How to find specs by serial number

Question

How to find specs by serial number

Hello,

A few weeks ago Apple Specs web pages where changed. 9 out of 10 of my attemp to find specs by serial number lead to nothing or wrong model specs.

What is the proper method to find accurates specs by serial number.
Example?
I have in front of me an iBook G4, 1 Ghz. serial UV ***YPH0
The specs web page lead me to a iBook G4 (Mid 2005) 1,33 & 1,42 Ghz. instead of iBook G4 (Mid 2005).

I can't get anything for my MacBook W8 ***LZ62, just the list of 5 MacBooks released from 2006.

I think that it is important when parts like memory or hard disk are needed.

Any clue?
<post edited by host>

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.5.3)

Posted on Jul 1, 2008 2:28 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

John Huber1

Level 6

17,745 points

Jul 1, 2008 3:41 PM in response to Community User

Hi,

Apple is aware of the problem and may be working on a fix but don't hold your breath.

In the mean time use http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html . It will return accucate info for all Macs.

John

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Answer 2

a brody

Level 10

82,841 points

Jul 1, 2008 3:49 PM in response to Community User

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Answer 3

a brody

Level 10

82,841 points

Jul 1, 2008 3:50 PM in response to John Huber1

I don't trust that site. It is insecure, and it is not run by Apple. There is no guarantee the info from that site will be accurate.

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Answer 4

John Huber1

Level 6

17,745 points

Jul 1, 2008 4:05 PM in response to a brody

I never knew that, a. 🙂

If and when Apple can return accurate information about *THEIR OWN SERIAL NUMBERS* I will quit referring to the other site. But as I said above, I'm not holding my breath.

John

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Answer 5

a brody

Level 10

82,841 points

Jul 2, 2008 9:29 AM in response to John Huber1

Chipmunk doesn't always return accurate numbers either.

A model number is a much more concise method of determining the Mac model in question.

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Answer 6

John Huber1

Level 6

17,745 points

Jul 2, 2008 11:17 AM in response to a brody

They've always been accurate for me.

If you don't know what model it is (thus the reason to use chipmunk) where do you find it if the original build sticker is missing?

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Answer 7

a brody

Level 10

82,841 points

Jul 2, 2008 7:50 PM in response to John Huber1

If the sticker is missing, you use the System Profiler for clues on matching specs.
Also the hardware test can give you a more accurate indication of some of the specs you have. This is another reason why when buying a used or refurbished Mac, or selling it, it is important to hold on to the original discs.

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Answer 8

Jul 2, 2008 8:33 PM in response to Community User

So, for now no garantee of good result from Chipmunk or Apple.

John Hubert 1, you said that Apple is aware of that problem? Can I read something about that from Apple?
Thanks anyway for the chipmunk site.

a brody, I was not aware that Chipmunk doesn't always return accurate numbers.
Thanks for the warning

Model number is also a good hint... when we can find one.
These portables did not have any.

The problem of not being able to get them by serial or model number is when it is time to order memory, hard disk, etc. Stores now have policy that said "you order it, you pay it".

Making wrong order on parts sometime quite costly is not my cup of tea.
I will just have to triple check by model, serial, chipmunk, Kingston and so on to make the right guess 🙂

Having a reliable Tech Specs site is certainly not out of range for the braves techs of Apple working as **** to be the best guy for the best products.
Hey! That's sweet don't you think 🙂 Give us the cake guys.

Have a good day you all.
ps: English is not my mother tongue, excuse any weird whatever 🙂

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Answer 9

John Huber1

Level 6

17,745 points

Jul 3, 2008 5:36 AM in response to a brody

And if the computer won't start?

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Answer 10

John Huber1

Level 6

17,745 points

Jul 3, 2008 5:38 AM in response to Community User

Michel F wrote:
So, for now no garantee of good result from Chipmunk or Apple.

John Hubert 1, you said that Apple is aware of that problem? Can I read something about that from Apple?
Thanks anyway for the chipmunk site.

No, there's nothing you can read from Apple about this.

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Answer 11

a brody

Level 10

82,841 points

Jul 3, 2008 6:26 AM in response to John Huber1

If the computer won't start, and you have no sticky, there is no way to obtain the serial number short of having the original box, or the original installer CDs.

Message was edited by: a brody

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Answer 12

John Huber1

Level 6

17,745 points

Jul 3, 2008 11:38 AM in response to a brody

You misunderstood about the sticky. Some computers have a separate "build" sticker showing processor, RAM, HD and optical drive info.

What if you have the serial number but the computer won't start?

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Answer 13

a brody

Level 10

82,841 points

Jul 7, 2008 6:28 AM in response to John Huber1

If you enter your serial number here:

https://selfsolve.apple.com/GetWarranty.do

You will find out your Mac model. If you disagree with your serial number there, call AppleCare. They should have the most current database data on the serial number in question.

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Answer 14

Jul 7, 2008 11:16 AM in response to a brody

Thanks for the link a brody but it isn't working. Constant spinning gear wheel after entering info and hitting 'Continue'. Fortunately I know my model #...

Maybe Apple will get it fixed soon?

Adrian

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Answer 15

a brody

Level 10

82,841 points

Jul 7, 2008 11:29 AM in response to Adrian Clarke1

Clean your support.apple.com cookies, delete your browser cache, and if necessary try browsing from a non-proxy firewall location. If it still doesn't work for you, call AppleCare and tell them their website is not working from your internet service provider's location.

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