The graphics card in my macbook pro failed, which happens at a "higher than normal" rate. Apple agrees that's the problem. Still, they want me to leave my hard drive in the computer when I give it to them for repairs. How diligent are they about protecting your data from theft and ill-use? If data on your hard drive somehow gets set free while visiting apple-land, it doesn't violate the Applecare terms of service (pdf). "[apple is not liable for...] the failure to maintain the confidentiality of data" (section 4). In section 7f, "You agree that any information or data disclosed to Apple under this Plan is not confidential." My hard drive is backed up, but I don't want to risk someone having access to all my personal info. Should I put up a fight? [more inside]
posted by manduca on Nov 12, 2009 - 16 answers

What's the Bay Area equivalent of TekServe? [more inside]
posted by NucleophilicAttack on Aug 23, 2009 - 5 answers

Just spilled coffee into a 13" macbook. Remediation tips? [more inside]
posted by Orb2069 on Apr 15, 2009 - 9 answers

Can / should I troubleshoot the optical drive on my Mac Pro? [more inside]
posted by Zonker on Jun 1, 2008 - 5 answers

Help! The backlight on my Macbook Pro has problems! Diagnosis and advice greatly appreciated! [picture included] [more inside]
posted by dragontail on Apr 13, 2008 - 6 answers

I would like to find a computer shop in the Hollywood, FL area that can replace the hard drive in my fiancee's iBook G4. It's way too complicated for me to do it myself so DIY is not an option. Apple's "genius bar" refuses to do it so I guess we need to find a local computer tech shop. Any recommendations on a skilled and trustworthy place?
posted by R_Nebblesworth on Feb 24, 2008 - 12 answers

How can I repair/replace my 80GB iPod classic (black aluminum) faceplate? [more inside]
posted by SansPoint on Dec 20, 2007 - 5 answers

I believe I have a decent case for Apple to replace my defective Powerbook G4 with a shiny new Macbook Pro. How do I make this happen? [more inside]
posted by empty commercial spaces on Apr 19, 2007 - 19 answers

So the superdrive on my Macbook Pro is having the same problem as a lot of people on Apple's discussion website - it is spitting out most DVDs. I am outside the 90 day support period so I can't call them to tell me what to do but inside the warranty period, and an Apple Store is too far from me. What can I do about repairs?
posted by raheel on Nov 26, 2006 - 6 answers

The hinge on my 2 + year old PowerBook is broken. Is it worth sending it out to be repaired (and does anybody have a recommendation for a reputable company to do the repair), or should I just buy a new one? [more inside]
posted by willnot on Sep 28, 2006 - 9 answers

Just recently my friend dropped his beloved 17" Powerbook G4, while the end result was pretty bad, as in the screen was completely smashed, the rest of the unit is still in good condition. Luckily I have been able to find a replacement screen at a pretty good price, and I am looking to replace/attach it myself. The only trouble is I don't know how hard this will really be. Which is why I am seeking your experience and advice. [more inside]
posted by Sevenupcan on Apr 26, 2006 - 8 answers

or, How To Make The Public Beleive You Are Competent With High-Priced Electronics. [more inside]
posted by plaidrabbit on Mar 20, 2006 - 10 answers

Have you used ipodmods? My ipod's hard drive just kicked the bucket and the apple "genius" told me ipodmods could replace it...but I'm not exactly comfortable putting my iPod in a box and mailing it out into the unknown. [more inside]
posted by ebeeb on Feb 2, 2006 - 6 answers

PowerMac motherboard (logic board) shorted, help me fix it. [more inside]
posted by chuckforthought.com on Jan 22, 2006 - 6 answers

The internal hard drive on my G3/600Mhz iBook is not long for this earth. I'm looking for advice from MeFis who have replaced the drive themselves; specifically, if faced with the task again would you say "Hell no!" or rather "Wow, that wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be"? [more inside]
posted by blueberry on Dec 13, 2005 - 17 answers

My PowerBook is shocking my delicate forearms. The light silver paint on front edge of the laptop is majorly wearing off. What's a quick and inexpensive way to fix it? [+] [more inside]
posted by ArsncHeart on Feb 4, 2005 - 9 answers

I dropped my PB this morning (truth be told, I slipped down a couple stairs and landed hard), this time really badly. The top aluminum panel has a corner bent (about 2 degrees from about 2 inches in) and the bottom case is so badly bent and warped that I was astounded the machine booted up. More inside... [more inside]
posted by o2b on Jan 31, 2005 - 8 answers

Death of an iBook. A couple hours ago, in the exact instant that I pushed the button to turn off my iBook G4, the iBook made a weird sound, its power was cut out immediately and abruptly went dead in a split-second (instead of the usual, slower process). It doesn't restart. It doesn't. Batteries are OK, by the way. Two questions: how bad is it, is it just electrical or the hard disk has been damaged as well? Also, I have put a lot of expensive software (Photoshop CS, Toast Titanium, Office, etc) in it. I still have the cd's and serial numbers, will I be able to reinstall them when the iBook's been fixed? It is still under guarantee, it's 7 months old. (more inside) [more inside]
posted by matteo on Nov 1, 2004 - 11 answers