[Fereshta]

Hi all,

Excuse me if post on the wrong forum.

I currently specialize on PC repair and I want to start repairing Mac as well because I do occasionally have Mac customers.

I want to buy a used Mac for lab purposes so that I could gain hands on experience on both the hardware and software.

What will you recommend for the above mentioned purpose?

Any advice and tips will be highly appreciated.

Thanks in Advance

[badnewsblair]

That is a tough one seeing as how most of the new Mac models differ pretty significantly from what it takes to repair a PC these days. However, the components are all the same and if you are experienced in PC repair, then you will have no problem repairing Macs. What I would do is get the most popular current Mac on the market at the moment so you have the largest customer base covered. I would imagine that owuld be the current version of the iMac (flat panel). You should obviously also look at getting Apple Hardware Certified as I know a lot of businesses that won't even look at you unless you have that.

[EFFENDI]

I also believe that if you are not Apple Certified and perform work on a customer's machine that they run the risk of having their warranty nullified.

As mentioned, most new Macs do use industry-standard components, the trickier part of diagnostics is the actual disassembly. Most of the systems are designed in a very proprietary manner and definitely require skill and training to disassable and troubleshoot. The most common actual "repairs" are individual component failure or misconfigured software.

I think you will find that working on Macs is as challenging, but also a heck of a lot more fun.

The recommendation of iMac is a good one, you will definitely want to look at getting an older machine though, as the most recent do not have as nearly as many (known) issues. Althogh Apple has made PowerMacs very accessible machines, so you may want to start there. It depends whether or not you see yourself as catering to a more Professional or Consumer level market.