Last week, we noted that Apple had expanded its iMac 1TB Seagate Hard Drive Replacement Program to include iMac models sold between October 2009 and July 2011. The program provides for free replacement of the defective Seagate drives or reimbursement for repairs already paid for out of pocket by machine owners.
Apple has now begun emailing customers for whom it has contact information associated with a purchase of one of the affected machines. The email provides essentially the same information as is posted on the replacement program's support page, but helps ensure that iMac owners are aware of the issue.
Dear iMac owner,
Apple has determined that certain 1TB Seagate hard drives used in 21.5-inch and 27-inch iMac systems may fail. These systems were sold between October 2009 and July 2011.
Our records show that you have an iMac with an affected 1TB Seagate hard drive. Apple will replace your hard drive with a new one, free of charge, under the iMac 1TB Seagate Hard Drive Replacement Program.
Owners of affected iMac machines are covered for three years or until April 12, 2013, whichever provides longer coverage.
Top Rated Comments
I put the serial number for my iMac purchased June 2011 in on the webpage for the replacement program, and it came back saying that I didn't have a Seagate HD (as previously noted by the8thark). I went into the System Information (Click the Apple at top left > About This Mac > More Information > System Report > Hardware > Serial-ATA) and found that I have a model number ST31000528AS in my iMac, which is in fact a Seagate 1TB HD (again, noted by the8thark, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148433). Given the discrepancy, I call Apple to discuss the matter.
I talk to an Advisor and Sr. Advisor that both said the records show I have a Western Digital drive in my iMac. I insisted that it was a Seagate, and sent them a screenshot of my System Information window. Long story short, they are replacing my HD.
If you are in the same situation, call Apple and reference case number 361827989 as to why they should replace yours too!
After mine crashed regularly and overheated, I arranged two calls with their paid telephone department £30 service calls to resolve the issue. After that didn't work I took it into the store which is in a different city. They said after a clean install of the operating system it should work. It didn't so I went back to the store.
I noticed that they tried to recreate the same conditions which was usually file transfers from external hardrives however they used usb with only small amounts of data transfer. When I said they should use a bigger drive the iMac became too hot to touch and crashed. They said I would need a new drive putting in at cost. I said I was in UK Warranty.
The Head Genius said that Apple only offer a year warranty. I showed in the sales of goods act which permits up to five and the EU law which clearly states two. He adamantly refused. That day I saw lots of customers in store paying for clear manufacturing faults despite their products still being in warranty.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/255851/italian_court_upholds_apple_warranty_fine.html
I initiated a small claims. The store manager called me and said I was wrong that they had a right to charge. I continued the legal action at a cost of £94 for court application.
17 threatening calls from apple and they then offered a "goodwill replacement". I refused as its not goodwill its a legal requirement for them to repair and as they have refused on 3 occasions I wanted a refund additionally this goodwill would not renew the warranty or cover the legal expense.
Later after they had called another 10+ times they offered a replacement again under the term goodwill.
They had their defence struck, but applied for it to be reinstated. Their defence is they don't have to repair and offered a goodwill gesture (yet no offer to cover court fees). Today I get a default apple letter saying the drives are faulty and offer to replace so their defence of were not under a warranty to repair is humorous.
So they wait as long for customers to pay for their faults, allow hazardous computers to leave the store and fraudulently misinform or refuse customers their legal rights.
Can't wait to see how they defend their actions now. Will keep everyone informed. I only wish big corporations were aggressively fined for defrauding customers and wasting court and customer time.
AJ
The info has been out there for long enough.
How is it Apple's fault that you were negligent in checking whether your computer qualified for it? once again we have people not taking personal responsibility.
They destroyed mine too. I didn't even hear about this recall until after my drive crashed. Thankfully, this time, I finally had everything backed up.