Where to fix Macs?

[EJB]

My Late Dec-2016 MBP (TB with custom Radeon add on gfx card) has finally entered a stage of where the battery needs to be replaced.

Saw on Apple's website $288, so made an appointment at A*lab and went on down, only to be informed, regardless of the repairs needed, there is a evaluation and diagnostic charge of $130 on top of the labor and parts because my MBP is out of warranty. Told the CSO that's dumb and didn't make a scene but chose to walk out and seek other options.

Anybody has any recommendations on trustworthy battery replacements which is done on the spot with me overseeing? Not that I'm Edison Chen but would prefer the machine not leave my sight.


Additional issue:
- When using to browse video/YouTube > 10 minutes, the screen will start to shimmer (except the top menu bar). If I persist in continuing watching the screen will blackout, audio and TB and keyboard still works. Just no display. Or if I am using it normally for like 8 hours, it will also blackout eventually like I am using for video. Have tried to upgrade the software and all but to no avail... any hints?

 

[manofsorrows]

Try MacPlus at Clementi.

 

[EJB]

Try MacPlus at Clementi.

Thanks, will look it up. Found one directly 8 levels below my current office also.

 

[reddevil0728]

My Late Dec-2016 MBP (TB with custom Radeon add on gfx card) has finally entered a stage of where the battery needs to be replaced.

Saw on Apple's website $288, so made an appointment at A*lab and went on down, only to be informed, regardless of the repairs needed, there is a evaluation and diagnostic charge of $130 on top of the labor and parts because my MBP is out of warranty. Told the CSO that's dumb and didn't make a scene but chose to walk out and seek other options.

Anybody has any recommendations on trustworthy battery replacements which is done on the spot with me overseeing? Not that I'm Edison Chen but would prefer the machine not leave my sight.


Additional issue:
- When using to browse video/YouTube > 10 minutes, the screen will start to shimmer (except the top menu bar). If I persist in continuing watching the screen will blackout, audio and TB and keyboard still works. Just no display. Or if I am using it normally for like 8 hours, it will also blackout eventually like I am using for video. Have tried to upgrade the software and all but to no avail... any hints?

Can try going apple direct for a diagnosis. i think no charge or they have more say at waiving it

 

[EJB]

Can try going apple direct for a diagnosis. i think no charge or they have more say at waiving it

Hi, thanks!

I saw the price online for batteries for out of warranty MBP 15" TB was $288, and I made an appointment for today.

Upon my turn to be served, they checked and then informed me as it is out of warranty there's a $130 diagnostic and evaluation charge ON TOP of the $288, which was ridiculous as I already wanted the batteries to be replaced and was not seeking a consultation or any form of advice. It wasn't really stated on the website either that the battery price is exclusive of diagnostic/evaluation, the table for the battery price simply stated "Out of warranty" price.

I was a bit disgusted by this practice/charge and argued back on this, but the counter staff was adamant that she can't do anything and recommended I take it outside for repairs if I'm not willing to pay the fee.

Having been a Mac user since iBook to PowerBook, to MacBook Pro (several models between), this really left a bad aftertaste in my mouth. Just ranting, nothing I can do since the battery is not self serviceable for this series of MBP.

I'm not due to change this MBP so thus thought I'll replace the battery.

First time I'm also told I should not plug in the power and use the MBP as it would damage the device and battery - by the CSO. The device would not know where to draw the power from. *roll eyes*

 

[reddevil0728]

Hi, thanks!

I saw the price online for batteries for out of warranty MBP 15" TB was $288, and I made an appointment for today.

Upon my turn to be served, they checked and then informed me as it is out of warranty there's a $130 diagnostic and evaluation charge ON TOP of the $288, which was ridiculous as I already wanted the batteries to be replaced and was not seeking a consultation or any form of advice. It wasn't really stated on the website either that the battery price is exclusive of diagnostic/evaluation, the table for the battery price simply stated "Out of warranty" price.

I was a bit disgusted by this practice/charge and argued back on this, but the counter staff was adamant that she can't do anything and recommended I take it outside for repairs if I'm not willing to pay the fee.

Having been a Mac user since iBook to PowerBook, to MacBook Pro (several models between), this really left a bad aftertaste in my mouth. Just ranting, nothing I can do since the battery is not self serviceable for this series of MBP.

I'm not due to change this MBP so thus thought I'll replace the battery.

First time I'm also told I should not plug in the power and use the MBP as it would damage the device and battery - by the CSO. The device would not know where to draw the power from. *roll eyes*

this is ALAB right?

 

[EJB]

this is ALAB right?

Yes. A*Lab at Plaza Sing, drove all the way from Ubi, paid $4.10 parking and got nothing done.

 

[reddevil0728]

Yes. A*Lab at Plaza Sing, drove all the way from Ubi, paid $4.10 parking and got nothing done.

Actually since the arrival of Apple Store in Singapore, that might be a better go to for such needs in future.

btw curious. what's the * with ALab?

 

[EJB]

Actually since the arrival of Apple Store in Singapore, that might be a better go to for such needs in future.

True, however, Apple Store is in Orchard and I'm not really fond of driving and parking in orchard especially near Christmas shopping season, so that didn't come to mind to go Apple Store direct. I assumed all the repair/service options displayed on Apple's website offered the same solutions and professionalism.

 

[reddevil0728]

True, however, Apple Store is in Orchard and I'm not really fond of parking in orchard, so that didn't come to mind to go Apple Store direct. I assumed all the options displayed on Apple's website offered the same solutions and professionalism.

I will say Apple Store has more discretion about stuff, given that they are apple direct

 

[EJB]

I will say Apple Store has more discretion about stuff, given that they are apple direct

Yes, I do not deny that, but it's alright, have decided that I would either repair the battery outside if I can get a good quote and/or just live with it until I write off in another 5 years and get a new MBP.

 

[firesong]

True, however, Apple Store is in Orchard and I'm not really fond of driving and parking in orchard especially near Christmas shopping season, so that didn't come to mind to go Apple Store direct. I assumed all the repair/service options displayed on Apple's website offered the same solutions and professionalism.

Go to jewel's branch rather than Orchard's. Parking is cheaper.

From experience A-Lab seems to have got some additional charges that they levy that Apple's official service centres don't seem to have - I changed my battery at Apple Jewel. Service fee also wasn't $130. It's S$ 48.00.

 

[EJB]

Go to jewel's branch rather than Orchard's. Parking is cheaper.

From experience A-Lab seems to have got some additional charges that they levy that Apple's official service centres don't seem to have - I changed my battery at Apple Jewel. Service fee also wasn't $130. It's S$ 48.00.

Good to know this, let me arrange to see if I can head over next week. I work i Ubi for now, Jewel isn't that far. $48 is still somewhat reasonable though since I want to change the battery I don't know why need service fee when I'm already paying for the service to get it changed in $288.

 

[Blimeyomega]

If its just battery replacement, why not try Sim Lim square?

I had brought my previous 2 macbooks to Nigel at PC Care and solution. In 2013/2014 he had swapped out my macbook white screen with another on the spot. Last year when I brought my 2013 MBP to ask about potential SSD failure he actually gave realistic expectations on the costs and repairs without any charges. I mean, no harm giving a call if you dont want to go down.

 

[firesong]

If its just battery replacement, why not try Sim Lim square?

I had brought my previous 2 macbooks to Nigel at PC Care and solution. In 2013/2014 he had swapped out my macbook white screen with another on the spot. Last year when I brought my 2013 MBP to ask about potential SSD failure he actually gave realistic expectations on the costs and repairs without any charges. I mean, no harm giving a call if you dont want to go down.

The 2016 onwards MBP have the batteries glued to the enclosure. Apple actually replaces the entire bottom housing (with keyboard, touchpad, and touch bar).

 

[firesong]

Good to know this, let me arrange to see if I can head over next week. I work i Ubi for now, Jewel isn't that far. $48 is still somewhat reasonable though since I want to change the battery I don't know why need service fee when I'm already paying for the service to get it changed in $288.

I stopped going to all the 3rd party retailers since the Apple Genius bar opened.

A friend of mine sent in her iPhone and got conned for additional charges that sounded suspicious when I heard about it. Another friend's Mac also had additional repair costs that seemed strange to me.

 

[EJB]

I stopped going to all the 3rd party retailers since the Apple Genius bar opened.

A friend of mine sent in her iPhone and got conned for additional charges that sounded suspicious when I heard about it. Another friend's Mac also had additional repair costs that seemed strange to me.

Good point there, I can go Jewel lunch as well. Never had issues with claims at A*Lab for a faulty iphone cable, DOA iphone etc, but this time their $130 fee really takes the cake. I'll make an appointment for jewel.

 

[szeli]

 store check is free. after they tell u e cost u can choose to not do it. macplus is my vendor of choice outside of  store. helped me with my MacBooks a few times.

 

[Tobolah]

Yes, just go direct to an Apple store and skip 3rd party vendors (even if they are authorised by Apple). All those 3rd party authorised vendors are just digging their own graves by levying such surcharges.

 

[EJB]

Thanks to @firesong , I made an appointment today to send in my MBP. Arrived slightly late due to the weather. Nonetheless, the experience was indeed awesome compared with A*Lab.

The staff confirmed the case is bloated and uneven, diagnosed the battery on the spot and confirmed the battery is failing and proceeded to inform me they will change the base case, keyboard, trackpad, touchbar and battery. But they will only charge me for the battery service at $288, no other charges but will need about 5 working days to get it fixed.

I spent $9+ parking there for about 4 hours, had lunch and coffee & did some shopping at the same time. The experience is so so so much better opposed to A*Lab's. I'll never go back to A*Lab again for my Mac issues. Totally BS charges. My friend who went with me on both occasions also felt the same and that the Genius bar is way better in every aspect from beginning to end.