[KeriVit]

I recently replace my iBook G3 dual USB with a new one.

But I am wondering, should I try to salvage the old one?

The problem:
This display won't stay on. It blinks intermittently and if you move it (open/close direction)- it will work itself out.

I just put a new battery in it, the only other problem with the old iBook is the CD drive doesn't like to stay closed. Oh wait- neither does the computer itself.

Is there a simpler fix for this. I'm willing to play with this thing- I've got nothing to lose. I'll salvage the battery.

The main thing I would want to fix is the display and it will make a perfectly fine surfer/word processor.

Any thoughts on fixing your own stuff?

Sorry if this has been done- I searched but did not find similar...

[macaddict0001]

You could make it into a server, or you could go to the mac mods forum and see what people think.
Its probably just a broken cable, it will probably cost 'bout 30 bucks, maybe less i've never checked.

[KeriVit]

Thanks. I wasn't sure if it was really a "Mod" since I don't know what's wrong with it. How do I tell if it's a cable?

(If this is better off in mods- feel free to move it)

But if it's less than $50, I'm willing to take a shot at taking this baby apart!

ahh- a virgin to all this.

[macaddict0001]

You don't know if its the cable until you open it, but you can be pretty sure based on the symtoms and the fact that its a notorious g3 ibook problem.

[nbn22385]

could also be a bad/loose solder connection for the display.

[audvidsvs]

I have no trouble believing there is a problem that is fixable.
The fact that it works at all tells me it is likely just a bad or broken cable somewhere.

The way the thing is put together just begs for this to happen eventually.
If you are good with this type of thing,go for it.
I would make sure you layout the screws so they go right back where they came from.
And just go slow using one of the guides online.
Also make sure you can solder tiny wires and insulate the connection.
The most difficult part for me is the way the wires route thru the hinge so they are not sheared off when opening and closing. Instead they should just be flexed and abraded causing what you have now.

Good Luck

[megasad]

Originally posted by KeriVit:
I recently replace my iBook G3 dual USB with a new one.

But I am wondering, should I try to salvage the old one?

The problem:
This display won't stay on. It blinks intermittently and if you move it (open/close direction)- it will work itself out.

I just put a new battery in it, the only other problem with the old iBook is the CD drive doesn't like to stay closed. Oh wait- neither does the computer itself.

Is there a simpler fix for this. I'm willing to play with this thing- I've got nothing to lose. I'll salvage the battery.

The main thing I would want to fix is the display and it will make a perfectly fine surfer/word processor.

Any thoughts on fixing your own stuff?

Sorry if this has been done- I searched but did not find similar...

I recently finished fixing up my own iBook (Late 2001 model, 600MHz G3, 15GB hard drive, DVD drive), some details of which you can read about here.

It cost me a bit more than $50, but then I did replace the keyboard, fit an AirPort card, change the 15GB 4200rpm hard drive out for a 60GB 5400rpm one, and, finally, replace the entire screen. Before selling the old parts, that's an outlay of roughly £290, or about $560.

So, not exactly as much as a new iBook, but a considerable chunk towards one. However, I didn't fix up my iBook as a pragmatic exercise. I did it because it was the first Mac I bought and it has been through a whole lot of crap with me... It just seemed wrong to break it down for parts and sell it on eBay...

Anyway, the easiest way to fix your own iBook would be to buy a replacement screen, but that might be a bit overkill. They can be had for about $230 on eBay. Also, you could buy a new optical drive, maybe better than what you currently have (a plain CD drive?) and so fix that non-closing issue.

I'd recommend sinking as much money into it as is proportional to how much it means to you and/or how much use you'll actually get out of it once it's all fixed up.

I thought I'd hardly use my iBook once I finished fixing it, as I have hardly touched it since I got my eMac in May. However, the addition of the AirPort card and the larger hard drive, not to mention the hideously bright, non-flickery screen has meant that I actually use the thing whenever I want interweb access somewhere that is not my bedroom.

Since you got another iBook, your priorities are probably different. Hell, if you're planning on using it as a desktop / server machine, why not go completely fudging nuts and do something as awesome as this?

[KeriVit]

Thanks.

I'll try this out in the mods to try to get some help once I take it apart...

I didn't know I could replace the CD/DVD tray.

I have improvised the whole machine with tape.

Maybe I should wait to work on this project til after Christmas as I will probably buy parts -vs- gifts!!!

[megasad]

Originally posted by KeriVit:
Thanks.

I'll try this out in the mods to try to get some help once I take it apart...

I didn't know I could replace the CD/DVD tray.

I have improvised the whole machine with tape.

Maybe I should wait to work on this project til after Christmas as I will probably buy parts -vs- gifts!!!

Once you've bought the parts, you'll be wanting some help on how to mash them all together. Apple Service Manuals and PB FixIt are good for that.

[Robertk2012]

would you like to sell it. I could use it without the display.

email me at rmk3@students.uwf.edu

thanks

robert