Foo - mac powerbook g4... click, click, click...

so this morning when I went to get on my computer I could hear a definite click, click click coming from it. Hard drive failure, correct? I put it to sleep for the time being (am on a different laptop) and am planning on backing up later today.

It's 4 years old. Is it worth replacing the HD or just get a new one?

grumble :mad:

are you sure that it isn't the cd/dvd drive?

It could be MV trying to tap his way out of the screen into your apt. I woud be very concerned if I was you.

pretty sure, there was no CD in it- and I could feel it coming from the other side of the computer.

that could be a relay as well. But I would think CD, and then HDD.

Do you have any 3rd party authorized Apple repair people in your city?

EDIT: Mac MD looks like they might be the ones to call.

Do you have any 3rd party authorized Apple repair people in your city?

EDIT: Mac MD looks like they might be the ones to call.I'm not sure, I'll look into it. Think it is worth replacing the HDD in a 4-yo laptop? I also think I could do that myself, if thats the problem.

I'm not sure, I'll look into it. Think it is worth replacing the HDD in a 4-yo laptop? I also think I could do that myself, if thats the problem.

hmmm.. Not so sure about that. 4 years is about the time where I would consider a new one. not because of aging, just the pace of software evolution and Moore's law.

I'm not sure, I'll look into it. Think it is worth replacing the HDD in a 4-yo laptop? I also think I could do that myself, if thats the problem.

I just completely disassembled my iBook G4 (3-4 days ago!). Getting to the HDD was a complete bear. I'd pay for it. The only reason I didn't is that I was ready to (forcefully) retire my old system.

You probably need to weigh the cost of a new HDD against the cost of a new system. If your current system suits you and is what you need, a couple hundred is probably worth it for the new drive. If not, then a new system is in order. :)

If I were you, I would hold off buying any sort of Intel based hardware until early spring. They just released some new processors and the prices are fluctuating. I would get all the data off the pro that you need and then just use it until it dies.

Could be a good time to upgrade to SSD. :innocent:

I'd do it myself if I were too tired or drunk to realize what I was getting into. ;)

Check here for another option: http://www.iresq.com/portables/

(that Mac MD site couldn't be much more annoying... Flash design gone too far...)

I just completely disassembled my iBook G4 (3-4 days ago!). Getting to the HDD was a complete bear. I'd pay for it. The only reason I didn't is that I was ready to (forcefully) retire my old system.

You probably need to weigh the cost of a new HDD against the cost of a new system. If your current system suits you and is what you need, a couple hundred is probably worth it for the new drive. If not, then a new system is in order. :)

Getting into iBook G3 HDDs is/was a painful experience. However the MacBooks were much easier to work on.

I'd recommend getting a new drive. It's not that expensive and you can do it yourself. You can still get good coin for it on eBay or the 'list, if you decide to move on.

I'm not sure, I'll look into it. Think it is worth replacing the HDD in a 4-yo laptop? I also think I could do that myself, if thats the problem.I seem to remember the hard drives in the titanium and aluminum G4 Powerbooks being pretty easy to replace (possibly as easy as lifting the keyboard). If the computer is still sufficient for your needs and you're not actively planning to replace it, sure, replacing the hard drive is plenty worth it. Hard drives are cheap. Plus, if you ever do move to a newer computer, you can take the hard drive from the Powerbook and stick it in an external enclosure, so the money isn't wasted.

Make an appointment with the Genius Bar at the nearest Apple retail store. If they can't fix it on the spot they'll get you a repair estimate and they can send it out for repair directly. Try to back up your HD first if possible.

It's very likely they'll have a good idea of what the problem is right away.

Getting into iBook G3 HDDs is/was a painful experience. However the MacBooks were much easier to work on.

Well, yeah -- take out the battery, undo a couple screws and a shield, and slide out the HD.

When I saw that, I was jealous. Neither my iBooks nor my last-gen MBP are that easy.

Well, yeah -- take out the battery, undo a couple screws and a shield, and slide out the HD.

That sounds lovely!

Try booting it up upside down (it may be a stuck HDD head).

I'm not sure, I'll look into it. Think it is worth replacing the HDD in a 4-yo laptop? I also think I could do that myself, if thats the problem.

For that computer, absolutely. It's much cheaper than getting a new one, and that machine is still a very good machine.

Try booting it up upside down (it may be a stuck HDD head).But don't shake it, you'll erase the screen!

Thank God you have all the Computer Experts of BF to help you with their precise diagnostic acumen over the Internet.

well everything is backed up- no strange noises thus far.
I also found this guide (http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac/PowerBook-G4-Al-12-Inch-DVI/Hard-Drive/63/10/Page-`), I think replacing the HD is do-able....
but hopefully I won't have to!


But don't shake it, you'll erase the screen!:lol:

Thank God you have all the Computer Experts of BF to help you with their precise diagnostic acumen over the Internet.
and do my taxes, serve as web MD, auto mechanic, certified trainer, personal shopper, nutritionist, relationship counselor and sexpert. whew, what would I do without it!?!

But don't shake it, you'll erase the screen!

Doh! That's what I did wrong!