Getting a "vintage" computer fixed

[straitguy]

So after almost seven years of daily service, with no problems at all, my Macbook Pro needs a new keyboard. But the geniuses at the Apple Store just shake their heads and say they can't give me that, as it is too old ("vintage" is their term) and Apple won't send them the part. I can take it to some unauthorized guy, and pay probaby $400, they tell me.

Is there any way around this? I can get an external keyboard for $50, and connect it to the laptop, but that is just clunky, as it has to stay close to the macbook pro's screen. I guess it is time for a new computer, but what a scam on Apple's part. Or should I just happy it lasted this long and buy a new one?

 

[shakenbake]

Does this model have Bluetooth? If so, it is easy to use an external Bluetooth keyboard.

 

[Born2Star]

Get on eBay or something find the same computer not working selling for parts. It should be much less than $400 then you can do the transplant yourself.

But for seven years perhaps it's time for a new one.

 

[frankcastle]

After seven years that computer owes you nothing. I'd upgrade it. A lot has happened in seven years in terms of improvements. How much money do you want to sink into an old computer.

 

[Frankfooter]

Seven years of use for a laptop is pretty outstanding.
Buy a cheap usb keyboard, don't repair it as you're better off spending the money on something new and much, much better.

 

[lewd]

If you know the faulty part, most OEM parts are available online.

 

[straitguy]

Thanks for all the advice

 

[Ceiling Cat]

Laptop or desktop, I prefer to use a wireless keyboard when I can. I use the Logitech wireless keyboard with touchpad. I use prefer to use a wireless mouse at the same time. They are on special at Best Buy for $30 now.

http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product...er_accessories&CMP=KNC-GOOGLE:::PRODUCT+GROUP

 

[explorerzip]

Macs are notoriously tough to repair since they glue everything shut. Even if you have a knowledgeable person take your Mac apart, there is a chance they might damage some internal parts. Generally speaking, Windows laptops are easier to work on and replace parts.

 

[shakenbake]

http://www.insidemylaptop.com/how-to-replace-keyboard-on-macbook-pro-13-15-17-laptops/

and

[url]http://www.ebay.com/sch/Replacement-Keyboards-for-Apple-MacBook-Pro/31568/bn_746855/i.html
[/URL]

 

[fuji]

If you decide to pay somebody to do this, first compare what it would cost you to buy a brand new laptop. $400 goes a long way towards a low-end laptop.

 

[Frankfooter]

http://www.insidemylaptop.com/how-to-replace-keyboard-on-macbook-pro-13-15-17-laptops/

and

[url]http://www.ebay.com/sch/Replacement-Keyboards-for-Apple-MacBook-Pro/31568/bn_746855/i.html
[/URL]

Or here:
https://www.ifixit.com/Search?query=macbook+pro

 

[trm]

When my eight year old MacBook needed some service the people at the Apple Store told me which competing computer store to take it to for the necessary work. That store's service manager laughed and said Apple sends him a lot of business. He does not understand why Apple does not stand behind its products.

 

[lewd]

When my eight year old MacBook needed some service the people at the Apple Store told me which competing computer store to take it to for the necessary work. That store's service manager laughed and said Apple sends him a lot of business. He does not understand why Apple does not stand behind its products.

What other computer manufacturer stands behind an 8 year old computer?
In fact, most other computers don't even make it to 5 years.
Apple like every other company charges a fee for out of warranty repairs. My personal experience is they often waive fees if it's a minor matter.

Funny how now that they're one of the biggest companies in the world, Apple bashing is now cool. All this despite still having a small marketshare.
No one gave a shit about them in the 80's and 90s.

 

[explorerzip]

When my eight year old MacBook needed some service the people at the Apple Store told me which competing computer store to take it to for the necessary work. That store's service manager laughed and said Apple sends him a lot of business. He does not understand why Apple does not stand behind its products.

Of course Apple stands by its products after you purchase an expensive Apple Care protection plan.

 

[Anynym]

If it doesn't have bluetooth, spend $15 and get a tiny bluetooth dongle that fits in a USB port, and use a bluetooth keyboard. There should even be apple-specific keyboard models available.

And if you haven't already done so, you might want to upgrade to a solid-state drive (be sure you know what backups you have and what your restoration procedure will be). The performance improvement over a hard drive is tremendous.