[Crusoe]

I bought a beat up Ti500 in Jan 03, works fine cept occasionally to get a CD to mount you have to squeeze the area a bit it's not AL nor was it new so I'm not ranting about it.

This and OS X got me hook back on Macs.

I bought a CTO 15" AL in Oct 03, white spots (replaced screen), trim loose (returned in same condition with the response, "that the best we could do..." which was nothing). Neighbor bought it and the screen is slowly getting darker at the bottom.

I bought a refurb 17" in Jan 04 worked great till Jan 05 then the logic board had to be replace. I now still within 90 days of repair on the "new" logic board and I'm 95% sure it's bad too. Video memory and usb controller are bad. Apple Europe has decentralized support and local service techs do repairs. Calling applecare, I have to go through their 6 page Kernal Panic resolution before I can take it back in. This is going to take for ever cause it takes 10+ boots with occasional PRAM resets to get it to boot without a kernal panic. I started the trouble shooting but going to wait till I have a whole day to dedicate to this process. They have pawned off support costs to the consumer and are pocketing the change (minor price drops are hardly worth the sacrifice)

My friend had his 17" 1Ghz logic board die. 1 month out of warranty so ~950 euro his logic board is running ok atm.

Another friend just got a brand new 17". His screen looks like it has a physical metal screen in it, horrible horrible horrible looking. Will need to be replaced.

I prefer a portable and will only use Mac OS X. I hope this next logic board lasts as it will be my last powerbook purchase for a long while.

The probability of no one I know having a trouble free powerbook is pretty low, even though I'm in Italy. I posted this thread to warn others of what they may be in for. I would recommend getting a desktop or iBook for that matter but they have their share of problems. A stable OS is no good if your computer is in for repair all the time. I like the OS but their hardware is going down the Aluminum S**tcan. I'm going to buy a rev B iMac when they come out and if they're aren't full of problems so when one fails I have another to use while repairs are being done. Some may not have this "luxury".

The only questions I have are if my logic board fails again, is there a 3x and you're out clause where apple would have to replace it?

What else can I do? Applecare isn't always that receptive, the tech I talked to yesterday said he'd email the kernal panic steps and didn't, I had to find them on google.

[moodymonster]

I've got a healthy one - touch aluminium

PB 1.33 1yr+ and going strong

[Sophus]

Originally posted by moodymonster:
I've got a healthy one - touch aluminium

PB 1.33 1yr+ and going strong

Me too, except the double characters when typing bug, but that is not confined to the PB's and probably driver related.

[PBG4 User]

I bought a stock 1.25GHz Aluminium in 9/2003. Had to have the screen replaced due to white spots but other than that it's run like a champ.

[bbales]

Got a BTO 12-in Rev A in 2/03. Screen replaced in 3/03 because of darkening at the bottom. Had AppleCare and I was only out my computer for 2 1/2 days. I'm now having some wake from sleep issues, but other than that, the machine has been great. I've been very pleased. It's my first new laptop -- I bought a used 3400 several yyears ago and the trackpad is dead.

[ericssonboi]

I've gone through 4 healthy PB.

12" 1.33Ghz combo - Rev C.
15" 1Ghz Al. combo - Rev A.
12" 867Mhz combo - Rev A.
15" 1.67Ghz Superdrive - Rev. D

Maybe your just cursed with a PB spell?

Good luck with your next purchase though.. you can always look for stores with trade-up programs.

[kehno]

I bought my rev b 15" combo 05/2004. It had logicboard replaced month a go. I hoped that it would solve the annoying sizzling noise my pbook made, but the noise is stille there. Except now after the repair my hinge sometimes makes click noise when closed or opened.

I previously owned an iBook G3 and it was in for repair three times. Everytime for different symptoms. Last time it was in because hardrive went bad. Then i decided to sell it. Then i bought this powerbook, i really thought this thing would keep up my expectations. But No, minor annoyances, but still.

I'm pretty sure my next computer won't be Apple laptop. For a student this great and expensive journey with apple laptops has been a blast. But i just can't afford buying new computer every year, to finally get machine without any flaws. Enough is enough.

[Link]

Great, I would be put off with buying another apple computer.. ever.

Their foreign support is crap, seriously.

[Sophus]

Originally posted by kehno:
I bought my rev b 15" combo 05/2004. It had logicboard replaced month a go. I hoped that it would solve the annoying sizzling noise my pbook made, but the noise is stille there. Except now after the repair my hinge sometimes makes click noise when closed or opened.

...

To get rid of your sizzling noise, try to set cpu performance to automatic instead of highest. It will still kick in to highest when you need the juice. The sizzling noise is related to the CPU running at highest and will occur when CPU is at max. At least it was on my an many other PB's.

[Link]

If I'm not mistaken, the sizzle is the water in the heatpipes boiling.. might just be a random thing, but that was a suggestion at one point!

[kehno]

Originally posted by Link:
If I'm not mistaken, the sizzle is the water in the heatpipes boiling.. might just be a random thing, but that was a suggestion at one point!

I have read that the sizzle comes from dc to dc circuit, that supplies voltage to the processor. When processor is using nap-mode (to save energy and decrease heat output) this extremely rapid change of voltage makes this noise. The circuit starts to resonate in magnetic field that surrounds the coil. And this resonating is the sound that you hear. I think there is also second noise that derives from interpid system controller, but that's another case.

You can kill the noise by installing chud-tools, and disabling nap-mode, under processor tab. This approach does have big downside, system heats up very quickly and next thing you are hearing is the fan noise. Also disabling nap-more drains battery more.

Of course "processor performance" -setting under energy saver, does have direct effect to the noise. Using "reduced" does get rid of it, and also "automatic" has the same effect, despite some random squirks. The sad part is that i personally would like always to get best punch processor has to give. Running in "automatic" really isn't the same as "highest"

But in the end, i do have to admit that i like this book of mine a lot. It's just simply beatiful, realiable and practical companion, despite the minor annoyances. After all these noises don't have any contrast to the functionality of the computer.

But i still think my next computer will be desktop, and yes, made by Apple. Hardware might have some letdowns, but it is The Mac OS X and great softaware bundle that keeps my interest going strong.

[StonedRose]

My PB did the same thing. 1st year 17 1.5GHz w/128 Video. Was making the sizzle noise. Turns out, the video chip was not "*** jazzed" (some silicone gel) properly. When you take a 17 & 15 1GHz-1.5GHz PB logic out you need to use a heatgun to "soften" the *** jazz to remove the board. If you do not do this you can pull the proccessor and video chip directly off the logic. Anyhow, my point is that the *** Jazz was not properly applied in manufacturing. My guess is that a bunch of units coming out of the first year of use will have some issue due to the "*** Jazz" degrading. However, Apple is now shipping service providers "*** Jazz Pads" to replace the gel. Very similar to the Ti PB pads. But I would get your logic checked out just to make sure nothing on your logic is touching the bottomcase to create the noise and potentially degarding your performance.

[kehno]

Originally posted by StonedRose:
My PB did the same thing. 1st year 17 1.5GHz w/128 Video. Was making the sizzle noise. Turns out, the video chip was not "*** jazzed" (some silicone gel) properly. When you take a 17 & 15 1GHz-1.5GHz PB logic out you need to use a heatgun to "soften" the *** jazz to remove the board. If you do not do this you can pull the proccessor and video chip directly off the logic. Anyhow, my point is that the *** Jazz was not properly applied in manufacturing. My guess is that a bunch of units coming out of the first year of use will have some issue due to the "*** Jazz" degrading. However, Apple is now shipping service providers "*** Jazz Pads" to replace the gel. Very similar to the Ti PB pads. But I would get your logic checked out just to make sure nothing on your logic is touching the bottomcase to create the noise and potentially degarding your performance.

Really interesting. Your solution does seem possible. Though i wonder. If the noise derives from badly fitted components ( or posibble grounding to bottomcase), how i can just kill it by changing system settings ?

I really hope Apple will someday resolve this issue, those latest revision pbooks seems to share this very same problem. If you read on the internet about this issue, it seems that all powerbooks have this problem, though i doubt it. Many people will not realize it betore reading from it somewhere.

Well, i just don't think that paying 2000 euros for giant aluminium grasshopper is a good bargain. And that it is really proper product to attract those windows power-users

[pete]

hmm...mine had a slightly wobbly screen but I opened it up and tightened the screws and everything is great. This has been the best powerbook I've had with no problems whatsoever. I couldn't be happier. It's sad that it seems like such a hit or miss thing, although I'm under the impression the albooks have been very solid machines.

I also think that a lot of the problems mac owners have are equally prevalent among pc users. The difference is that that's what they EXPECT! I've seen thinkpads with white spots all over the screen; dells with constantly running loud fans, toshibas with loose hinges etc but their owners are used to it. Lucky they often have three years warranty!

Apple should do the same: three years warranty. For such expensive machines it's crazy they haven't done that yet.

Hope your next purchase goes better.

[tomato71]

My condolences to you and your friends but ... although it doesn't seem as sturdy as my Pismo was, my 12" Al Rev B has had no problems in nearly a year of service. Definitely superior to what came before it imho.

My TI book was a bust--peeling paint and scratches. The lid was starting to warp and you could see the pressure on the LCD--a little bubble of color-- from the outer lid. After a year and a half I sold it for about $1000 (bought it at a discount in the first place so I made out pretty good).

[Crusoe]

Well I'm hoping this repair "sticks". If it doesn't I'll have to excise the "lemon law" and insists on a complete replacement. I have the old trusty Ti500 and my OS on a FW drive as my backup.

The day will come where I meet someone that has had a trouble free AL. Probably at the same time of a new case design, processor, etc then we're back to rev A.

[Big Mac]

I have had great luck with all of my Macs, although I have only owned two of recent vintage. I know that if I were a new PB owner and had the type of misfortune many of you have had with your PBs, I would immediately demand either a replacement or a refund. Apple tries to talk people into getting their brand new Macs serviced, which is absolutely ridiculous. For Apple's sake I hope that PB forum participation is skewed considerably from the mean of PB ownership satisfaction.

[pete]

I have found that writing a formal complaint through the Better Business Bureau will get Apple's immediate attention. Just write clearly what, EXACTLY, it is you want (replacement). You can file the complaint online and the BBB will forward it to Apple for a response and action. Seriously, this is what works! Give it a try, you'll be surprised how Apple will bend over backwards to accommodate your wishes!

[Superchicken]

My HD died... but I couldn't really get mad about that, it wasn't really Apple's fault. And they replaced it really quick. Though the U of M bookstore techs told me it was just a bad sector, re-installed OS X, died finally a month later when I really needed it for a class.
Apple sent me a free 512 of RAM.

That said laptops in general if they're used like most people would a PowerBook, there will be problems.

[Stradlater]

Originally posted by Link:
Great, I would be put off with buying another apple computer.. ever.

Their foreign support is crap, seriously.

Well, Hyrulian shipping rate are a bitch

[kirvin]

I just purchased a reconditioned 15" PB from the Apple Store. It was a great deal, $1799 for the last revision (1.5 Ghz, 512 RAM, 80 Gig, Superdrive) and overall I am happy with it but I do have a couple of complaints.

One is that when I first opened the book, the top right corner of the keyboard was sticking up! It reminded me of my Pismo keybord, when I sould not reseat the removable keymoard. I had to push it back in a couple of times so far, and it has stayed put for the past few days.

Also, the fan makes a horrible clicking sound whenever it comes on. My previous 'book was a 12 inch Rev B, and the fan on that was loud, but just sounded like white noise.

Finally, the mouse button is not the same quality as my Rev B. When you puch it on the center, it makes an awful 'tinny' noise. I have to click it right where the button meets the casing to avoid it.

Are these gripes worth initiating a return, or am I just being too picky? It was a great price, and the PB is much snappier than by last PB, but I don't want to regret keeping the 15" 2 months from now.

[kehno]

Originally posted by pete:
I also think that a lot of the problems mac owners have are equally prevalent among pc users. The difference is that that's what they EXPECT!

I have to admit that i have much higher expectations on Apple products than any othet brand. Partly because i have had such great experiences Apple computers since early 90's. But i really don't know if apple's product has gotten worse or have i just got more picky When i use my friends HPs, Compaqs etc. i can't even imagine owning one my self. So many shortcomings and the quality of build just isn't there.

I couldn't agree more on three year warranty policy. I'm kind of akward situation on this warranty thing. My powerbook's warranty is running out in 2 months, an i'm supposed to buy applecare for 450 euros. For computer that i haven't never been really satisfied, it just seems funny. Well time will tell, i do realize that in long run this "little" invesment coukd be priceless.

[StonedRose]

Originally posted by Crusoe:
Well I'm hoping this repair "sticks". If it doesn't I'll have to excise the "lemon law" and insists on a complete replacement. I have the old trusty Ti500 and my OS on a FW drive as my backup.

The day will come where I meet someone that has had a trouble free AL. Probably at the same time of a new case design, processor, etc then we're back to rev A.

There is no "lemon law" on computers. Lemon Law is specifically to Automotives. You should research the Magnuson_Moss warranty act and the Uniform Commercial Code. Never demand a new system from Apple. The best approach is to say "I cannot trust the usability of this unit any longer. I do not feel confident that any data I enter will be safe". and make sure you say..."I'm sure you can understand that"

[dcmachead]

Originally posted by pete:
...You can file the complaint online and the BBB will forward it to Apple for a response and action. Seriously, this is what works! Give it a try, you'll be surprised how Apple will bend over backwards to accommodate your wishes!

Actually, I've got a method that my wife refers to as the atomic b*tch letter. Basically, you send the officers of the company a letter with your grievance and CC the attorney generals of the state in which you live and the state that the company is located. I've had tremendous luck with it in getting issues resolved that were otherwise ignored. For non-publicly traded companies, you can look up the officers on the department of corporations for the state in which the company is based.

Fortunately, I've never had an issue with Apple that forced me to write one to them. In my experience, Apple has been a delightful company to deal with and they always have taken care of the few issues I've had with my Macs.

[radii_22]

Support in Europe, in France more exactly, is as bad as funny : The backlight of my tibook went off, I have an applecare, so they changed everything (even the frame in carbon fiber... nice, I thought... ). But, when they mounted again the computer, it seemed that they did not do it well, so it produced a false contact with the battery, damaging the battery and the backlight inverter again.

Again changes, and I got to buy a new bottom case (it is not covered, apparently, by the warranty). They called me to take my computer, I did it and went home, when I started the machine, I realised that they had damaged the keyboard. Neither the spacebar, nor the backspace worked. I went again to the service center, they took the computer for a keyboard change.

The funny part is the following : When the guy of the service center (an Apple certified center) asked me to confirm my e-mail address, i said "miname@mac.com"... He asked me to spell the domain, I smiled and said "M, A, C, dot com". He said "hey, I didn't know that such a domain existed!".

That's all... Apple, you are a deceaving company.