Macbook screen repair - cheapest option?

ArbitraryRandom

I was playing with the cat and managed to knock my MacBook air off the sofa - resulting in a cracked display (which is still 'usable' but I've basically lost an inch at the side of the screen). Not covered by insurance. 13 inch 2020 model. 

Looking online, I can see quotes for repair coming in at around £370.

I can't get a quote from the apple website (I don't have apple care as it was a refurb when I bought it) but understand it would cost more than £370 if I took it to them(?) 

I've messaged a local repair shop to see if they do repairs and if so, how much. 

Any other ideas/ways to save some cash on this? (Please don't say switch to PC...) Or any recommended repair places I can send it away to? 

Neil_Jones

Sue the cat?

Macbook screens aren't cheap unfortunately, if it was a WIndows based laptop you could have probably replaced the screen yourself for about £40 as they're relatively standard.

If you provide your model number somebody may be able to advise:

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201862

ArbitraryRandom

This? 

Model Name: MacBook Air 

Model Identifier: MacBookAir9,1

ForumUser7

ArbitraryRandom said:

This? 

Model Name: MacBook Air 

Model Identifier: MacBookAir9,1

MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020)
Colours: space grey, gold, silver
Model Identifier: MacBookAir9,1
Part Numbers: MVH22xx/A, MVH42xx/A, MVH52xx/A, MWTJ2xx/A, MWTK2xx/A, MWTL2xx/A
Newest compatible operating system: macOS Ventura
Tech Specs: MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020)
User Guide: MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020)

Where did you purchase it from, and are you still under your warranty? I ask only because if you get it repaired at a place other than apple or an apple authorised repair provider, the warranty is likely to be voided. That said, if you try and claim under the warranty for a future issue, they may query if it falling could've caused the fault.

ArbitraryRandom

Music magpie in September 2021 - so no, the warranty was only 12 months (and I don't think their warranty would cover accidental damage anyway?)

I appreciate it's going to cost to get repaired, I'm just trying to check I don't pay over the odds. 

All I've done is google for screen repair and found an online quote (and emailed to see about a local quote) - so I was hoping that someone might confirm that's about the right ball park, or be able to recommend a reliable company. 

ForumUser7

ArbitraryRandom said:

Music magpie in September 2021 - so no, the warranty was only 12 months (and I don't think their warranty would cover accidental damage anyway?)

I appreciate it's going to cost to get repaired, I'm just trying to check I don't pay over the odds. 

All I've done is google for screen repair and found an online quote (and emailed to see about a local quote) - so I was hoping that someone might confirm that's about the right ball park, or be able to recommend a reliable company. 

You're right that accidental damage usually is covered by add-on insurance, not by a warranty.

Given it has expired, my point around the warranty being voided is irrelevant anyway.

Have you been able to determine if the repair places you've found use OEM or third party parts? OEM is usually better quality and more reliable, so perhaps get a quote from Apple too and then based on the difference, determine how much it matters to you if the part is OEM or not.

Apple and Apple authorised repair providers use OEM parts, and this is sometimes why they are more expensive. They do also seem to charge a premium because it is Apple though.

ArbitraryRandom

The options I've found are: 

1. Local place (waiting back on a quote - their website says they are an 'apple independent repair provider using genuine apple parts' and has 12 month warranty on screens)
2. https://bournemouthitsolutions.co.uk/apple-mac-screen-repair-replacement-nationwide/ (£229 if I'm reading it right, but I assume not a licensed repair place - does say 12 month warranty)
3. apple (the nearest licensed repair place is nearly 50 miles away so...)

Had another look at the first place I found (£370). They say genuine apple parts but when you read their terms it says 'where available' and they can use knockoffs if that's what they have. Also reading more carefully it says the warranty is only 3 months. 

ArbitraryRandom

To update: 

The local place has quoted £260.00, and they're not an apple shop (independent), but do use apple parts and do have access to apple diagnostics tools, plus a 12 month warranty on the repair - the genuine apple parts and full screen replacement has cinched it and I've paid the deposit. 

The other main plus is I can take it in and get it fixed in a couple of hours - full screen replacement. Just have to wait until maybe next Friday (combination of them needing to order the part and my work schedule). 

HARRY_KARRY

Hi! AR.Just a thought but have you looked at your home insurance to see if it covers accidental damage? Also check if you have bank accounts with benefits package. I cracked my  IMac screen last year (it toppled over when I was plugging in headphone.) I resigned myself to the situation. Then checked my contents insurance, rang them up to ask, yes it was covered. I was shocked and surprised. In fact typing this message on it now. 

Hope the suggestions help. H