Apple kicks off MacBook repair extension program

Summary: Did you buy a MacBook between May 2006 and December 2007? If you did, keep on reading.

Did you buy a MacBook between May 2006 and December 2007? If you did, keep on reading.

Apple has learned that a very small percentage of hard drives that were used in MacBook systems sold between during this period may fail under certain, unknown, conditions. The problem shows up as a flashing question mark on the screen.

Affected are the 13-inch black and white MacBook models with the following processor speeds and hard drive capacities:

  • Processor speed: 1.83GHz, 2GHz, or 2.16GHz
  • Hard drive capacity: 60GB, 80GB, 100GB, 120GB, or 160GB

If your MacBook falls into the age and spec range and starts displaying the flashing question mark on the screen then you need to take it to Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider where the system will examined to confirm if it is eligible for a free of charge replacement under this program.

This program covers affected MacBook models for 3 years from their original date of purchase or until August 15, 2010 whichever provides longer coverage. Apple will continue to evaluate the repair data and will provide further repair extensions if needed.

Topics: Laptops, Apple, Hardware, Mobility

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3 comments
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  • Just curious

    Do we know the manufacturer/source of the defective hard drives?

    Despite Apple's claim to the contrary, they must know the actual reason for the failures. They have some idea as to the reason for the failures, else they would not be taking responsibility. It would be easy to say that customers abused the Macbooks in question by dropping it or some other form of abuse.

    This also proves Apple uses off-the-shelf ordinary PC parts. They take chances for the sake of the bottom line just like any other OEM.
    djchandler
  • RE: Apple kicks off MacBook repair extension program

    Thank you for posting this. My Macbook died last week
    with the flashing question mark, and it was bought during
    the time period. I have a Genius appointment tonight!
    keatinmd
    • Followup

      I went in to the Mac store tonight and they replaced my hard drive on the
      spot. They don't make 60 gig hard drives anymore, so they had to give
      me 160 gigs. The Genius jokingly said "We can partition that if you want."
      keatinmd