Why is it more to repair a laptop than buy a new one?

I paid $1400 for my Macbook Pro last November. I splattered coffee on it yesterday. I was told today that it will cost $1800 to repair. Is there anyone who can explain to me how the cost of repairing a computer is $400 more than the cost of buying a brand new computer? How is this even possible. I think I will be replacing my laptop with a PC.

I would get another estimate, the damage from a coffee spill is extensive, but that repair cost seems rather high, about half that would be my expectation (unless the coffee went in the screen as well as the rest of the machine) in which case it's write off. Call your insurance company and claim.

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Any opinions on if I should repair my old powerbook or just buy a new one?

Alright, here's the situation.
I have a Tipowerbook 867 (upgraded to 512 ram) that's a bit over two and a half years old. Over this two plus year period, I have used this powerbook quite a lot, pretty much every single day for several hours at a minimum. Well, the other day when I was picking it up off a chair, it half slipped out of my hand, and before I could catch it the left hinge hit the floor pretty good, and the little part of the hinge that goes up into the display is now pulled out, and the hinge does not rotate. This also exacerbated some small stress cracks in the light grey outer case of the bottom part right beneath the same hinge. Apple gave me a quote of about 600 dollars to fix it. I also plan to call around to some third party places to see if they can do it cheaper, but do not expect it to be less then 3-400 to get it fixed. If I did get it fixed, I would also want to buy a new battery as well (a cost of around $120), as the one I have currently is at 581 cycles, and does not last very long any more. This computer also has little things wrong that don't bother me overly much, but I still notice from time to time, like 2 or 3 little scratches on the screen and one longer one, plus it seems to have gained a dead pixel or two recently.
Now, the decision I'm trying to make is whether it would be better to get this one repaired, or whether to just try and sell it for whatever it gets (a couple hundred dollars plus, I figure?), and buy one of the new 1.67ghz modals for $1899 (including apple care)taxa gig of ram.
If I got the current one repaired, I could see it lasting another 6 months or year, but probably not longer then that. The advantages I see in the new one are:
Double the processor speed,
Quadruple the graphics card memory,
Triple the ram (I sometimes feel like this one has too little, but don't want to put more in it cause I'd have to trash one of the sticks in it, which reduces the net gain quite a bit, so I figure I'll just stick another gig in the new one, if I get it)
the bigger screen res (I use the entire screen most of the time currently, and I have good eyesight, so I see this as a good thing)
The larger HD (not a big deal, but I have been running into the upper limit of this one from time to time, but not without crap I can delete to free up space)
The stuff like the firewire 800 port, usb 2.0 port, and airport extreme card I see as nice, but not a real big deal to me, as I probably wouldn't get much use out of them in the near future.
The two finger scrolling thing might be helpful, but I use a little shareware program called sidetrack currently, which gives me similar results.
The powerbooks were updated recently, and so will probably remain current a little bit longer.
It seems like a decent time in regard to the intel transition, since most (or at least some) of the bugs and incompatibilities will probably be worked out by the time I need to buy a new one.
So, I see lots of pluses to getting a new one, but am not sure if there are 13 or 14 hundred dollars worth of plusses.
If I do get a new computer, it will definitely be a powerbook, because I love being able to spend most of my time on the computer from my bed, and also being able to go upstairs and sit next to my dad on the couch and surf the web from there, and an ibook wouldn't do it for me, since I use the entire screen currently for various programs.
The programs that I use most frequently are things like safari, ichat, mail, word, etc, but I do acquire a penchant for game playing from time to time, and suspect that this might make a resurgence if I did buy a new one--it would be nice to be able to play something like America's Army or UT2k4 with an actually playable frame rate (I don't even really care about the quality of the graphics, as long as it's playable).
I also have considered trying out things like 3d modeling and messing about with imovie to see what I came up with, but am not sure how much those would benefit from the new computer.
I am currently a freshman at a local junior college, and think it's fairly likely that I'll transfer to a four year collage down the road in 2-3 years.
So basically, my decision comes down to this: Do I repair this one, and hope it lasts 6-12 months more, at which point I probably buy the current 15" powerbook, or do I spring for the new one now, and hope it serves my needs for the next 3 or so years down the road.
I'm sort of drawn to the new one, but also can't see anything terribly wrong with this one, and think that it might serve the majority of my needs (but possibly fewer of my wants) for a year or so to come.
The money is not a huge issue to me, I'll have to pay it sometime, and I was already planning to try to get a side job refereeing fencing tournaments for a bit of extra cash.
The way I lean on this decision depends on when you ask me, it varies from really deciding that I'd like and enjoy the new one to feeling like it would be kind of silly and it would be better to wait, but not liking having to repair this one to gain back what I already had.
Anybody have any helpful suggestions or comments that might help to tip me one direction or the other?
-Larry
P.S. Thanks for reading my somewhat long winded post, I'm the kind of person who really likes trying to quantify everything I can, and so I did.

Ok.
For starters, there is a Titanium thread, where you can get some more help, but my main Mac is a Ti, so let's get to it.
the hinge does not rotate
This is common on older TiBooks. I pray everytime I open mine.
to be less then 3-400 to get it fixed
Seems about right.
sell it for whatever it gets
Ebay is the place to go for current value on older technology. You will get the best price there as well. Look around eBay for similar models, with hinge damage like yours.
Frankly, the new Powerbooks are really nice. My roomate has one, and they are much studier than these TiBooks. You will not be disappointed. I would wait until MacExpo the 2nd week of January to see what Apple has to pull out of their hat as far as possible Powerbook or iBook options. No one knows for sure what--if any--new products will be released in the near future.
Larry, what do you do on the Mac? What do you need from it? You can pick up an iBook for as little as $999. You can also look online at the Apple Store refurbs (A link on the Apple Store site will take you there) for cheaper models.
I think your Ti has seen a good life... I vote for moving on.
iSMH

HT201412 My Ipad quit working - it's 2 years old. I called Apple and they basically told me that it's done. I can pay 249.00 to get a reburbished Ipad 1, or buy a new one. I want to know why it died? They mentione it could be the hard drive.

My Ipad 1 quit working after 2 years. Was never dropped, abused, etc. Just quit the other night. Went to the Apple store, called the support line and they tell me that since the warranty is up I can pay 249.00 for a refurbished Ipad or buy a new one. Not happy at all. I want to know why it quit. The person I talked to at Support says he doesn't know what happened. He says it sounds like my hard drive crashed. ANyone else have this problem? I am so mad.

If the tech you talked to said anything about a "hard drive", he was completely ignorant or misspeaking rather badly. The iPads have no hard drive; the storage is all solid state. You may wish to talk to another technician, or make an appointment at an Apple Store if there's one near you, and confirm the diagnosis of a hardware failure.
If you've confirmed that it is indeed a hardware failure, then you can pay the replacement price, find an independent iPad service shop and see if they can do a repair for less, or buy a new iPad. If it were me I would put the money toward a new, or at least newer, iPad rather than pay the replacement charge. You can get some good deals on refurbished iPad 2 and third-generation iPads from the Apple Store, any of which will run the most current versions of iOS, something which the first-gen iPad will not, and would come with a full warranty (which could be extended to two years with AppleCare).
As to why your iPad failed, it's impossible to say with any certainty. The circuitry could have had a tiny flaw that finally failed, or the iPad could have received a static shock, something quite common in many areas in the winter when the air is dry. Sorry it happend to you, but anything can fail.
Regards.
Message was edited by: varjak paw

My laptop is broken and I don't want to buy a new one. Is there any way to recover my music from itunes via my ipad?

My laptop is broken and I don't want to buy a new one. Is there any way to retrieve all of my music on itunes via my ipad and can I manage my itunes account only on my ipad?

Ladymac33 wrote:
My laptop is broken and I don't want to buy a new one.
Okay, that's your choice.
Ladymac33 wrote:
Is there any way to retrieve all of my music on itunes via my ipad and can I manage my itunes account only on my ipad?
Is the media already on the iPad? If not, iTunes purchases can be redownloaded if they are still available in iTunes. Non-iTunes purchases would need to be synced from iTunes on a computer.

I had an HP laptop with Itunes on it and kept my library on an external hard drive. I had a 160gb classic Ipod. My computer died and i am buying a new one (mac is out of budget) When I get my new computer, obviously I will download Itunes. My Ipod s

I had an HP laptop with Itunes on it and kept my library on an external hard drive. I had a 160gb classic Ipod.
My computer died and i am buying a new one (mac is out of budget)
When I get my new computer, obviously I will download Itunes. My Ipod still has all the music on it and the external hard drive is ok.
I don't want to "erase" or lose any information when I sync with a new itunes that is "empty"
What are the steps? After I download Itunes and set the folder location to my external harddrive what is next? Will Itunes recognize my IPOD? Will it load the music/list from my ipd or external into itunes?
Thanks in advance

The following user tip is worth checking through:
Recovering your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device

HT1727 my itunes account was on my home computer that me and my brother both used. The computer died and we will need to buy a new one. We thought that if we just logged into our account from my laptop all the music would be there, it is not. Can anyone h

My itunes aacount was on my home computer that me and my brother both used. The computer died and we will need to buy a new one. We thought that if we just logged into our account from my laptop all the music would be there, it's not. Can anyone help us?

Go to the iTunes Store and select "Purchased" from the Quick Links side bar on the right. Go through all the tabs to download again for free

My iPad 2 fell the screen is shattered and the screen went blue. what is my best course of action? Repair it or just get a new one?

My iPad 2 fell the screen is shattered and the screen went blue. what is my best course of action? Repair it or just get a new one?

Apple's Limited Warranty http://www.apple.com/legal/warranty/ for iPad excludes coverage for damage resulting from accident, disassembly, unauthorized service and unauthorized modifications.
Out-of-Warranty Service
If you own an iPad that is ineligible for warranty service but is eligible for Out-of-Warranty (OOW) Service, Apple will replace your iPad with an iPad that is new or equivalent to new in both performance and reliability for the Out-of-Warranty Service fee listed below.
iPad model
Out-of-Warranty Service Fee
iPad mini
$219
iPad 3rd, 4th generation
$299
iPad 2, iPad
$249
A $6.95 shipping fee will be added if service is arranged through Apple and requires shipping. All fees are in US dollars and are subject to local tax.
Certain damage is ineligible for out-of-warranty service, including catastrophic damage, such as the device separating into multiple pieces, and inoperability caused by unauthorized modifications. However, an iPad that has failed due to contact with liquid may be eligible for out-of-warranty service. See http://support.apple.com/kb/index?page=servicefaq&geo=United_States&product=ipad
Make a Genius Bar Reservation
http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/
You may can get the iPad repaired at 3rd party repair sources for less $, however, any remaining Apple warranty will be voided.
iPad Repair & Screen Replacement Services
http://www.ifixyouri.com/16-ipad-repairs
RepairZoom iPad Repair
http://www.repairzoom.com/ipad-repair.html
Mission Repair
http://www.missionrepair.com/Apple_iPad_Repair_Services_s/431.htm
iGadgetResQ
http://www.igadgetresq.com/ipad-repair/
 Cheers, Tom

I want to buy a new macbook pro 2012, can i sell my old macbook and put some more money to buy the new one???

I want to buy a new macbook pro 2012 with retina display, can i sell my old macbook and add some more money to buy the new one???
Is there any deal like this?

Apple has a rebuy and recycle program, but you won't get much for your old MBP from that program. Your best bet is to just sell it yourself (I used eBay) and use the money you get to buy your new computer.
Good luck,
Clinton

For some reason when I plug my phone up to charge it just keeps showing me the apple logo and then it goes away shows the battery sign is low and that its charging. So I'm wondering why it wont turn on would I have t get a new one, and would it be free

For some reason when I plug my phone up to charge it just keeps showing me the apple logo and then it goes away shows the battery sign is low and that its charging. So I'm wondering why it wont turn on would I have t get a new one, and would it be free

If you've tried the basic troubleshooting steps (restart, reset, restore from backup, restore as new), and you've tried charging from a wall socket and these all fail, then you have a hardware problem.
If your unit is still in warranty, you will be eligible for a replacement with a refurbished unit free of charge. If you are out of your warranty period, you will be eligible for an out of warranty exchange which will cost the equivalent of 200 US dollars.

My iPod touch 5G has a problem with its back camera, there's a dark spot on picture quality and won't focus, it will only focus on things 5-7 inches away from the iPod. Could I go to apple and see if they can repair it or give me a new one?

My iPod touch 5G has a problem with its back camera, there's a dark spot on picture quality and won't focus, it will only focus on things 5-7 inches away from the iPod. Could I go to apple and see if they can repair it or give me a new one? Someone help please.

Try:
- Reset the iOS device. Nothing will be lost
Reset iOS device: Hold down the On/Off button and the Home button at the same time for at
least ten seconds, until the Apple logo appears.
- Reset all settings
Go to Settings > General > Reset and tap Reset All Settings.
All your preferences and settings are reset. Information (such as contacts and calendars) and media (such as songs and videos) aren’t affected.
- Restore from backup. See:
iOS: How to back up
- Restore to factory settings/new iOS device.
If still problem, make an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store since it appears you have a hardware problem.
Apple Retail Store - Genius Bar
If the iPod is defective and not abused Apple will exchange your iPod for a refurbished one at no cost

My iphone 5 lock button is broken, can apple repair or replace it with a new one?

my iphone 5 lock button is broken & i was wondering if apple can repair it or replace it with a new one?

Yes, apple can help you with this. See this website for how https://www.apple.com/uk/support/iphone5-sleepwakebutton/

Charger broke my laptop and gave me electric shock, can i get them to repair/buy a new one?

Bought this charger 10 days ago: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008HESIAU/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8 &psc=1#productDetails
Mainly because it's half the price of the official charger and recieved relatively decent reviews. How foolish i was.
After a week, i plugged it in and sparks came from the charger. My Macbook instantly turned off, losing everything i was working on. I thought it might have been a one off, so i have turning the electric off and on again at the wall, i picked the charger up and instantly got an electric shock myself. I admit, i yelped like i never thought i could yelp. Scared me though especially after hearing of Asians being shocked to death this year by non-official Apple chargers.
So thanks to this charger, my Macbook is now broke. I have tried two other working chargers, and although they 'power' the Macbook, they don't charge it. It's also been running slower and heating up more than it did before. I have changed batteries and chargers but they don't fix it, and neither does resetting my PRAM or SMC settings.
Also, this isn't some random eBay company from China. This is a British company called Lavolta who specialise in Electronics.
I've just wrote to the company demanding a refund and a repair/new macbook pro. I don't think i should have to lose hundreds of pounds because they sold be a faulty and dangerous item. I told them if i'm not satisfied with their response i am prepared to go to the press or to the police about this.
Do you think i've got a case?

Now you know why it is unwise to use 3rd party chargers.
You may have a case but stop talking about it here, everything you post is evidentiary, stating that you bought it because it was cheap and that you expected it to be less than the official item is not helpful to your case, neither is admitting that you repeatedly reconnected it after the incident where sparks flew.
Engage a solicitor if you wish to pursue this, and no more postings until you're under his/her advice.

I have no more OS and i can't install a new one

My mac was getting too crowded for me, so on a whim i decided to reset it to the factory settings.
Cmd + R to boot in disk utility thing and deleted OS maverick from my HD. and now for some reason i'm left with 3 partitions on my HD. a 200 GB one with nothing on it. and another 200gb one with nothing on it. both are formatted to MS-DOS (FAT) and 600GB's of unused space.
First thing i tried was to get all back into 1 partition of 1TB. which gives me this message when i try it:
Are you sure you want to partition the disc "hitachi HDe721010SLA330 Media?
These partitions will be erased:
"02"
"Macintosh H"
This partition will be added:
"untitled 1"
WARNING: This disc appears to be set up for boot Camp. if you partition this disc, you may not be able to use it tostart up your computer in windows.
And when i click on partition i get this message:
Partition failed with the error:
Couln't unmount disk.
Then i searched the net on how to unmount disk. all i got was info on how i should boot in another partition and try it the same way, or a little bit otherway in that boot. However , since i do not have any OS on my mac and im unable to install one... that pathway is also closed.
Then i tried to erase either of the partitions (02 and Macintosh H) which doesn't work. just erasing them does nothing. and using secure erase results in the following error: securely erasing data to prevent recovery failed. - why? i don't know!
lastly i tried to boot mac with its original CD. holding C while booting with the disc inside. (it does not start up at all, after a while the disc just slides out again)
To summarize:
I am stuck using Cmd + R to boot my mac. from there i can only do one of 4 things: 1. start up disk utility. 2. search the net. 3. install mavericks OS 4. use time machine.
Disk utility has been futile so far. Can't re-partition my HD or delete the partitions manually. or journal the ms-dos files into mac. (were that the case i would be able to install mavericks on them) But then i would be stuck with a 200GB hd. and since i cant format my hd back into its original 1TB form. its far from optimal.
Searching the net has not been good for me either.
Installing mavericks OS is impossible since the discs i CAN use are not formatted for mac. "this disk is not formatted as Mac OS extended (journaled). Use disk utility to enable journaling or reformat the disk" <- what it says when i click on it. I can't enable journaling or reformat the disk in disk utility, it won't let me.
I have no time machine backup.
Is there a way for me to reset my IMac to its factory settings without using Disk utility or the original disc? or is there any way you can help me? any sugestions are welcome, I am at my wits end
Sincerely,
Micha

The Mac App store requires your computer to be running at least Snow Leopard 10.6.6
Stedman

My laptop recently broke and I had to buy a new one. How do I sync my iphone 4 with the new laptop without losing all data?

Hi there,
Well the title says it all really.
I have to sync my iphone 4 with my new laptop as the old one broke. How do I do this without losing all my pictures, music, contacts & things purchased form the itunes store?
It seems really silly that everything gets wiped off the phone when using a different laptop. This problem must happen quite often as I am sure I am not the only person who has had a pc that has broken.
I hope you someone can help. All the stuff on my phone is important to me.
Many thanks

Please search the forums. This has been covered here extensively.

Why was my password rejected and asked to set up a new one??

My password was rejected and got a message to change it... Wondering why??

if you need to reset the user/admin account password the following article tells how to do this:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1274

Why is it more to repair a laptop than buy a new one?

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