12" Powerbook User in the North West (UK)?

[andym172]

My sister has used a 12" Powerbook for the last 4 years, but it finally met its timely demise when it was dropped onto the corner of the computer where the power plug is inserted.

As a result, every time she tries to charge the computer the fuse in the power plug blows. We've been told by a Mac Bar Genius that it's probably beyond economic repair and so have bought her a new MacBook.

Problem is, she never did any backups and so needs access 3 years worth of uni work on the PB's drive.
I've been told that the best thing to do is to have the PB's battery charged in a functioning computer, and to then re-insert the battery and copy over all the necessary data via firewire to the MacBook.

Is there anybody in the north West of England who'd be kind enough to power up the PB's battery, and return post it to me (all paid by me)?

An iTunes voucher could find its way over too

Any other ideas of how to solve this would be appreciated too

 

[bartelby]

I'm guessing the power is shorting due to a bent bit of casing and/or a damaged DC in board.

If you can bend the casing back into shape a new DC in board can be bought for £43.

It may be worth looking into sorting it yourself.

 

[garybUK]

Either that or take the hard disk out of it and pop it in an external enclosure and copy the data that way?

 

[andym172]

Either that or take the hard disk out of it and pop it in an external enclosure and copy the data that way?

I'd thought of this, but was told by the Genius that it's a PITA to do?

Where would I find instructions on how to do this? (I'm just about to head off to Apple's site).

 

[iBecks]

I'd thought of this, but was told by the Genius that it's a PITA to do?

Where would I find instructions on how to do this? (I'm just about to head off to Apple's site).

You should find some help at www.ifixit.com

You will need to remove the topcase and keyboard and then the hard drive is easy to get out.

 

[andym172]

You should find some help at www.ifixit.com

You will need to remove the topcase and keyboard and then the hard drive is easy to get out.

That's excellent, thank you

For anybody wishing to do the same, the guide is here: http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/PDF/53/PowerBook_G4_Al_12_Hard_Drive.pdf

 

[Accylad]

There is a site in the UK that are selling bits of ibooks/powerbooks. Its called the bookyard. Fantastic for bits of macs

 

[andym172]

One extremely 'well used' 12" Powerbook, sans hard drive or F1, F2, F11 and F12 keys heading for eBay

 

[twoodcc]

nice