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It was interesting to read Alan Burman’s
views on the MacBook Pro battery
replacement process (MF #345). When
my MacBook Pro was recalled recently, I
contacted Apple and was told it would take
three weeks to replace the battery.
As an essential device that I use on a
daily basis for work, I was also concerned
about the length of time the replacement would take. I asked if they were
able to offer a loan computer for the three-week period, as I was still
covered by AppleCare. Apple Support said no, but mentioned that if I took
the MacBook Pro in to my local Apple Store they may be able to help me.
Unfortunately, my local Apple Store said that they couldn’t offer me a loan
device, so I was left without a computer for three weeks.
The experience with Apple was still better than I’ve experienced with
other PC makers but, like Alan, I didn’t think the service lived up to what I
would have expected from Apple.
The problems with this MacBook Pro (Mid-2015 model) continued after
upgrading to Catalina. After the upgrade, Microsoft Word and Outlook
became unstable to the point of being unusable. When trying to select
text, the app and OS would freeze for 5-10 seconds. The only other online
reports I’ve found are for the same model of MacBook Pro.
After lengthy discussions, tests and
trials with Apple Support and Microsoft, the
conclusion is that there is a bug in Catalina.
I’m now waiting, hoping that an imminent
update for Catalina or Microsoft Office will
resolve the problems. It seems as if the mid-
2015 MBP model is having a bad year!
BY CHRIS PICKARDPRO BATTERY UPDATE
In a previous letter (MF #345), I sought to
draw attention to the unreasonable amount
of time that the battery recall process for
MacBook Pros would require, leaving users
without their devices. I have now received
another message from Apple.
My local dealer is now able to do the
work without sending the device away. The
turnaround is likely to be no more than two
to three days and they will work with me
to avoid unnecessary delay. What a stark
contrast to the original two to three weeks!LETTER OF THE MONTH!
Have your say on all things Apple!
n LETTER OF
THE MONTHApple probably had a significant amount
of negative feedback on their original plans,
but I suspect that it is only when publications
such as MacFormat ask questions that they
really take note. So thank you for using your
channels of communication to get this issue
raised and helping us, Apple customers,
get a better service.
BY ALAN BURMANROB SAYS...
Thanks for the update, Alan. We’re really
pleased that Apple and your local dealer
have been able to resolve this issue for you,
and fix your MacBook Pro’s battery without
having to send your machine away.MORE CARPLAY PLEASE!
With increasing inclusion of the really useful
Apple CarPlay support in cars, it’s time you
provided more details on this, especially with
respect to sat nav. On the surface it seems
simple. Just connect your iPhone to the car
using CarPlay and then run your favourite sat
nav app. But it’s not that simple... Not all iOS
Sat Nav apps have CarPlay support, and those
that do seem to be severely crippled with far
less on-screen functionality. I run Sygic
Navigation via Apple Car Play, but what
appears on my car display is not a patch on
what appears on my iPhone screen when
running the same app.
BY MARK CHAPMANROB SAYS...
We hear you, Mark – look out for more
CarPlay coverage in the magazine soon!Win an Anker
power combo!
The author of our Letter
of the Month receives a
prize! Email us to be in
with a chance of winning
a PowerPort Atom charger
and PowerCore 10000 D
powerbank from Anker –
perfect for keeping your
devices charged up and
ready to go. Find out
more at anker.com/uk.Contact us
Email your queries
and your questions to
[email protected]12 | MACFORMAT | DECEMBER 2019
From battery recalls to Catalina upgrade issues, certain
MacBook Pros have been giving Apple fans a rough ride.