I have the Macbook Pro SR 2.2 GHz upgraded to 4gb of Ram, Nvidia 8600GT 128MB and a 120Gb hard drive that I purchased 3 years ago. Within the first year of having this computer when I turned on the computer I would get blue vertical banding and yellow horizontal banding. I didn't have apple care so I was concerned and called Apple to tell them what happened. Because it only happened once and went back to normal, they said the laptop was fine. I had brought up that I read on the internet that Apple was having issues with the 8600GT video card and the girl asked me for my serial number on my macbook pro. She assured me that I would get 2 extra years if something happened to my computer.
Guess what? Nothing happened to my computer for the last 2 years until 2 weeks ago, the screen did the exact same thing but was permanent. Tried resetting with the guy at the genius bar and nothing. I then told him about the conversation that I had with the girl and he said no such conversation took place. Apparently, it is impossible with apple when a case number is given that it is misplaced or erased. He tried to do the graphics test but my laptop couldn't complete it. I was disappointed and politely told the guy at the genius bar that the conversation did take place but he said no possible way. As I was leaving, the apple store, the guy was kind enough to stop me and he further asked me more questions. I don't know what happened but he did a complete 180 degrees and said that looking at my machine and the condition it was in, he would give me the benefit of the doubt. He authorized the repair.
So, they were backordered on the logic board and said it will take a week to get the part in. After one week, a girl called me and said it will take 2 more days because while replacing the logic board, then damaged the screen and had to replace it. I then went to pick it up, and the screen shorted out, so they made me wait an hour. Another guy comes out and apologizes and tells me they have to replace the right IO board and to go home. I call them back in 2 days and they say they cannot fix it because they don't know what the problem is. So here I am thinking that I got 3 years use out of the computer when another lady calls me and apologizes. She then says come and pick up a brand new computer 2.66 GHZ, 4gb of ram, 9600GT and 320 GB hard drive. I now have a brand new box waiting at home because I didn't open it up yet.
Sorry for the long post but IMO Apple has the best customer support and very pleased right now.
ps I don't care if the new macbook pros are coming out, I am very happy with mine now.
