbelieveable repair odyssey:
On Wed. I bought my laptop (used) with my MAC buddy and computer adviser, Bob, in tow. We got it home and started it up only to discover that it had someone else's user info still on it (and god knows what else), and we were locked out of the operating system. Luckily, the store is a block away, so back we went and they gave us a replacement model because the one that I bought hadn't been "scrubbed" and that would take some time (by the by - what a security NIGHTMARE!!!!).
With new/used Powerbook in hand and renewed enthusiasm, we went home again. We plugged it in and charged the battery (though we noticed that the power cord didn't indicate a full charge while the desktop icon DID), set up internet access and other preferences. faunalia came over to celebrate my new MAC-ness.
Later that evening Scott tried to load up songs onto iTunes but the drive spat every CD out *sadness*. I resolved to take it to work the next day for Bob's advice. Next day, Bob booted it up (on battery power) and noticed that the battery charge was at 43% after Scott had used it unplugged for only 15 mins. the night before *shock!*. Undaunted, we tried to assess the disk drive issue using one of my CDs at the store when the computer unceremoniously ATE the CD, shut down and went to "sleep" and couldn't be re-activated *OMIGOD - WHATTHEFUCK???!!!*
Bob managed to get it out of "sleep" mode but it wouldn't restart for love nor money. Then we noticed that the battery was dead-o: after no more than 30 mins. of use! *anger* So, today I took it back and the service staff informed me that the battery issue wasn't their problem because it was a used unit. I said that I understood that the battery life wouldn't be like a brand new one, but that NOT holding a charge for even an hour was unacceptable, and that for $1100.00 I expected a certain level of performance. If the battery wasn't covered by the warranty, that should've been upfront information clearly indicated by the sales staff (you're not allowed to start up used units in-store and all batteries are fully charged but that doesn't indicate battery charge retention).
Whatever. Everyone was waaaay more interested in the drive issue anyway. The manager came over and offered my money back, but I said that I wanted the unit fixed. So, off to the service department we go! It turns out that the drive was fried, the power cord didn't make a proper connection and the battery was useless *WHOA!*. The manager offered me another of the same model - irony of ironies: the FIRST one that I took, now newly "scrubbed" - with all of my info transferred onto it. I have to pick it up tomorrow. If it doesn't work, I'll ask for my money back *sigh*.
Why isn't anything easy??!???
On Wed. I bought my laptop (used) with my MAC buddy and computer adviser, Bob, in tow. We got it home and started it up only to discover that it had someone else's user info still on it (and god knows what else), and we were locked out of the operating system. Luckily, the store is a block away, so back we went and they gave us a replacement model because the one that I bought hadn't been "scrubbed" and that would take some time (by the by - what a security NIGHTMARE!!!!).
With new/used Powerbook in hand and renewed enthusiasm, we went home again. We plugged it in and charged the battery (though we noticed that the power cord didn't indicate a full charge while the desktop icon DID), set up internet access and other preferences. faunalia came over to celebrate my new MAC-ness.
Later that evening Scott tried to load up songs onto iTunes but the drive spat every CD out *sadness*. I resolved to take it to work the next day for Bob's advice. Next day, Bob booted it up (on battery power) and noticed that the battery charge was at 43% after Scott had used it unplugged for only 15 mins. the night before *shock!*. Undaunted, we tried to assess the disk drive issue using one of my CDs at the store when the computer unceremoniously ATE the CD, shut down and went to "sleep" and couldn't be re-activated *OMIGOD - WHATTHEFUCK???!!!*
Bob managed to get it out of "sleep" mode but it wouldn't restart for love nor money. Then we noticed that the battery was dead-o: after no more than 30 mins. of use! *anger* So, today I took it back and the service staff informed me that the battery issue wasn't their problem because it was a used unit. I said that I understood that the battery life wouldn't be like a brand new one, but that NOT holding a charge for even an hour was unacceptable, and that for $1100.00 I expected a certain level of performance. If the battery wasn't covered by the warranty, that should've been upfront information clearly indicated by the sales staff (you're not allowed to start up used units in-store and all batteries are fully charged but that doesn't indicate battery charge retention).
Whatever. Everyone was waaaay more interested in the drive issue anyway. The manager came over and offered my money back, but I said that I wanted the unit fixed. So, off to the service department we go! It turns out that the drive was fried, the power cord didn't make a proper connection and the battery was useless *WHOA!*. The manager offered me another of the same model - irony of ironies: the FIRST one that I took, now newly "scrubbed" - with all of my info transferred onto it. I have to pick it up tomorrow. If it doesn't work, I'll ask for my money back *sigh*.
Why isn't anything easy??!???