How to get replacement media. Bizarre Leopard Superdrive issue

Question

Hi,
When I try to install Leopard from the original disk, I get a failed to install message. I am not sure of the exact message but it is something like;
Cannot install because there isn't any software to install. This happens right at the beginning of the install after it checks the media.
I burned a copy of the Leopard disk with my PC onto DL+R and followed the same steps through the Leopard install and it worked.
Thinking I made a mistake, I formatted and tried to install again from the original but ran into the same problem.
HMM okay. This is telling me there is a problem with my superdrive reading the original media. But here is the weird part. If I put my mini in TARGET disk mode and connect it to another MAC, I can install Leopard from the original disk onto another MAC using the my MINI as a DVD drive.
I find this ultimately confusing because if my superdrive can't read the media well enough to install it onto the same mac the superdrive is attached to, then it should fail when installing it onto the other mac.
Any ideas? Is there a special number to call that deals with replacement media?
Thanks

Answer 1

ntloser,
OK, so you have bad media. Can you see any scratches on the surface of the disk? Has this disk ever worked in your Mini's Superdrive?
If the media is bad, Apple should replace it. My recommendation would be to call support again, and perhaps have your case elevated to the next level of support. If the media is bad, Apple needs to stand behind it free of charge. Be polite, but firm.
That said, you may get better results by going to an Apple store in person. If this is feasible for you, do it.
Keep in mind that the Superdrive in your Mini packs a whole lot of function into a small, slot-loading form factor. The Superdrives in all Apple portables, and this includes the Mini, are incredibly miniaturized, and there is a trade-off for this miniaturization. Speed is one trade-off, but error correction and tolerance is another. Your Superdrive is not faulty, but rather less tolerant of damaged or faulty media than other drives might be.
Apple hardware is covered under warranty for one year, without Applecare. This includes 90 days of free phone support. In cases where warranty coverage is needed, the normal charge for phone support beyond the first 90 days is waived; they may still collect a CC number, but the card is never charged. In cases where no repair is needed, however (user error or lack of knowledge, etc.), you have to pay for "computer support."
I don't know off the top of my head the terms of coverage for software and related media (meaning your Leopard Install disk). However, I do know that it will be completely unrelated to the warranty coverage for your Mini. If the mini came with Leopard, this would be an entirely different story, but as it is you cannot consider them one and the same.
It might be important for you to determine whether the media is faulty, or if it is damaged in any way (scratches, etc.). How long have you had the disk? Did you purchase it new, or secondhand? If you purchased this disk new, and it has no apparent physical damage, then it is likely faulty. As I said before, stand firm on this issue. If, however, the media appears to be damaged in any way, you might consider yourself lucky to get a replacement from Apple for the cost of shipping and handling, if that's what they are offering.
Scott