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kellya127 · Aug 31, 2005, 02:42 PM

Hi guys. Thanks for all your great advice on these forums. Very helpful. I have an ibook that froze up on me and I have a few questions. It started with completely freezing about 5 times one night. I had to shut it down and reboot only to have it last for a few minutes each time. Then the screen made all these crazy looking lines and colors. It looked like it was possessed. I shut it down. The next day I tried to start it. Nothing but a few little clicks. I reset the PMU which has worked for me so well in the past but nothing any more. It acts like it is completely dead. Yes, it is charged. Is is possible to tranfer data to another computer like this? With no power? I know it sounds silly....I'm reaching for anything! Does it sound like the harddrive is shot? Does the battery have some kind of max capacity for what it can handle? Someone told me her computer did the same thing and it was the battery. I don't get this but I'm taking any suggestions. My light is on green from my power charger. Could it be the battery? Is it possible, if it does need a new harddrive, to do it myself? I'm out of applecare and can't afford the rates to fix it right now. Thanks for any suggestions. I'm lost without my mac.

seanc · Aug 31, 2005, 03:32 PM

What ibook is it? It sounds like an Ibook G3 with the dreaded logic board failure.
If it is a G3 then look at the serial no. under the keyboard, and then compare it with the one on Apple's logic board repair extension program and see if it's covered.
If the board is coverd then Apple should replace it for free and everything should be back to normal.

Without information about your Ibook it is a bit hard to help so please provide some more information in the future.

kellya127 · Aug 31, 2005, 03:56 PM

ok. Here is some info. ibook. I thought it was a G4 but it does not say on it. Looking at service manuals online, it looks like a g4. 900mz, 256 memory, Panther os 10.3.? That is all I can recall at the moment. I'll have to get into my books when I get home. Does that help at all?

seanc · Aug 31, 2005, 04:05 PM

Well the easy way to work out what it is, is to: Open the lid and look at the iBook logo.

For an iBook g3 it says: iBook
For an iBook g4 it says: iBook G4

It does sound like a G3, so i'd Click Here , and have a look at the extended logic board program and see if it's covered, then take a trip down to your local Apple store and see what they can do.

kellya127 · Aug 31, 2005, 04:08 PM

Thanks Sean. I needed the laugh. It just says ibook. So I guess it's a g3. I will follow your advice. Thank you very much. Have a good evening and thanks again for the laugh.

seanc · Aug 31, 2005, 04:11 PM

Take a look at that post again as I edited it and included a link to the 'Extended Logic Board Program' page on Apple's site.

Eriamjh · Sep 3, 2005, 10:01 PM

Apple system profiler will tell you if it is a G4.

kellya127 · Sep 15, 2005, 03:48 PM

Ok, after much thought and frustration, I have decided to replace the logicbord. Is this something I can do myself, being a nurse, not a computer tech? I can get the take apart manual. Am I crazy? Should I wait til I can afford an expert? What kind of details should I be comparing while I look for these on ebay? They look pretty cheap.

seanc · Sep 15, 2005, 04:23 PM

It doesn't look easy, but it's definitely possible.

You need to have a lot of patience and technical knowledge so I wouldn't recommend it for the inexperienced.

It may be cheaper and easier to sell the iBook on eBay for spares and to then buy a new iBook.

I have an iBook G3 on the way that I need to disassemble to replace the screen cables so I could give you an insight as to how difficult it is when it finally gets here.
I won't be removing the logic board but I will have to disassemble quite a lot of the iBook.

Another thing, the reason the graphics chip causes problems and comes loose is because the solder connecting the chip to the logic board gets hot, melts a little bit and allows the chip to move away from the board.
If you can find a company to do it, you can get the logic board/graphics chip re-flowed so that the connection is made good again you *should* have no more problems.
It may be easier to do rather than looking for a new logic board and run the risk of buying the wrong one.

It's easy enough to unscrew things and yank it apart, but you've got to get it back together again.

I personally don't think it would be worth the money getting Apple to replace it unless you can get it done for free.

Try and find the I.T tech of your hospital/doctors surgery and see if they can help.

When looking for logic boards on eBay, try and find one that is made for the size of your iBook, 12"/14" and maybe try and find the same speed, at least you know you're not getting anything slower. I don't think were any faster G3 iBooks made.

Good luck,

Sean

smuth · Sep 17, 2005, 09:21 PM

2 Points-Most of the parts machines on Ebay have the same issue yours has.

If it doesn't qualify for the Apple Logic Board upgrade, be sure you understand what you're getting into if you've never cracked the ibook case. It took a tech almost 4 hours to swap the HD in my G3 700 ibook, he crimped a tiny cable on reassembly and it wouldn't even power up the first time. There are different sized screws throughout and the without the right tools it is rough. I bought the plastic Apple tool to remove the feet and pop the case sides open and 3 TORX drivers, not bits, 2 small screwdrivers and replacement rubber feet in advance

If you read, plan and are careful, you should be able to do it in 4 hours or so, my guess. I'd look into the PB repair shops online, MacWorld, etc who run repair specials. They probably have a board in stock with a guarantee.