Chapter 1: Unboxing Excitement

After my new 2021 MacBook Pro sat unopened in its box on the floor for 11 days, I finally decided to take it out. As I eagerly unboxed it and powered it up, I navigated the setup prompts with enthusiasm. The speed of the device was astonishing, and I felt a rush of excitement at the prospect of enhanced productivity.

My previous 2015 MacBook Pro had a swollen battery, which made it cumbersome to use. The new device, however, boasted a battery life of approximately 11 hours, a stark contrast to the mere hour I was accustomed to. The keyboard felt smooth, though I was uncertain if it was an improvement over previous models. Overall, I was smitten.

Section 1.1: A Software Update Gone Wrong

After enjoying my new purchase for about 90 minutes, I noticed a prompt for a software update: macOS Monterey 12.1. As a long-time Apple user, I usually embrace updates without hesitation, and this time was no different. The update downloaded successfully and began the installation process.

However, about 30 minutes into the installation, an alarming exclamation point appeared on the screen alongside a URL to an Apple support page. This was a scenario I had never encountered in my 15 years with Apple products.

Curious, I typed the URL into my browser: support.apple.com/mac/restore. The page informed me that my Mac's firmware required revival or restoration. The text explained that in rare cases, such as an unexpected power interruption during installation, a Mac might display an exclamation point, indicating a firmware issue.

I couldn't help but look up the meaning of "revive," which, to my amusement, means to restore to life or consciousness. Ironically, within just 90 minutes of unboxing my new MacBook Pro, it seemed to have lost consciousness, leaving me feeling exasperated.

Chapter 2: The Struggle to Revive

On Thursday, December 16, my new MacBook Pro failed to function. With a flight to Grand Rapids, Michigan, scheduled for the following day, I attempted to troubleshoot the issue on my own that Saturday morning, but to no avail. I then spent over an hour chatting with Apple support online, yet still faced failure. Eventually, I made an appointment at the Genius Bar in Grand Rapids.

Upon arrival, the staff member examined my device, attempted to power it on, and tried various restoration methods. After assessing the situation, she checked for the availability of the same model in stock, which they had.

I ended up returning my malfunctioning MacBook Pro, and I purchased a new one. Currently, I'm typing on that very device. As for my first MacBook, I remain uncertain of its fate; in my mind, it’s permanently out of commission.

Though I’m unsure of the frequency with which Apple computers fail shortly after purchase, I suspect it's exceedingly rare—perhaps less than 1 in 1000, possibly even less than one in a million. This unique incident was merely a fleeting annoyance in my life.

Blips like this will inevitably occur, both in my life and yours. We must embrace the journey, move forward, and maintain a positive outlook.

To gain insight into troubleshooting a dead MacBook battery, check out the video titled "Jump-Starting a Dead MacBook Battery by Resetting the SMC."

Additionally, if you're facing a black or blank screen on your MacBook Pro, the video "How to Fix Blank/Black Macbook Pro Screen (Easy Fix)" provides an easy solution.