[keysmank]

Has anyone been successful forwarding these posts to the NY Times technology editor , Jim Kramer @CNBC or other press?

We need restitution on our $2000 investment. If your car was unfixable after 3.5 years there would be a govt investigation and major press reports. For some of us, we paid less for our used car than for our G5.

We've got to go off this blog and spread the word to people who aren't aware that this an endemic problem.

If you have success spreading the word tell us about it!

[rifraf]

Here's a summary of the email I sent to Apple Insider

Users of Apple's PPC generation of the G5 computer are experiencing systemic failures, responsible for kernel panics, and system freezes, - possibly originating from damaged logic boards and the now abandoned IBM manufactured PPC chipset, both of which can be affected by faulty power supply units. Making matters worse - this widespread panic is occuring outside of many users AppleCare Extended Warranty period.

http://forums.macwor.../message/676076

http://discussions.a...ssageID=8354081

http://discussions.a...ssageID=7150914

This is on the heels of a class action lawsuit for defective powerbook G4 memory slots.

=======================================

From their contact page:

News tips &rumors
news@appleinsider.com

Publisher
kasper@appleinsider.com
On iChat/AIM:
Kasper can also be reached via secure instant message on iChat/AOL Instant Messenger via screen name "Kasper Jade".

[Droid]

I'm not sure these failed G5's are unfixable, it just requires paying the repair fees to have most of the parts replaced. You could even buy the parts yourself & replace them if you were so inclined.

Logic board # 400
CPU # 700 (possibly x2)
+ labor costs, and any other parts that get blamed along the way.

It's still unclear (at least to me) where the fault lies, either the logic board or CPU's seems most likely, but perhaps it's the PSU ?

Anyways, I'm in the UK so 'a class action' suit is not something I can partake in, and I have voided the warranty by trying to fix this issue myself, so a court of law would be difficult to convince that the responsibility is Apple's.

[rifraf]

Droid I agree - though technically gutting my G5 and "replacing" the innards with those of a new Intel G5 would be fixing it as well. Wishful, thinking I know - but if its easier for Apple, we can avoid the whole "gutting" part and they can just fork over the new Intel.

Realistically speaking - I think the barometer is generally
a) how much does the repair cost in comparison to the original value
b) how much does the repair cost in comparison to the current value
c) how likely is the repair to fix the issue

Right now it seems to be a shot in the dark, so replacing one or another through process of elimination is costly. If it surpasses either and/or original current cost ( as in this case current cost with little guarantee of remedy) - then its unreasonable to expect the users to just "fix it on their own" with little or no incentive. On the other hand from Apple's standpoint, if its more cost prohibitive to acknowledge it...then they probably won't unless they get an influx of complaints at the risk of it gaining media traction. Unfortunately, there is no gauge on their bottom line on how many customer's they can loose in the process - though I think over time if you shake consumer confidence or ignore critical issues it will affect your bottom line eventually.

In Apple's growing popularity currently revolves around 4 things: The Ipod, Product Aesthetics, Ease of use, and Word of mouth. True the iPhone is ubiquitous, and everyone knows apple makes beautiful product. Though the market share is growing if in any case (not just this) the Mac User's tone changes from "praise to pause" do to usability issues, they risk not only loosing that customer - but potential future ones that customer engages. Throw blogging and quick transfer of knowledge...and I'm not sure why Apple has not at least lifted a finger to some form of damage control for those who are experiencing problems.

[Droid]

Reminds me of a scene from Fight Club.

In summary?
If the cost of a product recall is more than the cost potential lawsuits after product failure, screw 'em & settle out of court.

[keysmank]

In NYC replacement of logic board and power supply were quoted at over $700 with only a 90 day warranty.
Current ebay G5 pricing is around the same price and our probably being sold because of the beginning of similar problems.

Apple can at least give us a credit toward a new machine for the current value of these defective products. With enough offline pressure to consumer and financial writers we can accomplish this.

[rifraf]

Droid said:

Reminds me of a scene from Fight Club.

In summary?
If the cost of a product recall is more than the cost potential lawsuits after product failure, screw 'em & settle out of court.

Exactly...maybe I can get a morsel of consolation the next time I watch Fight Club...hopefully the death of my Mac won't force me into a psychotic break that will usher in my leadership of a subcult of socially inept violent sadist - but at this rate...

[shawend]

Let everyone know if that subcult thing happens because I think some of us would be willing to join...

Shawen
#G8444CD....

[rifraf]

First rule of project "BadApple" is that you do not talk about project "BadApple"

[shawend]

Great. Now you just made me spit coffee all over my keyboard! Well at least you can say you still have your sense of humor. Just a lighter wallet.

Shawen
#G8444CD....

[Droid]

I propose we become known as CrApple.

Random logo thoughts here -
http://pixelchimp.ne...e-dont-care.jpg
http://pixelchimp.ne...g-to-genius.jpg

:)

[rifraf]

or SnApple...cause i'm about to "snap". As in "Don't make me open up a can of Whoopass flavored "SnApple" on you Steve Jobs. Uh, huh girlfriend (snapping fingers)"

in retrospect after typing that...I clearly am loosing it.

[keysmank]

I second changing the name to ......... crApple!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Third?????

[keysmank]

No subcults just send blog to technical writers,tv and radio computer reporters.