OK, I'm checking in with my G5 logic board failure. I had the logic board and the display replaced using my Apple Care extended warranty on July 22, 2006 which the repair would have cost me just over $1,900 if it were not for the Apple Care. At that time I asked them to replace it which probably would have been as cheap or cheaper for them but was refused.

Now it's almost 2 1/2 years later and my iMac has failed again and Apple refused me any repairs under any repair extension warranty and I had to buy a new Intel iMac.

My serial number on the G5 was QP511OCCGPNZ which fell within the serial repair ranges.

I would be interested in joining a class action suit against Apple if anyone knows a lawyer that would be willing to take this on. If anyone knows of anything like this happening, post it here so myself and others can sign up. I think this is the only way to deal with this.

Hi all, I'm one more with a logic board failure, or at least my wife is one more. The machine was bought in early 05, brand new, and this problem manifested just about 3 months after the warranty expired. For a time it was starting by holding the power for a few seconds, then it would only do it once in a while, now its completely dead. At the time of purchase my wife bought into the Apple PR hook, line and sinker. It was easier to use, low risk of viruses, had some cool programs already installed, plus it was trendy. This computer cost just about $2K when all was said and done. Now its dead after ~3.5 years.

Of course we take it into the Apple store just to see if they can do ANYTHING, and no, they won't even touch it unless we buy another ~$2K computer, or replace the logic board for 1K+? It was my wife talking to the guy since it was her computer, but I wanted to laugh in the guys face. They had to be kidding themselves if they think we'd invested 2K into another computer if they won't do anything for a customer that only had the first one last 3.5 years. I went in there willing to pay a hundred bucks or so just to get some files I had failed to back up onto a DVD. But you won't even do that unless I buy another computer from you? What a joke. You couldn't give me some sort of exchange for a new computer? Or give me a reduced price to fix the old one since I was nice enough to over pay for your product?

Or, of course, we could fix it through the Apple store for ~1K. Yeah that is a smart investment when I could buy a new, better PC, and get the data transfered for about 1/2 that. We just bought a little Dell insperon mini for $270! Why in the world would I repair this computer for $450 (from other places apparently) to 1K, if I can buy a new, better PC for less? Even full laptops with similar specks to the G5 are under $450 now, if you wait for a good deal.

Anyway, I second the class action lawsuit. Just from this site alone there appears to be a pretty good following to at least get the process started. For a $2K machine, 3.5 years is just ridiculous. Every PC I've owned has lasted at least 2 times that, at what, 1/4 of the price?

My serial number is W85042D8PNY.

In the end this is Apple's choice. They can recognize this problem and do something to appease those effected, or they can do nothing and fail to sell any more computers to a large fraction of this group. Beyond that I wouldn't even buy a new iPod, much less an iPhone. Apple is purposely holding back capabilities on the iPhone just so they can get those that want to be trendy to buy each new version as it gets better.

So apple, if you're reading this, I'm one who's exercising my consumer choice to not buy anything from you again if you can't give me a reasonable solution to this problem. I'm not looking for you to replace the logic board for free, I realize its past its warranty, but to not have an option for me under 1K is pretty rediculous when I already over payed under the assumption of increased reliability and to be part of this "group" of Apple owners, among other things. Apparently I misunderstood how much you cared about your customers who are willing to pay ~4x the cost of a PC.

Your choice Apple, lose a costumer for life (who knows how much that is worth, maybe 5K in the next 10 years?), or come up with a reasonable solution.

Sorry to clog up so much space to all those reading, just hoping my voice will be herd.

I just got off the phone with apple teck support, and the guy wouldn't help me out at all. I gave him my whole case, told him I expected more for $2000 computer, that they would be losing our future business if a reasonable solution couldn't be reached, but no dice. He wouldn't let me speak to anyone else either. So much for buying a more reliable computer. Oh well, I'm through buying mac.

Looks like my machine will join the several others on ebay...

I'm soooooo relieved... I'm getting my (out of warranty) G5 fixed for FREE!

OK, after 2 very unsuccessful calls to Apple the third made it to a sympathetic ear. The first 2 techs I talked to were very rude and both hung up on me. In first conversation I mentioned all the people posting with the same issues and class action law suite. Not a good move I found out. After a long wait he came back and said he was not a legal rep for Apple and that my attorney should contact Apple directly and he had to terminate this call, he hung up. I called right back! The second guy gave the same speech, it was out of warranty and there was nothing anyone can do, no way to fix it for free. After a little back and forth I asked how long I should expect an Apple computer to last. Check-Mate! He couldn't say it will only last 3 years, till the AppleCare warranty is up, and he couldn't say it should last longer than 3 years cause then he would be admitting there was a problem with all these G5s. So, he got frustrated with my debating skills and also hung up on me. So, I called right back again! The third person I spoke with wasn't such an asshole. After my little speech he said he had no power to do anything but would try to get me in touch with a supervisor in customer service. After a long wait a lady took the call, Carol, again a repeated my dialog. She seemed a little more interested and said let me see what we can do about your situation. She came back after a long wait (more waiting than talking!) and said they would fix my computer at no cost to me. She gave me an "exception code" and said I could take it where ever I wanted. WOW!! She really wasn't up for chit-chat either, she gave me the number and said it'll be fixed at no cost and good-bye. I got the feeling she didn't want to give me a chance to ask any questions like is this a known problem, how many others are calling ... etc...

Here is my situation with my computer which was part of my dialog with Carol. I bought my G5 a little over 3 years ago and it arrived from Apple straight out of the box defective! I took it to the Apple store where they had it for over a week. When I got it back home, it was still not working, it would shut down consistently after 20-45 minutes. I called Apple to complain about the crappy repair service so they sent me a new computer. And when that one arrived it too was defective. It had a bad graphic card. So they sent me a new graphic card. Finally, I had a working G5, but I had missed the deadline of a job and lost $5K. So I let Carol know I was frustrated with Apple craftsmanship and my $2500 computer now cost me $7500.

Another part of my dialog with Carol: I went in with the attitude that Apple was a good company and that there was an obvious, but unfortunate, problem with their G5 motherboards. And like the power supply problem I was sure that Apple would issue a mass fix-it program but I couldn't wait for that to be implemented. I told Carol that my computer was my main tool for my photography business and that I also use it when teaching Photoshop and my G4 laptop could not handle the load.

Main points as pleaded to Carol: I had several problems with my G5 straight out of the box; I believe an Apple computer should last past AppleCare warranty of 3 years; I know Apple will fix this issue sometime but I just can't afford to wait till then; I rely heavily on this computer to earn a living.

Reality, I just have the "exception code" so I'll see what happens next. I'll be a little nervous till my box is back home working for 3 months straight, then I'll be smiling. I will post updates as they happen.

If you got a dead G5 with the typical motherboard symptoms and want it fixed on Apple's tab then pick a day to fight and don't give up till you get what you know is right. Call, call and call till you get the right person. Don't be a dick to the first tier, that can't do anything anyway, but they can get you to the right person if they want to. DO NOT MENTION CLASS ACTION LAW SUITE! (I think if Apple doesn't get a mass recall going there should be a law suite. Just don't mentioned it.) Be a supporter of Apple and let 'em know your life revolves around your computer. If you had previous problems with your computer let 'em know, I think that's what helped me the most.

Some people may say fuck it, time to buy a new box anyway. Well, if that's what you wanna do and got the cash go for it. But please, for all of us trying to get Apple to take responsibility, call Apple and make a formal complaint about your failed motherboard.

The other option: http://www.dttservice.com I spoke with Brian, to fix mine would cost $450, dual core is $550. Best price anywhere... but try Apple first!!!!

Early 2005, Dual 2.3 G5 #G8528....
Apple number I called: 800 275 2273

I hope my LONG post helps others just like others gave me the insight to fight and get this fixed. Good luck and keep posting!

Chris

It seems like that replacement program was iMac's only.

Ah, I thought everyone had PM G5s...wow, well in that case welcome to the effed up party then.

im going to try and dedicate some time to calling apple tongiht.

ill post up what happens after the call.

-Jon

keysmank... Sorry it has come down to that for you. I personally have not done a thing because of my particular situation. I know I would be shot down by Apple immediately: my G5 20" iSight being a store demo model bought from a reseller in Canada and being out of the extended warranty program, not to mention not even being in the serial number range Apple was so gracious in allowing.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I only had my G5 a little over a year, purchased a slew of programs ($2,000) to bring me back up to speed and was just beginning to adjust.

I have been out of work for over six months now and can't afford the DT&T "fix". Nor can I even take on some free-lance projects to make a few bucks because I have a dead Mac.

Instead of writing to the tech mags, knowing, as you said, they are not going to print anything negative about Apple for fear of losing advertising dollars, how about your local (and maybe not so local) newspaper(s). I believe someone else suggested this as well.

Here is a link to over 3,300 newspapers in the 50 states for anyone who is interested.

http://www.50states.com/news/

In my mind, I would target any local paper(s) where an Apple store might be close. For me, I have quite the selection: Morris Cty., Somerset Cty., Essex Cty., Bergen Cty. NJ, and perhaps Lehigh Valley, PA.

Perhaps just address the letter to the editor.

I wonder if the boys and girls at DT&T would be willing to release numbers as to the amount of G5's they've repaired within the last six months alone. I'm guessing... NOT! 'cause they gotta be happier than pigs in...

Sorry for the long post. My only recourse at this point is to purchase a SATA HDD dock, pull the HD from the G5 and try to get any and all docs I can off the HD. At least that would only be about a $60 investment.