PowerBook G4 Repair

gartcork

I have a 17" PowerBook G4 which I used up to recently (Upgraded to 27" iMac)
When I start it up it runs for about 2 minutes and then freezes...I think the problem is the Hard disc but I'm not sure. I love all things apple but wouldn't have a clue how to repair them!

I suppose first of all is it worth getting it repaired and overhauled?...I would love to use it for some DJ-ing if possible.

If possible, how much would it cost approx.? If it wasn't cost prohibitive I'd also love to replace the battery and increase the Ram

I live in Cork, so is there anywhere or anybody who would be willing to give it a new lease of life...

Thanks a million.

P.S. I've spent hours trying to fix it with no results so it is definitely a hardware problem.

Sad Professor

It depends on what the problem is. Boot from the install disc (by holding d) and run a hardware test.

macuser56

try Compub based in Cork- good guys to deal with:
www.compub.com

gartcork

Thanks a lot guys
Running the hardware test now Professor...
Will keep you posted

mathepac

If the hard-ware test doesn't show anything, try a restart while holding down <shift> to start the system in SafeBoot mode.

What version OS are you running?

gartcork

Thanks mathepac....Will do
I'm still running the test ( 47mins now)
I'm running the latest version of Leopard...10.5.8 I think

gartcork

Hmmm...... The results are back

I did an Extended test and no hardware problems have been detected

I tried to do a restart in SafeBoot mode but no joy...I just got the Grey Screen with the apple icon in the middle with the spinning wheel for ages, then it said to do a restart. When I restarted, it was the exact same. There is a noise also from inside when this is happening....can't describe it too well but it's like whirring..as if it's trying to read a disc maybe.

Sad Professor

Hard drive is probably dying. Try booting from the install disc again (this time holding c) and open Disk Utility (from the Installer or Utilities menu) and repair the disc.

gartcork

In Process. Thanks again Professor.

gartcork

Repaired Disk...Same result unfortunately. Thanks for your help though.

Going back to my original query, would it be worth getting it repaired and how much approx. would you think it might cost?

Sad Professor

If it just the hard drive, then yes, well worth repairing. Hard drives are very cheap. Getting someone else to install it could be pricey though. Would you be comfortable doing it yourself? As I recall, getting at the hdd on PowerBooks was a bit of hassle. Not sure if it was the same for the 17 inch.

gartcork

I'm just back from Compub (thanks macuser56) very professional guys and it's definitely the Hard Drive. I left it with them and a new hard drive and labour is about €200... ( good job I had everything backed UP! )

Also, I had a look online to do it myself and it seems to be a bit tricky alright.

Thanks to everyone for your kind advice and help.....I'll be back! :P

ZENER

Hopefully that sort it out for you. It's a lovely machine and well capable of Leopard too !!

There are lots of DJ apps for the Mac, Google is your friend there Some to check out are :

Traktor DJ - Virtual DJ - DJay - Ultramixer - DJ1800.

The battery in my 17" Powerbook isn't great so using it as a portable isn't realistic. However, coupled with an M-Box and an iPod Touch all connected to an Airport network it makes an excellent iTunes music server remotely controlled with the Remote application on the iPod Touch !!

Ken

gartcork

Thanks Ken

I'm looking forward to using it again....Left in the corner since using the iMac!

I got years of brilliant use out of it and hopefully many more after the repair.
( I'm now looking at getting a new battery and maybe extra ram on eBay! )

A friend of mine gave me DJay and I'm using it on the iMac...Which is what gave me the idea to try and resurrect the PowerBook and put it to use, hopefully.

I love using the remote app on the iPhone and I have an Airport extreme connected to my stereo just for that...It's class.

Thanks again for everything.