Suggestions need (to get a new computer or not)

schwartze · 02-15-2004, 08:46 PM

Here's my situation and I am looking for suggestions.

I have a 500Mhz tiBook - old school, but runs 10.3.2 fine - no problems running things, getting it to do what I want etc.

But I do have 2 expensive problems.

1. The DVD player is shot. No one will give me an estimate without bringing it to them, Apple, or Teckserve (here in NYC) and I don't want to bring it in to them without the cash to buy what I need, so I am not guilted into giving it to them to fix.

2. The battery now lasts about 45 minutes on a charge.

So I am guessing around $700 to get this puppy back up to speed.

That's some cash for a man who is working in a job with no financial security, and so is buying a new computer.

I am hesitant to go for an iBook because the screen just look (to me) like crap compared to that of the powerbook and for the past 3 to 4 years I have been loving my powerbook.

Either way something is going to have to go on credit. Do I fork over the cash for a new computer (if someone can convince me to get a 14" iBook) or for the parts and repair I need?

I work for an educational institution so I do get that discount if I go for the new computer - but is it worth it? I do all that I can/need to do on this 500Mhz, so do I need that power boost? What about the RAM I shelled out for in the past?

Any and all suggestions, ideas, thoughts are appreciated - plus if anyone knows how much it actually costs to replace the DVD player and wants to let me know, you would be much nicer than those at Apple or Teckserve. I do not need a burner - so there is no need for them to try and sell me on one of those.

Thanks!

acme.mail.order · 02-15-2004, 08:58 PM

1. A read-only DVD/CD player won't cost too much, Any reputable store should be able to quote that price over the phone (Apple techs - exc. sales opportunity here!) But leave the R+R to an experienced technician. You are stuck getting an original, though.

2. Get a new battery.

About your ram, it's probably incompatible, but that's a question for the repair guys.

mclbruce · 02-15-2004, 09:28 PM

I agree with acme. A new battery and an external DVD will cost much less than $700.00.

I also am not impressed with the 14" iBook screens. Look for a refurbished Powerbook for sale when the time comes. The Apple Store currently has these for $1500.00. (click on the red "special deals" tag at store.apple.com)

staypuft · 02-15-2004, 10:03 PM

It appears that Tekserve there in NYC is an MCE reseller. They should be able to put in a new CDRW/DVD combo drive into your TiBook for $330 or a 2x DVD-R/RW/RAM MULTI Drive for $390. If they won't do it and if you don't mind mailing your TiBook off, you can get MCE to do it for you.

http://store.mcetech.com/Merchant2/m...y_Code=SVCPBG4

There are also several other MCE resellers in NYC.

http://www.mcetech.com/resellers.html

schwartze · 02-16-2004, 08:02 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions. When I go down to get a new battery maybe I will bring my computer and ask them to look at it and give me a quote. Must remember not to bring my credit card so I don't do it cause I can.

I just can't do the iBook after this computer.

cameranerd74 · 02-17-2004, 02:31 PM

Mac Res Q will replace your DVD-ROM with a ComboDrive for $289, including shipping and 90-day warranty. If you don't mind getting your hands dirty, they sell a do-it-yourself kit (drive and instructions) for $189.

http://www.powerbookresq.com/detail.php?prodID=P010081

A new battery should cost you about $140.

http://www.newertech.com/newer_bats.html

If you do it yourself that's only $330. Much less than a new computer you won't like as well.

schwartze · 02-17-2004, 06:12 PM

Thanks. I called and spoke with the people at Mac Res Q. Very nice and I think I will be sending my stuff out to them.

Thanks everyone for suggestions!

anthlover · 02-18-2004, 12:17 AM

I recommend toughing it out a bit.

If you want a DVD Player Burner you can easily get an external Firewire 4x or 8x now DVD burner player for around $200. Interal ones are limited to 1 or 2x.

I actually do not mind the 14 ibook though I like the 12 inch Alumibook better.

Batteries are Batteries for around $ 100 if you gotz to be mobile

with out the plug.

I suspect in the next few months there will be major changes afoot... Everyone is wating with baited breath for G5 that Ibm just supplied to Apple ofr Xserves to work there way through the rest of Apple's lines.

Anyway at least if you buy an external burner it can be used with any new mac you buy to burn DVD's....

02-15-2004, 08:46 PM	#1
schwartze MVP Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: NYC Posts: 1,005	Suggestions need (to get a new computer or not) Here's my situation and I am looking for suggestions. I have a 500Mhz tiBook - old school, but runs 10.3.2 fine - no problems running things, getting it to do what I want etc. But I do have 2 expensive problems. 1. The DVD player is shot. No one will give me an estimate without bringing it to them, Apple, or Teckserve (here in NYC) and I don't want to bring it in to them without the cash to buy what I need, so I am not guilted into giving it to them to fix. 2. The battery now lasts about 45 minutes on a charge. So I am guessing around $700 to get this puppy back up to speed. That's some cash for a man who is working in a job with no financial security, and so is buying a new computer. I am hesitant to go for an iBook because the screen just look (to me) like crap compared to that of the powerbook and for the past 3 to 4 years I have been loving my powerbook. Either way something is going to have to go on credit. Do I fork over the cash for a new computer (if someone can convince me to get a 14" iBook) or for the parts and repair I need? I work for an educational institution so I do get that discount if I go for the new computer - but is it worth it? I do all that I can/need to do on this 500Mhz, so do I need that power boost? What about the RAM I shelled out for in the past? Any and all suggestions, ideas, thoughts are appreciated - plus if anyone knows how much it actually costs to replace the DVD player and wants to let me know, you would be much nicer than those at Apple or Teckserve. I do not need a burner - so there is no need for them to try and sell me on one of those. Thanks!

02-17-2004, 02:31 PM	#6
cameranerd74 All Star Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 794	Mac Res Q will replace your DVD-ROM with a ComboDrive for $289, including shipping and 90-day warranty. If you don't mind getting your hands dirty, they sell a do-it-yourself kit (drive and instructions) for $189. http://www.powerbookresq.com/detail.php?prodID=P010081 A new battery should cost you about $140. http://www.newertech.com/newer_bats.html If you do it yourself that's only $330. Much less than a new computer you won't like as well. __________________ I'm Microsoft Certified and I use a Mac... what does that tell you? Last edited by cameranerd74; 02-17-2004 at 02:39 PM.

02-18-2004, 12:17 AM	#8
anthlover Hall of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 3,620	But wait this just in.... I recommend toughing it out a bit. If you want a DVD Player Burner you can easily get an external Firewire 4x or 8x now DVD burner player for around $200. Interal ones are limited to 1 or 2x. I actually do not mind the 14 ibook though I like the 12 inch Alumibook better. Batteries are Batteries for around $ 100 if you gotz to be mobile with out the plug. I suspect in the next few months there will be major changes afoot... Everyone is wating with baited breath for G5 that Ibm just supplied to Apple ofr Xserves to work there way through the rest of Apple's lines. Anyway at least if you buy an external burner it can be used with any new mac you buy to burn DVD's....

02-15-2004, 08:58 PM	#2
acme.mail.order League Commissioner Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Tokyo Posts: 6,334	1. A read-only DVD/CD player won't cost too much, Any reputable store should be able to quote that price over the phone (Apple techs - exc. sales opportunity here!) But leave the R+R to an experienced technician. You are stuck getting an original, though. 2. Get a new battery. About your ram, it's probably incompatible, but that's a question for the repair guys.

02-15-2004, 09:28 PM	#3
mclbruce Hall of Famer Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 3,878	I agree with acme. A new battery and an external DVD will cost much less than $700.00. I also am not impressed with the 14" iBook screens. Look for a refurbished Powerbook for sale when the time comes. The Apple Store currently has these for $1500.00. (click on the red "special deals" tag at store.apple.com)

02-15-2004, 10:03 PM	#4
staypuft All Star Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: USA Posts: 628	It appears that Tekserve there in NYC is an MCE reseller. They should be able to put in a new CDRW/DVD combo drive into your TiBook for $330 or a 2x DVD-R/RW/RAM MULTI Drive for $390. If they won't do it and if you don't mind mailing your TiBook off, you can get MCE to do it for you. http://store.mcetech.com/Merchant2/m...y_Code=SVCPBG4 There are also several other MCE resellers in NYC. http://www.mcetech.com/resellers.html

02-16-2004, 08:02 PM	#5
schwartze MVP Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: NYC Posts: 1,005	Thanks for all the suggestions. When I go down to get a new battery maybe I will bring my computer and ask them to look at it and give me a quote. Must remember not to bring my credit card so I don't do it cause I can. I just can't do the iBook after this computer.

02-17-2004, 06:12 PM	#7
schwartze MVP Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: NYC Posts: 1,005	Thanks. I called and spoke with the people at Mac Res Q. Very nice and I think I will be sending my stuff out to them. Thanks everyone for suggestions!