WyBlog

If you smoke, don't buy a Mac

Apple Computer will refuse to repair your Mac if there is evidence it was used by a smoker. According to Apple the cigarette smoke residue is a biohazard and they refuse to work on "contaminated" computers. Even if you bought the Applecare extended warranty, you're out of luck.

Presumably their newfound fear of all things tobacco extends to their popular iPhone and iPod products as well. If you're a smoker you'd better not send in your device for service or you'll be disappointed.

Curiously neither the Apple Store terms and conditions nor the Applecare fine print mention the fact that smoking voids your warranty. However, Mac owners who were refused service have appealed their cases to the office of Apple President Steve Jobs and been told that this is indeed the official policy.

It's said that Mac owners are like religious zealots. Now their zealotry has joined forces with the anti-smoking crusaders. I wonder, will people who own Macs or iPods now be forced to ban smoking in their homes? (Sorry Dave, you can't visit my house anymore because you smoke and I own a Mac?) What if you bring your iPhone to a party and someone is smoking?

I've heard of employers who insist that their employees not smoke, even at home. But now we have a company which refuses to honor a warranty because you're a smoker. They'll take your money and sell you the product, but then discriminate based on your lifestyle choice if the product breaks. That's just ridiculous.

So if you smoke, buy a PC.

Posted at 09:44 by Chris Wysocki   [/odds_n_ends]   | Perm Link |
Technorati Tags: Apple Mac iPod iPhone Applecare smoking