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Apple Refusing to Fix Computers of Smokers

Consumerist has the story and of course slashdot picked up on it.

The facts of the matter are:

  • It's incredibly obvious when a computer is used by a smoker.
  • Smoking can violate the terms of the warranty the same way spilling pop on your MacBook Pro can violate the terms.
  • Apple is well within their rights to refuse service under the terms in the second bullet point.

What's confusing here is why Apple - or at least a few employees - are claiming "biohazard" and "OSHA" and "second-hand smoke." It's a simple case of a voided warranty by customer abuse, just as if they'd spilled pop in their machine.

End of story.

3 Responses to "Apple Refusing to Fix Computers of Smokers"

  1. I'm a smoker but I don't smoke around my MacBook. I smoke outside anyways so I shouldn't run into this issue. I'm sure the smoke would eventually give the screen a yellowish tint.

  2. The complaint is not that it is a limited warranty, but that there is no limitation specific to smoking in the warranty, ergo it should be covered.

    Regarding your second bullet point, I am sure if you look at the warranty contract, there is a specific limitation on liquid ingestion, making the point invalid.

  3. [quote comment="56181"]The complaint is not that it is a limited warranty, but that there is no limitation specific to smoking in the warranty, ergo it should be covered.[/quote]

    I don't think so. The warranty says that any act of abuse can be ruled out. It doesn't only cover specifically listed acts of abuse.