[Ian_Bullock]

My girlfriend had a raw deal. She saved up before coming to uni, and got a G3 900mhz ibook at exactly the wrong time. 2 weeks later, they upgraded the ibook line to G4 processors, and within 3 months, hers was classified as old technology (ie, no airport cards for sale for it anymore, ram prices hiked upwards etc).

I know, that happens. Technology moves forward. The problem is that within a year of having it, the combo drive failed. Still under warranty, so got a free replacement. But then the infamous G3 motherboard problems set in. No problem, still just in the 3months warranty from the replacement combo drive, so she got a new one free, with a year's warranty. Then, just as she was about to run out of warranty for that motherboard, in August 05, the second motherboard went. So we got another free motherboard, with one year's warranty. And now the same symptoms are happening again, after only 7months - display issues, not waking from sleep, not always going to sleep, random crashes.

Why can't they just say - ok, you got a lemon, here's a new ibook? Just wanted to see whether you guys thought that would be fair. I accept that apple's been good, in replacing all the defective parts free so far, but it still seems a bit unfair that she hasn't just got a replacement, as she's only had it for about half its life - the rest of its been in transit between differenet repair centres all over the UK.
Ian

[ghporter]

They can't say "you got a lemmon" until they're sure of it. And it turns out that there are tons and tons of G3 iBooks out there that are still running without any problems, so it's not like the whole model is bad, just a few of them.

So how many new logic boards will this be? So far you've gotten a whole lot of warranty support for an "old technology" machine; perhaps they'll figure out finally that this one IS a lemmon and replace it with a new one this time.

Of course if it's that irritating, bite the proverbial bullet and buy a new G4 iBook with all the latest bells and whistles. (That might spur Apple to release a brand new model, though. You have to look at the effects your girlfriend has had on Apple so far! )

[Dork.]

My suggestion: get the iBook fixed again, then buy a new one and sell the old one. Even with all the problems you've had, you're more likely to get a fair price for the unit if it has just been repaired by Apple. The motherboard warranty will transfer to the new owner. My 800MHz G3 iBook is currently on its 3rd or 4th motherboard (I've lost count), and it's still useful for most things, and a perfect way for someone to get a portable Mac on the cheap. Even though it is a few years old, you could probably get no less than $350 to $400 for it just because it is a functioning laptop -- more if the battery holds a decent charge, you have an AirPort card, or you leave extra ram in.

Before the 800 MHz g3, I had a 500 MHz G3 -- the first model dual-USB iBook -- and realized rather quickly that I bought at the wrong time, and the older iBook's 66 MHz memory bus was crippling it. I found a friend who needed a small laptop to display presentations on when he traveled, sold the old one to him, and bought the 800 MHz. He was happy because he got a true portable computer on the cheap, and I was happy because I was able to buy a more future-proofed model.

My suggestion has nothing to do with the fact that I'm lusting after an Intel ibook, and if your girlfriend buys a new G4 iBook the Intel iBooks will probably come out two weeks later.

[Gamoe]

Ian_Bullock,

Sorry for your girlfriend's iBook troubles. I have a used iBook G3 myself and have been lucky so far. I suggest you try browsing the forums and Mac sites, particularly the Mac Buyer's Guide before you decide to buy another Mac. I, as well, suggest you get the iBook fixed-- maybe push for a replacement if you can.

But, either way I don't suggest you buy a new iBook, unless your girlfriend relies on specific big apps like Photoshop, etc., because Apple has said that all Macs will be transitioned over to Intel chips this year, which means that we know a major update (what could be more major than a complete CPU transition?) to the iBook line is coming sometime this year, probably sooner than later. Then, your girlfriend can be confident that she finally bought at the right time.

[Ian_Bullock]

Hi everyone,
Thanks for the interest. Just as an update, I've put in into the local Apple repair centre for a 3rd logic board replacement! Free of charge, as its still covered under the extended warranty program for the G3 ibook logic board. So it'll be on its 4th logic board when we get it back in a month or so.

Anyone know how much it would normally cost for a logic board replacement? I was thinking if it can cost £400 for a new tibook hinge, it must be at least that for a whole new logic board in an ibook. So at a guess this ibook has probably had around £1200 ($2000) spent on it so far, courtesy of Apple. Very nice of them, but seems a little pointless.

I suppose it's unrealistic to expect a replacement for a 2 and a bit year old machine, as the new ibook G4's aren't really comparable - though I suppose Apple might be more inclined to it then normal as they try to get rid of their old stock before the intel transition. I've sent an email to what I think is Steve Jobs' address (S_Jobs at apple.com), asking if there is any way I could have an extension on that warranty until we've finished medical school (2008), which would mean extending it to 4 and a half years. Anyone think that that is reasonable, and whether I'll get a response? I've heard stories of people getting their cases looked into when they email him directly. Has anyone had any experience with this? Also, if anyone knows Steve Jobs email address for definite I'd really appreciate that.

As regards buying a G4 ibook 2 months before the intel transition, I don't think she'll be doing that! Not a realistic option anyway because we won't have any money until we graduate and start pulling full-blown doctors' salaries.

Ian

[Ian_Bullock]

Just in case anyone's interested, I've got a reply to my email to Steve Jobs... from Apple Executive Relations - whoever they are! They've given me someone's personal phone number - things are looking like they might actually be willing to help. I'm going to give them a call tomorrow and see if I can negotiate an extended warranty - unless they want to give my girlfriend a new top of the range Macbook Pro just to say sorry. I think she'd be fairly happy with that.

I remember when people used to answer questions on these forums - I must be getting boring! Anyway, sorry for bumping the thread - just wanted people's opinions on what I should expect.
Cheers,
Ian

[bourgeoisie]

patiently and calmly push for a replacement. explain the computer's importance (school), and explain all of the repair history that you've had with it. i think now is a better time than ever for this because the intel ibooks are right around the corner so they don't mind so much getting rid of their g4 stock. make it clear what your expectations are in terms of customer service, tell them that you're unhappy that you thought you were buying a reliable product and it has been anything but reliable. basically, you want to tell them that this is their responsibility, without telling them it's their responsibility. if your customer relations rep feels like they're being backed into a corner then you may not get anything from them.

best advice is to remain calm, explain how much you've invested in the computer (both money & time) and that you're overall very dissatisfied with the product you received. good luck

[Ian_Bullock]

Thanks for the advice - all good common sense, and I'm pleased that it looks like a replacement might be a feasible option. I'll send you a PM in the next couple of days - I'll word it so as not to break any confidentiality agreements - and tell you how it goes tomorrow. Hope your new G4's performing well.
Ian

[d4nth3m4n]

i went through six LBs and one day after the end of the extension i needed my 7th.

i raised hell, no dice.

[Mister Elf]

Is the 3-strike lemon law in effect where you live?

[bourgeoisie]

in most states the lemon law applies to automobiles only.

[Ian_Bullock]

Hey,
Just in case you're interested.

Got in contact with Apple today - they said that they would pay for the logic board replacement, and make sure it was fully tested with extra effort and care to ensure a decent repair before being shipped back to me. I was also promised that if there was another logic board flaw I'd be "looked after." Can't tell you guys anymore though, sorry. But what I was told has made me like Apple a lot... great customer service.
Ian

[Gamoe]

Originally Posted by Ian_Bullock

Hey,
Just in case you're interested.

Got in contact with Apple today - they said that they would pay for the logic board replacement, and make sure it was fully tested with extra effort and care to ensure a decent repair before being shipped back to me. I was also promised that if there was another logic board flaw I'd be "looked after." Can't tell you guys anymore though, sorry. But what I was told has made me like Apple a lot... great customer service.
Ian

Good for you (and your girlfriend)! Glad to hear everything worked out!

[egleband83]

Hey man,
Definitely keep the faith, and get the logic board replaced. I actually had the exact same model iBook as your girlfriend, and went 2 logic board replacements, about a month apart. Then almost a year later, it happened a 3rd time. I called, sent it off, and when it was returned to me, the video was working again, but now it wouldn't run off the battery, despite the battery showing a full charge. So now it was time for repair #4.

Once again it was the logic board. When I called this time I politely explained my problem, and how I really have lost a lot of productivity due to these problems, and asked if there was any way I could receive a replacement. My rep took a look at my repair history, and told me that due to the numerous repairs, that my request for a replacement would be honored.

Let me just say: It was definitely worth all of the phone calls, as I received a brand new 1.33 G4 iBook and I could never be happier!

[Q27]

I just got my iBook back from a logic board repair. I was initially ticked off because where I live there are no close apple stores. So I called apple and asked what to do they told me to take it to an apple certified repair place and they would look at it and then send it off to apple. I tried taking it to CompUSA but the "Mac Guy" was never in when I could go there. I took it to another place and they refused to look at it saying that problem was all the responsibility of apple. So I called Apple again and after much holding I finally got them to sned me a box to send it in. I asked if this would happen again, the tech said that it shouldn't that they would do extra testing to ensure it was properly repaired. I was a little surprised when I sent it out late one day and the next day I got a email from apple saying that my repair was finished and already sent back. Received my iBook the next day. Opened the box and powered it on, the problem with the logic board was fixed but it seemed a bit sluggish. So I went to About This Mac, it said I only had 128MB of RAM. When I sent the unit out I had 384MB. So I power down the unit to try and remove the RAM shield to see if the chip is still in there. The screws they have on there are so crappy I cannot open it up. So either they fried my chip in there or they forgot to put it back in.