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Editor · Aug 23, 2006, 08:50 PM

iMac G5 purchased November 2004
More than $2,000
1 gig RAM in DIMMs of 512
250 gig hard drive
17 inch
Bluetooth keyboard and mouse
Applecare protection plan

April 7, 2006
hard drive and fan replaced

picked up May 8

May 12
logicboard replaced

picked up few days later

May 24
logicboard replaced again (done in home)

Now goes to sleep in:

Safari
iDVD
Final Cut Express
iPhoto
Using external hard drive
Making disk image

When starts going to sleep, no clicking or using different programs helps.

After computer sleeps, it will work for 30 more minutes if let it sleep for 30-60 minutes. If wake immediately, it will sleep more and more quickly until it sleeps every 20 seconds.

Had to open computer to reset System Management Unit because it would not reboot.

When changing Energy Saver in System Preferences to “Put the hard disk(s) to sleep when possible” and “Put the computer to sleep when it is inactive for ‘x’,” computer will not sleep.

OS 10.4.7 (10.4 plus combo update) reinstalled and drive wiped.

Told by Apple to take in for service for third time. (Logicboard was replaced in home second time.)

Buy a Dell for 300 bucks, everybody. Screw this crap.

I was once a psycho Mac evangelist and thought PC morons were morons.

(Ironically, my G3 iMac SE graphite [13 gig, 384 meg, OS 9.2.1] still works, albeit with no image on screen.)

Editor · Aug 23, 2006, 09:19 PM

If I didn't have the extended warranty, it would be a year parts and labor. I'd be out 700 bucks in previous repairs and still be totally screwed.

The “specialist” on the phone was talking fast about how it's obviously a hardware problem when I asked if anything else could be done.

Then a while later, he asked if I were talking about a replacement. He reprimanded me for not just saying so, but then said they would not replace it at this time. I asked about the criteria, and he said there are some but he could not tell me what they are.

I asked what it takes to qualify as a lemon, and he almost came unglued, shouting, "That is not a term, that is not a phrase we accept at all. It is not a part of our reality" or somesuch nonsense. He was talking way too fast, and I wasn't taking proper notes.

discotronic · Aug 23, 2006, 10:03 PM

Sounds like the first release iMac G5. I had the same one and got it replaced.

Have the logicboard replaced again and do it fast. 3 major repairs and it is a lemon. Don't let them jerk you around.

Editor · Aug 24, 2006, 06:15 AM

Does that mean it has to be three repairs of the same part? Does the third replacement logicboard have to fail or third including the original?

discotronic · Aug 24, 2006, 06:27 AM

Since they are going to replace the logic board again, you should ask for a replacment. Be nice but don't take no for an answer.

When my iMac had so many problems I didn't have a problem with the people that helpded me. You should really file a complaint about the person that you spoke to. Apple has always been at the top of their game as far as support in my book.

I am dealing with HP right now for one of our laptops at work and I have to say that there is nothing like a language barrier to make things difficult. Dell support for the home user is nothing but crap. I am lucky that we have a business account through them.

Rodster · Aug 24, 2006, 08:45 AM

Wow man sorry to hear about your iMac. I still haven't figured out was that Apple that was giving you a hard time about the repairs or an authorized Apple Service Center?

Editor · Aug 24, 2006, 11:34 AM

"Since they are going to replace the logic board again, you should ask for a replacment. Be nice but don't take no for an answer."

So you're sure that's the problem?

WOPR · Aug 25, 2006, 02:22 AM

Buying a cheap Dell will not cure your problems!

Editor · Aug 25, 2006, 06:59 AM

I'm certainly not going to buy an expensive one.

discotronic · Aug 25, 2006, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by Editor

"Since they are going to replace the logic board again, you should ask for a replacment. Be nice but don't take no for an answer."

So you're sure that's the problem?

Unplug all USB devices except the keyboard and mouse and see if it helps but I don't think it is the problem. The logicboard is about the only thing to replace since everything is built on the board.

They will most likely have to replace it. That would make 3 logicboards since new which is unacceptable. There are laws in some states that make it mandatory to replace something after 3 major repairs.

Editor · Aug 28, 2006, 10:50 AM

Haven't heard from the repair guys yet.

Apple deleted my thread from its support site, though. Wimps.

EmmEff · Aug 28, 2006, 11:04 AM

Did anybody think about replacing the power supply?

Editor · Aug 28, 2006, 03:39 PM

Before the last repair, the guy said it was probably the power supply, but then apparently decided it was the logic board. I actually thought he had replaced the power supply and not the board (it was in-home and my wife was there while I was at work) but I checked the copies he gave us and it just said logic board.

EmmEff · Aug 28, 2006, 04:17 PM

I have a hard time believing you have such bad luck that you'd get three bad logic boards in a row. Have you considered taking it elsewhere or even mentioning to the tech that it might be the power supply?

I'm not making excuses for Apple because this misdiagnosis is inexcusable. Your machine should've been replaced outright already and let Apple figure out that it was the power supply all along.

Editor · Aug 28, 2006, 05:03 PM

It's already a 45-minute drive to this repair place. The next closest might be much farther.

Life in the boonies.

EmmEff · Aug 28, 2006, 05:13 PM

Understood. I think you've got to be more firm with them. Your time is valuable. They shouldn't be exploiting it because they're too incompetent to fix the problem correctly. I know this is all easier said than done, however you have a legitimate complaint.

Editor · Aug 31, 2006, 04:31 PM

Called the repair place today. The guy said he's been doing different stuff but hasn't replicated it sleeping. He said he set it to sleep every three minutes and it did.

I told him it wasn't so much a problem with it not sleeping, although that did occur, but that it sleeps when it's not supposed to. I suggested having iDVD try encoding video in preparation for burning a DVD. He said he'd try to find it something hard to do.

I'm thinking of retrieving my graphite iMac G3. Aside from the screen, it still runs. I'll try to score a monitor from work so I can surf over the long weekend.

Editor · Sep 5, 2006, 03:35 PM

I got a call from the repair guy. He was unable to replicate the symptoms after a few days of trying.

Apple is convinced there is nothing wrong with it, he says.

Because I wasted their time, I had to pay the repair guys 80 bucks.

He says if it happens again, they will refund the money and recommend to Apple to put in a third logic board.

I've never been so pleased and enthusiastic! Yippee!

seanc · Sep 5, 2006, 03:51 PM

How is the repair guy testing your system? Is he using your OS X install or one on an external drive? Could be that your OS installation is broken.

Editor · Sep 5, 2006, 03:58 PM

He just fired it up using the OS on my internal drive, I believe. He also used the Hardware Test, which produced no negative results.

I believe I can reproduce the symptoms tonight and give Apple a disgusted phone call shortly thereafter, if I get it done before they close for the evening.

seanc · Sep 5, 2006, 04:07 PM

Good Luck

Editor · 06:55 PM

Deleted post due to stupidity.

Editor · Sep 10, 2006, 06:48 PM

iMac started getting sleepy again today. I used my digital video camera recorder to document the lack of plugged-in peripherals, my lack of sleep preferences, and its propensity to sleep vigorously despite my prodding.

Maybe I can get my 80 bucks in bond money returned.

Editor · Sep 11, 2006, 08:41 PM

Apple says maybe my power-button switch assembly is making the computer think it is supposed to go to sleep, so that is the next step in my weeks and weeks of down time and fourth trip to the shop (not counting an in-home repair).

I did score a phone-tree number and extension this time, at least.

seanc · Sep 12, 2006, 12:15 AM

Well, this machine has had too many repairs and should really be replaced by Apple. I would push for one if I were you.

larrinski · Sep 12, 2006, 01:00 AM

I am sad to hear about your problem. I had a 1st gen imac. I had the HD replaced, the logic board, my superdrive would flop out the discs and the fans were getting louder... I had to drive an hour to the repair shop. After a few repairs I told them that I had had enough. I asked to speak to customer relations. They are the ones that make the replacement decision. I was given that tip by my repair tech. Call and ask to speak to them. I am sure there is an ongoing case number! It worked for me. And tell the customer relations rep about the LONG drive!! Good luck. I got a new intel imac out of it.

Editor · Sep 12, 2006, 06:35 AM

I've been leery of pushing too hard or making demands for fear they will become more rigid, although perhaps I have nothing left to lose. Ugh. Another hour on hold tonight, perhaps!

But I've already got their command to take it in listed in my case. I hope that doesn't hurt things.

Editor · Sep 12, 2006, 07:09 AM

So, do I call the Applecare number, tell the digital voice my computer type, wait for a tech, tell them my name and number, and then ask for customer relations?

Editor · Sep 12, 2006, 08:43 PM

Tues: spent 45 minutes on hold for tech specialist, told facts of case for 30 minutes while they were documented; spent hour on hold for customer relations; got cut off.

I believe Apple support is getting far worse. The hours suck as well. I tried to call back at 8:15 local time (CDT) but it’s too late.

Got case number, at least.

dimmer · Sep 12, 2006, 09:41 PM

Per the latest stats, the on hold time is 43 seconds on average, the longest time on hold was three minutes. AppleCare is 24x7x365, so if you are on hold for 5 mins and 30 mins you are the unluckiest kid on the block and you have magic wizard skills that can mess with the heads of AT&T's ACD. I guess you never got a dance at your high school prom either huh?

Seriously, you should check your mains. There's your problem.

Editor · Sep 12, 2006, 10:11 PM

Applecare is round the clock, 365? When I call the number, it says, "Welcome to the Applecare serice and support line. You have reached us outside our normal business hours, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time." Then the friendly lady voice direct me to the Apple site.

What "mains" should I check?

When I call during "normal business hours," I wait a good hour each time to get through.

dimmer · Sep 13, 2006, 02:07 PM

Mains: your electric supply. What number are you calling for AppleCare?

wtmcgee · Sep 13, 2006, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by discotronic

Since they are going to replace the logic board again, you should ask for a replacment. Be nice but don't take no for an answer.

When my iMac had so many problems I didn't have a problem with the people that helpded me. You should really file a complaint about the person that you spoke to. Apple has always been at the top of their game as far as support in my book.

I am dealing with HP right now for one of our laptops at work and I have to say that there is nothing like a language barrier to make things difficult. Dell support for the home user is nothing but crap. I am lucky that we have a business account through them.

I actually had so many problems with the g5 iMac here at work, I demanded a replacement. They couldn't get a g5 iMac so they gave me a 20" core duo iMac instead. It took some talking, but they were willing to help me out after they realized how much trouble the computer was giving me.

Editor · Sep 13, 2006, 04:37 PM

I believe it is this one: 1-800-275-2273

Editor · Sep 13, 2006, 06:59 PM

The repair guys say the power supply is A-1, and Apple does not seem concerned about it.