Psycho Crazy iBook

[ColoJohnBoy]

My flatmate has been having problems with her 700 MHz iBook/Combo Drive lately. Her screen in particular has been going out - it will switch from vertical lines (solid vertical lines, not moving ones) to general fuzziness to heavily pixelated appearance. This happened about three weeks ago, but then went away, just returning tonight. She's already had the screen replaced once, about nine months ago.

I browsed the Apple discussion boards for a bit and the general consesus seems to be that something is wrong with the logic board/graphics chip. Has anybody else experienced this problem? Is there anything she can do herself, or should I tell her to take it to the Geniuses?

PS - A little icon appears at startup/restart that shows a folder with a question mark in it. What does that signify? Thanks much.

 

[rendezvouscp]

the folder with the question mark signifies that the mac can't find a system folder to start up from (but they usually find it after a while). Sounds like the graphics chip (then the whole computer) needs to be replaced. Just a guess.

Good luck,
-Chase

 

[superfunkomatic]

we've had the same problem on a few of our G4 desktops. if you get some weird message and a kernel panic with a message to reboot after it, it's likely the logic board - if it's under warranty apple or an authorized dealer will fix it free of charge.

 

[whfsdude]

This is a known problem with iBooks. I'm on my 4th logic board. But don't worry I've been going strong on this logic board for 3 months now. Apparently they have some fix, think it is a cable strap. You need to send that ibook in for repair

 

[ColoJohnBoy]

Thanks guys - yah, I figured it was the logic board given all the other cases I found, but she didn't want to have to take it in if it was somethingshe or I could fix ourselves. I think she's actually secretly hoping that they have to replace the whole thing - that way she could get a G4 iBook out of it. She could probably just insist they replace it, seeing as how so many have had to have their logic boards replaced so often. Anyhow, thanks a bunch!