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asodamiac · 09:45 PM

Hey guys, my G4 PB (specs in sig, not high rez version) seems to be sluggish these days. It's a little over 2 years old. Occasionally (around once every day or two), my Powerbook will literally just seize up and all of the applications running will be very sluggish. For the most part, the spinning beach ball just keeps spinning for several minutes. I simply restart the computer and carry on.

I'm wondering if this is an HD issue. I'd like to replace the HD but am worried that this will void the remaining year on my Applecare contract. I do need to send in the laptop to get my display cleaned (there's a piece of hair stuck in there), but need to wait until the summer before sending it in for service.

Does anyone know if my Applecare will be voided if I replace the HD? Also, I took a look at the ifixit.com guide on replacing the HD and I must say, it's a little more intimidating than I thought.

Suggestions? Thanks!

asodamiac · May 10, 2007, 09:44 PM

Edit: BTW, even after running Onyx to clean up my system a bit, things still seize up and feel sluggish.

JKT · May 11, 2007, 03:09 AM

Replacing the hard drive will void your warranty as it is not classified as a user-replaceable part. You will need to get it replaced (if it is the source of your problems) by official channels.

FWIW, I just had to replace mine a few weeks ago and I did it myself (my AppleCare expired at the start of April). Although there are a lot of screws involved, it wasn't actually that difficult.

peeb · May 11, 2007, 07:31 AM

Did you notice a speed increase?

amazing · May 11, 2007, 12:12 PM

Before fooling around with the HD, you should try an archive and install (after backing up) because it sounds more like your system is gunked up rather than the HD. Also, open Activity Monitor (with "all processes" selected) and see if anything pops out at you.

If it was the HD, seems like you would've mentioned hearing excessive grinding and clicking noises.

JKT · May 11, 2007, 01:33 PM

Originally Posted by peeb

Did you notice a speed increase?

You just reminded me to update my signature here... not really, slightly improved launch times but not much else (note, I went from a 5400rpm 80GB to a 7200rpm 100GB drive). What is noticeable, though, is how much quieter the new drive is - the Hitachi drive is practically silent, and especially so compared to the original Toshiba.

peeb · May 11, 2007, 01:38 PM

How about battery life with the 7200?

asodamiac · May 11, 2007, 02:03 PM

JKT, thanks for the info. I may just wait until my Applecare has expired and then proceed with the "upgrade." However, if Apple will install a HD that I purchase separately, I would go with that option (though this seems highly unlikely).

Amazing, I reformatted my HD in February. Actually, I've been reformatting close to every 3-4 months because my PB just seems to be getting sluggish. I am checking my processes right now, and nothing seems to be taxing the system too heavily at the moment. However, not many apps are open.

Thanks for the help guys!

peeb · May 11, 2007, 02:05 PM

That's not normal behavior for your G4 - there is something going wrong there. How full is your drive?

JKT · May 11, 2007, 04:37 PM

Originally Posted by peeb

How about battery life with the 7200?

At the moment I use my Powerbook as a desktop (i.e. fully tethered at all times) so I can't comment. In any case, my battery hasn't behaved reliably for me in a while as it is approaching its end-of-life so I wouldn't be able to comment anyway.

JKT · May 11, 2007, 04:38 PM

Originally Posted by asodamiac

JKT, thanks for the info. I may just wait until my Applecare has expired and then proceed with the "upgrade." However, if Apple will install a HD that I purchase separately, I would go with that option (though this seems highly unlikely).

Amazing, I reformatted my HD in February. Actually, I've been reformatting close to every 3-4 months because my PB just seems to be getting sluggish. I am checking my processes right now, and nothing seems to be taxing the system too heavily at the moment. However, not many apps are open.

Thanks for the help guys!

Have you tried running the hardware test as it might identify any issues you are having, hard drive or not.

asodamiac · May 12, 2007, 04:54 AM

Hmm, have not tried that. I guess I should! Thanks for the suggestion. If anything is off, I'll be sure to keep you guys updated.

As for now, it's getting late, so I better hit the sack!