Basically, I’m never, never, going to defend Apple Singapore or MI(which by Funan service centre I presume you are talking about them, unless you are talking about the Sapura service centre that just opened in the last few months). Apple Singapore really isn’t much of a support centre. All repairs are outsourced to external companies such as Sapura or iShop, and seriously speaking their repairs, not to even mention their knowledge of updated Apple policies on warranty coverage, is seriously lacking.

In your situation, firstly, I will call the Applecare hotline. Simply explaining your situation to the telephone support will warrant a case number and get you a replacement at any authorised service centre immediately.

Try calling the Chinese hotline, usually the people there are more free and willing to help you submit a case report.

With a case report, all the authorised service centres will just follow the required servicing stated on the report and not ask any questions. Therefore, it sometimes help to exaggerate the claim over your call to Applecare. In your case, you can claim that it is often “sparkling”.

Either way, in Singapore, for authorised service centres, try to go to Micro 2000, which is located in Sunshine Plaza. They are, still, by far the best service centre that I have came across for Apple service.

iShop service on the other hand, is hit or miss. They used to be good, but I heard complains from a few friends in the last few months.

As for Sapura, what else can I say? They are owned by the Malaysian Government. Avoid if possible.