Having trouble with ibook display

Question

Just got my 15yo son a free ibook from a friend. It seemed to have the logic board problem that these systems are prone to. It would boot up to a blank screen, get lines in it etc.. and seemed to work fine with a little pressure applied.
So he has been researching this problem, and yesterday followed instructions to take off the back and use a shim, then put the back on again. This seemed to work, or well, at least it boots up every time now.
However, it goes to a screen with a folder that flashes between a question mark and a face.
It seemed to work fine before the fix. We actually didn't use it much, thinking it might not be good for it. But you could use it just fine once you got it going.
I don't have the admin password, or the start up disc. But saw that I could buy one on ebay.
Is there a way we can fix this, or is it no good? I got the ibook so my kids could learn to use a mac. We have been thinking of switching all our household computers to mac from pc, but wanted to try it out first before investing all that money.

Answer 1

For the costs of troubleshooting and repairing
an older computer, and getting an OS X disc
set for it (should be included with a previously
owned computer) you could consider looking
into refurbished or repaired ones with a limited
guarantee and return policy. Some of these do
not include the boot/install discs either, though.
A computer needing work is worth significantly
less than one with a good bill of health; and
all older models with few exception are not
very expensive. In fact, repaired ones are a
fairly good deal compared to the retail cost.
One of several places online to check, to see
what a fixed one can cost (varies with options)
is http://www.wegenermedia.com/ and there are
some models worth avoiding. A good experience
with Mac OS X - especially if compared against
any other system - should be based on newer
hardware and relatively recent OS X versions.
A desktop computer can cost less than portables,
when new this is really noticable; in the Certified
Apple Store refurbished pages, you can see that
a recent model Intel-based iMac with like-new
hardware, recent OS X version, and warranty, is
a fairly good deal. A new MacBook (white) model
from the online Apple Store, is also a great deal.
Older used hardware has various limitations.
Computers over 4 years old start needing a
few repairs or replacement parts; and they
may not be adequate for a beginner to learn
the best of any operating system. And OS X
does shine quite nicely; beyond the look of it.
Some resellers of new Apple computers may
have new/old stock of recent but not the latest
models, and at less than original retail. Be care-
ful to not go just by the price numbers; see if
the latest computer at Apple Store online is of
higher specs for the same price. I see resellers
with older inventory, asking full new prices, too.
(Not all, but some do this in other retail environs.)
The iBook G3 you have is a problematic series
and by now, even the better ones would be in
a need for repair or replacement parts. A few
out there in the world of honest refurbished old
computers may be fine, if not too costly. The
better iBook is the G4 1.33GHz 12" or G4 1.42
GHz 14". And PowerBook G4s are often durable.
You can get a lot of computer value in a desktop
when looking at a new computer; the iMac Intel
models are superior and would be a fine start.
The least expensive MacBook (online store) new
is also a good value in computing at under $1k.
Good luck & happy computing!