Should Apple Give Back Replaced Disks?

theodp writes "As if having to pay $160 to replace a failed 80-GB drive wasn't bad enough, Dave Winer learned to his dismay that Apple had no intention of giving him back the disk he paid them to replace. Since it contained sensitive data like source code and account info, Dave rightly worries about what happens if the drive falls into the wrong hands. Which raises an important question: In an age of identity theft and other confidentiality concerns, is it time for Apple — and other computer manufacturers — to start following the practice of auto mechanics and give you the option of getting back disks that are replaced?"

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Re:Curious

[Anonymous Coward]

You obviously don't know how to hide a knife properly! (next time, try hiding it in the guard's eye socket. Always works for me)

Re:It's an option

[toddestan]

What kind of flat rate is that?

It's like the Mighty Mouse. Atleast one button, but oftentimes it is more than that.

Re:It's an option

[ColdWetDog]

... the minimum price would be a flat-rate repair which is at least $249 but oftentimes it is more than that.

What kind of flat rate is that?

A Reality Field Distorted flat rate (kind of all curvy, that sort of thing).

Re:What?

[bigstrat2003]

Don't hate velcro, man. Not everyone who wears velcro shoes does so from lack of knowledge how to tie shoes. I wear velcro shoes, for the sheer laziness factor. Velcro is the unintelligent man's shoe, yes, but also the lazy man's shoe.

Re:It's an option

[Tablizer]

[the minimum price would be a flat-rate repair which is at least $249 but oftentimes it is more than that.] What kind of flat rate is that?

Your wallet is flat after you pay

Re:It's an option

[Anonymous Coward]

What kind of flat rate is that? It's an iFlat iRate, which makes you irate. But it's in white and makes you say "ooh shiny".

My profit would be 100% of the sale price.

[Chas]

Possibly more. Depending on the value of the data on that drive.