Should I try to salvage my iBook G4 or buy the latest MacBook?

I have a 2-year old 12' iBook G4 that died on me because coffee seeped through the keyboard. I was told I had to change the entire motherboard but knowing that will cost me a bit, I wonder if I should even bother with this as this particular model's been phased out.

However, Im not a tech junkie, I only need a basic laptop for internet surfing and writing since Im a writer - I dont want to pay for cool new features I dont need (I wouldnt mind if I had the cash to spare though :P).

Is my iBook worth salvaging? Should I just replace it with the latest MacBook? Thanks in advance for all your help.

iBook G4

Posted on Dec 30, 2007 1:21 AM

18 replies

wolfiegrrl Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 7, 2008 11:47 PM in response to cornelius

Hi Cornelius,

So, I finally bought the latest 2.2 MacBook (white) BRAND NEW, to boot - Yay, Im now officially broke! 😀

As all my friends and colleagues (who knows anything about computers), incl. you and Spud have been unanimous about the financial unviability (grammar?) of replacing my old iBook logicboard, citing exactly the same logical reason, Ive decided that this is the best and most obvious solution.

Im waiting for my friend to get back from abroad - he showed me his PC external hard drive with enclosure and all, so I have an idea of what youre talking about. He says he'll help me disassemble my iBook and get the hard drive out, so we'll see how that works but I like the idea of getting a third party involved with feedback and all, so I will probably take you up on your offer 🙂 We'll see.

Message was edited by: wolfiegrrl

Message was edited by: wolfiegrrl

wolfiegrrl Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 7, 2008 11:56 PM in response to spudnuty

Hey Spudnuty, I bought me a new macbook 😀.

I didnt want to go backl to the technician again and pay another RM100 (divide that by USD3.40) only to be told what Im guessing in all probability, the logicboard's gone kaput. It's a whole lot compared to what I pay for a new macbook, obviously, but I think I just cannot endure another second of having money go down the drain for nothing. Human nature 101. :P

I will also very probably remove the hard drive from my old iBook and use it as an external hard drive for my new macbook.

Ive gotten myself a plastic enclosure for the outer shell as well, and will get skin for my keypad as well but in any case if water should find its way in, Id shut it off immediately. Expensive life lessons with Apple, this. :/

Can I bake the macbook logic board as well, in the event of an accident? Are there no plastic bits in there that would burn? Redundant question that, you wouldnt suggest it to me if there were. I guess I just need to get over my perception that all computer bits melt in extreme heat

Message was edited by: wolfiegrrl

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Jan 8, 2008 7:53 AM in response to wolfiegrrl

wolfiegrrl:

Congratulations! You have gotten yourself an excellent computer. I think you will be pleased with your purchase.

When you purchase an enclosure for your HDD, it is a bit easier with an Intel Mac as you can use a USB enclosure. (PPC Macs will not boot from a USB device, but an Intel Mac will). You may want to look at a Firewire/USB enclosure for greater flexibility.

You will find directions for HDD removal at ifixit. This is a very intensive task, but quite doable. It requires patience, concentration and skill with a screw driver. This particular Mac laptop requires almost complete disassembly to get at the HDD.

Here are few tips you may find helpful:
• Print out the ifixit directions as well as the screw guide ahead of time.
• Be sure you have the right tools. You don't want to damage the screw heads or you may never get them out. And the Torx 8 screw driver is critical.
• I use small medicine cups one for the screws in each step. I nest them so that the last ones out and the first to go back in are on top. You can use an ice cube tray, egg carton, dixie cups etc. (Some users report cutting up the screw guide and placing the applicable section in each container.)
• Be very careful pulling out leads. Hold the lead as close to the plug as possible and wiggle (the plug 🙂 ) to loosen its grip. Don’t hold the wires and pull as that can damage the cable, or worse, in some instances pull the wires out of the plug. Use needle nose pliers if you can access the plug, or nudge the plug with a small instrument to help loosen its grip.
• Use force gently in removing parts. Separating upper and lower case takes some doing. Use a plastic tool (spudge) so as not to leave marks.
• Refer to the screw guide when reassembling computer. Putting longer screws in the wrong place can perforate the circuit board.

Good luck.

cornelius

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Should I try to salvage my iBook G4 or buy the latest MacBook?