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repairing power input for powerbook g4

I have a powerbook g4 with a broken power connector. I have removed the hard drive.

When the powerbook broke down I had to quickly replace it.


Now, I am thinking of getting rid of the powerbook. An alternative would be to have the internal

power connector replaced. Does anyone have a rough idea of how much it would cost me to have

Apple replace the power connector and whether it is worth doing?


I was very satisfied with the powerbook and would have continued to use it.


I hesitate to dispose of it if the cost of repair is not prohibitive. It is always helpful to have a

second computer around.


Jo from DC

iPad 2, iOS 6.1.2

Posted on Jan 2, 2014 7:51 PM

Reply
6 replies

Jan 2, 2014 9:31 PM in response to Jo from DC

Depending on the exact model, the disassembly could be a more or less difficult process. Perhaps you could take a look at the repair guides at ifixit.com in order to get a picture of what to expect in your computer. Is the DC-in-connector really broken? Once again, depending on the model, it could possibly be something as simple as a few bad solder joints at the connector. If so, someone with basic soldering skills may be able to carry out the resoldering.


Jan

Jan 3, 2014 6:41 AM in response to Jo from DC

Hi Jo,


...how much it would cost me to have Apple replace the power connector...


Apple considers the PowerBooks obsolete and will not longer work on them. You'll need to find an Authorized Service Provider in your area, or a speciality repair firm that still works on older Macs.


Try Googling 'powerbook repair" and see if anything shows up in the DC area.

Jan 3, 2014 12:26 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

Jan,


Thank you for your reply.


When the break occurred in early 2013, I checked out fixit. The problem was getting to the power connector. It required a nearly complete disassembly of the computer. The fixit instructions are very clear but beyond my ability. It was like being told how to perform brain surgery even though my only prior experience was bandaging a wound.


I ended up asking someone to copy the information and remove the hard drive so that I could hold on to the data. And that is how things have stayed.


I have not been successful in tracking down the model number on the apple site or locating my computer purchase receipts. I can say only that it is a powerbook g4 15" screen that I purchased with no extra features, not even additional memory.


Just too bad. It was very reliable. And I would have been very happy to use it for another several years at least.


Thanks again,


Jo from DC

Jan 3, 2014 2:41 PM in response to Jo from DC

When the computer was open to remove/replace a hard disk drive, it would've been a matter of a few additional minutes to replace the DC-in board with a new replacement part. A few dollars over the cost of the board.


Sort of like when you go in to get ignition wires replaced on a car and don't have them do a new distributor cap and rotor. And they may be happy to sell you the same time, again, to amend the earlier oversight.


Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

Jan 3, 2014 3:21 PM in response to K Shaffer

PS: if you later want to get the powerbook repaired and inspected for any other defect, you could send it away to a specialist, authorized and trained, to get an exact estimate for the work based on the issue you state as needing attention, and then later when the item is actually open, what they find inside.


From Alaska I've sent portable Macs as far as the Atlantic coast for a quality repair at less cost than quoted on the Pacific coast, and used the postal service priority mail, to good satisfaction and am considering that again with a different portable out-of-warranty for an upgrade to SSD that I won't be able to do in an mid-2005 iBook. See some of the higher rated (harder to search for nowadays) actual companies who do this such as wegenermedia if you have time and don't really see a need to be in a rush. A good shop should've offered to fix the problem with the $20 part while they had your PowerBook open, at another 5 to 10 minutes at most.


{edited to add: you should be able to check out your sales history at the Apple Store for any registered purchases going back some time, and those should show the serial number, date of purchase, model number, etc nearly 10 years back. Sometimes more. I see stuff in mine long gone from my use, to include eMacs that fedex broke in route to AK by truck via Canada, I took them to an airport 200 miles away to send them back to Apple. Still in sales history and never registered or turned on.}


Anyway, hope that works out.

Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

repairing power input for powerbook g4

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