Automatic Fee-Waiver Fee

The broken Powerbook is on its way back to Apple, and in theory the replacement MacBook Pro is or will soon be on its way to us. Today I was canceling the AppleCare warranty on the Powerbook in order to get back the prorated amount for the year remaining on the warranty. I noticed in the fine print of the agreement that upon canceling the agreement they expect you to pay a cancellation fee of $25 or 10% of the prorated amount, whichever is less. That’s irritating. Then I saw the next phrase which stated that I would also be charged the value of all repair work performed under warranty.

Now hang on… I’m canceling the agreement because they sold me a computer that fries logic boards. Any repairs performed under the warranty were solely due to the faulty product they sold me. And they might try to have me pay for those repairs after they have agreed that they manufactured a faulty product which was sold to me under warranty.

I have let my concerns be known via email and on the phone. The best I could get out of them was that they were logging my concern and once the actual refund is issued I can contact the refund department for a breakdown of the math they used to arrive at whatever number they come up with. (As long as I pay the Highway Robbery Explanation Fee.)

I haven’t been ripped off yet, but I’ve got my eye on you, Apple.