Mac laptops forum: Replacing HD/Memory in MBPro Unibody VOIDS WARRANTY!

Hello -
I went to the Apple Store in Westfarms Mall in Connecticut tonight to purchase a 13" MacBook Pro. While talking to the representative I told him that I wanted to replace the hard drive. He stated that if I even removed the bottom panel, I would automatically void my warranty. I showed him Chapter 3 of user guide that comes with the MacBook Pro which outlines instructions on how to change the hard drive and memory. I also showed him on the same documentation on the apple site, http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/MacBook_Pro_13inch_Mid2009.pdf and the support for MacBook Pro for mid 2009's instructions on replacing the memory: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1270 and replacing the hard drive: http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/MBPRO_13inch_Mid2009_Hard_Drive_DIY.pdf

I questioned that the last document says DIY in the filename and how could that possibly void my warranty and he said that the technicians are told that any MacBook Pro that is brought in that has the bottom opened by anyone other than an Apple technician automatically has the warranty voided. When I asked for a copy of the warranty, it was not provided.

I stated that the Macbook user guide, has information about how to replace the memory, and if that was covered by warranty. Their response was that user replaceable Hard Drive and memory are covered on the Macbook only and not any of the unibody MacBook Pros.

If replacing the hard drive and memory is a void of warranty, then why is the documentation on how to do so online? Why are the instructions in Chapter 3 (called Boost Your MacBook Pro) in the user guide when you purchase the product? This information needs to be removed from the user guide, and the warranty needs to be stated.

If this is not the case, then will someone from Apple please contact their Apple store managers and technicians and set this story straight! Be aware, I talked to not one but three people there - one was a technician and manager, the other two customer representatives.

I would like to purchase a Macbook Pro, but not if I can't upgrade the hard drive and memory. I am shocked by the availability of documentation, and the lack of wording that says it voids warranty!

Andrew