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My name is Jeb, and I used to be a Macaholic[/url]
OS 10.3.5
Pretty cool
Balmer Monkeydance[/url]
My name is Jeb, and I used to be a Macaholic
From James Boyd
Charles,
As a MacAddict, I would always tell the great things about Apple.
Now I must tell the whole story.
My first confidence shaker was the defective screen and hard drive in my G3 Powerbook, almost 4 years ago. After the repairs, it was fine except the screen was suspiciously dimmer than that of the original before failure. Seems like they replaced it with a used screen from another warranty job. Now, 4 years later, the screen is dim enough to be a problem and most likely needs a backlight replacement. Pismos only bring so much money on Ebay now and one with a dim screen even worse.
Then came my iBook about 2 years ago. It’s case was misshapen right from the factory, but Apple would not replace it. Sure sign of hoping for Apple to lower the costs of their computers as compared to PCs, which they did, but sacrificing quality in the process. I had to replace a keyboard about a year ago, but thankfully under warranty.
Then my Powerbook G4, new 10 months ago. Screen started to go blank last month and the 2nd USB port was dead. Had the USB port replaced by a local dealer, but they claimed nothing was wrong with the screen. Back and forth to the incompetent local repair shop 3 times. All of this because Apple charges $49.99 phone support after 3 or 6 months, but local service is covered by warranty. Finally, the repair shop sent it to Apple but mis-communicated what was wrong with it. I had also complained that the screen seemed dimmer than my 2 year old iBook and I hoped they would consider a full screen replacement while they were fixing the “screen blank” issue. Apple said the screen was fine as they had not been told by the dealer that the screen wires in the hinge appeared to have frayed and how I could replicate it every time with slight pressure to the bottom of the hinge. Middle men always screw up the deal.
So I called Apple directly this time. They agreed to waive the fee as this was a continuation. To Apple’s credit, 5 days later I had the PowerBook back, same dimmer screen but wiring fixed now. So far so good but only 1.5 months left on the warranty. They also said I should consider a $250 extended warranty for something that can be bought on closeout for under $800 now? I don’t think so.
Finally, 2 days after getting my powerbook back, the screen on my iBook goes dark. I’m thinking the same hinge wiring problem. After much of my own troubleshooting, I call Apple after reading about a “logic board replacement program” on my iBook. After a nice visit with the Apple phone people, its now on its way to Apple for an all expenses paid logic board replacement. Great customer service but I’d really prefer not to have to partake of it at all.
Luckily, I have had absolutely ZERO issues with my B&W and G4 desktops. They’ve been as dependable as ..... my Toyotas. Knock on wood.
Many of these issues are probably inherent with the challenge of building the world’s sleekest and compact, all ports included notebooks. But I must say that after 4 years of issues and 3 significantly defective Powerbooks, my confidence in Apple quality is severely shaken. Especially when my Dell Inspiron chugs along merrily without a hiccup. Of course that may have something to do with the fact that I never use it.... And therein lies the rub. If Apple loses its differentiation in quality, they had better make sure design and operability stays light years ahead of PCs. Or else people like me are not going to see the difference, and alter their purchasing habits accordingly.
People wanted cheaper Apple computers .... I said then and I say now, be careful what you wish for.
Jeb
Hi Jeb;
Sorry to hear of your troubles, and I don't blame you for being frustrated.
I think you've nailed it about the sleek compactness having a lot to do with the diminished reliability of Apple's late-model laptops — an observation I've made myself frequently.
That said, the only serious failure we've experienced with nine assorted Apple 'Books in my immediate family over the past eight years was with the processor in my WallStreet — the biggest, heaviest machine of the entire lot. Go figure.
Happily, it was easy to fix with a scrounged processor daughtercard. Five minute job.
Interestingly, Apple still scores highest in the service and reliability surveys, your lightly used Inspiron notwithstanding.
Charles
OS 10.3.5
Hello Charles:
Just read your comments on 10.3.5. My wife's iMac runs this & has had no problems .... but then she probably doesn't run her baby as much as do you. Is this a factor?
Ted Smith
Hi Ted;
Is she using dial-up or broadband? The modem issue that's plagueing me in 10.3.5 is specific to modem connections.
It may also be model ideosyncratic. I'm using a G3 iBook.
I dial up to and log off the Internet up to a dozen or more times a day, and the bug shows up like clockwork on the third or fourth day of uptime. Works perfectly for the first few days after a reboot.
Charles
Pretty cool
From John M. Dennis
This will be pretty cool for those that just want to carry around one device with them.
http://www.geek.com/news/geeknews/2004Oct/bpd20041027027602.htm
Thank You,
John M. Dennis
Hi John;
Intresting. I like Olympus products. The camera feature is something Apple might consider for their next iPod tweak.
Charles
Balmer Monkeydance
From Eolake Stobblehouse
This is in case you missed it a couple of years ago, or you have been missing it since... The funniest Macrosnuff video ever. Steve Balmer the rock star.
First:
http://www.ntk.net/media/developers.mpg
Then:
http://users.pandora.be/bonte/forumafbeeldingen/dancemonkeyboy.mpg
Last, but not least: The rock video made from this: http://achurch.org/media/ballmer.avi
Big file, but don't miss it. It is fantastic. It is hilarious, and it rocks.
[In case a link does not work, try an alternative here: http://www.ntk.net/ballmer/mirrors.html ]
Aaaand, somebody made an iPod commercial from it!! http://homepage.mac.com/trianglejuice/iblog/C1683193892/E2045005395/Media/ballmersipod.swf
Yours, Eolake
http://stobblehouse.com
***
Charles W. Moore
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