So i just got done taking the second hard drive out of my eMac (Traded out and Optical Drive for a HDD for Time Machine some months ago). Well, i remember that "some months ago" i accidentally ripped the out shell off with no regards to the power switch and it still works, though its less sensitive now, or the time (wait, actually same time) when i kinda "broke" the video connector plastic casing that goes from the CRT Board to the Logic Board, a little of some crazy glue or whathaveyou and i managed to fix my way out of that one too. Combine these experiences with that of my first, err second gen iMac G3 (Same bondi blue, yet no infer red sensor) I even tried to over clock it with my late father's help to no avail, but we were able to undo the over clock and that Mac too is still working. But the real reason for all this is to reminisce on how reliable these older Machines are. Currently, my eMac has made it's way to my Mother's desk as i work on her compaq craptop. Today when i took it apart to remove the time machine drive, after reassembly it wouldn't start. Now usually i'd freak out but after learning all the above, and even some more undocumented instances where i messed up, i learned you need patience. These Mac's just don't seem to Quit working. I've had it to where my iMac wouldn't start, and i changed outlets, and even power cords which solved these issues. Thats why these little guys can be temperamental! Jwhathaveyouust today i had to disassemble, make sure a couple things were fastened (Which i basically just unplugged afew wires and replugged em' in) and then reassemble my eMac. I know I can't be the only one - so feel free to share your story! I love these older machines, they're the most reliable even compared to my new pc (I've had more problems with my new pc than my 5 year old mac) and although they can be temperamental, they never seem to quit.
