I Broke a 2yo MacBook- Replace it with a Brand New One?

In My Humble Opinion
41

well, regardless, the upgraded parts, whatever the hell they are, probably weren’t affected by the water and we will be going together to get the damage appraised (again). It’s probably a logic board failure and it will probably be at least $700 to repair.

I think he just had “pro envy” and called his macbook a pro because of the high-end specs (which I still think are ridiculous seeing as how he just uses him computer for casual browsing and music playing… sometimes hulu). But that doesn’t matter either. What’s important is me accepting donations. :wink:

42

You shouldn’t be thinking about replacing it.

  1. Find out what he really has

  2. Find out what that model with those specs goes for eBay and average it with the cost of a refurbished identical model from Apple

  3. Get a fixed estimate in writing for repair.

  4. Write your friend a check for the lowest ammount from those options. DO NOT attempt to replace it. You’d be opening yourself up to a million possible problems if you do anything but pay off your debt with dollars.

43

That’s a great idea that you’re going with him, for two reasons:

  1. If you’re at all concerned he might be trying to take advantage of you, you can avoid that by paying the repairer directly. You know your friend won’t be getting it fixed for $500 and then charging you $800.

You could always use the excuse that you need to pay directly because you need to use your debit or credit card, or that you’re not comfortable carrying cash home from the bank.

  1. I’ve never owned a Mac, so it’s hard for me to comment on what the best solution is, but probably the repair person will have some opinions. While you’re there with your friend, you might consider asking the repair person a few pointed questions, to try to get an idea about what makes more sense----repair, refurbished, new computer, used computer.

P.S. Not sure what to say about the glass of water being placed next to the computer by your friend. Sure, it’s not a good idea. However, he could always argue that he’s done it all the time without trouble.

Regardless, the fact that you want to make good is a sure sign that you’re a wonderful person. Keep it up.