A popular YouTuber discusses their experience with Apple's repair policies after damaging their iMac Pro while disassembled. Despite understanding that they wouldn't be eligible for warranty service, they expected Apple to offer a reasonable repair solution. However, Apple refused to quote a repair cost, citing that it would be higher than the cost of a brand new machine.
The YouTuber argues that a Mac is just a computer and that repairing it shouldn't be excessively expensive. They break down the cost of parts and labor, estimating that the total cost should be around $2,100, not enough to cancel out the value of the still-working components.
The YouTuber also addresses the liability argument, stating that Apple can do a comprehensive check of its own hardware and guarantee a repair. They also discuss the culture of fear that Apple cultivates among its authorized service providers, preventing them from ordering replacement parts without a work order and imposing fines for non-compliance.
In the end, the YouTuber was able to obtain a brand new logic board for $2,000 through a contact, and they plan to repair their iMac Pro. They note that if it wasn't for Apple's anti-consumer policies, it would be possible to get replacement parts for less than the retail price of a new unit.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The YouTuber's iMac Pro was damaged while disassembled.
2. Apple refused to fix the iMac Pro.
3. The YouTuber expected Apple to offer a reasonable repair solution.
4. Apple's repair policies have been criticized.
5. The YouTuber received advice and suggestions from viewers.
6. A discussion about right to repair and fair repair was sparked.
7. Apple's authorized service providers (AASPs) have limited access to parts and tools.
8. The YouTuber contacted an American AASP technician who said they wouldn't be able to get certified for a couple more months.
9. Apple's certification process for AASPs is rolling out slowly.
10. The YouTuber's local AASP wasn't certified to repair the iMac Pro.
11. Apple charges high prices for replacement parts.
12. The YouTuber was quoted $5,500 Canadian for a new logic board.
13. The logic board includes the CPU and RAM, which are socketed and not soldered.
14. Apple's policy is to require AASPs to return defective parts or face fines.
15. AASPs are not allowed to order replacement parts without a work order.
16. Apple cultivates a culture of fear among its AASPs.
17. The YouTuber managed to get a brand new iMac Pro logic board from a contact for $2,000.
18. The contact may be able to get exchange pricing, which could reduce the cost to $0.
19. The total cost of repairs, including labor and shipping, was around $3,400.
20. This is comparable to the cost of a new iMac Pro.