busted powerbook backlight, fix it or build a PC?

[misk]

Not trying to start a mac vs PC thread here.

but the backlight in my powerbook went out, Apple says its an inverter board, and that they can fix it for $350. This fix is a flat rate which will include EVERYTHING (the logic board could be a bit messed up from this too), and ive got about $350. I could put it towards a new Barebones PC, thats fairly Decent (well, a ton faster than the powerbook) or i could get the PB fixed.

theres a place called powerbookmedic.com that say they can fix the inverter board for $170, but thats just for the inverter board, nothing else.

apparently this is a common problem with 15 inch powerbooks, and its usually the inverter board. Theres an off chance that it could be the logic board too tho.

so what do i do?

1. buy a barebones PC (i have an M-Audio firewire solo that i could hook up to it)

2. Fix the powerbook for $350 and buy a PC bit by bit over time (for insurance)

3. send the powerbook to powerbookmedic.com and HOPE its just the inverter board

4. sell my hardware, use all the money to buy rock, and smoke till my teeth fall out.


any suggestions are appreciated... im shit when it comes to decisions like this... im about to just flip a coin.

[seckle]

i had a 15" 1.25ghz pb, before i got a 15" mbp.

the bezel and surrounding parts is tricky to fix yourself. if you're comfortable taking things apart, then i would buy the inverter board off ebay and do it your self.

you'll need a case separator tool to get the pb bezel off.
http://www.radtech.us/Products/Tools.aspx

the case itself is a bit tricky and should be done with EXTREME care, because the latches that hold the case together are very fragile.
http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/systems/PB_G ... takeapart/

[jahtao]

350 aint gunna get you a pc. Won't even get you a screen / monitor right?

If you were seriously considering getting a new computer anyway you could see this as a good time to do it but if you want to get up and running and making tunes fast i'd get your existing system fixed. Remember once you get a new system you'll have to get all the software and samples on there which can sometimes take a while and can have unforseen hicups.

A working laptop will always be useful for wireless email etc.

Worst situation i think is probably that you take the plunge on a new system b4 u have enought cash to do it right.

no?

ps - mac -> pc eh? u sure?!?!?!

[misk]

fuck i know man, mac to PC would be a hard transition for me... tho i made the transition to a mac pretty easily

aaaand, ive got a monitor, and for $350 i can get a halfway decent barebones system to start with, and be able to atleast record audio, and work with reaktor.

i did decide im spending the $350 to get the mac fixed tho.

i just hate being so fucking chained to it. If it breaks, im SOL everytime.. and i fucking worship this thing... whatever happened to laptops staying usable if you took good care of em? i really thought i had a usable computer for atleast 5 years....

*sigh*