Thought I bought a 1GHz PB?

[OldManJimbo]

I bought the 12" G4 in April, just before they jumped up to the 1.5Ghz processor. I thought I had pruchased a 1Ghz machine but today as I was looking for something else, I noticed in the "About This Mac" area that I have a "867 MHZ PowerPC G4."

Is there something else that takes this up to a 1Ghz clock speed, or did I buy something other than what I thought I was buying?

[JOD8FY]

That's strange. There's nothing you need to do to make it a 1Ghz G4. What you have there is a Rev. A 12" PB. Did you buy a refurb.? If not, take it back to Apple and maybe they'll give you a Rev. C ;)

JOD8FY

[Thirteenva]

Check your receipt/invoice. If it says you ordered a 1ghz and you received an 867mhz then bring it back to them and they should upgrade you.

[OldManJimbo]

After talking to the retailer - an approved Apple Reseller - they are scratching their heads. The box and all the paper work says I have a 1GHz CPU but the "About This Mac" says I don't. I have an appointment with them on Tuesday.

Another strange thing - I bought the machine in April, but when I called AppleCare last week on a software issue, the technician said I had purchased the machine in January.

I'm wondering if I somehow did not receive a machine that had been returned or rebuilt.

[Thirteenva]

Wow that sounds like a crazy mix-up! :eek:

Let us know how it turns out.

[Grimace]

I think Apple owes you a free iPod for your troubles. :p

[Kwyjibo]

well hmmm

does it have a mini DVI or a Mini VGA ?

[winwintoo]

After talking to the retailer - an approved Apple Reseller - they are scratching their heads. The box and all the paper work says I have a 1GHz CPU but the "About This Mac" says I don't. I have an appointment with them on Tuesday.

Another strange thing - I bought the machine in April, but when I called AppleCare last week on a software issue, the technician said I had purchased the machine in January.

I'm wondering if I somehow did not receive a machine that had been returned or rebuilt.

I bought an iMac from a reseller in May, 2004 and got it home to find out it had 10.2.7 on it even though I paid full retail price for it. The reseller *scratched* their heads, and Apple kept telling me I bought an "old machine" - I had to buy Panther if I wanted it. Ended up the machine was messed up anyway so I raised enough fuss that they had to take it back.

Apple is running some shady deal with resellers. It seems like they're dumping stock into the reseller chain just before the next upgrade and allowing the resellers to keep on selling it at the full price. Apple has always dumped the old stock into the reseller chain, but before you at least got a break on the price.

Make some noise, don't take no for an answer, they tried to charge me a restocking fee when I took the iMac back but when they realized that the store was quickly clearing out even though I was barely raising my voice, they suddenly found that they could refund all my money.

Good luck, m

[7on]

Sounds like a problem with the resellers. Which is why I buy directly from Apple. Resellers are sneaky.

[winwintoo]

In fairness to the same reseller, I also bought a discontinues model of a 1 Ghz PB from them at the same time. The difference was they told me it was a discontinued model, and I was able to check out what I was getting on the net before I paid for it. I got a good price on it, it was sealed in the box and came fully loaded with Panther - that's how business should be done.

Don't know what they thought they were doing with the iMac - stupid move on their part.

m

[Thirteenva]

Sounds like a problem with the resellers. Which is why I buy directly from Apple. Resellers are sneaky.

I've had great experiences with resellers. I've bought multiple computers at general cybernetics. John is a great guy and will hook you up with a good deal if you call and tell him what you want.

I had a problem with a powerbook I bought through him but john replaced it quickly with zero hassle.

The only apple item I did not buy through him was an ipod, and only because i had a gift certificate to the mall the apple store is in.

[OldManJimbo]

well hmmm

does it have a mini DVI or a Mini VGA ?

It has the mini DVI - and came in a sealed box.

This reseller has a tremndous reputation in the local community and knowing the owner, i highly doubt it was purposeful. That does not deter me from asserting my rights and asking that they make it right.

Does anyone know - if they offer to replace the CPU chip, is that a time-consuming process? I am in a very busy season at work and can't afford to lose any time while they fix things.

[johnnyjibbs]

It has the mini DVI - and came in a sealed box.

This reseller has a tremndous reputation in the local community and knowing the owner, i highly doubt it was purposeful. That does not deter me from asserting my rights and asking that they make it right.

Does anyone know - if they offer to replace the CPU chip, is that a time-consuming process? I am in a very busy season at work and can't afford to lose any time while they fix things.
Odd - you have mini-DVI 12" PB but only with an 867MHz processor? A hybrid of rev A and B? What about the graphics card - nVidia 420 GO or 5200 GO?

[OldManJimbo]

Odd - you have mini-DVI 12" PB but only with an 867MHz processor? A hybrid of rev A and B? What about the graphics card - nVidia 420 GO or 5200 GO?

Here's what I found in the System profile -

GeForce FX Go5200 32MB:

Type: display
Bus: AGP
Display Type: CRT
VRAM (Total): 32 MB
Vendor: nVIDIA (0x10de)
Device ID: 0x0329
Revision ID: 0x00a3
ROM Revision: 2069.1

[LeeTom]

They can't just "replace the CPU chip". You will be getting a whole new 1GHz Powerbook!

Lee Tom

[Mord]

http://www.xbench.com/

bench mark the cpu and compare the score to a 867MHz powerbook and then compare it to a 1GHz powerbook whichever one is closer is the one you have

the asp is screwed up and reports strange thing sometimes like saying the cpu is a 0MHz or at 9999MHz and other crazy reports

if it is closer to a 1GHz powerbook just reinstall OS X and see if that fixes it

[goodwill]

Have them compensate you by giving you a new 12in PB 1.3

[QCassidy352]

I have heard of macs reading the processor speed incorrectly in "about this mac" before. Most likely it is a 1 Ghz processor and it is just reading wrong. Have you repaired permissions, for starters?

[wide]

Perhaps Apple gave you a Rev. B but forgot to overclock the processor to 1 GHz. Does anyone know if the Rev. A and Rev. B PowerBooks use different processors or does the Rev. B just use an overclocked version?

I know programs exist that allow you to overclock your computer.

Maybe you could underclock it to 400 MHz, bring it to Apple, and get is exchanged for a brand-new PowerBook? :)

[OldManJimbo]

I have heard of macs reading the processor speed incorrectly in "about this mac" before. Most likely it is a 1 Ghz processor and it is just reading wrong. Have you repaired permissions, for starters?

Can you tell me what this means? I'm an old PC reject.

[yippy]

Every file on your Mac has a set of permissions attached to it that says who/what prosseses can read/write to it. Sometimes these get messed up and can cause all sorts of trouble.

To fix them, simply run disk utility from the utilities folder in your applications folder. Select you boot drive and click the "repair permissions" button under the first aid tab. Then wait and restart your computer when done.

[OldManJimbo]

First - thanks to all for your concern and suggestions.
I ran the xbench utility and it certainly looks like I have an 867 MHz chip.
I also ran the Disk Ultility and repaired permissions, restarted and - it still reads 867 MHz.
Looks like my next step is an appointment with the Apple reseller on Tuesday of next week. I am in the middle of an incredibly busy season at work and can't afford to be without my Mac for any time at all. Whatever they decide to do, they won't be able to do it until after July 5.

If you have any other ideas - please pass them along. My hope is that we find a software issue and not the more serious situation of them selling me a bogus machine.

If I hear nothing else - I will report back on what the Apple store says after my meeting on Tuesday.

Cheers.

[papolo]

hey!

How many of you did clic on the "about this mac" area to check your info??? :D hehehe

OldManJimbo, did you pulled off the battery to see what the model stiker says about your model???

Take out the battery and you should see written next to your serial number wich model you own

Hope you'll get the 1ghz you paid.

[BrianKonarsMac]

what do you have your processor set to? if it's on speed management, maybe that's causing it? check in the energy settings, i think its in customize. try setting it to highest n rebooting.

maybe reset the p-ram, but i think it looks like you got a bogus machine. my 12" 1.33 says it's 1.33 and my 933 G4 says its 933 in the About Me.

[aethier]

If you ran xbench, the very first few results tell you the exact clock speed of the cpu, the model (7457, 7447 ect..)

so just check that, and if that tells you 867, then it probably really is, also there is a terminal command that tells you your exact speed, but i don't remember what it is, perhaps someone here does?

aethier

[OldManJimbo]

Checked power setting - on "highest" it still registers 867HMz -
Removed battery - little sticker says 1GHZ.

The note from someone telling me the CPU can't be replaced but rather I'll need a whole new PowerBook is discouraging news. I shudder to think about the extra time it is going to take to transfer all my files and settings

As I begin to determine what I will want in compensation for my trouble - can anyone tell me what the 867 PowerBook was retailing for (US$) when it was new? I will at least want the difference.

[Rod Rod]

OldManJimbo:

Since it seems like a manufacturing error, your local Apple store should replace your computer with a new 1GHz or 1.33GHz 12" PowerBook, AND do the files-and-settings transfers for you free of charge. Most likely they've run out of 1GHz models and you'll end up with a 1.33GHz machine.

You shouldn't be without your computer except for the hour or so it takes them to do the transfers.

If you bought an Airport Extreme card or extra RAM, have them remove it from your 867MHz machine and keep them for yourself. The 1.33GHz comes with Airport Exterme included, so you won't need it in case they replace your computer with one of those. However, the Airport Extreme card will come in handy down the road if you eventually get a G5, eMac or iMac. The RAM, if you bought extra, will work in a 1GHz model, and it'll only work in a 1.33GHz model if it's PC2700. If it's PC2100, well you can recover a few bucks on eBay or here in the Marketplace - Classifieds section.

[stevehaslip]

OldManJimbo

how did things go at the apple store today??

[OldManJimbo]

OldManJimbo

how did things go at the apple store today??

I am a little bit disappointed. The Apple reseller ran some diagnostics and determined what we knew all along - this 1 GHz G4 PowerBook was manufactured with the wrong CPU.

The manager then handed it back to me and told me to "call Apple so they can replace the CPU."

Apple Care is sending me a pre-paid shipping box and I am to pack it off to Austin, TX to have the CPU replaced.

I really can't afford to be without my machine for the 2-7 days they say it will take to make repairs (My guess is the 2-7 days will stretch to more than a week).

No one offered to just replace the machine, even though the Apple reseller has 1GHz PBs on the shelf. They are all quick with apologies and verbal expresssions of "understanding" but their actions are not living up to their words.

I was impressed with AppleCare's record-keeping process. At least I didn't have to explain the situation over-and-over. Good thing, because everytime I do, my anger level increases.

My advice - everyone should check their About This Mac utility to make sure they didn't also get the wrong processor.

[aricher]

AppleCare always says 2-7 days - I've fund that it's usually more like 3 days. i have used them twice - once was a screen and cosmetic problem the second time was a non-ejecting superdrive. Both times I took the PB 17 1.33 into the local AppleStore - the "geniuses" shipped it out and it was back in my hands on the morning of the 3rd day.

My guess is that they will either replace your motherboard or will just give you a new PB - either way, BACK UP YOUR DATA!!!! I cannot stress this enough - there have been so many reports of machines coming back from AppleCare with the hard drives wiped clean.

[jeremy.king]

My advice - everyone should check their About This Mac utility to make sure they didn't also get the wrong processor.

Good point! I can't imagine you would be the only one affected by such a mistake.

[OldManJimbo]

BACK UP YOUR DATA!!!! I cannot stress this enough - there have been so many reports of machines coming back from AppleCare with the hard drives wiped clean.

Aricher - other than Documents and the User data from Entourage, what else should I back up? I guess I should backup iTunes?

[jsw]

You should also deauthorize your computer in iTunes (iTunes->Advanced->Deauthorize Computer...).

Maybe what you get back will "look" the same, maybe not - actually, probably not. But it's safest to deauthorize it and then authorize it when you get it back.

Be sure to back up any purchased music.

Also, I'd call AppleCare and make sure (unless someone in this thread already knows) that it's cool to deauthorize and then reauthorize the same system. I'm 99% sure it is. I'd want 100% certainty, though.

[parrothead]

It is a very common thing for machines that go in for repair to get their hard drives completely erased. BACK UP YOUR DATA. I had a friend that specifically asked them not to erase the drive and it got erased anyway.

[jsw]

Agreed. Assume they'll shred your system and send you a completely new one. They won't, but base your backup on that assumption.

This thread just reminded me it's time again for me to do a backup myself...

[Horrortaxi]

I really can't afford to be without my machine for the 2-7 days they say it will take to make repairs (My guess is the 2-7 days will stretch to more than a week).[/B]
They've never had anything of mine for longer than 3 days--and that includes shipping time there and back.

If you buy from the iTunes Music Store, deauthorize your computer. Then back up your home folder.

[OldManJimbo]

Thanks all - I have told Apple that they can't have the machine until I'm done with a crazy two-week travel schedule, so I have a bit of time to handle the backup.

Any suggestions for decent backup untilities? Right now I just copy the Documents file, but I'd like to do more.

[Doctor Q]

Any suggestions for decent backup untilities? Right now I just copy the Documents file, but I'd like to do more.If you have a big-enough external firewire drive, you can use Carbon Copy Cloner (http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/13260) ($5 shareware) to copy your entire system.

[puhlsar]

It's perfectly fine to de-authorize your computer, in fact, in the documentation that comes with the pickup box it tells you to do it.

I've had nothing but positive experiences with AppleCare. I've sent my powerbook in twice and had it returned to me 2 days from the mail away date both times. I wouldn't worry about being without your computer for too long because in my experience it isn't a problem.

[OldManJimbo]

II've had nothing but positive experiences with AppleCare. I've sent my powerbook in twice and had it returned to me 2 days from the mail away date both times. I wouldn't worry about being without your computer for too long because in my experience it isn't a problem.

Thank you - that's encouraging news. I'll report back when the process is complete - which will be sometime after July 4. I am heading off on a very hectic travel schedule until then.

[adamjay]

Perhaps Apple gave you a Rev. B but forgot to overclock the processor to 1 GHz. Does anyone know if the Rev. A and Rev. B PowerBooks use different processors or does the Rev. B just use an overclocked version?

I know programs exist that allow you to overclock your computer.

Maybe you could underclock it to 400 MHz, bring it to Apple, and get is exchanged for a brand-new PowerBook? :)

really? can you point me to an application that can boost my 867mhz 12" PB? i could really use the boost.

[Rod Rod]

really? can you point me to an application that can boost my 867mhz 12" PB? i could really use the boost.

I think nobody responded to wide's comment because it's pretty much common knowledge that the processors in the 1st and 2nd generation 12" PB are completely different parts.

the 1GHz processor in the 2nd version 12" PBs is lower power and cooler running than the different 867MHz processor in the 1st 12" PBs.

it's not a matter of overclocking an old part, it's using a new part.

the only performance boost available to you besides selling and upgrading to a current 1.33GHz 12" PB is buying a $300 1GB stick of RAM from 18004memory.com. I've bought from there a couple of times with good results.

[G4scott]

More than likely, Apple is going to replace your logic board. The CPU is soldered directly onto the logic board, and it's cheaper than sending you a whole new computer, since they'd have to waste a functioning PowerBook, and then transfer your data, and mess with all that junk. If they stick to procedure, your data should be fine, and you should get it back rather quickly, assuming they use air-shipping, like they usually do for PowerBooks.

I just sent an iBook for a logic board repair a few weeks ago, and it came back rather quickly. Only 5 days, I think, from when got the box to ship it, until I had it back.

I hope everything goes well. It just seems weird that the wrong processor would get put in your machine...

[adamjay]

More than likely, Apple is going to replace your logic board. The CPU is soldered directly onto the logic board, and it's cheaper than sending you a whole new computer, since they'd have to waste a functioning PowerBook, and then transfer your data, and mess with all that junk. If they stick to procedure, your data should be fine, and you should get it back rather quickly, assuming they use air-shipping, like they usually do for PowerBooks.


they should replace the powerbook entirely, and clone his HD to the new PB. if they sent him a Rev A when he bought a 1ghz then he not only bought that processor - but the mini-dvi output, usb 2.0, and twice the L2 Cache.

[G4scott]

they should replace the powerbook entirely, and clone his HD to the new PB. if they sent him a Rev A when he bought a 1ghz then he not only bought that processor - but the mini-dvi output, usb 2.0, and twice the L2 Cache.

According to him, the PowerBook already has the mini-DVI, which would mean it also has the USB 2.

Besides, when you replace the logic board, you replace all of the connectors, the graphics chip, and all that, which means it would come with USB 2.0, the mini DVI, and the L2 cache would be the right amount for the machine.

It seems as if when they were putting processors on the motherboards, an 867mhz G4 slipped in with the 1ghz G4's.

He has the right PowerBook, just not the right processor.

[adamjay]

He has the right PowerBook, just not the right processor.

okay i understand now... and that sucks!

i vote he uses his consumer power to get either a 1.33ghz 12" or a free ipod! seriously.. raise hell , the best that could come from it is you get a better than bought G4, or an ipod, maybe an extra battery or something - tell them you want to be compensated!!! The worst that could happen is you gotta do the Applecare thing.. Sometimes you just gotta yell loud enough to get results.

a wierd example, but Saturn replaced half my engine when a timing chain broke and i didnt pay for a single part... and the timing chain was in a grey part of the warranty. it wasn't in the warranty, but it was part of the power train.. - anyway, i raised enough hell. had i not, their original quote included the price of parts, and i would have been out $1300.

[OldManJimbo]

okay i understand now... and that sucks!

i vote he uses his consumer power to get either a 1.33ghz 12" or a free ipod!

As the "he" mentioned - let me say that I have gotten to the point where I just want this fixed.

yes - I have all the makings of a 1GHz machine, they just used an old CPU - weird.

Latest - local Apple reseller is asking Apple to send them the replacement part so they can make the swap when the part arrives - that should save me time. They are also going to do a backup for me at no charge.

[Horrortaxi]

Any suggestions for decent backup untilities? Right now I just copy the Documents file, but I'd like to do more.
Why? Dragging and dropping is a perfectly good way to back up. In some ways it's superior to the apps that make everything into 1 file.

[stevehaslip]

did you manage to back everything up?

did they send your powerbook off?

have you got it back?

id love to hear a good ending to your nightmare, maybe a 1.33 powerbook? or an ipod for your trouble?

[OldManJimbo]

Local resller has ordered a new logic board and CPU from Apple. I am away on business until July 5 on which date I will take the PB to the resller and stand by while they make the switch. Files are backed up - that took a while.

To date, neither Apple or the resller have offered anything other than apologies. Free iPods and brand new machines have not even entered the discussion. I am beginning to think these stories of free stuff when Apple makes a mistake are more fiction than fact.

[winwintoo]

I am beginning to think these stories of free stuff when Apple makes a mistake are more fiction than fact.

Au contraire mon ami!

re: http://forums.macrumors.com/editpost.php?do=editpost&p=893533

When I complained to Apple customer service about having to buy Panther - and explaining very carefully that I had already purchased it, he called me back the next day and said that he could send me a *FREE* upgrade cd that could only be used on that computer as compensation for all my trouble. :D :D :D :D

m

[Elan0204]

Au contraire mon ami!

re: http://forums.macrumors.com/editpost.php?do=editpost&p=893533

When I complained to Apple customer service about having to buy Panther - and explaining very carefully that I had already purchased it, he called me back the next day and said that he could send me a *FREE* upgrade cd that could only be used on that computer as compensation for all my trouble. :D :D :D :D

m

Your link is to edit your post, meaning no one but you has permission to view it. I think you meant for your link to point to this post (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=893533), but please correct me if I'm wrong.

[winwintoo]

My bad, sorry about that but I couldn't figure out the right way to do it and I knew someone would figure it out - thank you.

m

[OldManJimbo]

For those who have been following this saga - today I have an appointment with the Apple reseller who has received from Apple the new CPU and logicboard that will replace the 867MHz chip mistakenly installed on my 1GHz 12" PB.

I have backed up all my files to a slave hard drive on my home network - I knew that old PC would come in handy for something.

The repair job is supposed to take only a few hours - I'll update this when I return.

Thank you ALL for your suggestions, help, support and collective amazement at this very strange situation.

[jsw]

Well, congratulations in advance. I hope everything is ship-shape, and I'm glad you're about to end up with what you thought you bought months ago. Did they ever come up with an explanation?

And, yeah, you'd think they'd owe you something for all your troubles besides what you were supposed to get to begin with.

[OldManJimbo]

Did they ever come up with an explanation?

And, yeah, you'd think they'd owe you something for all your troubles besides what you were supposed to get to begin with.

No explanation and I have the feeling they think this is somehow my fault - everyone I've talked to at Apple treats me like I somehow casued this problem.

My business involves helping people brainstorm outrageously unique outcomes to situations and I cannot come up with an explanation for how one 867MHz CPU ended up sitting on an assembly bench and got into my PowerBook. I can't believe there aren't other PBs with the same problem.

Perhaps Apple should contact everyone who bought a 12" PB manufactured during a certain period and make sure they don't have the slower chip set.

[stevehaslip]

i would have really kicked up a fuss, its great that they've fixed it but its pretty sloppy that it got out of the factory. i guess its just bad luck, but it still sucks. :confused:

[OldManJimbo]

The reseller made the switch in about three hours - as far as I can tell, all my files are intact.

I will call AppleCare on Tuesday (after the holiday) and tell them I won't be needing the shipping box they provided.

The story has a happy ending - but then again what other ending could it have had? I bought and paid for a 1GHz PowerBook and got an 867MHz processor. Apple did ONLY what they absolutely HAD to do - and nothing more.

I wasn't expecting Steve Jobs to call and offer to mow my lawn for a month, but I was expecting some sort of "peace offering" for all the trouble I went though to get this fixed, and for alerting Apple to a potential problem on their production line. They didn't even act embarassed.

The Mac is great and I'll continue to support Apple with my dollars - what other choice do I have - but this has left a really bad taste in my mouth and I am much less likely to speak high praise to my friends who ask why I switched.

To all who offered support and advice - thank you.

[OldManJimbo]

The new 1GHz chip runs hotter than the older 867 and the cooling fan kicks on much more often than before.

Still nothing from Apple in the way of a peace offering -

[jsw]

Well, I'm glad you finally ended up with what you ordered, but I can certainly see how this must leave a bad taste in your mouth.

Honestly, I think the best part about owning a Mac is the Mac community (not due to Apple), and OS X (plus included SW) (due to Apple's SW groups). Mac hardware, and Apple's treatment of problems within that HW, has never seemed to me to be a strong point of the company.

Since they make all their money on HW, I'd think they'd be as flexible as possible in ensuring that their customers - especially ones who got the wrong CPU - would be happy enough to help convince others to buy a Mac, instead of just as annoyed as a Dell customer.

[OldManJimbo]

I guess my disappointment is the result of having extremely high expectattions for "customer care." I agree, the user community has been incredible - even the people who flamed me early for typing Mac all in CAPS (wow). I remain an advocate for the hardware and wouldn't trade the pleasure of using this platform over one lousy experience with the parent company.

[winwintoo]

It's a conspiracy :D :D

I think the people who *work* for Apple in customer services etc. are closet PC users who've been *planted* there by De!! to make our lives miserable in the hopes that we'll switch. Don't let them win!!

m

[OldManJimbo]

So perhaps we should have a secret password known only by "honest and true soldiers of the Mac platoon" - we'd mention the secret word while on the phone with an AppleCare agent and if s/he did not respond in kind, we would know they were traitors.

Oh man - I need to lay off the strong tea for a while.

[boodle]

Sounds like a problem with the resellers. Which is why I buy directly from Apple. Resellers are sneaky.
Actually, it's Apple that's sneaky: http://tellonapple.com/