I hate pollen.

[rootofnewt]

I'm pretty sure the problem with the laptop is the ribbon cable for the LCD... I think we'll probably send it to Apple, though, for various reasons. The guarantee is part of it, the other is that they have a flat fee, which includes shipping it back to me via Airborne Express. This way, I don't have to find the cable, wait for it to be shipped, then sweet-talk a friend into replacing it for me, since I am fearful of tiny laptop screws. Also, if the problem is NOT the cable, most parts places won't accept returns. I'd be out 150-180 bucks and STILL have a Mac in need of repair. If I go with Apple's service, I'm only out 250 and EVERYTHING gets fixed and I get my machine back within 10 days.

So, I need to go buy some Zip disks to back up the data we've accumulated since the repair we had done last year (power port, CD drive, etc). I'll drive up to the Mac store in Tyson's (nearest mac store) on Thursday. Anyone up for a road trip? I plan on hitting at least one Trader Joe's and a Whole Foods (the local one doesn't carry my brand of seitan). I'm not going to hang around, though, I want to drive up and be out before rush hour starts.

Those in DC who want to see me--we'll be up Memorial Day weekend. Offer us a place to crash and we'll come up as early as Friday. ;) We're coming up for a show at the 930 club on Sunday of that weekend.

Comments

[dreamsneak.livejournal.com]

as i am getting ready to (hopefully) buy a new apple laptop (i currently have an older ibook), i was wondering what kind yours was and what sorts of problems you've had. you mentioned an earlier repair that was done. anything serious? any complaints?

adaptor? adapter?

[krasota.livejournal.com]

G3 Lombard Bronze Powerbook, 333mHz, bought in late 1999

The old adapters had a slight fire risk and were replaced (free of charge, with covered shipping) by Apple. The new iBook style adapter we received was slightly warped, but we didn't notice. This led to the power port eventually becoming loose, which necessitated fixing (replacing the power port, the card it's attached to, and the screwed up cord). The hot swappable CD drive's faceplate broke off during normal use (just snapped), so they replaced that at the same time (all under one fee).

The screen flicker is apparently something infamous that does happen with some of the laptops. The ribbon cable for the LCD goes from the main board, around the left hinge, then up into the screen. I imagine the stress placed on it with all the opening/closing contributes to the need for replacement.

I think that some of the G3s were also known for eventual death due to the high heat generated. This is less of an issue, I think, with newer models.

Otherwise, this computer has run wonderfully and has stood up to fairly heavy use. I'm not particularly nice to it and use it LOTS and it has really been fine. It runs well, has faithfully served as boy's music machine for several years, and it blew the socks off my old PC of the same approximate specs.

FWIW, I did FAR more repairs/replacements to my old PC. I had to replace the power supply, the power supply fan, a CD drive, memory, etc... And then it died completely (motherboard AND power supply went) a year or two ago.

[hellsop.livejournal.com]

They'll probably set your clock for you too.. (;

[bandhiaduit.livejournal.com]

ah! that explains the time travel dilemma.

[lluk.livejournal.com]

Come stay with me! :) I live about 3 minutes from Tyson's Corner! And you guys can come and play!

As for getting another Mac, I highly highly recommend the new Powerbooks. I just got my new 17" PB. Much love for the machine....

[ashbet]

You're welcome to stay with us -- and we're cat-free. Just let me know! <3

-- Andi

[jkatj.livejournal.com]

I just got the 12". I [heart] my new special friend.

yes, i'm talking about a computer and not "something else"

[krasota.livejournal.com]

The clock issue is on boy's machine. This is the one I'm using today. Evil, evil PC of doom.

Re:

[hellsop.livejournal.com]

I recommend AboutTime. Syncs PC clocks to timeservers, usually to within 1/10th second.

[dkchapman.livejournal.com]

you should come up friday instead of thursday.
why? cause i have my one year anniversary show at george mason this friday. (yep, i started off at a mason show)
rather certain the bistro is non-smoking too..