Exchanging a macbook pro + odd issues

Question

Hey everyone,
I recently (2 weeks from last Friday) received a new MacBook Pro from Apple via online purchase. Unfortunately, after about a week and a half of use, I decided to return it based on an opinion from a local tech store that services Apple products regarding an issue which seemed to be with my hard drive - my computer was emitting a "ticking" noise every so often, and it was especially apparent when the machine was sitting on my lap, a cloth surface or when it was just being held at an angle. I initially thought it was something with the display, but no one was really sure, so I wanted to get an exchange while I was still in the 14 day return period.
So I send in my old computer for replacement, and now fast-forward to last Thursday, which was when I received my new machine via next day delivery from a distribution center in California. Almost immediately I regretted ever sending in the first computer, as this one actually seemed worse. I could still hear the same ticking sound, leading me to believe that perhaps what I was dealing with is common on these computers, but what really bothered me more than anything else was the aluminum surface of the computer - it had a much more rough and unfinished surface, compared to my previous laptop. There was a stain-like appearing blemish which seems to be a discoloration of the aluminum and can't be wiped off, and the texture as I said isn't as smooth, in comparison to other Unibody MBPs I've used. The battery life seemed to only be about half or so of what I had originally, and the magnets that keep the display closed also seemed a bit stronger than before. Additionally, I found that the seal had been broken once (but resealed) on the product box for what I presume was to put in a Snow Leopard drop-in disk (this didn't bother me so much but the fact that the product had been opened was concerning, nonetheless).
My question is, has anyone else experienced anything similar to these issues? I don't want to make assumptions, but I'm not sure if this had anything to do with the computer coming from the USA rather than Shanghai where custom configured machines are shipped from - the first machine I ordered which came from China was really absolutely perfect and there really wasn't a thing wrong with it, aside from the ticking sound. And although a manager I spoke with through customer support assured me it wasn't the case, I really felt as though I had received a refurbished computer in a new box. I've since made arrangements for another RMA to get a new computer shipped out (which hopefully won't be as bad as this).
Anyways, I'm not here to complain, but these issues have concerned me, and I wanted to get a sense of what other people have experienced, especially before sending in this computer and having another redistributed from somewhere in the US that may have the same issues. Thanks to all for your help and opinions.

Answer 1

What bad luck! I am in the UK and received my MacBook Pro on 6th July and it is perfect! No ticking, no damage and works beautifully. I have no idea where it came from though as I presumed it was the UK because it was with me within a week although I know this is not always the case.