Posts: 5,338
Threads: 670
Joined: Dec 2021
I've been fortunate to not have a need to delve into any of my PowerBook/iBook innards but the need may have come to the fore. Yesterday I scored a 1.67 PB 15" at a reasonable price. After an evening of cleaning sneeze snot off the screen and unbelievable crud from the case and KB, I have it up and running. The Charger connection is "iffy" though. It seems to be fussy about how it's plugged in - the guy who sold it (for his sister, he said) explained that he inserted it with the split up which should have no bearing, and I pretty much ignored it - once home, I see I should have paid more attention. So the question is: Does this at first glance seem to be a logic board issue and were these things fragile from the start? Did I bite a bull in the butt? Finally - if I decide the aggravation isn't worth the effort or expense, what would a model like this bring for parts? The screen is excellent now sans snot, superdrive works, 100GB HDD, Tiger. Should I sell it before the logic board fails if that's what's imminent? I don't want to gouge anybody so all defects will be listed including a couple small dents in the lower case corners. Man, this person was a slob with no concern for a beautiful piece of equipment. I only hope she replaced it with a Dull!
Posts: 8,225
Threads: 431
Joined: Jan 2009
Reputation:
0
> It seems to be fussy about how it's plugged in...
Do you mean how it's plugged into the *wall* or how it's plugged into the laptop? A better description would be helpful.
I'm going to assume that you mean that the split end of the metal ring on the adapter's plug usually has to be facing upwards before it makes a good connection with the Powerbook's power jack.
> Does this at first glance seem to be a logic board issue
No. It sounds like a typical loose Power connector.
The outer metal ring on the adapter's plug sometimes gets a little spread out over time. Once a year or so, I take a pair of pliers and carefully tighten mine. If you try this repair, do not apply a lot of pressure and don't play with the center pin as those pins tend to fall out. (And don't mess with the plug while it's plugged in!)
If you have to replace the whole power adapter, used and 3rd party adapters can be had pretty cheaply on eBay.
OTOH, maybe it's the jack inside the computer that's loose. In that case, yes, you may have to replace the motherboard to fix it.
Posts: 8,407
Threads: 230
Joined: Apr 2025
I have a 1.5ghz powerbook here at work and the power plug is very fussy. I have to rotate it to find the sweet spot so it lights up and does it's job. Other than that it's been a great machine. Maybe one day I'll get a replacement adapter, but it's not been very high up on my priority list.
Posts: 17,354
Threads: 3,275
Joined: Mar 2025
Interesting, the adapter of my 12 inch DVI powerbook is fussy as well.
Pam, where do I find the replacement? Is the replacement plug different than the original? I like the new plug on the MB/MBP. Wondering if anyone has a problem with it.
Posts: 5,338
Threads: 670
Joined: Dec 2021
MacMagnus and Pam - thanks for your comments. Yes, it is the connection at the PB end and it does charge. While I was working on it several hours last night I noticed at one point that it was no longer charging although I hadn't removed the plug. Pushing it in again slightly brought the charging circuit back to life.
When I mentioned case "dents" there is some roughness around the power plug connection, as though an inept someone had been at it with a screwdriver or such. Is there supposed to be a grommet of sorts that makes a close fit when the power supply is plugged in? I recall that my iBook (I'm at work now and can't see it) seems to have a close fit to the plug. I'll check on that tonight when I get home. I'll also check to see if it's the same power supply (it has the same form factor) and if so, I'll try that one.
I'd like any opinions on its value given there could be a logic board issue, if anyone would care to venture a guess.
Posts: 8,407
Threads: 230
Joined: Apr 2025
I wasn't going to replace the plug, I was going to replace the entire power supply.
My daughter was really good at breaking off the male end of the plug inside her iBooks. I always sent the iBook back to Apple rather than DIY. From your description olnacl, that may have happened at one time to that powerbook and the owner attempted/did the removal themselves.
The plug on this powerbook fits fine, I just have to rotate it in order for the charging circuit to close. I do not have to push. I'd be more concerned if pushing were needed.
I have a Macbook Pro at home and the mag connector is wonderful. No more worries about the plug breaking off inside of the laptop. Of course it's easier for my cats to unplug it, but I can live with that.
Personally, at this point I'd be far more interested in getting a Macbook or Macbook Pro than a powerbook G4.
Posts: 5,338
Threads: 670
Joined: Dec 2021
[quote Pam]
Personally, at this point I'd be far more interested in getting a Macbook or Macbook Pro than a powerbook G4.
My thought exactly and I'd even made plans to visit the Apple store this weekend for one or the other. Long story short, I use a laptop computer as a living room reference - it lives on the arm of the couch - currently the job is handled by the G3 iBook. Since the room is somewhat dark, I wanted the backlit KB which meant buying a MBP. When I saw this computer, I figured I'd be $1500.00 ahead and have as much functionality as I needed, so I went for it. Whether it was a smart move is yet to be determined. So far the odds seem about 50-50. BTW, I have a 2.66 Mac Pro as my main axe.
Posts: 15,647
Threads: 1,310
Joined: Aug 2013
Reputation:
0
I had to retire a perfectly good PB G3 just for this issue and it was not a loose plug. The problem literally went deeper than that. I had to put pressure on the plug, up or down or sideways to make connection. The plug itself went in pretty firmly.
Posts: 3,960
Threads: 397
Joined: May 2025
Since I just got my Powerbook 1.5 15" back from Apple for just that problem, yes, it may be the logic board.
I have replaced the power brick once for failure, and they tried to tell me that it was a brick failure again - I insisted that they look at the logic board/connector and it was replaced as well as the brick.
A new power adaptor MAY solve your problem - but the problem may be deeper.
Posts: 5,338
Threads: 670
Joined: Dec 2021
[quote vicrock]Since I just got my Powerbook 1.5 15" back from Apple for just that problem, yes, it may be the logic board.
I have replaced the power brick once for failure, and they tried to tell me that it was a brick failure again - I insisted that they look at the logic board/connector and it was replaced as well as the brick.
A new power adaptor MAY solve your problem - but the problem may be deeper.
And, if I may ask, that set you back how much?
|
