Borked MBP keyboard

So the Macbook Pro's keyboard broke: the kids spilled juice on it, and several keys got stuck. The laptop booted properly but I couldn't log in (I did not configure SSH).

I took it to Digital Hub in Greenhills for repair. After a week, Digital Hub reported that the Macbook's top case was due for replacement. Since liquid damage was not covered under Apple Care, the replacement part would set me back Php10,450. Ouch. They also said that the keyboard backlight doesn't work anymore, and that the logic board also needs to be replaced because of that. The logic board replacement was quoted as Php55,000. WOW!

No way I'm gonna replace the logic board just so I can have the fancy keyboard lights, so I opted to have the top case replaced instead.

Two weeks later, I went back to Greenhills, claimed the Macbook, and while testing it, confirmed that the keyboard light no longer worked. I also got the old top case, and hesitantly parted with Php10,450. (That was worth some people's monthly salary already!)

This was worth Php10,450.00 

The sad Macbook's top case (back)

The next day, I was surprised to find out the the keyboard backlight still worked. So I called up Greenhills to verify, and asked them why they also recommended to have the logic board replaced to have that functionality back. I wondered out loud if the top case replacement was really necessary.

Digital Hub sent me an email detailing the work done on the laptop, including photos of the liquid damage. Apparently, the keyboard connectors to the logic board were already corroded, and the tech's (kneejerk) "worst-case" recommendation was to have the logic board replaced. The report also mentioned that the old keyboard has become unusable because of stuck keys.

Okay, fine: the top case replacement may have been necessary, but for the logic board?

"Evidence" of the kids' shenanigans

Here's another

...and another

The "corrosion" in the logic board connectors

Corrosion due to liquid damage?

More evidence!

My takeaway from this sad episode:

1. The cost of owning an Apple product is ridiculous. Ah, the perils of being a fanboy!
2. Apple Care is worth diddly-squat. (Well, I did RTF-fine-print, but should've paid more attention about that section on "accidental" and liquid damages.) Which brings me to...
3. Getting a silicone keyboard protector (Php350 on CashCash Pinoy) could've saved me from this aggravation. That protector is now worth Php10,450.