Logic Board? Replacement?

I am experiencing the same problem with my iBook 12" 900Mhz. After calling customer service I was told that the replacement program has unfortunately expired.
Logically it is not the complete logic board that fails but only the graphics chip. You can easily locate it after removing the lower case (remove screws under the rubber feet). Squeezing in some paper (pressing the graphics chip down after remounting the case) helps for a while but has limited power to solve the problem in the long run. I was thinking about suing Apple but it would make more sense to file a claim as a big group. What do you think?
I saved money for this device for quite some time (being a student) and now I am without computer. Extremely frustrating.

One of the symptoms of the logic board problem is "Computer starts up to blank screen."

http://www.apple.com/support/ibook/faq/

Have you tried resetting the PMU?

I think that expecting a portable computer to last for more than four years is expecting a lot.

I also think that it is a bit rude to come here and talk about suing Apple on the discussion board which they host.

I can understand your disappointment, though.

_DT&T Computer Services_ is doing the repair/replacement for $195 plus shipping to and from Fremont, California. They are an Apple Authorized Service Provider and are currently offering a six-month warranty on the repair. If you can't afford to replace your iBook with a newer model, that's the best deal I've found.

You're welcome.

As I said, one of the symptoms of the failure listed in the FAQ for the iBook Logic Board Repair Extension Program is "Computer starts up to blank screen," so it sounds like that may be what is wrong, all right.

The graphics chip is part of the logic board. Sometimes the board can be "re-balled," soldered to repair it. However, it requires removing the logic board and sending it to a service to have this done. It's not an easy task to remove and reinstall the logic board yourself, which is why I recommend sending it to DT&T, where they do this sort of thing a lot.

As for expecting it to last more than four years, that comment was directed at the other poster, not you. It's too bad if you can't afford a new one, though. The MacBook is such a spectacular upgrade. I got mine in September, and I'm really sorry I waited so long. I loved the iBooks so much that I couldn't imagine liking one better, but I do. The MacBook is so much faster. There isn't a lot of difference in speed between my iBook G3 800 MHz and my iBook G4 1.2 GHz, but this MacBook fairly flies.

On the _main Apple Store page_ at the bottom left, there is a "Special Deals" section. Click on "Refurbished Mac" and see what they have there. As I post this, they have listed a refurbished MacBook for $899. If you keep an eye on that page, maybe you can find a deal you can afford without the risk of buying used. If not, hopefully we can help you keep the iBook running until you can afford to replace it.

Good luck.

+Has it happened before that resetting the PMU will resolve starting up to a blank screen?+

I'm not sure about that, but I do know that it's the first thing AppleCare had me try when I called in about mine. It won't hurt, and it may help.

+If doing so does work, do I still need to have the logic board replaced?+

That's hard to say, since it is not uncommon for it to work sporadically with a bad logic board. I would try it, and if it works, use it as long as possible.

Does squeezing the case to the left of the trackpad allow you to start up after being shut down overnight? If so, you may want to consider trying the shim fix suggested by John Sawyer in the Apple Discussions iBook G3 (Dual USB) Displays Forum:

[Y]ou can often fix this yourself by removing the iBook's bottom housing, and placing a shim of any sort, about 1mm to 1.5mm thick, onto the raised square on the bottom shield. I use a Scotch mounting square--you can get them in hardware stores and many grocery stores. When you reinstall the bottom case, it will press against this shim, which will press against the graphics chip, and may allow the chip to come into better contact with the logic board.
John Sawyer
CJS Macintosh Repair

Instructions for removing the lower case:

iFixit.com

Do you have access to another Mac with FireWire? If so, you may be able to get the iBook to remain responsive in FireWire Target Disk Mode so you can retrieve your data by this method:

If the iBook is on, shut it down and wait 30 seconds (or longer). Pick it up in your left palm to the left of the trackpad and squeeze the case there between your palm and left thumb as you push the power button and key combination to start up in FireWire Target Disk Mode. Do not let up the pressure on the case. Continue applying this pressure as you save your data to the other Mac. If you let up and the iBook dies or freezes, you will have to start over, allowing it to rest several hours or overnight before beginning again.

Good luck!

The screen on my iBook has also started acting up. I read all the info in these discussions and yes, pressing on the left front corner of the opened iBook enabled me to back up all my data. I went a step further and actually attached a c-clamp to the area (not too much pressure though-if you hear a buzzing sound you are too tight) while I did what I had to do. I still have it attached and it's running just fine. Not exactly portable anymore like this but it will do until my new MacBookPro arrives...I do think I'll spend the $195 though and use it for my classroom...

My replacement logic board crapped out. Was installed by Apple as part of the recall program but are not willing to replace this one.

Here are some DIY fix link for the logic board:

http://www.macworld.com/forums/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB4&Number=22 0598&page=10&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

http://geektechnique.org/projectlab/726/diy-obsolete-ibook-logic-board-repair

The logic board flaw has been investigated and "proven" recently by the Danish:

http://blogs.business2.com/apple/2007/05/danesfinddesi.html

http://www.powerpage.org/2007/05/danishnational_consumer_agency_report_cites_ibook_g4flaw.html

http://www.forbrug.dk/presse/nyheder/pressekit/ibookg4/ibook-g4-english/

Please note that the last three links you give (the references to the Danish findings) refer to the iBook G4, not the iBook G3.

You may want to consider trying the shim fix suggested by John Sawyer in the Apple Discussions iBook G3 (Dual USB) Displays Forum:

[Y]ou can often fix this yourself by removing the iBook's bottom housing, and placing a shim of any sort, about 1mm to 1.5mm thick, onto the raised square on the bottom shield. I use a Scotch mounting square--you can get them in hardware stores and many grocery stores. When you reinstall the bottom case, it will press against this shim, which will press against the graphics chip, and may allow the chip to come into better contact with the logic board.
John Sawyer
CJS Macintosh Repair

Instructions for removing the lower case:

iFixit.com