Some Basic MacBook Repair Thoughts (Chris Gragg)
Feb 23, 2010
Laptops put up with a lot of abuse and eventually will need a fix. MacBooks tend to be particularly expensive when it comes to service and repair A few points should be kept in mind with MacBook Repairs and servicing.
Apple parts tend to be very costly. Professional labor casts are also expensive when the work becomes labor intensive, but generally the time needed to actually complete the repair is minimal as the machine is relatively small. Professional repair services will generally only use new parts, at retail price in order to maintain the warranty.
The optional AppleCare warranty is a worthwhile protection plan that offers technical support and software and hardware coverage. Your computer is covered for up to three years from the original purchase date in the case of defect or damage. The cost is an additional few hundred dollars on top of the purchase price, but relatively low compared to the cost of repairs that can occur during a three year time span.
Many MacBook users have experienced problems with the Magsafe power adapter. The narrow cord tends to separate from the magnetic end and base unit, causing poor grounding that leads to overheating of the unit. Within the warranty period this is covered. Outside of that, the unit can cost the customer as much as one hundred dollars to replace.
Plastic shells are available specifically for the MacBook that fit snugly around the body of the unit. These offer a useful protective measure against impacts and scratches. In addition, low profile plastic key guards are available that are effective against spills into the body of the laptop.
There are many repair services that are specifically licensed by Apple to fix MacBooks. It's recommended to only use these services, especially if your unit is still under warranty. Most reputable services will have viewable customer reviews and reasonable up front estimates. The turn around time is one thing that makes a service special. Having your laptop back and your life and work back in motion is very important to anyone who depends on their PC for work.
Periodically backing up files is essential, especially before submitting the unit for repair. If the laptop sustains damage that ruins the hard drive, all of the work that was stored in it as data can be lost. External hard drives are fast and store a lot of data. Recordable CDs, DVDs and other storable media offer sufficient memory for many personal computing needs. Some services may be able to retrieve data from memory after a hard drive has crashed, but this is not dependable, and the results might not be complete.
For those with light mechanical or assembly skills working on the computer themselves can be an option. Replacement parts can be purchased at many sites online, often for less than retail. Many tech websites offer detailed outlines of how to complete many repairs. Labor costs are eliminated, but the risk is run of additional damage being done by unprofessional hands. Extreme care should be taken when handling sensitive components.
Before a MacBook Repair becomes necessary, it's a good idea to have info on the costs and factors involved. Do some homework to find the fastest and most reputable service, be knowledgeable before attempting any self repair and always, always back up your data.
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