Back ordered Logic Board???

Question

I took my eMac into CompUSA 8 days ago because my logic board failed on it, and they are telling me the board is on "back order" with Apple but can't tell me when Apple will ship. I have been on the phone, on hold for over an hour with Apple with still no answer. Anyone having the same problem? It looks like a rash of bad logic boards on the 2004 eMacs according to info I've found online. It's really frustrating to try to get an answer as to "when" I can expect this eMac to be repaired.

Answer 1

You did not specify which particular model of eMac you have, but as of September 10, 2006, the following is true with regard to stock levels of eMac logic boards:
The 800 MHz and both versions of the 1 MHz logic boards used in the eMac (ATI Graphics) models are in stock. The three versions of the 1.25 MHz logic board used in the eMac (USB 2.0) models are all out of stock, as is the 1.25 MHz logic board used in the eMac (2005). The eMac (2005) 1.42 MHz logic board is in stock. In summary, if your model uses a 1.25 MHz logic board, CompUSA is being absolutely truthful: they are all out of stock.
Apple will not accept non-equivalent exchange parts in such cases, particularly if the repair extension program applies to your device, which it likely does. You cannot ask them to substitute a higher or lower speed logic board, and they will not generally substitute one 1.25 MHz model for any of the other three. You will simply have to be patient until stocking levels return to a point where your service part is available.
Calling Apple is an absolute waste of time, because there is no one you as a consumer can deal with who can influence the outcome of your repair case. You are in the queue, as is CompUSA, for receiving a replacement unit as soon as one which matches your specific service part is available. And there are potentially thousands of others worldwide facing the same issue.
What you are effectively asking for by calling Apple is preferential treatment, to be vaulted over those waiting in line ahead of you, and it's simply not going to happen. And, as great an inconvenience as it is to you as an individual user, Apple won't modify the repair extension program to address your single issue of availability. Nor would any other company facing such an issue.
The service personnel at Apple supporting AASPs and other service providers like CompUSA do not have access to a due in date for replacement parts, and in any event, any date you are given is meaningless until the part is actually in their hands. I know that it's frustrating, but you simply have to wait until the part is available, is shipped to them, and your repair is completed.