AboutJeffrey J. Wrobel Expertise I can answer OS compatibility questions, from OS 7 to OS X 10.5.x Leopard. I have extensive experience in software installation, use, and troubleshooting as well as many aspects of high level hardware repair. Any questions about peripherals and their Mac-compatibility are also welcome. I am very current in all aspects of the Max OS, while having an excellent breadth of knowledge of older machines. My work keeps me in constant contact with Mac suppliers, products, and problems, enabling me to not only draw on my past experience, but also to add to that experience every day. Living in Rhode Island with family near Cape Cod, Mass has proven to be a bit lacking in Mac popularity (Yankees are slow to change), but momentum is building for Apple.
Experience
Past/Present clients My life experience has taken me from the US Army to working with the criminally insane. Pursued a philosophy degree while working in pyschology, then ended up doing graphic design, marketing modular construction products, and ultimately starting the computer business that I now own. At 41 years old, I plan to make my triumphant return to college and get a master's degree in philosophy.
Clients include a multi-million dollar international manufacturing firm, a nationwide jewelry/gemstone distributor, numerous town libraries, 2 school districts, a few celebrities, a famous author, a prominent film maker, Brown University & RISD faculty and students, and numerous small businesses and individuals in Rhode Island, Cape Cod, and Boston. I also have a nationwide Powerbook/iBook/Macbook repair program and I sell refurbished Mac parts. The growth of my company, which was a record-breaker in 2007, has been a direct result of my customer service and the experience gained through helping the folks that use All Experts.
Expert: Jeffrey J. Wrobel Date: 6/23/2008 Subject: Startup problems with White 12" iBook G3 700MHz
Question Jeffrey,
I have a white 12" iBook 700 MHZ running OS 10.3 that startups very
erratically. Oftentimes for a week or so it will startup just fine. Then it will not
boot up at all with just battery power, the adapter or both. This problem
started a few months ago. I've tried using a different battery and power
adapter, resetting the PMU and resetting the PRAM. A couple of hours or days
later it will startup again after switching around the battery and power
adapter. At times when it is running with the battery in and power adapter
connected to an outlet, the battery will begin running down instead of
recharging it. Is it possible the power port is defective? Or a new logic board
is needed? We love this computer and would like to salvage it if possible.
Thanks very much for any ideas. Phil
Answer Dear Phil,
Dealing with post-hospitalization, a traumatic move into a house that is a disaster, and backed up professional clients, so please understand my tardiness getting back to you. When you try to start it up, does it make the startup sound? If so, then you have a hard drive problem. If not, and it just sits there like a lump of lifeless plastic, then you may have problems with the power board. I would choose the power board as a possible solution first (I replace them for $140 + shipping) and, if that doesn't work, a new logic board is probably in order. I do that for about $300, but it takes at least 2 weeks for the work to get done. Apple doesn't service them officially anymore (I think), but most Apple authorized service centers do. The logic board, you will find, will be VERY expensive and not worth the expense, but my repairs are usually worth it because they are much cheaper than buying a new 'book.
It is very hard to test what is wrong with your machine without the proper tools. The symptoms tell me that it is most likely what I mentioned above. If you like, email me directly at MacExperts@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Wrobel
