Question for iBook G3 owners

[dvdh]

Getting my iBook back . . .

My G3/900/14.1/32 is coming back from the shop today. The tech is dropping it off at my apartment this afternoon. . . .

So here I go with logicboard number 3. . . . .

 

[rtdgoldfish]

My iBook went in to have its 3rd logic board replaced last Monday. I got it back on Wednesday and according to the repair slip, they didn't replace anything. I called Apple and the lady said they had replaced the CD drive (she had no idea why they did this). I still had a screen with lines running across it that went black after about 10 mins of use. They sent another box, shipped it off on Friday and I got it back yesterday (Tuesday). Now they replaced the LCD display and the screen isn't totally dead but I still get lines across it every few seconds. I called Apple again and worked my way up from a tech to a manager to a customer service rep but they said since my iBook is over a year old, they will not replace it and would send me another box. I tried the whole "I am a student, can't be without my iBook, blah, blah, blah" and they said I would have to send it in again! Has anyone else had this problem?? Or even better, anyone know the name of a customer service rep that is nice and would send me a replacement?? At this point, I don't even care if they just send me a refurb G3 unit, I just need a computer that doesn't have a bad display.

 

[coolsoldier]

My g3/800 has been in twice in the past two months, and being sent in again as soon as the materials come in. I've found (in my experience) that the Apple service people are very nice, but not very good at actually getting the product repaired.

When the logic board went out the first time, I called the support line, and they were very acomodating. They sent me the packing kit (complete with illustrated packing instructions and pre-cut tape strips) the next day and I sent it in.

2 weeks later, I got it back, with a broken CD drive, and the same logic board problem it had in the first place. (The drive was actually physically broken -- the tray wouldn't stay closed). I called Apple and they were very friendly and arranged to send me packaging materials to send it in again.

Except they didn't. When I called back two weeks later and pestered them, they were very friendly and agreed to send my packaging materials the next day.

When I got it back with a replaced CD drive and another new logic board (and, oddly enough, a new hard drive -- good thing I back up my data), it started up and ran fine -- but the new CD drive didn't actually WORK. Put in a CD and it would do nothing.

So, I called them back a fourth time. Again, very nice, etc. Supposedly they're sending me another box this weekend. I'll believe it when I see it.

Apple repair has the nicest, friendliest, most accomodating, most incompetent repair staff on earth. I guess that's 3 out of 4 🙄 .

 

[spaceballl]

I feel bad for everyone who doesn't seem to have quite as successful of a story as I do. My replacement process seemed to drag on forever. At first they sent the wrong legal documents, etc etc. But now my new computer has shipped to me and it gets here on Tuesday. I'd say that 700 mhz G3 i bought on eBay a while back for $800 is a good swap for my new 1.2 ghz/768mbRAM/AE/80gb/BT computer...
-Kevin

 

[Poeben]

CHRIST!!!

Ok i have a question for ibook g3 owners... Has anyone NOT had problems with their logic board? So far i havent, but i dont use it all day, everyday... now im worried.

No problems so far on G3 900. It is almost never shut down (slept of course..sometimes for days) and handled carefully at all times.

 

[fedupwithIbook]

On my 5th? Logic Board

I beleive I'm on my fifth logic board, second hard drive, 3rd screen, I can't remember the rest, and never has Apple offered a new computer. I had problems since it was a month old. The 2nd to last time it went in (about a week ago) we waited until we could go to an apple store to take it in. When we did we were asking for a new screen (ours had strange lines in it and since it wasn't our original we wanted it replaced) and it had a sound of a screw loose in the cd drive. (This is how it came back from the Repair Center) They sent it to that so called repair place in Tennessee and when it came back all of my system had been wiped out and Jaguar was put on (it never had Jaguar on it), and the screen was not replaced nor the screw loose fixed. Needless to say I was hot. Before I could send the computer back the next day the hard drive crashed. When I called Apple care I got nothing but put off. I am so fed up I've even considered leaving Mac and going with a cheap IBM. My brother has had a Toshiba for over a year without a single problem. You know I'm desperate when I start thinking like this.

How do I get a new Computer? I've tried everything--even writing corporate. Any suggestions?

By the way, all the replacements they've put in my computer are used so it's not like I have a new computer with everything having been replaced.

 

[spaceballl]

all these sad no replacement computer stories....

All I know is that I'm writing this reply from my new computer that came in yesterday... 80gb... 1.2 ghz G4... bluetooth... 768mb RAM... man this thing's hot

-Kevin

 

[coolsoldier]

I beleive I'm on my fifth logic board, second hard drive, 3rd screen, I can't remember the rest, and never has Apple offered a new computer. I had problems since it was a month old. The 2nd to last time it went in (about a week ago) we waited until we could go to an apple store to take it in. When we did we were asking for a new screen (ours had strange lines in it and since it wasn't our original we wanted it replaced) and it had a sound of a screw loose in the cd drive. (This is how it came back from the Repair Center) They sent it to that so called repair place in Tennessee and when it came back all of my system had been wiped out and Jaguar was put on (it never had Jaguar on it), and the screen was not replaced nor the screw loose fixed. Needless to say I was hot. Before I could send the computer back the next day the hard drive crashed. When I called Apple care I got nothing but put off. I am so fed up I've even considered leaving Mac and going with a cheap IBM. My brother has had a Toshiba for over a year without a single problem. You know I'm desperate when I start thinking like this.

How do I get a new Computer? I've tried everything--even writing corporate. Any suggestions?

By the way, all the replacements they've put in my computer are used so it's not like I have a new computer with everything having been replaced.

If you have any more problems, call corporate (408-996-1010 in the U.S.) and ask for customer relations. With that kind of repair record, I can't imagine that they wouldn't give you a replacement if you asked for one.

On a side note, it turns out that you get a whole different league of customer service if you call corporate first than if you call the "customer relations" number they list in their phone contacts. I called them this afternoon and made more headway in 20 minutes than I have in the past two months of talking to "product specialists."

 

[kjack54]

my ibook g3 700 just had it first logic board replaced, almost two years old. went from good video to fuzzy to black screen in less than two days. Sent to Apple for repairs, they forgot to replace my ram.

 

[fedupwithIbook]

Thanks Coolsoldier, I'll call them in the morning. By the way, I did send a letter to corporate last Thursday, they should have it by now, but I haven't heard anything yet.

 

[fedupwithIbook]

I just got off the phone with Customer Relations and they are finally replacing my computer. Thank you for that number.

I did have to stand firm on not sending it in again and working with a Tech. They tried to get me to go that way, but I stood firm that the thing is a lemon and nothing is going to fix it right. I was nice though.

So for everyone else having trouble with their Ibook--write down this number 408-996-1010, you may need it.

Does anyone know if the IBook G4 has the same logic board problems?

Just wondering if I'm going to have problems with my new computer.

 

[me_94501]

It died again. New iBook G4 on the way within the next two weeks. 😎

 

[rtdgoldfish]

So my iBook died for the 4th time today. Just using iCal and MS Word in my computer science class and all of a sudden, black screen. Called Apple and they want me to send it in for the logic board repair again. I told them this would be the 4th time the logic board has been replaced and they said that if it dies again, they will go about the replacement process and get me a G4 iBook.

A question for those of you that have been able to get a repacement: how many times did it take you?? I was thinking of calling the corperate number that several of you have posted and see where I can get. Does this sound like a good idea?? I am getting sick of sending in my laptop every three months for the same problem.

 

[destroyboredom]

Apple replaced mine after the 4th failure. After the 3rd failure I called and requested to speak with someone in customer relations, rather than tech support. I told them that I wanted a permanent solution and didn't want to send it in if it was just going to fail again. They requested I send it in one last time and that if it failed they would replace it with a a new unit. I sent the unit back and sure enough, about 4 months later I had a dead laptop. I called Applecare and politely told them the story about my last phone call and they put me through to customer relations again. They checked my files/records and replaced the unit without argument with a brand new G4 1.2ghz iBook!! This was 1 day after this unit had been announced too! I in turn sold the unit on this site and am now typing from my brand new DP 2.0GHZ Powermac.

I would call and ask to speak with customer relations. Just tell them that you think you have suffered from this problem enough and you think you deserve a replacement unit. I'm not sure how long you have owned your unit, but I had mine almost two years with all the failures coming after last January. (all in less than a year)

Good Luck!

 

[hob]

Apple replaced mine after the 4th failure. After the 3rd failure I called and requested to speak with someone in customer relations, rather than tech support. I told them that I wanted a permanent solution and didn't want to send it in if it was just going to fail again. They requested I send it in one last time and that if it failed they would replace it with a a new unit. I sent the unit back and sure enough, about 4 months later I had a dead laptop. I called Applecare and politely told them the story about my last phone call and they put me through to customer relations again. They checked my files/records and replaced the unit without argument with a brand new G4 1.2ghz iBook!! This was 1 day after this unit had been announced too! I in turn sold the unit on this site and am now typing from my brand new DP 2.0GHZ Powermac.

I would call and ask to speak with customer relations. Just tell them that you think you have suffered from this problem enough and you think you deserve a replacement unit. I'm not sure how long you have owned your unit, but I had mine almost two years with all the failures coming after last January. (all in less than a year)

Good Luck!

I managed to squeeze them to a powerbook - as they'd only give me a 14" iBook to replace my 12" and i insited on 12"! 😀

Hob

 

[rtdgoldfish]

So it seems that it takes four repairs for them to offer a replacement. I am going to try my luck tomorrow by calling customer relations and getting it put in my file that I want a replacement the next time it breaks. I got the iBook in June 2003 and had the logic board replaced in 10/03, 5/04, 11/04 and now 1/05. It ends up being about every six months.

I guess so if they make me hold onto it for another six months, maybe there will be a new revision out and I will get a brand new one after having this thing for two years!

 

[mcgarry]

My brother's G3/500 CDRW has never had any logic board issues ... although we occasionally wish it did, because maybe when they fixed that they'd have to fix his ridiculously creaky/stiff hinge in the process??

So, any way to speed along a logic board failure? oh, just kidding.

 

[point665]

I have an 800mhz iBook G3, with Combo and all... Its a 2002 I believe. Could you guys with the 800s give me your serial numbers so I can see if my is somewhere in that same batch... My has not yet failed and the Logic Board Coverage expires March 🙁 So I dont want my iBook failing right after it expires... It would really suck...

 

[rtdgoldfish]

I have an 800mhz iBook G3, with Combo and all... Its a 2002 I believe. Could you guys with the 800s give me your serial numbers so I can see if my is somewhere in that same batch... My has not yet failed and the Logic Board Coverage expires March 🙁 So I dont want my iBook failing right after it expires... It would really suck...

According to the FAQ for Logic Board Replacement Program:

The program is available for certain iBook models (see below for a complete list) with serial numbers in the following range:

UV117XXXXXX to UV342XXXXXX

iBooks with the serial numbers listed above may be referred to as:

* iBook (16 VRAM)
* iBook (14.1 LCD 16 VRAM)
* iBook (Opaque 16 VRAM)
* iBook (32 VRAM)
* iBook (14.1 LCD 32 VRAM)
* iBook (800MHz 32 VRAM)
* iBook (900MHz 32 VRAM)
* iBook (14.1 LCD 900MHz 32 VRAM)
* iBook (Dual USB)
* iBook (Late 2001)
* iBook (14.1 LCD)



Hope that helps you out. And even if your serial doesn't fall into that range, give Apple a call if you have problems that are similar to what is on the FAQ. My friend's iBook didn't fall in the range of serial numbers but he ended up with a logic board failure and they fixed it for free.

 

[spaceballl]

Yeah you have to speak to CR... and you have to sweet talk them and tell them ho unethical you think it is of them for you to have to keep re-sending in your laptop and stuff... tell them you don't mind getting the exact same model as you have, but you need a new functioning one. Worked for me!
-Kevin

 

[Benj]

I bought my iBook G3 900 in about May 2003. Logic board died suddenly (i.e. not a gradual deterioration) for the first time in September or October 2004. It was diagnosed and repaired within about 10 days. Has been fine since.

I never shutdown - just put it to sleep but would say it is open and running for at least 5 hours a day on average.

Moral for me is I need two computers - so dependent on my mac now. Hard to cope without.

Apple should do something for all G3 iBook owner who have suffered - Apple Store vouchers or something. Really not good PR to have a whole range that is defective (and seemingly impossible to sort out).

 

[rtdgoldfish]

Got my iBook back from the repair shop today. Here we go with logic board #4. I guess Apple wants this one to work - the repair slip says "repair actions:iBook REA:ATI chip/reconnect LVDS cable/replace LCD pannel/replace logic board/replace optical drive"

So for my list of repairs to this iBook:
4 - logic board
3 - CD-ROM drive
3 - LCD display

I don't understand why Apple insists on replacing the CD drive so many times. Does this have any effect on the logic board at all?? I don't think so but if anyone knows anything about that, I would like to know.

At least next time the logic board goes out, I get a replacement. I only hope Apple has a new revision to the PowerBook or iBook line so I can get a G5 upgrade for free 😀

 

[rhpenguin]

Hey i'm on my 3rd logic board too. I see that you have a Hitachi drive in your iBook just like I do in mine. If you get a new laptop, I DOUBT they will swap the drive for you. So are you willing to just give up the HD for the new laptop? let me know your thoughts.
-Kevin

I would swap in the factory hdd for the repair.

 

[nerd05]

Warranty EXTENDS with each repair?

Because the iBook logic board replacement extends your warranty for 6 months each time they fix it.

I didn't realize that the warranty extends every six months. According to the FAQ on Apple's web site, there is no extension to warranty.

When I sent my iBook off for the fourth time (second replacement of MLB, one other time for bad clutch cover, and the other time was when the repair person didn't re-assemble my computer properly...), I enclosed a very angry letter demanding a replacement computer that works. I can't deal with a new repair every couple of months. I paid too much for the system to have to deal with that. My system is officially out of its warranty, but I said in the letter that I didn't care about that. It was their mistake, and they need to fix it, don't you agree? I'll keep you guys posted on how this develops. I could really use an iBook G4...

 

[nerd05]

Got my iBook back from the repair shop today. Here we go with logic board #4. I guess Apple wants this one to work - the repair slip says "repair actions:iBook REA:ATI chip/reconnect LVDS cable/replace LCD pannel/replace logic board/replace optical drive"

So for my list of repairs to this iBook:
4 - logic board
3 - CD-ROM drive
3 - LCD display

I don't understand why Apple insists on replacing the CD drive so many times. Does this have any effect on the logic board at all?? I don't think so but if anyone knows anything about that, I would like to know.

At least next time the logic board goes out, I get a replacement. I only hope Apple has a new revision to the PowerBook or iBook line so I can get a G5 upgrade for free 😀

When they say "replace" in that case, they're just referring to putting the part back in its place. Literally re-placing the part...