Pricecheck: ibook g3 parts

alex wilson said:

hey guys, just trying to get an idea of what a dead ibook g3 "for parts" package might be worth.
Here's the system:
12" ibook g3 700mhz; 640 ram (128+512 pc133); 20 gb hard drive
combo drive; original airport card installed; 2.5 hour (aprx) battery
power adapter; 10.4 install discs

Laptop runs intermittently, screen tends to get all scrambly, with lines running across it, i beleive the logic board is shot. In any case, if i were to sell it as a package, how much could i ask for? Id really like to stay away from selling the parts individually.

Click to expand...

Perhaps $200 for the lot, based on the parts of the non-functional machine. There are a few fixes for the Graphics chip that comes undone from the logic board - and that would add to the value of the system.

As parts, only the 512Mb SDRAM is reusable, the 128 MB is on the logic board. Of course, you may get a bit more as there would be fewer systems on the coast. Of course, the 10.4 disks are not original to the machine, so would be of lesser value for the purists...

I just sold that exact system in complete working condition,

but with a 4 hour battery on Ebay for $185.00 Canadian. I was a little disappointed as I thought it would fetch more...Who knows, maybe the timing.

That is definitely a logic board problem, so if someone has dropped their computer and left only the logic board intact, they might be interested... not too likely a sale unfortunately, you really are better off parting it out, and you'd be making a variety of buyers happy that way if the prices were right.

alex wilson said:

hey guys, just trying to get an idea of what a dead ibook g3 "for parts" package might be worth.
Here's the system:
12" ibook g3 700mhz
640 ram (128+512 pc133)
20 gb hard drive
combo drive
original airport card installed
2.5 hour (aprx) battery
power adapter
10.4 install discs

Laptop runs intermittently, screen tends to get all scrambly, with lines running across it, i beleive the logic board is shot. In any case, if i were to sell it as a package, how much could i ask for? Id really like to stay away from selling the parts individually.

Click to expand...

Those airport cards alone go for ~$100ish 'cause of the rarity and demand for them, AFAIK.

smellybook said:

but with a 4 hour battery on Ebay for $185.00 Canadian. I was a little disappointed as I thought it would fetch more...Who knows, maybe the timing.

Click to expand...

OMG why didn't you post it to the Classifieds for that much. I have a few friends looking for a really low priced entry level laptop that would have gobbled that up for even $200.

Check your serial number with
Apple - Support - iBook - Expanded Logic Board Repair Extension Program - FAQ

Sounds like your video is shot, not the whole logic board, and might just be covered.

www.apple.com/support/ibook/ said:

How long is the Expanded iBook Logic Board Repair Extension Program available?
The program covers affected iBooks for three years after the first retail sale of the unit or until March 18, 2005

Click to expand...

HOWEVER -- I've heard of people who've gotten their iBooks fixed past this date -- though I haven't heard of any lately.

The people I heard about had a better experience with a reseller than with Apple themselves, but I'm sure YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary).

yeah the ibook is well past its first 3 years and im the 3rd? owner of the machine that was originally purchased in ontario, i believe. Once i realized the problem, i figured it was probably more trouble than its worth to try and get the system repaired.

I've recently (within the past six months) had an ibook g3 800 repaired under the extension. I'd try. Its free to ask...

alex wilson said:

yeah the ibook is well past its first 3 years and im the 3rd? owner of the machine that was originally purchased in ontario, i believe. Once i realized the problem, i figured it was probably more trouble than its worth to try and get the system repaired.

Click to expand...

It is a whole different computer after one successful phone call to Apple. At the worst, it's one call.

Well, other Ibooks on ebay were selling in the $350 -$400 range

so I figured I would list it there, but only mine sold for so little; Ebay is rigged.

fyrefly said:

Those airport cards alone go for ~$100ish 'cause of the rarity and demand for them, AFAIK.



OMG why didn't you post it to the Classifieds for that much. I have a few friends looking for a really low priced entry level laptop that would have gobbled that up for even $200.

Click to expand...

well if i were to take it into the apple authorized store in halifax, what exactly could i say with any hope of getting a free repair? Or even if i called apple up, im not sure how id go about asking for a repair on a 5-6 year old computer thats already passed through 2 owners hands before mine. I MAY have the receipts/documentation from the second owner, i guess that might be a start.

Apple Canada's phone number is in your address book, very likely. There is no need to take it to a store, or an authorized repair srevice, at this point. Call Apple, quote the serial number, ask if they'll fix the computer.

alright, thanks for the advice. I'll let you know how it goes.

And even if Apple says no -- call the apple authorized store in Halifax and ask them if they can fix it under the logic board repair extension problem.

alex wilson said:

well if i were to take it into the apple authorized store in halifax, what exactly could i say with any hope of getting a free repair? Or even if i called apple up, im not sure how id go about asking for a repair on a 5-6 year old computer thats already passed through 2 owners hands before mine. I MAY have the receipts/documentation from the second owner, i guess that might be a start.

Click to expand...

First: through the aforementioned site, check if your ibook is covered.
Second: Simply take it in to the local dealer, and explain that you believe it to be covered, and if they could double check. Apple covers the cost; what would they care if its 4yrs old or 40?

BTW: The ibook I had that was repaired had been through at least 3 owners, I think, and at least one other ehmac member. I in turn sold it to a friend, who encountered the problem, I took it in to the local guys (Terra) and it was ready within three days.

edit: oh shoot, sorry, I can't read.

tedj said:

First: through the aforementioned site, check if your ibook is covered.
Second: Simply take it in to the local dealer, and explain that you believe it to be covered, and if they could double check. Apple covers the cost; what would they care if its 4yrs old or 40?

BTW: The ibook I had that was repaired had been through at least 3 owners, I think, and at least one other ehmac member. I in turn sold it to a friend, who encountered the problem, I took it in to the local guys (Terra) and it was ready within three days.

Click to expand...

The site will say the iBook is NOT covered. That's why he's going to call Apple.

just called apple, she ran a check on the serial number and told me that theres absolutely nothing they can do to help me out. She recomended taking the ibook to the local apple store and getting it looked at. Said repairs however might be a couple hundred after all is said and done. ah well.

too bad. it's a good machine. i have the exact setup. they did the repair for me a few months past the due date. now may be too late I guess. might be worth another try, though. next agent might be the winner

alex wilson said:

just called apple, she ran a check on the serial number and told me that theres absolutely nothing they can do to help me out. She recomended taking the ibook to the local apple store and getting it looked at. Said repairs however might be a couple hundred after all is said and done. ah well.

Click to expand...

Time to decide between parting out and selling whole. The logic board repair would be many hundreds, labour alone could be a few hours worth x $80 or so.