[Yankbear]

I've been very happy with my PB G4--- until it just up and died on me. It is only 2 1/2 years old. I know lots of you change computers every 18 months, but I just can't afford to do that. I expect a computer to last at least 3 years.

At the Genius Bar, I was told the problem was a bad video chip, and the LB would need to be replaced at a standard price of $320 (plus labor?).

I ran my hardware test disk, and the code comes up as 2NVD/142086

Does this computer have any future, or should I just spend the money? It's in such great shape, It bothers me to just chuck it out... opinions, please?

[mfbernstein]

How much is labor? If the whole thing can be fixed up for less than $450 or so, total, and you're otherwise happy with the machine, I'd fix it. Assuming you have the 1.3GHZ PB G4 (15"), you won't be able to get a comparable or better machine, even used, for under $1000. Think of it this way, AppleCare with the 3-year warranty extension costs $300, so you're basically paying for the warranty after the fact, plus a bit.

The downside is something else in the machine could die tomorrow. However, since the logic board is by far the most expensive and complex piece of hardware in the machine, so assuming the replacement isn't defective, you should be good to go for a while.

(I'll also say that I know many people who keep their machines 4-5 years. My last PB G4 made it 4.5 years, with only a hard drive failure over that time).

[romeosc]

Originally Posted by mfbernstein 

(I'll also say that I know many people who keep their machines 4-5 years. My last PB G4 made it 4.5 years, with only a hard drive failure over that time).

I have several PBs over 6 years old and still in service! Slow but steady!

[kick52]

it gave up and died on you, yet you could run the hardware test disk?
could you describe the problem?

[Yankbear]

Originally Posted by kick52 

it gave up and died on you, yet you could run the hardware test disk?
could you describe the problem?

The machine will start up normally, and work for a while. Soon, however, 'video artifacts' will begin to appear: fragments of previous screens, trails of mouse movements, etc. Finally the Kernal Panic screen will descend.

If the machine is cool, it will work for a longer time before the panic screen hits. It is in those times I have been able to run the Hardware Test Disk. I have been able to extend the running time by (don't laugh) putting the powerbook in the fridge for 20 minutes or so.
If I use the powerbook in target disk mode, it will run fine-- pretty expensive hard drive, however.
I've done everything I can software wise, including wiping the hard drive and re-installing the system software, but the fault returns. Hardware Test give the error code mentioned above.
this is a 13-inch PB G4 unless you have an idea, I will just plan a nice funeral....

[mfbernstein]

Sound like the standard symptoms of overheating. I take it that you decided not to replace the motherboard? One thing that may help a bit is to set Energy Saver to "Better Energy Savings." Should keep the machine running somewhat cooler (and slower).

[SierraDragon]

Sometimes components fail in 2-3 years and you have to pay to replace them. Rare enough that AppleCare is a waste money but it happens. Apple store quoted $349 total to fix my PB G4's dead motherboard and hard drive.

-Allen Wicks

[romeosc]

Originally Posted by Yankbear 

The machine will start up normally, and work for a while. Soon, however, 'video artifacts' will begin to appear: fragments of previous screens, trails of mouse movements, etc. Finally the Kernal Panic screen will descend.

If the machine is cool, it will work for a longer time before the panic screen hits. It is in those times I have been able to run the Hardware Test Disk. I have been able to extend the running time by (don't laugh) putting the powerbook in the fridge for 20 minutes or so.
If I use the powerbook in target disk mode, it will run fine-- pretty expensive hard drive, however.
I've done everything I can software wise, including wiping the hard drive and re-installing the system software, but the fault returns. Hardware Test give the error code mentioned above.
this is a 13-inch PB G4 unless you have an idea, I will just plan a nice funeral....

Can you hear the fan runnning, if not it may be the problem.
When it starts to act up, blow cool air with a hair dryer (not hot"DUH") and see if it helps. you may have one componet that is getting weak.