[csborgman]

I'm soooooo relieved... I'm getting my (out of warranty) G5 fixed for FREE!

OK, after 2 very unsuccessful calls to Apple the third made it to a sympathetic ear. The first 2 techs I talked to were very rude and both hung up on me. In first conversation I mentioned all the people posting with the same issues and class action law suite. Not a good move I found out. After a long wait he came back and said he was not a legal rep for Apple and that my attorney should contact Apple directly and he had to terminate this call, he hung up. I called right back! The second guy gave the same speech, it was out of warranty and there was nothing anyone can do, no way to fix it for free. After a little back and forth I asked how long I should expect an Apple computer to last. Check-Mate! He couldn't say it will only last 3 years, till the AppleCare warranty is up, and he couldn't say it should last longer than 3 years cause then he would be admitting there was a problem with all these G5s. So, he got frustrated with my debating skills and also hung up on me. So, I called right back again! The third person I spoke with wasn't such an asshole. After my little speech he said he had no power to do anything but would try to get me in touch with a supervisor in customer service. After a long wait a lady took the call, Carol, again a repeated my dialog. She seemed a little more interested and said let me see what we can do about your situation. She came back after a long wait (more waiting than talking!) and said they would fix my computer at no cost to me. She gave me an "exception code" and said I could take it where ever I wanted. WOW!! She really wasn't up for chit-chat either, she gave me the number and said it'll be fixed at no cost and good-bye. I got the feeling she didn't want to give me a chance to ask any questions like is this a known problem, how many others are calling ... etc...

Here is my situation with my computer which was part of my dialog with Carol. I bought my G5 a little over 3 years ago and it arrived from Apple straight out of the box defective! I took it to the Apple store where they had it for over a week. When I got it back home, it was still not working, it would shut down consistently after 20-45 minutes. I called Apple to complain about the crappy repair service so they sent me a new computer. And when that one arrived it too was defective. It had a bad graphic card. So they sent me a new graphic card. Finally, I had a working G5, but I had missed the deadline of a job and lost $5K. So I let Carol know I was frustrated with Apple craftsmanship and my $2500 computer now cost me $7500.

Another part of my dialog with Carol: I went in with the attitude that Apple was a good company and that there was an obvious, but unfortunate, problem with their G5 motherboards. And like the power supply problem I was sure that Apple would issue a mass fix-it program but I couldn't wait for that to be implemented. I told Carol that my computer was my main tool for my photography business and that I also use it when teaching Photoshop and my G4 laptop could not handle the load.

Main points as pleaded to Carol: I had several problems with my G5 straight out of the box; I believe an Apple computer should last past AppleCare warranty of 3 years; I know Apple will fix this issue sometime but I just can't afford to wait till then; I rely heavily on this computer to earn a living.

Reality, I just have the "exception code" so I'll see what happens next. I'll be a little nervous till my box is back home working for 3 months straight, then I'll be smiling. I will post updates as they happen.

If you got a dead G5 with the typical motherboard symptoms and want it fixed on Apple's tab then pick a day to fight and don't give up till you get what you know is right. Call, call and call till you get the right person. Don't be a dick to the first tier, that can't do anything anyway, but they can get you to the right person if they want to. DO NOT MENTION CLASS ACTION LAW SUITE! (I think if Apple doesn't get a mass recall going there should be a law suite. Just don't mentioned it.) Be a supporter of Apple and let 'em know your life revolves around your computer. If you had previous problems with your computer let 'em know, I think that's what helped me the most.

Some people may say fuck it, time to buy a new box anyway. Well, if that's what you wanna do and got the cash go for it. But please, for all of us trying to get Apple to take responsibility, call Apple and make a formal complaint about your failed motherboard.

The other option: http://www.dttservice.com I spoke with Brian, to fix mine would cost $450, dual core is $550. Best price anywhere... but try Apple first!!!!

Early 2005, Dual 2.3 G5 #G8528....
Apple number I called: 800 275 2273

I hope my LONG post helps others just like others gave me the insight to fight and get this fixed. Good luck and keep posting!

Chris

[macbabe]

"This time around we were armed with a little more information thanks to a popular mechanics article: http://www.popularme...logs/technologynews/1707941.html"


Their G5 Extended Repair Program you can link to thru that article ended Dec 15, so those of us unaware of it even though we get emails from them every other day pushing their products were unable to use it. Imagine that.

[rifraf]

It seems like that replacement program was iMac's only.

[macbabe]

Which is what I and several others in the thread have. And it was back before Dec 15 that mine was in the shop, and still is right now because a dead computer wasn't going to do me any good at home. The nice guys at the shop have been holding onto it until I decide what to do with it; I'm sure they're hoping I or Apple will end up paying them for the repair. I think I'll call Apple support and bring up that I didn't know about that program and see if I can get some help. At this point, I've got nothing else to lose.

[rifraf]

Ah, I thought everyone had PM G5s...wow, well in that case welcome to the effed up party then.

[charlesc]

Hello All -

I waited to post this update until I had heard the final word from Apple regarding the repair for a failed logic board on my G5. I just heard today...

Congratulations to those few who have gotten Apple to pay for the repair. I was not so lucky. After discussing this problem with Apple, over the period of several WEEKS, they decided that they would not pay for the repair because it had already been done. You see, I could not wait for them (I use my machine for work) and sent it to DT&T and had the board replaced. So now they will not reimburse me the $450 for the repair.

I was offered an iPod. I refused.

My attitudes have changed over the past month. I am sick of this. At the same time I bought the G5, I bought a PC from PCaudiolabs and their customer service has been outstanding. My PC is still running. My Mac, although repaired, is still not quite what it used to be (might have to reinstall everything oh yeah I have time for that). I once thought it would be too much of an inconvenience to switch to PC and another software program. With all the time I have wasted on this Mac, I am now seriously considering switching back to primary PC system. Mac does not = reliable. Not anymore.

~Charles

[wrbmonster]

im going to try and dedicate some time to calling apple tongiht.

ill post up what happens after the call.



-Jon

[keysmank]

Going to call Apple today also but since its difficult to get media tech editors to write anything negative about Apple because the sales dept needs the advertising dollars , why don't we use the power of ebay to show the consumer the problem. If everyone put their defective G5 on ebay with a headline "IMac G5 with Bad Logic Board good for parts" i would hope we'd get some response individually at least. Imagine hundreds of ads with this headline. Tech editors would have to notice.

Here's mine:http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120357914711&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123

[kennzee]

keysmank... Sorry it has come down to that for you. I personally have not done a thing because of my particular situation. I know I would be shot down by Apple immediately: my G5 20" iSight being a store demo model bought from a reseller in Canada and being out of the extended warranty program, not to mention not even being in the serial number range Apple was so gracious in allowing.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I only had my G5 a little over a year, purchased a slew of programs ($2,000) to bring me back up to speed and was just beginning to adjust.
I have been out of work for over six months now and can't afford the DT&T "fix". Nor can I even take on some free-lance projects to make a few bucks because I have a dead Mac.
Instead of writing to the tech mags, knowing, as you said, they are not going to print anything negative about Apple for fear of losing advertising dollars, how about your local (and maybe not so local) newspaper(s). I believe someone else suggested this as well.
Here is a link to over 3,300 newspapers in the 50 states for anyone who is interested.
http://www.50states.com/news/
In my mind, I would target any local paper(s) where an Apple store might be close. For me, I have quite the selection: Morris Cty., Somerset Cty., Essex Cty., Bergen Cty. NJ, and perhaps Lehigh Valley, PA.
Perhaps just address the letter to the editor.
I wonder if the boys and girls at DT&T would be willing to release numbers as to the amount of G5's they've repaired within the last six months alone. I'm guessing... NOT! 'cause they gotta be happier than pigs in...
Sorry for the long post. My only recourse at this point is to purchase a SATA HDD dock, pull the HD from the G5 and try to get any and all docs I can off the HD. At least that would only be about a $60 investment.

[macbabe]

Earlier in the thread, pcjet posted "...speak to Nate Maughn. Dial 1-916-399-7992, then use the system to spell his last name, Maughn." I just tried that and his name was not one of the choices when doing that. I hope he didn't get fired for helping a few people!!!!

Curious question: why has this thread not been deleted? What relation is the Macworld forums here to Apple? Apparently not enough for the thread to be shushed.

[Droid]

macbabe said:

Curious question: why has this thread not been deleted? What relation is the Macworld forums here to Apple? Apparently not enough for the thread to be shushed.

There is no relationship between Macworld and Apple other than the $$$'s that Apple pay in advertising to Macworld and the sucking up Macworld do to get new products for review etc. Macworld/ IDG also manage the Macworld Expo too (that happened today).

On the other hand the threads on the Apple Discussion Forums are monitored and maintained by Apple, and posts have been removed, edited or dumped into the archive to make them less visible. Apple (like any other company) doesn't appreciate criticism in it forums. There are several threads, but this seems to be the main one concerning dead/ dying G5 Power Macs http://discussions.a...ssageID=8575315

I had a post deleted for 'Off-topic or non-technical posts, Inappropriate links'. This was because I included links to my mac death list?
http://pixelchimp.net/mac-death/
http://pixelchimp.net/mac-death/list

I also think selling the G5's on Ebay is also a bad idea, since Ebay can remove the history at any point.

[macbabe]

Thanks for the info, Droid. I saw your post a few days about about your lists, and haven't posted mine on it yet but will shortly.



Found some interesting comments at that link to the Popular Mechanics article mentioned above:



"Now here's the thing, In NZ (and probably in most highly regulated countries) we have something called the Consumer Guarantees Act. Essentially, this says that 'goods and equipment, bought for a specific purpose, must be fit for that purpose for a reasonable period of time'." - After bringing that up this guy got his fixed for free by the store he bought it at, after Apple refused. Did someone up-thread mention this kind of act in the US?



"Just had my iMac G5 17" in the genius bar for overheating issues.... After concluding it may be the logic board he was going to replace it free of charge but was not able to because only the 20" model is being replaced. He told me the 20" has a failure rate of 30% while the 17" has a failure rate of only 19%."



"On 9-08-06 my iMac G5 experienced massive hardware failure. Just past the warranty period. ..... According to several technicians my serial number W8502320PP8 indicates that it is part of a batch of G5's that have a "design flaw"."



"Go to According to Jim to find out more Apple repair information." - Some web site called "According To Jim"? Don't know but will research when I've got more time. Then again it may be superficial info that most here already know.



This statement is from Popular Mechanics:

"Complaints became so numerous that MacInTouch recently conducted its own reliability survey of iMac G5 owners. Of 1948 responses, the site's survey found there was an 18 percent failure rate among the original iMac G5 machines with 17-in. screens, and a troubling 31 percent failure rate for models with a 20-in. screen. (Recently purchased models had far lower failure rates--of around 11 to 12 percent.)" - Popular Mechanics stated 40% (!!!) of the ones they purchased had to be sent back to Apple for replacement or repair.

[csborgman]

Last week when I spoke with Brian at DT&T I asked if they have been getting tons of calls about fried G5 mothersboards. He lead me to believe that nothing too much out of the ordinary so far. I think cause most people go back to Apple for help and either pay the overpriced fee, buy a new G5 (Apple's true goal) or just give up and go to PC. I told Brian get ready for lots of work cause I and others are posting their info on forums. He was very happy and said thank you.

Update of my G5:

After getting the "exception code" from Apple I took my G5 to Tekserve here in NYC. The first level tech guy plug it in and tried to boot up. Gray screen then boom, dead. But when I came back from the restroom he was browsing through my hard drives with no problem. I asked him the hell did you get it to boot up? He said he just zapped the PRAM with the keyboard shortcut. Huh? I told him I tried that but the computer would not boot up long enough to take the keyboard command.... or so I thought.....???? He booted it up several time with no problems. I did leave it there for a thorough check-up.

The only thing I can think of is: I removed some fans and blew out the dust and the computer got bounced around a little during the trip to the shop. Maybe something was loose and now it sitting better. I'm pissed cause now if they can't find a problem my "exception code" might be wasted on a routine check-up. That always used to happen to my car, take it back to the dealer... "well, it was making a really bad sound just 20 minutes ago but now I don't hear anything." And then you drive away and it happens agin. Sucks cause the repair guy just thinks your weird. HA!

Chris

[rstk]

After random kernel panics while the machine was idle, over the past several months, it finally decided it would no longer be booting.

Serial G8546xxxxxx

I don't really have the inclination to fight with Apple CS on this as it's a machine provided by my employer, and they're too big to bother with it, but unfortunately I was issued a windows machine as a replacement. So long Apple.