pet hair a problem?

Question

Level 1

39 points

pet hair a problem?

I just got my new pb g4 12in and am loving it, but as an owner of 3 dogs that are constantly shedding a little bit of hair, I'm wondering if I should be worried about their hair getting into the powerbook. granted, it never messed my old desktop peecee, but I imagine the PB might be a little more sensitive to hair because of the smaller parts. I hate keyboard 'skins' and would like to avoid one if at all possible, but if it extends the life of my 'book by a year then I'll go for it. though, as an experienced computer mechanic/technician, I would have no qualms about opening up the 'book once a year or so to clean out the hair and dust buildup (if any) - but am I correct in assuming that would void my warranty/applecare?

Posted on Sep 25, 2005 8:55 PM

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Answer 1

Sep 25, 2005 10:36 PM in response to Matt Bratton

Matt,
Children and pets are known PowerBook killers. It's not just the hair to be concerned about. An iSkin does elliminate any foreign matter getting under your keyboard and into your computer. Anything from dust to drinks. It also elliminates a lot of the wear on your keyboard keeping your PowerBook in pristeen condition. I would go for the iSkin and peace of mind.

On the same note, opening the PowerBook and cleaning under the keyboard shouldn't void your warranty as long as you are careful not to leave any tell tale signs of having been opened.

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Answer 2

Matt Bratton Author

Level 1

39 points

Sep 25, 2005 10:43 PM in response to Silly rabbit

from what I understand, there are stickers covering the screws that need to be unscrewed to remove the keyboard, so removing those would leave a 'tell tale sign' that it had been opened - however I don't know if just opening the 'Book voids the warranty; all I know is that while it's open you're in the 'you break, you buy' territory.

as far as pets being known as PB killers - my pet hair isn't especially bad and my pets are very well mannered, so I'm not at all worried about them, say, knocking the 'Book off of a table or anything like that. there are no children in my household, either, so I'm good on that front.

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Answer 3

Sep 25, 2005 10:48 PM in response to Matt Bratton

Hello Matt,
I think you just answered your own questions 😉

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Answer 4

Matt Bratton Author

Level 1

39 points

Sep 26, 2005 5:44 AM in response to Silly rabbit

so would removing the stickers to get under the keyboard void the warranty or not?

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Answer 5

Sep 26, 2005 5:56 AM in response to Matt Bratton

Matt,
I think any answer given here would be pure speculation. I think it would be wise for you to ring your local Apple shop and ask them directly and I would speculate the answer will be, "of course it will void your warranty."

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Answer 6

Sep 26, 2005 5:56 AM in response to Matt Bratton

Hi Matt, removing the stickers would probably void the warranty. Call Apple to be sure.
Don't the stickers say something like...'opening the cover voids the warranty'...?
As an experienced tech, you should be aware that hair and dander is usually inhaled through the cooling fans, and that a can of compressed air, used judicially and regularly, can often resolve pet-hair buildup.
check with Apple for the limitations of lifting the keyboard.

And, see SillyRabbit's comments above.

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Answer 7

Sep 26, 2005 6:51 AM in response to Matt Bratton

I saw a PowerBook last week that had one or two cat hairs inside the screen. It looks as if they had entered from the sides of the monitor.

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Answer 8

carl wolf

Level 6

14,631 points

Sep 26, 2005 10:34 PM in response to Matt Bratton

Matt,
Pet hair, and regular dust, can affect the PowerBook cooling. What ever you do, DON'T use compressed air - it will simply force the crud into your machine. Use a strong vacuum cleaner instead.

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