What to do with a dead MBP?

[thundersteele]

@OP
Did you actually get an estimate from Apple for a repair? The $310 flat rate repair that others have quoted might be an option for you, if they offer it. Do you have an Apple store nearby?

Of course, $310 is a lot to invest into a worthless machine. 5 years is a lot. Computers this old are usually worthless, although Macs usually keep up better than comparable windows machines.

If you go by Moore's law, computing power doubles every 1.5 years. By that same argument, the value of an older machine is cut in half. 5 years would mean the value drops to 1/8 of the original cost. Based on the purchase price of $2400, something around $300 seems realistic... for a working machine, that is!

 

[Jaimi]

I'm assuming you opened the case, cleaned all the dust out (and off the fans), made sure the fans were working and cleaned out the vents?

If so, then I agree, ebay it and get a new one. If not, I would look at cleaning it out first, and then go from there.

 

[dasx]

Apple will buy your computer. I can't guarantee you'll like the offer though.

Recycling Program.

 

[Mattjeff]

...
These are expensive computers and should last more than 4 or 5 yrs, just my take on it.

I do agree with this, My parents old iMac G4 lasted for 10 years(still works)! they kept it until I bought them an Air. While I didn't expect that kind of return its hard to drop that kind of money for a few years, its worse then a car.

In all reality while you can squeak one past 3 years, it's dated technology at that point and usually not worth spending $ on as the ROI brings the suck.

I understand where you're coming from but if you treat it with care it shouldn't reach the point where stops working so quickly. Having this makes me very hesitant to replace it down the road. I spent total of less then 900 for my new mini and if it kicks the bucket, I can gut it and buy a new one in 3 years guilt free.

@OP
Did you actually get an estimate from Apple for a repair? The $310 flat rate repair that others have quoted might be an option for you, if they offer it. Do you have an Apple store nearby?

The closest is 3 hours away but when I had this fixed under warranty in... 2009?.. the bill I would have received was just shy of $1000.

I'm assuming you opened the case, cleaned all the dust out (and off the fans), made sure the fans were working and cleaned out the vents?

They show they are running under SMC menu, light load or idle around 2800-3500rpm. Anything higher sustained and it bumps to 4600 and so far has just flickered once or twice every few mins but it is winter. A few months ago it operated but with a frozen picture.
I had it cleaned at the apple store after coming back from Afghanistan this last time but I kept it in a dust sealed case and obviously didn't take it out on patrol.

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Apple will buy your computer. I can't guarantee you'll like the offer though.

Recycling Program.

$59.50! haha its worth a nice dinner for my wife and I.

 

[Badrottie]

Can you buy a used logic board from ebay? If you know how to fix it yourself.