Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Level 1

55 points

What is SMART status?

Recently, I have noticed that my hard drive has been taking longer than normal to use, so I have been monitoring the SMART status of the drive using Tech Tool Pro 5. While it has passed the SMART test, I am very concerned because one of the SMART diagnostic tests came up nearing 'fail!' I have also had to reinstall 10.4.11 two times in the last 6 months [via the genius bar]! I am really concerned that the drive has gotten so bad that I can no longer start up from my internal HD. What should I do?

iBook G4 (Early 2004), Mac OS X (10.4.11), 768 MB RAM, External DVD-RW drive, and a firewire HD (is full!)

Posted on Sep 24, 2009 12:54 AM

26 replies

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Nov 2, 2009 5:59 PM in response to Patddfan

I explained that I was planning to let this computer run until it dies

Sounds like you're there now, doesn't it. The $500 you save on not repairing the iBook G4 gets you half way to a new MacBook.

anyone know what the estimated value of an iBook G4 (early 2004 w/ super drive) is?

In its present condition it may not be worth very much. You can strip it down and sell parts on eBay for a few dollars. Or you can donate it to someone who repairs them and donates them to charity. If interested in the latter drop an email to spudnuty (Richard).

I think you will love the new MacBook and wonder why you waited.

😉 cornelius

Patddfan Author

Level 1

55 points

Nov 13, 2009 1:27 AM in response to cornelius

well, I'm expecting to get a new macbook pro for christmas this year. until then, I guess I'm stuck with this hunk of junk!

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Nov 13, 2009 7:10 AM in response to Patddfan

I'm expecting to get a new macbook pro for christmas this year.

It's worth the wait, and I know you will love it. However, being stuck with a "pile of junk" makes the wait more difficult.

😉 cornelius

Patddfan Author

Level 1

55 points

Nov 13, 2009 9:53 PM in response to cornelius

I'd have to agree with you completely, cornelius! with each use of this iBook G4, some issue comes up, preventing me from doing almost anything with it anymore.

a great example of this happened at around 6 this evening. I needed to get some work done for a class in digital video, but, because my teacher has a newer mac, and a newer version of the software program, I have been unable to do my work for about a month. fortunately, my grandmother has an iMac, so I might try to convert the final cut files from 6 to 5 so I can finish my rough cut in time!

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Nov 14, 2009 8:05 AM in response to Patddfan

Be nice to Grandma.

😉

S.U.

Level 6

9,595 points

Nov 14, 2009 2:55 PM in response to cornelius

Always good advice!

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Nov 14, 2009 5:49 PM in response to S.U.

Hey, S.U. Haven't seen you around for a while. Hope all is well.

😉 c

S.U.

Level 6

9,595 points

Nov 14, 2009 6:05 PM in response to cornelius

All's well with me--just been busy down at the Texas coast helping out while my Dad recovered from a bout of pneumonia.

Thanks for asking!

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Nov 15, 2009 9:44 AM in response to S.U.

S.U.

Wonderful son!

😉 c

S.U.

Level 6

9,595 points

Nov 15, 2009 2:13 PM in response to cornelius

Actually, wonderful Dad--deserves all I can ever do for him!

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Nov 15, 2009 2:23 PM in response to Patddfan

Ok, enough of the banter, right? Well, hope you can limp along with the old iBook until Christmas. If we can be of any support before it arrives, do give a holler.

And thanks for leaving feedback in Apple Discussions. I don't think we solved anything, except to determine that a new Intel Mac is the solution.

😉 cornelius

What is SMART status?