Cracked 3G S...

[terrapin]

I have had my white 16GB 3Gs since August 09 - It's been in a case since day one and has nevr been dropped, bumped, abused in any way - i took it out to swap cases the other day and noticed small hairline cracks in the casing by the ports on the bottom - did a quick search and it seems there are a ton of others noticing the same things - my question is this: I bought it, originally, at an apple retail store so will they replace it? and, if so, will they replace it with a new one or refurb (in your opinions)? I don't want to go through the hassle of restoring and wiping only to have them say "no"! I also really dont want a refurb as the device on less than 3 months old...Thanks

[Eragon]

If it is a defect, the Apple Store should replace as it is within warranty. There's no guarantee you won't get a refurb. You could ask a genius for a new unit.

[Mickeylittle]

They should replace it with no problems but for what I have no idea. I have never read of the black phones cracking so maybe it's time for a color change?

[terrapin]

well, I called 2 different apple stores that are close by instead of wasting time - here's what they told me:

store 1 - I would NEED to make a 'genius bar' appointment or I would get "turned away". the 'genius' determines the extent of the damage and if the phone should be replaced - I would 100% not be able to get the black - only the exact color/model I have now. period.

store 2 - Appointment not necessary but I would 100% not b able to request a new phone, only would get a refurb and definitely NOT black. even though I told the dude that I have read a ton of posts about the white ones having cracking issues (sans the black ones) he said there is no way I could swap for color.

Guess I will stick with the one I got until it gets REALLY bad! Fu*k!

[Mickeylittle]

Swap it. There's a good chance that the one you get won't crack.

[elmosettle]

I also have the white 3gs Iv'e had since Aug. I haven't had a problem with it so far and i don't have a case on it. Although, I had the black 3g and it got hairline cracks.
Have u ever sat on it??

[psylichon]

And I wouldn't worry about refurbs. They are mostly new (glass, casing, and battery are always new I've been told) and seem to exhibit fewer problems over time in my experience and others on the board here.

[RS1001]

A refurb is just as good if not better. They are not 2nd in quality. I think that the Quality Control on refurbs are better tah the original assembly line. I have owned 3 iphones in my family all have been traded in for refurbs and the refurbs have out-preformed the new phones. My History has proven it.

[Tug]

I had a white 3gs that had sound issues so I called TS, after they had me do several things to see if they could correct the problem the rep said they'd send me out a new phone. I asked him if he could possibly send me a black one instead and he didn't have a problem with it.