Seems Legit: App Store Support Spam

Yet another round of spam purporting from “App Store Support” or “App Store Team”, complete with graphics directly linked from Apple’s own server.

Based on a few reports, this type of spam started making the round on Thursday, October 8, 2015. Anecdotally, all the reports come from users with mac.com emails.

Should you be getting this type of spam in your iCloud email, please forward the email as attachment to spam@icloud.com

App Store Support Spam

App Store Team Spam

MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues

2011 MacBook Pro Video Issue

Apple has just announced MacBook Pro Repair Extension Program for Video Issues on Thursday, February 19, 2015.

Apple has determined that a small percentage of MacBook Pro systems may exhibit distorted video, no video, or unexpected system restarts. These MacBook Pro systems were sold between February 2011 and December 2013.

Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will repair affected MacBook Pro systems, free of charge. See below for details on affected models and service options.

As of February 20, 2015, the repair process will be available in the U.S. and Canada. In other countries, it will be available as of February 27, 2015.

I have encountered numerous 2011 MacBook Pro with the video issues. Two of them were repaired out-of-warranty in the past 3 months. I spoke to an AppleCare representative and was informed that Apple will reimburse the repair costs.

Affected Models

  • MacBook Pro (15-inch Early 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2012)
  • MacBook Pro (17-inch Early 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (17-inch Late 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (Retina, 15 inch, Early 2013)

My personal MacBook Pros are 2010 and 2014 models which do not have the video issues.

Kodak Picture Kiosk with a Save File Symbol

Kodak Picture Kiosk with Floppy Drive

Compact Flash card slot; check!

SD card slot; check!

xD card slot; check!

SmartMedia card slot ……. (Does anyone remember that?); check!

USB port; check!

CD/DVD slot; check!

Um, Isn’t it the “Save File” symbol?

None of the photos I took using my current cameras at theirs native resolutions can fit in a Floppy disk anymore.