[cfm]

I'm going to assume this is a DC board problem (those are what $80-$100?) but basically, the eBay seller told me it wouldn't boot. I bought it and he shipped it and I got it this afternoon. The battery was completely dead, no lights, so I went to plug it in to charge. The AC adapter's cord has the insulation cracked very close to the plug. But when I plug it into the laptop the light doesn't come on unless I put it in JUST RIGHT. It's been glowing amber for about an hour, and when I press the button on the battery I still have no lights.

How long should I expect it to take to completely charge the battery, or maybe this battery is absolutely flat and can't be charged? What are the chances of that? Maybe the DC board isn't allowing the battery to charge when plugged in? I tried booting with the amber light on and I get nothing. Could I be looking at a fried logic board? If I go to replace the logic board do I have to stick to the 867MHz version or can I upgrade to something speedier? What speeds were available in 12" aluminum G4 Powerbooks?

[ibook_steve]

How much did you pay for this obvious POS and why? Buy a new DC adaptor first (one that's not cracked anywhere!) to rule it out. The connectors, internal and external, changed with the 1 GHz model, so you're stuck at 867 MHz.

Steve

[cfm]

Thanks, Steve.

$275 including shipping, 128/40/SuperDrive, original box & manuals & CD's.

I'm thinking of either parting it out or fixing it. Either way it's worth $600-$700, either as a usable maching or sold for parts. Screen and SuperDrive are perfect, KB missing F1/F2 keys (brightness controls), case perfect except for one scuff on bottom and a screwdriver mark at the memory slot.

Logic boards are selling at $200 BIN on eBay, add a fresh battery and AC adapter and I'm still under $600.

Anyway, I'm going to try a known good AC adapter and known good battery.

Someone told me the aluminum 'Books won't boot with a flat battery, even if plugged into AC power?

[Macola]

Originally Posted by cfm

Thanks, Steve.

Someone told me the aluminum 'Books won't boot with a flat battery, even if plugged into AC power?

My rev A 12" (867) does...the battery is usually at 0% due to a problem with the charging circuit, and it boots just fine when plugged in.

[cfm]

I guess a DC board would be needed, too. The connector plug is a little loose in there. Wonder if I could have it soldered or if I should just replace it?

I'll feel kinda silly to replace all this and then still need a logic board, but I'd still be spending the same amount of money as buying a known good 12" G4.

[Tuoder]

I had a yo=yo style adaptor screw up on me something like that. There was a very very small crack in the braided metal. If I didn't move the cord around into exactly the right position, it wouldn't work. Try a new AC adaptor first, for sure. Otherwise, you could just give it to me.


...Pleaaaaaase

[chipchen]

First, get a charged 12" battery and see if it boots. If it doesn't, it's the logic board. Second, if it boots, try a different charger, see if there's any difference in how it fits/lights/etc. Then try the DC-in board. Not likely that it's the logic board, but it's possible. No REAL way to be 100% sure unless you replace the DC-in board.