When Good Apples Turn Sour

I'm posting "live" from the Apple Store.

My trusty original white MacBook waved good-bye in the middle of writing today's post at 6 am. The Apple Genius assured me that I got my money's worth since it ran around the clock for 2 1/2 years on multiple continents with brief sleeps and restarts for Homeland Security.

The problem? It needs a new logic board. After asking a few questions, it turns out I can get a new logic board, with warranty, for $280. The hitch: 7-day turnaround.

The solution: A new MacBook Air and a new logic board for the MacBook. I'll use the original with my 24" monitor on the office desk and the Air for the much-needed mobility.

For those of you thinking, "Steve, it sounds like a semi-lame excuse to score a new MacAir," I say:

You may be right:-)

Back later carrying a lighter load.

Comments

[Dean]

"...it sounds like a semi-lame excuse to score a new MacAir,"

And, somehow, it works and feels right.

Enjoy the new goodies, Steve.

[Zen By Lunch]

I'd have done exactly the same thing :)

enjoy the new toy

James

[Dan McCarthy]

Steve -
Good call. Absolutely the right decision.

I noticed the tires were getting a little worn on my Pilot… what do you think, time for an upgrade?

[Steve Roesler]

Dean, ZBL, and Dan,

Thanks for the encouragement. I needed a little lift to avoid buyer's remorse (which lasted about 1/10 of a second).

a. It turned out to be a very good decision (otherwise I wouldn't be responding:-). In addition to the obvious lack-of-weight factor for a guy who is always traveling, many of the alleged drawbacks from the naysayers (no optical drive, small hard drive, limited ports) are total non-issues. In fact, it forces one to think through what data and programs are really needed and how one uses the computer. One of the most useful prioritization activities I've done. I confess that I had accumulated binary stuff similar to the analog junk in garages and basements.

b. Dan: How is the radio working? Do you have built-in GPS? Is it really the color you want? I'm thinking that this is a good time to score a bargain. Besides, you don't want to have to worry about your wife getting stuck with a flat tire late at night and in a used car, no less. What would the neighbors think?

Time for a post on how we make rational decisions. . .