I'm not sure about a refund if it's not within the returns period because that quality standards thing, as far as I'm aware, only requires them to provide you with a replacement. If you can get your money back though, a Mac is certainly a good replacement and no matter what people who don't own a Mac say, I've not heard of anyone I know having problems with theirs and certainly haven't with mine. (although I do drive it crazy with all the programs I have open )