08-24-2006, 07:39 AM
[quote chas_m] My understanding from Apple is that although the hard drive in a MacBook is childishly simple to replace, it is not classified as a user-serviceable part -- meaning that if you replace your HD, you void your warranty. Please check with Apple on this, they have not been clear with us lowly reseller types on this.
Uh, no on both counts.
1) Apparently you didn't read the memo because Apple has DIY hard drive replacement instructions for the MacBook on the consumer side of the support web site. That as much makes it a user serviceable part, if only be default. You can d/l it here
2) A user replacing a non user serviceable part does NOT de facto void his warranty. For the warranty to be nullified either installation of the non user-serviceable part has to cause damage to the system, or the system has to be damaged during the course of installing the item.
Specifically the warranty states: "This warranty does not apply: (a) to damage caused by use with non-Apple products...(d) to damage caused by service (including upgrades and expansions) performed by anyone who is not a representative of Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider"
The operative phrase here is "damage caused by." If a user installs an un-authorized HDD and then the screen dies, Apple cannot refuse warranty service unless it can show some relationship between installing the HDD and the screen dying.
The accurate statement would be to say installing non user-servicable parts MAY void your warranty, not WILL.
Uh, no on both counts.
1) Apparently you didn't read the memo because Apple has DIY hard drive replacement instructions for the MacBook on the consumer side of the support web site. That as much makes it a user serviceable part, if only be default. You can d/l it here
2) A user replacing a non user serviceable part does NOT de facto void his warranty. For the warranty to be nullified either installation of the non user-serviceable part has to cause damage to the system, or the system has to be damaged during the course of installing the item.
Specifically the warranty states: "This warranty does not apply: (a) to damage caused by use with non-Apple products...(d) to damage caused by service (including upgrades and expansions) performed by anyone who is not a representative of Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider"
The operative phrase here is "damage caused by." If a user installs an un-authorized HDD and then the screen dies, Apple cannot refuse warranty service unless it can show some relationship between installing the HDD and the screen dying.
The accurate statement would be to say installing non user-servicable parts MAY void your warranty, not WILL.