2020 MacBook Air, M1. Display damaged by previous owner. Thought about using it as a desktop, but my goodness, it is so light. Checked on display replacement cost on Amazon. Called a reputable third party locally. No real idea, just a verbal $400 - $500.

New, these are $1000. So, tempting to just use it as a desktop with an external display.

But, for a nice display, $350. For a hub, connecting the USB-C and the display, anywhere from $50 to $150. And, it is stuck on the desk.

Apple Store -- how much? $428. Warranty? Yes. Okay...

Very careful inspection of the machine. Very careful shipping in a sleeve to prevent scratches. Sent to authorized repair site. No cost. Promised on Saturday. Available a day earlier.

Visited the store to pick up. Instant customer service. Literally 30 seconds from check in to an associate bringing it out. "Do you want to inspect it before paying?" "Sure, why not." No scratches. Booted up instantly, and in a few minutes, it was obvious that things were fixed. Paid.

Read the paperwork. Not just a display replacement. I/O board replaced. Trackpad replaced. No extra charge. Who knew the other parts were in need of replacement? Apple knew.

So, I have a fast M1 MacBook Air, at a total cost of $447. It was given to me for zero USD, with the broken display. I have the ideal travel laptop now. Very happy.

So happy I bought Old Forester 86. 1L. $25. It was the least I could do to celebrate.

I have always been spectacularly impresed with serice at an Apple Store. Most of the time, they fix the problem, or give you a new replacement regardless of the status of a warranty or service plan. Granted, this is more likely if you are having problems with a "Pro" version of their product, but still, they always go above and beyond what they have to do to make their customer happy.

Apple gets a lot of shit but my experience with them is they stand behind their product.

My grandson knocked my perfect condition MacBook Pro, top of the line $$$$, laptop off a table and in the process of trying to catch it somehow stomped on the display and destroyed it.

I explained to the apple employee exactly what happened and that I knew the damage was not covered under warrantee and asked for a repair estimate...

$600 and change to repair, they would have to send it off. I signed the repair order and left it.

Picked it up 10 days later... Apple guy says... Here ya' go! We are going to waive the repair fee on this one! Sign here you received it back and you are good to go, no charge.

Also... took in a broken out of warrantee over 2 yr old iPhone X once due to the touch not working. Lady waiting on me says I'll be right back... she comes back with a brand new one in the box. She ask if I need help setting it up... NOPE, I'm GOOD, thanks! ZERO charge.

My next experience my be awful but... Yes, I am an Apple fan boy. YMMV.

Tip, don't go in bitching...