[PixelPete17]

Hey guys,

I have a Powerbook 667 DVI connected to a 22" Cinema Display that I use for my commercial work.

My problem is I think my CD drive is broken...just need some quick advice really..

Every time I put a CD in it (under OS 9 or OS X), the silly CD goes into the powerbook, makes the clicking sound as it drops in, the computer attempts to read it, and then in about three to five seconds the CD gets kicked out. I had my CD drive replaced JUST under warranty about a year or so ago, so this time I'm stuck with the bill...(great quality Apple)

So...other than Apple, who can replace my out of warranty CD drive for a reasonable fee?

I'm really not a big fan of how Apple runs their business (highly greed based essentially), and I didn't buy Apple Care as my credit card gave me an extra year of warranty, so I'd really like to send my computer to someone I trust a little more. I think I remember hearing that Apple charges some crazy fee like $230 or so for a simple CD replacement, and this is in conjunction with using sub par parts (my drive is the Mistumi or Mistubishi..I forget..but I've read of many others having problems and returns regarding that CD combo drive in the 667 DVI and 800Mhz DVI models) Anyway..looks like I'm venting a little heh. Bottom line is I don't have any money to waste, so I really am just looking to learn of the reputable repair shops that charge a reasonable fee. Heck...maybe I'll even upgrade to a Superdrive, but I forget where I read about that upgrade option...

Any and all suggestions are welcome,

GratefullySaved

[KeriVit]

I'd just take it to a local authorized repair shop- which I can't tell you where- cuz I don't know where you are. We have a few small shops around here.

[TerryJ]

These guys seem to have the best offerings and replacement service that I have found. They have just about any drive config. you could use to upgrade/repair your TiBook but for the money and effort, if it were me I'd just go with a SuperDrive at this point.

http://store.mcetech.com/Merchant2/m...de=STORLTDVDRW

Hope this helps!

[Taloston Man]

This might be something to consider:

I can't remember if it's a YEAR or 90 DAYS on hardware replacement parts, but if the one Apple put in a "year or so ago" is broken again, then you might qualify for a second repair. The hitch is that it's only that part that's under warranty, so if anything else in accompaniment is needing repair, your wallet's on the table, so-to-speak.

But again, I can't remember if Apple's replacement part warranty is 90 days or a year...

[PowerTower Fan]

Originally posted by Taloston Man:
This might be something to consider:

I can't remember if it's a YEAR or 90 DAYS on hardware replacement parts, but if the one Apple put in a "year or so ago" is broken again, then you might qualify for a second repair. The hitch is that it's only that part that's under warranty, so if anything else in accompaniment is needing repair, your wallet's on the table, so-to-speak.

But again, I can't remember if Apple's replacement part warranty is 90 days or a year...

Its 90 days. About a couple months ago I had a screen replacement on my TiBook, then about a month later the computer wouldn't even start up. Turns out Apple put in a new motherboard as well thats defective. Even though my computer itself is out of warrenty, Apple is replacing the motherboard right now for free cause of the 90 day warrenty with the screen.

[tooki]

Replacing the optical drive in that model PowerBook isn't that hard. If you are handy, or know someone who is, you can buy a compatible drive (such as a combo drive or DVD writer upgrade kit) and install it yourself.

tooki

[amazing]

I also had the DVD-Rom drive replaced under Applecare on my Ti-400, and the drive occasionally does exactly as you describe. I take the back off, futz around with pressing the ribbon-cable connector firmly onto the board, check the alignment with frame slot and move the drive slightly up on the outside right side (from front). After doing that, the drive works again.

I've done this twice already. Worked both times. Don't know if it was the ribbon-cable or the alignment.

On the other hand, I've bought a Pioneer DVR-108 16X dvd-burner ($74 from newegg.com) and put it in a MacAlly firewire case (fw-400 $37) so I'm not worried if the thing goes bad. The external fw-400 drive is a lot more powerful than any internal drive, plus a lot cheaper.

[PixelPete17]

Wow what great replies you guys, thanks to all of you.

I have no problem with DIY kinda computer repairs, as I've built three PC's (I'm a casual occasional gamer [HL2, Rainbow Six:3] and I build PC's for my father as well), so opening up the powerbook and doing a DIY fix is fine with me....I just didn't realize the drive was accessible without dismantling a TON of screws and whatnot.

I'll try the cable/alignment adjustment first, and thanks for that idea. I've already tried shaking the whole powerbook violently from left to right while jumping on a trampoline... That didn't help but man was it fun...

Now..if I swap out the whole drive myself, is there a slot loadable Superdrive that I can buy that will work with Toast Lite under Panther?

On a related note...if I buy an internal 16X DVD burner and a cheap firewire case, will Toast Lite recognize the unit and burn DVD's OK? I don't have a full version of Toast, so I'm a slave to Toast Lite which I have left over from an external DVD burner that I no longer own. (long story..no piracy trust me)

I have an external firewire 12X Cd burner that is getting me through the days...but I'll have to fix this thing sooner or later for when I meet with clients and they have something on CD that I need to call up. All of these suggestions are great though and thanks to all for taking the time to help.

If anyone has any other ideas please chime in, otherwise I'll do some of my own research on compatible replacements and will check back here hoping someone here can give me an accurate answer regarding the whole slot-loadable Superdrive compatiblity issue..

Thanks again,

Pixel Pete

[amazing]

Opening the Ti is very easy, you can find pictorial instructions at xlr8yourmac.com or at apple.com support plus it's very easy to replace the internal HD.

Also, just saw this morning at xlr8yourmac.com that OWC has superdrives for the PB G4 Ti 667 to 1 Ghz on clearance for $99

http://eshop.macsales.com/Catalog_Pa...&Template=

http://eshop.macsales.com/AddToBaske...Item=APLUJ815C

Bear in mind that it's a 1X burner: I'm very happy with my external firewire 16X burner. I stick it in my backpack if needed and consider the extra weight a small price to pay for the extra speed. Since it mostly sits on my desk, I certainly don't carry it around often.

I'm using the full version of Toast, can't comment on the lite version.