[crazyjohnson]

I have a PB-G4-DVI (15in). At the beginning of the summer I was just ejecting a CD when the combo drive broke. Basically I couldn't put a CD in -- just physically would not go in. So, it was under the 1 year warranty so I got it fixed at the end of the summer.

Guess what, JUST BROKE AGAIN! Same exact thing. This time I am not under warranty. Is there anything I can do? I am PISSED. Does Apple guarantee their work? I really dont even use the darn drive -- burn CD's or run an installer once and a while.

The funny thing is, the drive also makes noises -- sounds like different tones coming from my drive.

Anyway, I think I might know what it is. For some reason I think the weight of my hand is causing the problem (where my R palm rests). The top must have got pushed down or something. That should not happen, but its a guess.

[RedStar]

Originally posted by crazyjohnson:

Same thing happened to me. I did a force eject at startup and the combo drive in my 800 would not accept any more cd's. It felt to me like the laser or some other surface had not reset after ejecting.

After trying many different ways to unstick the drive (out of warranty) I broke down and bought a matshita superdrive and installed it myself.

I don't do much with the drive aside from watch dvd's and burn some files occasionally, but i could use the extra space on my hard drive, so the SD was a logical step.

I know there are places to find combo or superdrives around. I would check the thread about replacing your internal drive. He has the model number of the SD - which I think is UJ-815A

If you go through apple I believe they charge a flat rate lof $350, but I'm not entirely sure.

Sorry about the tibook, I feel your pain. It is frustrating having a drive die in a notebook...good luck.

[amazing]

Originally posted by crazyjohnson:
I have a PB-G4-DVI (15in). At the beginning of the summer I was just ejecting a CD when the combo drive broke. Basically I couldn't put a CD in -- just physically would not go in. So, it was under the 1 year warranty so I got it fixed at the end of the summer.

Guess what, JUST BROKE AGAIN! Same exact thing. This time I am not under warranty. Is there anything I can do? I am PISSED. Does Apple guarantee their work? I really dont even use the darn drive -- burn CD's or run an installer once and a while.

You should call Apple Customer Relations (you'll have to do a search for the number) because the original repair might still be covered. Don't wait too long, there's probably a time limitation. Or, if you're close to an Apple Store, take it to the Genius Bar along with you original repair docs.

[crazyjohnson]

Just did that today. First called tech support to get a case number -- then I asked to be send to CR.

I dont see why these drives keep breaking. Are the drives so poorly made?

Anway, I said, "look, I'm not going to pay $300 of my own money to get a new drive just so I will have to replace it again out of my own money when it breaks down again. This is an unresolved issue. Fix the problem once and for all".

They lady I talked to was very prompt and at once gave me a free repair of the drive and anything else that could be causing the problem.

Lets just hope it wont break again. In the future I might try to open the drive and see if I can fix it. RedStar, did you try to repair the drive yourself?

Originally posted by amazing:
You should call Apple Customer Relations (you'll have to do a search for the number) because the original repair might still be covered. Don't wait too long, there's probably a time limitation. Or, if you're close to an Apple Store, take it to the Genius Bar along with you original repair docs.