Damaged Casing!?

Joe:

Should I try and get my money back?
At least you should contact the seller and let him/her know how you feel. Maybe you can work something out. If the seller can't improve the cosmetics you should at least get the install disk.

so what can I do to get this thing looking like new?
You can purchase the display housing although it is out of stock here. It may be available elsewhere, or on eBay when they sell a failed 'Book for parts.

I agree, it is a beautiful piece of work. If you have questions about anything as you attempt to bring it to expectations, please do post back and ask.

Cheers 🙂

cornelius

Hi Joe!

If you can't get the original system discs from the seller, and you keep the PowerBook, you can call Apple Customer Service, and for a fee, order a set of replacement discs.
You should be able to find a Tel # here Contacting Apple U.K..

However, the discs will be for the original OS version Panther 10.3.7, that was pre-installed, when the PowerBook G4 was manufactured.
If it has been upgraded to a newer version, you will have to purchase a Full Retail version, of whichever OS X, you want to have installed.

ali b

Hi Joe,

Firstly, congratulations on the PB AND the iMac. I have just got myself a G4 Aluminium PB in the last week, which I am very impressed with. Mine is a 15" 1.67ghz with a 1gb memory so runs quite quickly. I bought mine from eBay and to be fair, the seller did accurately describe the condition of the casing was slightly damaged to a small drop in the past.

It doesn't detract from performance, as it still runs perfectly, so I woudl suggest that if it does run well, it shouldn't cause any problems. These PB's came with ( can't remember the exact phrase ) Sudden Motion Sensors or something, so they do try and protect themselves if dropped. My latch doesn't always close properly, but the guy provide a carry case, which helps keep it tidy. It came with lots of additional software ( not that I'm likely to use much of it ) and also came with Office 2008. One of things that attracted me to it was that it came with around four months of the remaining Apple Care Warranty, which I have just transferred to my name, and have also claimed from, as it the power adaptor stopped working suddenly after the first day. It is covered by the warranty and Apple are sending me out another.

I was thinking about a 12 " or 15" but after some usefull advice from this forum, I went for a bigger screen size. Portability is not really an issue, as its mostly house bound! Its got a lovely back lit keyboard.

I paid £447 for it, just to give you some comparison. The seller also included a set of small speakers and a wireless mouse. In summary, if you can put up with the damaged / scratched / dented casing - the machine should serve you perfectly well.

Message was edited by: nottmbantam

You're Welcome Joe!

If the previous owner does not furnish them, and you eventually need to acquire a newer OS X version, of system discs for the PowerBook, be sure you purchase a Full Retail Version, of the Tiger Install DVD, or a Full Retail Version, of the Leopard DVD.

The discs should look exactly like the images in the above links, and not say Upgrade, CPU Drop-in DVD, or "This software is part of a hardware bundle purchase - not to be sold seperately." on them.

ali b

nottmbantam:

Sounds like you got a pretty nice deal on your new PBook. Congratulations!

Cheers 😉

cornelius

Joe:

The 12" PowerBook G4 is a very nice computer, and I am sure you love it. However, since the product was misrepresented, you have an obligation to let the seller know that you are not happy, and that you expect the seller to make things right. That makes the system work better for everyone. eBay is risky enough, but sellers have an obligation. If the seller does not give you satisfaction you should report it to eBay. The seller does not want that anymore than you want to do it. Let us know how it goes.

Yes, you can buy system disks, and you can buy a bag etc., but you thought you had already bought them when you bought the computer.

Good luck.

cornelius

(My first post)

I completely understand your new found love for 12" PBs. Just last week I got a "Buy it Now" off ebay for a 12" PB/100GB/1.25RAM/1.5GHZ for $525 shipped! Immaculate condition (which was an issue for me since I didn't want dents/dings).

At first I felt like if you are happy with the overall purchase then keep it. But as mentioned above you HAVE TO AT LEAST leave negative feedback! From the sounds of it that machine was completely misrepresented in the auction, and if I was in your shoes that machine would be in a box ready to be returned. But at the same time this seller seems to be bad news.... so you might be stuck with it either way.

I would attempt to get a refund because PBs in great condition pop up on ebay all the time, you just really have to look!

Joe:

Glad you contacted the seller and he is decent enough to respond positively to your concerns.

I understand your dad's perspective, but I don't agree. If the computer was represented as being in excellent condition, and it apparently isn't, then it was misrepresented. Even if the seller cannot make it right, the seller should know of your disappointment, as you are apparently are genuinely distressed about the damage. At least the seller will know your feelings. And, yes, I do hope you get the original disks.

We understand your feelings about the 12" PowerBook. Most people who see if fall in love with it. I hope it works well for you.

Please do post back with questions or an update on how things are going.

Good luck.

cornelius

Joe:

You are obviously not happy with the particular machine you got. There are, and will be other nice computers out there, and just as good deals. If you are able to get your money back, because the seller obviously misrepresented the merchandise, I suggest that you get it and look for another computer.

Good luck.

cornelius

Joe - Looking at your list of complaints - which seems to be growing day by day - I would suggest that you send it back and ask for a full refund. Peace of mind is a nagging doubt that will awalys be there until you sort it out, and if you are a perfectionist, then ask for perfection.

Similar thing happened with a mobile phone I bought. It was advertised as unlocked open to all netweorks and 'as new'. It arrived looking like it had had extensive use ( scratched, worn ) and it wouldn't accept my sim card, so I couldn't use it. It HAD to go back, and if you are not 100% happy with your PB - it HAS to go back. As Cornelius says, there are quite a few PB's out there in MINT condition.

Good luck, let us know how you get on.

You're Welcome Joe,

"You guys think I should try and get my money back?"
If possible, yes.

And if the seller refuses, send a complaint to eBay.

ali b

Joe,

The vendor may have violated the Seller Non-Performance Policy, which states;

"Buyer experiences .... as well as item not received or item significantly not as described disputes."

More info here Item Not Received or Significantly Not as Described Process.

And here Reporting Inappropriate Trading Behavior.

ali b