[the_annex]

I have a 2 ghz Macbook Pro, around a year and a half old now, and up until 3 months ago, everything was fairly decent. I really hadn't read up much on the problems it DID have, like the whining or that one of the hinges on the display didn't pop out upon closing. I was on the go, and didn't have much money, so I didn't think much about it.

Then everything seemed to just go wrong at once.

1. I noticed corrosion on laptop where my hands rest.
2.The battery suddenly started lasting only 20 minutes until it gave out.
3. The computer became unbearably hot, and would shut down, assumably to save itself.
4. I began having issues with my wireless connection.
5. Random lines would appear on my screen during video playback, or sometimes, just for fun, whenever they felt like it.

I consulted Apple and they basically said, "Whoops, sorry. No Apple Care AND you're past the 1 year mark? No can do, fella." I, of course, feel like a heel for not purchasing Apple Care, but for over a year, everything had been fine.

My question is this... I need my computer to make a living, but the computer is becoming all but unuseable for any lengthy period of time. Is there any way to salvage this electronically diseased monster of mine? What options do I have to at least keep this thing running while I do web or graphic design, and how much might that cost?

[smax013]

the_annex said:

I have a 2 ghz Macbook Pro, around a year and a half old now, and up until 3 months ago, everything was fairly decent. I really hadn't read up much on the problems it DID have, like the whining or that one of the hinges on the display didn't pop out upon closing. I was on the go, and didn't have much money, so I didn't think much about it.

Then everything seemed to just go wrong at once.


1. I noticed corrosion on laptop where my hands rest.
2.The battery suddenly started lasting only 20 minutes until it gave out.
3. The computer became unbearably hot, and would shut down, assumably to save itself.
4. I began having issues with my wireless connection.
5. Random lines would appear on my screen during video playback, or sometimes, just for fun, whenever they felt like it.


I consulted Apple and they basically said, "Whoops, sorry. No Apple Care AND you're past the 1 year mark? No can do, fella." I, of course, feel like a heel for not purchasing Apple Care, but for over a year, everything had been fine.


My question is this... I need my computer to make a living, but the computer is becoming all but unuseable for any lengthy period of time. Is there any way to salvage this electronically diseased monster of mine? What options do I have to at least keep this thing running while I do web or graphic design, and how much might that cost?

#1 seems like a non-issue unless you MUST have pretty stuff. If it does not affect the ability of the computer to run, then why worry about it, unless it is a vanity issue.



#2 is potentially an easy, relatively cheap fix assuming your battery is just giving out. You might want to determine how many cycles it has been run through. This can be done by going into the System Profiler and looking under the Power section (this document should help). If you are getting into the hundreds of cycles, then it might be time for a new battery. If this is the case, then it is a simple $130 purchase. If it happens to be something more severe (which is certainly a possibility), then this one could be complex.



#4 could be as easy as just buying an external WiFi adapter. With a MacBook Pro, this could be an ExpressCard potentially or a USB "dongle". The more complex (but not necessarily more expensive if you are willing to crack the computer yourself) and possibly more expensive is to try to have the AirPort card replaced. This is unless there is a more serious problem that is also causing problems here.



#3 and #5 are the potential "biggies". #3 could potentially just be solved by cleaning out some dust that might be causing overheating. You could try blowing some compressed air in the vents to see if it blows out some dust and helps. It might be better to have it taken apart and cleaned, however, if it is dust issues.



Overall, each item (other than #5) does not seem that bad by themselves. Taken together they could be signs of some thing more serious. Your best bet might be to find a local authorized Apple service/repair center and take it to them and get an estimate. Most computer repair shops will give you an estimate for $50 to $100, which many times can then be applied to the repair if you go forward. This could then give you an idea if you are totally hosed or not. This is likely what I would do.

[the_annex]

Thanks for the very thorough reply, smax. I shouldn't have even mentioned the corrosion issue, as I am certainly one of those who need to have pretty things in order to appreciate their value.

That said, #'s 3 and 5 are my main concerns, as every other instance of this type of thing that I've read about seems to be related to the logic board and is something that seemed to be part of the kinks Apple needed to work out of the original production run of Macbook Pros. That's something I am really worried about having to replace, as I'm told it's quite expensive.

Ultimately, I think I'll just get it looked at and see what I'm told. I like to think I can figure these things out for myself, but whatever.

Thanks for your time!

[smax013]

the_annex said:

Thanks for the very thorough reply, smax. I shouldn't have even mentioned the corrosion issue, as I am certainly one of those who need to have pretty things in order to appreciate their value.

That said, #'s 3 and 5 are my main concerns, as every other instance of this type of thing that I've read about seems to be related to the logic board and is something that seemed to be part of the kinks Apple needed to work out of the original production run of Macbook Pros. That's something I am really worried about having to replace, as I'm told it's quite expensive.


Ultimately, I think I'll just get it looked at and see what I'm told. I like to think I can figure these things out for myself, but whatever.


Thanks for your time!

I think getting it looked at is a good idea. While I am a pessimist by nature and suspect that it might not be an easy or cheap fix, it is possible that it is just an overheating issue due to dust and such. So, personally, I would consider it well worth the $50 to $100 or so that you might be charge to get idea of what they believe the problem might be. If it is a major issue, then you are only out a relatively small amount of money and can then look towards a replcement computer at some point especially if the repair cost approaches the cost of a new computer. If it is a relatively minor issue, then you might be able to have it repair with rather little expense relative to a new computer.

[MacosNerd]

the_annex said:

1. I noticed corrosion on laptop where my hands rest.

This is a cosmetic only issue. While not widespread, it does seem to effect a large group of users.

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2.The battery suddenly started lasting only 20 minutes until it gave out.

unfortunately your only option is buy a battery replacement. While not totally expensive it will run you around 170 if my memory is correct. that's a battery from apple. You could buy a replacement batter from another company for cheaper thow. Check out OWC

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3. The computer became unbearably hot, and would shut down, assumably to save itself.

Is this a new problem or one you just now decided to tackle. Heat is electronics mortal enemy. If yuor computer is shutting down because of the heat, that means the temps have reached 100c that's way too hot. Your fans should have kicked in by then. The heat problem could have shortened the life of your other components causing the problems you have described in your other bullets.

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4. I began having issues with my wireless connection.

a usb or cardbus adapter should get you around this problem.

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5. Random lines would appear on my screen during video playback, or sometimes, just for fun, whenever they felt like it.

That's either your display or your GPU failing. Given the fact that your dealing with severe heat issues, I'd bet its the GPU which sits next to the CPU and the GPU itself can generate a lot of heat.


My question is this... I need my computer to make a living, but the computer is becoming all but unuseable for any lengthy period of time. Is there any way to salvage this electronically diseased monster of mine? What options do I have to at least keep this thing running while I do web or graphic design, and how much might that cost?

Because you're out of the warranty period and it seems likely your MBP has some serious issues that would require it to be sent in you need to look at your alternatives. The repair cost could definitely be 1/3 to 1/2 of the cost of the laptop just for the parts if you need to replace the logic board. (the other 1/2 of the cost is the display panel, case keyboard etc). Then there's the issue of the time span of it being in repair.

Here's the options as I see it.
1. buy a new MacBook Pro and applecare. I always recommend applecare when dealing with laptops because the cost of a single repair usually far exceeds the cost of the extended warranty.
2. buy a refurb MBP, cheaper and you get a great computer. Applecare is available for this as well AFAIK
3. buy a cheap MB or a Mini to keep you going and send the MBP in for repair. The MB or Mini can then be your back up machine. The benefits of this is you'll not experience outages now or in the future. The downside of this is the cost of a new MB or mini plus the cost to repair the MBP would probably buy you a new MBP.

IMO, your computer has some serious issues and being out of warranty serious issues usually relate to serious money. I'd not delay too long on what to do in case your computer gives up the ghost. Also since your computer is having problems makes sure you have a current backup available.