Can I just say that as much as I like Macs, I really hate Apple. Their customer service policies SUCK. For instance, I need to make an appointment for service to my Macbook, which is still under warranty. I try to do so online with my local Apple store, but because I did not purchase the AppleCare/ProCare insurance, they won’t let me even make an APPOINTMENT to bring in my macbook for any time in the future (just the current day). How wacked is that?

THEN, I call the store and get a tech to make an appointment for me. He asks me when I want to do it - tomorrow at 10am is available. I’m like, well I’ll have to drop it off the evening before because I have to be at work before 10am. He says “Oh no, we can’t hold your computer for you.” I say, “You mean I have to take off work because you guys aren’t open at a normal hour?”

“Yes maam, I’m afraid so. You can make an evening appointment if you like.”

“So, if I bring it in at 8:30pm and you aren’t finished with it by 9:30, you won’t charge me to hold it?”

“No maam.”

“Ok, then let’s please do it that way (idiot!).”

Sheesh. This plus the fact that my brand new computer is randomly shutting off make me really miss my old Gateway 2000–and more so–their amazing customer service.

UPDATE: The Macbook is now being fixed. I was nervous watching her take it away without any identification label - to some room that could be filled with hundreds of other laptops just like mine. Even doctors put sharpie on the leg they’re not supposed to amputate, so I’m hoping I don’t get the computer back with everything erased. If they get it right, they’ll only replace the heatsink and keyboard plastic (although it wasn’t terribly stained, but whatever). Now I just have to deal with a long, lonely week without my baby…