CompuB ?

Are these guys a serious business?

I've a friend who had an issue with a macbook unibody version (under warranty) and it took a week to get the casing fixed on it. The issue was cracks on the back of the casing. I was surprised by how long it took to get this issue repaired.

They then handed the laptop back to her but the sound is now broken on it i.e. the speakers are not working properly. The sound is muffled and the system is worse off than when it was before it was given in to these lads.

I'm just wondering who is the best place to go to in Ireland when it comes to getting repairs under warranty for Apple systems? And secondly, as I originally asked, are they a serious business?? Because this is ridiculous and I'd never hand my iMac into them if it needed a repair on this basis.:mad::mad:

EDIT: And the reason why I'm so bloody p*ssed off with these clowns is because I recommended them to my friend on the basis of something I'd read on boards.ie previously.

philiporeilly

As far as I know, if something is under warranty it is returned by the reseller to Apple for repair. If it wasn't done correctly bring it back, or call Apple directly.

banquo

I've only ever had top quality service at CompuB, to be fair. As far as I know they send it off to Apple to be fixed.

whippet

philiporeilly wrote: »

As far as I know, if something is under warranty it is returned by the reseller to Apple for repair. If it wasn't done correctly bring it back, or call Apple directly.

not true actually.

There are a few ASPs in ireland CompuB being one, Typetec, Mactivate, Evad are other in dublin.

They repair them in their own workshops.

With regards to turn around times, there could be a few reasons for this, volume of work on, waiting for parts from apple etc ...

If you are not happy with the repair either bring it back to CompuB or another ASP.

for the record I have dealt with compub over many years and they are in the Apple game for many many years, I have no problem with them. I also have dealt with most of the other dublin Apple resellers.

miralize

The people who repair for Compub are certified to officially fix their machines. They're the closest thing you can get to an official Apple store and Genius bar. Always a pleasure whenever I've had problems..

Sorry just to clarify, I'm referring to the Grafton Street store where these issues were encountered. It really bothered me hearing about it.

culabula

The store on Grafton St wouldn't/couldn't help me with a simple matter which required me accessing one of their several machines to recover the system preferences icon for a friend's machine that was missing several crucial programmes.

If they think that they are close to Genius Bar service or share the Apple retail philosophy, then they are sadly mistaken. Victoria Square would not have rested until my problem was solved and I was happy.

They're a decent enough bunch if you're buying something/browsing, but woe betide you if you ask a question or seek some assistance.

bluemachaveli

Never had a problem with the guys in Limerick. Top class service.

Had my 2008 MBP repaired with then about 2 months ago. It had the nvidia graphics problem. It was cover under warranty. Took 3 days and I had it back in my hands!!

I've just noticed that the underside of the macbook is not fully screwed in properly either. So not only have they messed up the speakers, it's not even fully assembled correctly.

My friend will be going back in tomorrow to get this sorted out. I'll report here how it goes.

uvox

I brought a MBP in for diagnosis (machine was out of AppleCare Warranty) to CompuB Dublin. Power on but wouldn't boot up. Logicboard problem - 1400 euros for new one I was told (effectively a new machine). I asked for a printed diagnostic report. They didn't have one. I decided to take it to an Apple Store as I was in the US shortly afterwards to be sure.

Apple replaced the logic board / graphics card for free, over night. No materials or labour cost. It was a known problem.

Draw your own conclusions. I won't be going back to CompuB.

mad muffin

You would have to be nuts to go to anyone but Apple.

mad muffin

mad muffin wrote: »

You would have to be nuts to go to anyone but Apple.

But there is no Apple store in Ireland to carry out repairs under warranty???

uvox

There is no Apple store in the ROI. There is one in Belfast: http://www.apple.com/uk/retail/victoriasquare/map/

grizzly

My experience of them – bought a mac mini which had a faulty logic board, sent it back, they sent another promising to test it first – got a new one over a week later and it had the same problem – faulty logic board. Asked for a refund – waited for them to collect the for over a week. Calls to them get passed around and ignored, was given the impression that I was a nuisance. Which I was, but with good reason.

Elessar

Deleted User wrote: »

But there is no Apple store in Ireland to carry out repairs under warranty???

Just ring Apple and they'll send out a courier to collect it! Always go to Apple first.

Elessar

Elessar wrote: »

Just ring Apple and they'll send out a courier to collect it! Always go to Apple first.

Really? Are you sure this is correct?

To update the thread, the issue got resolved on the same day it was brought back second time round.

VisionaryP

Just as well you didn't overreact then, eh?

Sad Professor

Deleted User wrote: »

Really? Are you sure this is correct?

Yes, what Elessar said is correct. Apple will collect your machine, carry out repairs and then return it to you.

VisionaryP

VisionaryP wrote: »

Just as well you didn't overreact then, eh?

All in all. 7 days to repair. Three lunch breaks wasted. Few phone calls.

You mustn't value your time.

aidan_walsh

I'm not sure about Dublin, but I know the one in Cork send machines taken in for hardware repair to Limerick to have the work done. So factor in travel time, and your job getting to the end of a 3-store queue and 7 days isn't all that bad of a turnaround time IMO.

An update to this thread, 10 days ago, my friends macbook went again - cracks around the case in exact same place as before. I told her specifically not to go into CompuB and to ring Apple because I had heard in this thread they pick up and deliver. Well she rang up Apple and they told her they don't pick up and deliver.

I then suggested she goes to another Apple Repair centre in Dublin like Mactivate but she said that because she had dealt with CompuB before, she thought it would make sense to go back to them. She didn't want to do this but chose to do it anyway as they would have a record of her macbook being repaired there previously. She dropped it in anyway, called her back a few days later to get it back - came back with more scratches on the case than when it went in and the screws in the computer were not fully tight.

Same bull**** again with this crowd. She went back with her macbook and is now waiting 10 days and counting for the laptop to be repaired a second time in 10 days. She demanded it be sent out by courier as she had been in and out a fair few times and parking charges are so expensive etc, and they finally obliged to do that. They called her today to say it will be with her today and it's now 6:30pm and she just called up and was told it will now be sent out tomorrow and should be with her by Wednesday?

Doodah7

Deleted User wrote: »

An update to this thread, 10 days ago, my friends macbook went again - cracks around the case in exact same place as before. I told her specifically not to go into CompuB and to ring Apple because I had heard in this thread they pick up and deliver. Well she rang up Apple and they told her they don't pick up and deliver.

I then suggested she goes to another Apple Repair centre in Dublin like Mactivate but she said that because she had dealt with CompuB before, she thought it would make sense to go back to them. She didn't want to do this but chose to do it anyway as they would have a record of her macbook being repaired there previously. She dropped it in anyway, called her back a few days later to get it back - came back with more scratches on the case than when it went in and the screws in the computer were not fully tight.

Same bull**** again with this crowd. She went back with her macbook and is now waiting 10 days and counting for the laptop to be repaired a second time in 10 days. She demanded it be sent out by courier as she had been in and out a fair few times and parking charges are so expensive etc, and they finally obliged to do that. They called her today to say it will be with her today and it's now 6:30pm and she just called up and was told it will now be sent out tomorrow and should be with her by Wednesday?

Angry much?

ironclaw

Deleted User wrote: »

An update to this thread, 10 days ago, my friends macbook went again - cracks around the case in exact same place as before. I told her specifically not to go into CompuB and to ring Apple because I had heard in this thread they pick up and deliver. Well she rang up Apple and they told her they don't pick up and deliver.

I then suggested she goes to another Apple Repair centre in Dublin like Mactivate but she said that because she had dealt with CompuB before, she thought it would make sense to go back to them. She didn't want to do this but chose to do it anyway as they would have a record of her macbook being repaired there previously. She dropped it in anyway, called her back a few days later to get it back - came back with more scratches on the case than when it went in and the screws in the computer were not fully tight.

Same bull**** again with this crowd. She went back with her macbook and is now waiting 10 days and counting for the laptop to be repaired a second time in 10 days. She demanded it be sent out by courier as she had been in and out a fair few times and parking charges are so expensive etc, and they finally obliged to do that. They called her today to say it will be with her today and it's now 6:30pm and she just called up and was told it will now be sent out tomorrow and should be with her by Wednesday?

That sounds to me like they are reusing parts which is fairly common in the repair game. Why buy new when you can reuse.

If this is a white MacBook (Polycarbonate) They have a known problem with cracking and splitting in the case. Where did she buy the MacBook originally? Apple have excellent customer service, I've never had a problem with them. What exactly did they say when she asked for a repair? They should have at least quoted her a price.

And I don't think your overreacting. They sound like a pack of clowns.

tallpaul

tallpaul wrote: »

Angry much?

I am actually.

And I'll be informing every single person I know about this. I know a lot of people with Macs/Apple products and I work in an industry where most people use them. Do you think I'll be recommending these guys for servicing?

Ireland is tiny and Dublin is even tinier - a fact definitely worth remembering.

ironclaw

ironclaw wrote: »

That sounds to me like they are reusing parts which is fairly common in the repair game. Why buy new when you can reuse.

If this is a white MacBook (Polycarbonate) They have a known problem with cracking and splitting in the case. Where did she buy the MacBook originally? Apple have excellent customer service, I've never had a problem with them. What exactly did they say when she asked for a repair? They should have at least quoted her a price.

And I don't think your overreacting. They sound like a pack of clowns.

Agree with you. Her macbook has applecare anyway. Apple just kept recommending Mactivate and said they don't do collect and repair.

Oh and they definitely are a pack of clowns. One of the staff members originally didn't know this was an issue with MacBooks with polycarbonate casing. They initially said they are not sure if that could be repaired as it looks like it had been dropped until she told them it was a known issue and she got a "wow, i never knew of that before" - not the brightest lads.

ironclaw

Deleted User wrote: »

Agree with you. Her macbook has applecare anyway. Apple just kept recommending Mactivate and said they don't do collect and repair.

Oh and they definitely are a pack of clowns. One of the staff members originally didn't know this was an issue with MacBooks with polycarbonate casing. They initially said they are not sure if that could be repaired as it looks like it had been dropped until she told them it was a known issue and she got a "wow, i never knew of that before" - not the brightest lads.

Its a well known issue along with "yellowing" of the case.

If its under AppleCare, go with what Apple say and document it. If your still not happy, go further and insist Apple repair it.

johnk123

Apple do collect and repair.... My dad's personal Macbook Air recently refused to charge so he called apple, they offered to send out the courier, he told them to go to his office as he would be there during the day. They called him a day later to say they had recieved it and were dispatching a new Air to him. Two days later he arrives to work to see a new MBA sitting on his desk. Good service from Apple again!

I have heard nothing but positive things about Apple's services. I would reccommend going straight to Apple first.

ironclaw

johnk123 wrote: »

Apple do collect and repair.... My dad's personal Macbook Air recently refused to charge so he called apple, they offered to send out the courier, he told them to go to his office as he would be there during the day. They called him a day later to say they had recieved it and were dispatching a new Air to him. Two days later he arrives to work to see a new MBA sitting on his desk. Good service from Apple again!

I have heard nothing but positive things about Apple's services. I would reccommend going straight to Apple first.

Thats always been the experience I've heard. Why are Apple refusing to collect? Its seems really odd if the MacBook is in warranty or AppleCare.

ApplefyMe

Deleted User wrote: »

An update to this thread, 10 days ago, my friends macbook went again - cracks around the case in exact same place as before. I told her specifically not to go into CompuB and to ring Apple because I had heard in this thread they pick up and deliver. Well she rang up Apple and they told her they don't pick up and deliver.

I then suggested she goes to another Apple Repair centre in Dublin like Mactivate but she said that because she had dealt with CompuB before, she thought it would make sense to go back to them. She didn't want to do this but chose to do it anyway as they would have a record of her macbook being repaired there previously. She dropped it in anyway, called her back a few days later to get it back - came back with more scratches on the case than when it went in and the screws in the computer were not fully tight.

Same bull**** again with this crowd. She went back with her macbook and is now waiting 10 days and counting for the laptop to be repaired a second time in 10 days. She demanded it be sent out by courier as she had been in and out a fair few times and parking charges are so expensive etc, and they finally obliged to do that. They called her today to say it will be with her today and it's now 6:30pm and she just called up and was told it will now be sent out tomorrow and should be with her by Wednesday?

Had she counted the scratches?:-)...No seriously though they are genuinely
top notch I know you have had a bad experience with them but I was in the Apple game for years, they are all fully trained and certified apple technicians
Trained in the London hq thus you get an equally qualified repairsman as you would in an apple store. The parts are ordered once the machine has been booked in and are then UPS with a repair reference, the old parts are then sent back to apple so they don't reuse parts if they did they would be billed for
the parts they didn't send back. As for the "I never knew that" comment the known cracking issue was with the previous generation MacBook not with the unibody, it's one of the main reasons it is unibody the yellowing fault is also for the previous model. Fair enough point about the screws tho

ApplefyMe

uvox wrote: »

I brought a MBP in for diagnosis (machine was out of AppleCare Warranty) to CompuB Dublin. Power on but wouldn't boot up. Logicboard problem - 1400 euros for new one I was told (effectively a new machine). I asked for a printed diagnostic report. They didn't have one. I decided to take it to an Apple Store as I was in the US shortly afterwards to be sure.

Apple replaced the logic board / graphics card for free, over night. No materials or labour cost. It was a known problem.

Draw your own conclusions. I won't be going back to CompuB.

You got lucky getting it done for nothing!! 9/10 they wouldn't
How long were you out of warranty? Was it the logicboard or the
graphics card because I know there was a known issue with some nvidia ones
As for printing the diagnostics it cant be done, the test is done by booting the machine from an external drive that contains the diagnostics at the end shows a red fail or green pass icon you can check to see where it failed by it can't be printed as it is a hardware test and thus gives you little/no user interface to print

ApplefyMe

ApplefyMe wrote: »

Had she counted the scratches?:-)...No seriously though they are genuinely
top notch I know you have had a bad experience with them but I was in the Apple game for years, they are all fully trained and certified apple technicians
Trained in the London hq thus you get an equally qualified repairsman as you would in an apple store. The parts are ordered once the machine has been booked in and are then UPS with a repair reference, the old parts are then sent back to apple so they don't reuse parts if they did they would be billed for
the parts they didn't send back. As for the "I never knew that" comment the known cracking issue was with the previous generation MacBook not with the unibody, it's one of the main reasons it is unibody the yellowing fault is also for the previous model. Fair enough point about the screws tho

There were no scratches on the case beforehand, comes back with a "4" ingrained into it and multiple scratches on the back that can only be seen at certain angles as if someone had put a piece of paper over and started writing as hard as they could on the thing.

I'm sure they are qualified but that still doesn't stop them not caring about their job unfortunately. They still are incompetent at their job and don't care about the work they do. Typical really, they're probably poorly paid and as such don't care that much. More a reflection on them than anything else.

It's not just one issue, there are also plenty of examples online of the unibody design case developing hairline cracks.