logic board question

[bumblebee]

My Powerbook G4 experienced logic board failure last week. I took it to the shop to get fixed and found out that a new logic board will cost me almost the same price as a new iBook + a few of my internal organs!

Unfortunately, I was not able to get AppleCare for my pbook...

Just wanted to get advice from all the Philmuggers:
1) Has anyone also experienced logic board problems with their pbooks?

2) If it's a logic board problem, is there really no hope for repair? Only solution is to replace?

3) Would anyone know what are market prices for a new logic board? And where is the best (reliable and cheaper price) to get a new logic board?

4) Advice???

This has been a bit of a traumatic experience for me... with my pbook still confined...

Hope to hear from you guys...

Thanks a lot,
bumblebee

[peter_ob]

Try eBay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=4601&item= 5135869952&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

[bumblebee]

For the price of a new logic board, would it be advisable to just trade in my old pbook and buy a new one?

Also, I'm hesitant to buy outside Manila because I wouldn't know how to install it and might cause even more damage!

Would anyone here know going price for logic board these days??

[bumblebee]

Or any advice on what are the best options to consider in this situation??

Would appreciate the input.

Thanks!

[penmanila]

you really have little choice but to try and get one off ebay (right now there are about six on ebay, if you type in "logic board g4" as your search term), or from a spare-parts dealer like www.powerbookguy.com. don't even try installing it yourself--bring the whole thing to the apple center shop on p. guevara in san juan.

of course you could sell the old busted PB for parts (what is it? a 12-inch albook? a tibook? what processor speed?--tell us the exact model so we can help you find what you need better), or keep it as a spare for those parts, in case you get a similar model.

it's always too late, i know, and it doesn't help you any, but this is why applecare is a must--it's cheap compared to a replacement logic board or screen.

[Edited on 11-3-2004 by penmanila]

[bumblebee]

my unit is a 12" powerbook G4 867MHz.

i've learned my lesson the painful way and will definitely get applecare the next time!!

[penmanila]

there's a logic board for your very same machine up for grabs on ebay, ending in about 6 days. if you haven't done ebay and don't have a US-based relative who can make a bid for you, and if you're that desperate, let me know, i might be able to do it for you (but i'll need payment in US dollars, plus you'll answer of course for all shipping costs); i've been bidding on ebay since 1997. you'll also need to tell me your maximum limit (don't worry, the bidding is public so you can follow what's going on); no guarantees we'll win, but heck, can anyone think of anything else?

[Kenneth]

I acquired an old, battered, really laspag graphite clamshell (thanks Jino!) a while back. Furthermore, the LCD screen was busted, I mean literally basag, though visibly still working. And replacing it locally cost 3 times the total resale value.

Although it was risky, I still bought it. Among all the 'books that Apple released, the clamshells and the black wallstreets, pismos are still my favorites. Lalo na clamshells, for some reason, I developed an obsession with clamshells. I also have a working tangerine aside from the graphite and want to restore it. Ang cute kasi eh! Despite its limitations and disadvantages compared to the latest 'books, I still love it. It is such a classic. I guess this is how VW beatle restorers feel. But I degress...

Anyway, despite having absolutely no assurance that I could fix the screen, I still bought it and the gamble paid off. At first, Ebay was my first option to getting a replacement, but bidding was too much of a hassle. No freakin' Paypal for us!

Instead I bought a replacement LCD from Powerbookmedic.com and had it shipped here via JAC. It cost a bit, but still 80% cheaper than what the local resellers would quote. They (Bradley) responds to email inquiries really fast so two thumbs way up in my book. Plus you have warranty. You could try them. I can also help you if you choose to have it shipped here. But you'll have to seriously calculate if its worth it though.

[Edited on 11-3-2004 by Kenneth]

[penmanila]

thanks for that great link, ken, i'll keep that in mind myself. unfortunately it doesn't look they have a logic board right now, but maybe bumblebee can write them to ask. i'll bet it won't go below $300, though, considering how much they're asking for the other parts.

[peter_ob]

if you don't have the patience for bidding eBay usually have an outright purchase price which is reasonable. I've done this before and you I can say that eBay works.