[Quadra]

Macfixit.com is reporting that Apple is acknowledging the problem with 15" powerbooks having the "spotting" problem iwth the screen.

However, the ibook logic board problems are far more wide spread and yet no word from Apple.


Folks who have an ibook with a logic board problem need to let Apple know. Write letters, not only to Apple but as I have to media, including all Mac News sights.

If you don't speak Apple will never acknowledge the problem and do the right thing.

[moonsocket]

does this affect the new G4 ibooks?

[fibroptikl]

Originally posted by moonsocket:
does this affect the new G4 ibooks?

No

[Quadra]

Originally posted by moonsocket:
does this affect the new G4 ibooks?

It is too early to tell. The ibook problems normally began at about the 6th month or so. Mine 5 days before the warranty ran out.

It is highly likely that the design issues that plagued the ibook (g3) have been corrected as the case appears to be of a slightly different design.

Still it is too early to tell.

[Quadra]

Apple has been deleting messages on their boards that reference the ibook logic board failures. Simply unacceptable. If you have been affected, call Apple, voice your concerns. I have contacted the Florida SAO reference this and they are looking into it.

Florida along with other states have laws which protects consumers against products with known defects. While some may say it can't be determined if they know about this, that is bogus. They do know about the problem, as I found out by talking with the local Mac Center, but are obviously trying to ignore it.

This problem is far more prevailant than the "spots" problem on the powerbook 15", yet still goes un-acknowledged.

Nothing will get done until ibook owners stand up and make themselves heard.

This isn't an isolated issue as I have counted the posts throughout the web and this problem is noted everywhere.

Something can be done. Contact you local Consumer Affairs org, media consumer reporters, write the webmasters and writers of the mac sites.

Believe me, they didn't want to admit the G3/ OS X incompatabilty, nor the G3 powerbook adapter problem, but by pressure they were forced to do the right thing.

[deathvole]

I'm not denying there's a problem, but what's your basis for asserting that the bug with older iBook motherboards is "far more prevalent" than the PB Spots flaw?

That implies you have hard numbers for both issues, yes?

You should provide specifics each time you post, otherwise you may actually be hurting your cause in the court of public opinion. Folks might just think you're ranting.

-DV

[-Q-]

I think the iBook problem may be a bit more prevalent than Apple is letting on, but I have no idea how many people are truly affected by it. I do have anecdotal evidence of myself and two friends, all three of us purchasing our iBook in Nov '02, having suffered the logic board failure at some point. We all purchased them from the local Apple store, so it's possible that the store simply got a bad batch of logic boards, but with reading more and more about the problems occurring, it does seem like some sort of flaw.

But again, unless Apple releases some repair numbers vs. sales volume, we'll never know.

[mike one]

Originally posted by -Q-:
I think the iBook problem may be a bit more prevalent than Apple is letting on, but I have no idea how many people are truly affected by it. I do have anecdotal evidence of myself and two friends, all three of us purchasing our iBook in Nov '02, having suffered the logic board failure at some point. We all purchased them from the local Apple store, so it's possible that the store simply got a bad batch of logic boards, but with reading more and more about the problems occurring, it does seem like some sort of flaw.

But again, unless Apple releases some repair numbers vs. sales volume, we'll never know.

bought it around dec 2001

my ibook 600's MB dies 3 weeks b4 the end of the warranty about 1.5 years ago. got on the phone, bought apple care for extra two years that day , they fixed it and had it back to me in under 4 days.

[Quadra]

For the the "proof" challenged, according to 3 difference repair facilities I have spoke with the problem is epidemic compared to what they have seen with any other line.

The problem seems to be with the power regulator(?) supplying too much and/or possible spikes to the logic boards, thus frying them out.

"Not since the 5300/190 series has it been this crazy" - was one of my bud's coments at the local Apple Store here in South Florida.

Seems the ball is rolling, I have submitted the news to Mac Addict, Apple Links, Macfixit, Maccentral to name a few. Challenging them to look into it. Got a few replies to the positive.

Just want the company I have patronized and defended for over 20 years to do the right thing. I know they will.

One site on the web is asking for signer uppers for a possible class action.

[Quadra]

Sorry, here is the link for the class action info:

http://blackcider.com/

[-Q-]

Unfortunately, class actions never seem to benefit anyone other than the lawyers...

[Quadra]

Ah so true, remembering the montior suit joke. I got a $5 certificate towards a new monitor.....(Momma, hold be back).

However, the suit may not go for monetary damages as, it may ask to have Apple either recall affected books, or offer a long term extended repair policy, simular to the 5300/190 seven year deal. That seems more likely.

In anycase Apple cannot like this neg publicity during the holiday season. Already a search on google for "ibook failure" brings up the petition and the class action site.

The petition is up to 241, up from 74 just 4 days ago. As the word gets out more will no doubt sign up. Applelinks just posted a story on the possible suit, I wonder if other Mac sites will do the same, after all it is news.

I predict Apple makes some kind of statement or faq before year's end. Let's hope so.

[Quadra]

Update - Applelinks is now reporting the fight is on!

http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=321

[Quadra]

Further on the ibook...

Now both Wired News and Cnet are reporting about the possible protest at MacWorld Expo, and according to one, a lawyer is possibly going to be handling the case.


Check out Macintouch and Macfixit which are both detailing the exact design flaws are causing the problems.


Peace

[me_94501]

Originally posted by Quadra:
Further on the ibook...

Now both Wired News and Cnet are reporting about the possible protest at MacWorld Expo, and according to one, a lawyer is possibly going to be handling the case.


Check out Macintouch and Macfixit which are both detailing the exact design flaws are causing the problems.


Peace

The news it out; CNN is also reporting about the possible clas action suit.
lhttp://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/biztech...eut/index.html

[Macpilot]

This is a real bummer for Apple enthusiasts, iBook customers, and of course, Apple itself.

I remember getting a coupon in the mail as a result of the defective Power adapters from the older Powerbooks. I think it was a $20 coupon. I never had a problem with mine, but apparently a lot of people did, initiated a class-action lawsuit, and Apple finally lost it.

Then my noisy MDD Power Mac apparently pissed alot of people off too, and there were really well-designed websites (g4noise.com) with petitions and great info for the customers out there who wanted relief or info on how to quiet their machines down. Apple eventually shipped replacement Power supplies that were quieter, but ONLY after significant and well-organized efforts to get Apple to offer relief.

The bummer here is that I don't think iBook customers are going to get the relief that they deserve, UNLESS there is a huge public awareness and media backlash against Apple, not just on the tech sites like these.

These customers will probably wind up with some coupon, or a rebate on a new iBook, instead of a replacement iBook or a total refund for a defective product.

I bought an iBook 800 for my girlfriend in December of 2002, and so far it has been great, except for a replacement power adapter. Without AppleCare, she will be screwed if her machine dies now, unless Apple takes enough heat from this issue and gives customers what they deserve.

How about all the schools in 2003 that signed deals with Apple to get thousands of iBooks? I am sure they will have issues as well. With little kids handling those iBooks, I would think there will be plenty of dead iBooks for Apple to contend with.

I am really shocked that Apple has been deleting posts from their Discussion boards. It has happened with several products, and now the iBook. That is a huge dissapointment in a company that I defend and do free advertising for every day.

Apple needs to take care of its many loyal customers, and the new customers that are coming from Windows or are new to computers if they want to survive another decade.

Just imagine, those thousand or so upset iBook owners, and the stories they are telling their friends, who are potential new computer buyers?

Come on Apple....do the right thing!

[Rev-O]

Originally posted by me_94501:
TCNN is also reporting about the possible clas action suit.
lhttp://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/biztech...eut/index.html

I hope Apple got these glitches worked out of the G4 iBooks, for purely selfish reasons.
Hope the class action things works out for you guys. Class action suits are yet another way for attorneys to make cake and consumers to get f***ed, imho. Just got a settlement check from a class action against a credit card company. It was for $0.09. No kidding, 9 whole cents. Drove like a bat outta hell to the bank to deposit that bastard!

[alphasubzero949]

I too have seen many complaints about the logic board failures with these machines. I thought that the logic board issue with my late 2001 G3 600 iBook was an isolated incident. It happened just out of my warranty. My keyboard has also failed twice.

I now have an Al PB 15" and I'm already closely monitoring the white spot issue.

[Quadra]

It is nice to this MacNN, finally report the issue, yet when it does get posted on the front page, it rips the reports as inaccurate, i.e. Apple has always had an ipod replacement battery...."

Yeah sure they did., but they never told anyone, and that was the issue. Fact is Apple only came up with a replacement option AFTER the bad press, a fact, get over it.

Apple had better get it's act together, and the Apple apologists need to get something down under and help get Apple to change the way it approaches problems such as these.

The "don't admit nothing until we get sued" PR mentality isn't going to work. Apple quality has taken a utter noise dive in the last few years. Heck, I still got a classic with absolutely no problems for almost 13 years. Just gave away my Apple IIc! Never a problem.

Yet I bought a Powerbook 190 - which had hinge, ac adapter, screen housing issues. Now this ibook which is barely usuable simply because after so many logic boards, you can't trust putting anything of value on it - who has the time?

You all with the "white spot" issue on your 15" and, the huge problem with the ibook. Apple Quality Check was in high form when they sent MacWorld Magazine several for evaluation and 3 had to be sent back fo various problems.

Whether this site wants to argue Apple's market share (it doesn't matter, it's small), they can barely afford this negative publicity, and especially any hint of a protest at MacWorld Expo.

There is no reason, nor excuse for this, Apple you had better get your act together.


Peace

[zubro]

ok it is a hardcore one, I had my LB changed too... and then my HD last month!.... with BIG loss of data! >:-<

I have a question here (out of focus maybe..):
Why Windows users do not bring the BillCorp to court? They are millions!!! Might have a chance against BigBill...

"United we stand!"..

[alphasubzero949]

Check this out on MacFixit's home page:

The iBook logic board/display issue: Dated service document noting problem; more


Dated service document noting problem MacFixIt reader Peter Hilleard says he has found a document prepared by Apple's service officials in July 2001 indicating that there was prior knowledge of display cables being damaged in some iBook models. The document is located in the "Restricted: Apple Specialists" section of Apple's Knowledge Base, and is titled "iBook (Dual USB): No Display, or Dim Display, But Computer Appears to Operate Correctly."


Troubleshooting step 5 reads: "Verify backlight cable and LVDS cable connections are seated properly and that the cables are not damaged."


Hilleard writes "This indicates Apple knew as early as July 2001 that these display cables can be damaged - It is not caused by the user (because the cables are completely hidden inside the iBook.)


"This is therefore a design fault. Yet when asked, Apple has steadfastly denied that there are any known issues and have charged many hundreds of dollars to repair this fault for any iBooks outside of warranty. Nor has Apple warned users of their prior knowledge that the cables can fail or advise of any measures the user might take to limit the problem."


Loose screw Paul Bruneau notes a separate issue that may be affecting some users with iBook display problems, but seems isolated:


"About 6 months ago, the iBook started to instantly shut down to black with no warning. Within a couple days, it got to where I couldn't get it to start up. I disassembled the iBook about to the point where the motherboard is visible and tried it again--it worked.


"I reassembled it and tried again, and it failed to start up again. So I disassembled it a little at a time trying to see when it would start to work. Finally, through luck, I found the problem--a small screw had worked itself loose and was lying on the traces of the motherboard. I wonder if some of these other people's motherboard problems are the same cause. When I removed this screw, the iBook worked fine again."

[Quadra]

Check it out

http://homepage.mac.com/brianhess/

See what "AppleCare" did to this ibook while being repaired.

Especially the quicktime movie - great statement.


1516 signers (give or take) on the Class Action

2200 on the petition.

[Quadra]

From Apple's financial report:

Anderson noted higher-than-expected warranty expenses for the quarter, caused by screen problems with the 15" PowerBook and iBook hardware problems. This contributed to a reduction in Apple's gross margin to 26.7%, a little lower than the company expected, but Anderson said that the 15" PowerBook problem has been fixed: "For any new systems being shipped, the problem's have been resolved."

What problems with the ibook Fred? You all said there weren't any problems.....


heh.....