COMPLAINT ACTIVITY REPORT Case # 271562 Better Business Bureau of Silicon Valley
Consumer Info: Bluestein, Richard Business Info: Apple Computer
xxxxx 1 Infinite Loop Stop 47-2l
Chicago, IL 60613 Cupertino, CA 95014-2083
773 xxxx 408 974-6401
Location Involved: (Same as above)
Consumer’s Original Complaint :
Problem Date: 01-July-2007
Purchase Date 04/27/2005
Product is Power Mac G5 dual 2.5 Ghz
Serial Number is RM5105KGQPP
Repair ID is R12260998
Consumer’s Desired Resolution:
I was watching a movie using the product in question with my dog. Suddenly, I heard several very loud popping sounds, like from a cap gun. I looked at the g5 and through the grating I could see flashes of small explosions. It smelled very bad – like a chemical smell and scared me and my dog too.The Apple Store ‘Genius’ told me, when I brought it in to be fixed, that it was probably a bad power supply and that it would cost around $250.00 to replace the power supply. I approved this repair.A few days later, an Apple Genius rep called me back and said that the problem was far worse than just the power supply. He said that in fact, the logic board, CPU’s and power supply all needed to be replaced and that would cost me $2200 to fix.I then asked what happened to cause the problem and I was told that the coolant leaked and had destroyed these electronic components.I told them to hold off on the repair until I was able to obtain a resolution from Apple Corporate. I wrote a detailed email to Apple Corporate well over a week ago and received no response whatsoever.I have found much evidence of other owners of this model of computer having the exact same problem. Not only is it the result of product *design*, it is also a very dangerous situation. The coolant which leaked is tasty to pets and toxic to humans and animals. My dog could have easily gotten killed by the fluid. Apple has not had the decency to warn people of this health hazard.All I’m asking for is for the computer to be repaired to its original working condition at no cost to myself.Richard BLuestein
BBB Processing
07/20/2007 web BBB Complaint Received by BBB
UPDATE 07/27/07Â Situation 100% resolved bye Apple.
One reply on “Toxic Mac Syndrome Update”
I just had a similar problem with the G-5. I was told the processor leaked toxic liquid all over the inside of the box. I’m still under warranty so they offered me a Mac Pro, but refused to compensate me for the thousands of dollars in third-party video cards that were damaged. Prior to the diagnostic evaluation at a Mac store, the Apple Care rep after hearing my description of the problem, proceeded to interview me over the phone about my health. She made no mention of the danger she obviously suspected. I hand carried this machine to the Apple store having no clue it could be seriously harmful to my health. I will never buy a Mac again. How did your situation get resolved?