I bought a Mac Powerbook G4 15" laptop in October 2005. It is December 2006 now. In this period of about 14 months, I had practically no access or use of this expensive laptop from July 2006 i.e. about six months.

It has a 'sleep' problem - it would just go to sleep any time not when it is only inactive for a specified time. This could happen in the middle of some serious work one is doing. Sometime it boots up and sometime it does not.

I was told that the unit was sent to Singapore for repair. I was further informed that the problem I had was a result of a 'manufacturing defect' and that Mac had a special programme to help those with this problem (Warranty Extension Program - Memory Slot - Logic Board Extension Programme). I wonder why a replacement policy for the defective machines was not in place.

I understand that Mac likes to present itself superior to the PC platform. But in my case, I would Apple Computer Inc to consider the following:

Selling of a defective Powerbook G4 15" puts a question on the standard and quality of a supposedly superior and expensive product by a big corporation.

No replacement policy, just a repair policy for problems occurring within the warranty period. I submitted my unit for repair two times within the warranty period. This 'no substitution' policy for repairs that take a long time leave customers completely helpless. My whole work schedule in relation to the purchase of this high-end Mac laptop was upset. In the end, I could not produce my video report for which this was really bought.

The default one-year warranty period is not clear. I bought the unit on Oct 6, 2005. I would expect the warranty to be over only on Oct 6, 2006. That is one year. But I am told that is not the case and I need to pay for repair and service. A double injustice and unethical practice - selling me a defective product and making me further pay for it.

I hope Apple Computer Inc knows that they need a better way to handle this kind of problems.

As of November this year, the unit is still not repaired. And as of today, I still do not have my Powerbook. Imagine this for a moment - within a period of about 14 months from the date of purchase, I had practically no access to my Powerbook for about six months.

Talk about quality of products, services and ethical practices by a leading computer manufacturer and those who work for it. It is certainly disappointing.

I also like all interested authorities to examine the quality of products and services offered by big corporations such as Apple to unsuspecting consumers. I also like to draw people's attention to the ethical practices of such corporations and those who carry out business in their name.

Apple's response policy and practice to purchases by unsuspecting consumers of defective products is most disappointing and unjust. In my case, Mac seem to say: 'You purchased one of our defective products. Too bad'.