I tried the factory reset, except it never seems to get past the rapid flashing LED stage. I left it flashing for over 30 mins before giving up and power cycling again.

Amy (I've been told she doesn't like me referring to her as SWMBO) and I are awaiting a pair of new MacBook Pros that I ordered online last week, could I use their default 12 month applecare to get one of the local stores to look at it?