> Maybe it's because I live in Silicon Valley
That may be the reason. I live in the Netherlands and I have had consistent terrible experience with Apple store repair service.
> It took three weeks, but in the end I basically had a new laptop, except the screen.
For professional use, that is just unacceptable. If you rely on your computer for income, you can't wait that long.
That is the reason why any Apple product will never be 'pro'. Regardless of how nice the hardware is, if it breaks I need a repair or replacement device immediately. IFAIK Apple does not offer such service (unless you have >50 devices).
Other brands (HP, Dell, Lenovo) offer on-site same day repair service. They send someone to your location and if they can't fix it on site, they'll give you a replacement/loaner. For me, that service is well worth the cost. If only Apple would offer that.
That may be the reason. I live in the Netherlands and I have had consistent terrible experience with Apple store repair service.
> It took three weeks, but in the end I basically had a new laptop, except the screen.
For professional use, that is just unacceptable. If you rely on your computer for income, you can't wait that long.
That is the reason why any Apple product will never be 'pro'. Regardless of how nice the hardware is, if it breaks I need a repair or replacement device immediately. IFAIK Apple does not offer such service (unless you have >50 devices).
Other brands (HP, Dell, Lenovo) offer on-site same day repair service. They send someone to your location and if they can't fix it on site, they'll give you a replacement/loaner. For me, that service is well worth the cost. If only Apple would offer that.