I have no option left

Question

I currently have a last generation 15 inch PowerBook. This machine has been great, but over the past two years it has had many problems. The biggest problem has been with the screen, it seems to be dying in certian parts, and also appears to have darker spots that reminds me of the "Dark Spots" earlier models of this computer had. Now, the screen issue I was able to look past and was going to wait until I bought a new MacBook Pro this summer. The PowerBook is my only Mac and I can't part with it for very long, so I was able to put up with that.
Other than that, little issues with paint scratching off the keys and stuff. I figured when I got the MacBook I would send it in and basically have it "refurbished" with whatever they would be willing to fix, and with me being willing to pay for things as the keys and such. Some of the other issues were a really loud humming when the fans sped up and the Disk drive making a noise when I made sudden movements with the machine. Again, None of that appeared to hurt the functioning of the computer.
About a year however, my brother kicked a ball in the house knocking a pot onto my machine. It put a dent in the top of the case, however, it didn't appear to cause any problems, I am afraid though that Apple will see that dent and call it abuse. Even more so, I am scared that dent might have been a precursor to the problems I have now.
Today while working on a paper, my machine suddenly stopped working and Kernel Panicked, happened before, so I restarted. This time though, things seemed awfully slow. The login process took a good 5 minutes. And when finally logging in, Safari took ages to load a page, Word crashed on startup, as did iChat. I haven't tried any other applications.
Now I am pretty good at Mac stuff, so I got out my Hardware Test disks and Diskwarrior, ect. Prepping to do some tests and eventually reinstall Leopard, something I have put off for awhile. But, my drive would not take a disk. The last time I tried a disk was a good few weeks ago, so I don't know if this is new, or old problem. Either way, thats my delima. I have decided I have no other option than to send it in, I am still covered under AppleCare. It is unfortunate that this is happening so close to the end of the year. I guess I will have to pull out my PC.
A few things, I need to backup my machine before sending it in, any suggestions on Hard Drives I can purchase for cheap? Suggestions on why I am having these sudden problems would be welcome, I don't plan to try and fix it, but sure would like to know what the heck went wrong. Could it possibly be that dent that half hurt something and it just gave out? And Apple probably would not cover that. I am a college student, so if I have to fix it, I think I will just scrap it and take the loss and continue to save up for the macbook Pro. I planned on keeping the PowerBook as kinda a backup and iTunes server or something, but oh well.

Answer 1

I was going to say I have the same screen problem which just popped up recently. I bought this mint condition on eBay. Took it in to the Genius Bar and they will fix the screen for their flat-rate of $310. And my battery too, which won't charge anymore. It's a new one.
Although, you have a point. (Hint: dent) That's all I can say per TOS rules.
I think the accident may have damaged more than appears to be on the surface. Like your optical drive. Maybe the shock that resulted caused unseen internal damage.
I like the MyBook drives from Western Digital. I got a 500GB triple interface "pro edition" that matches my PowerBook's casing. It has USB 2.0, FireWire 400, and FireWire 800.
Backing up your drive with a PowerBook G4 or any PowerPC-based Mac needs a FireWire interface in order to boot from it. USB 2.0 only works with Intel-based Macs.
But, go take it in and try out your luck. Since it's out of warranty, I'm not sure whether that abuse policy applies as much as if it were still under AppleCare. You'll still end up a winner, I think, with a flat-rate cost that would be well under what it would cost for all the parts and labor. Even if you get bumped up a notch of two for the rate charged.
Ask the Genius Bar about that one.
Then, you can resell it on eBay as good as new, depending on how it was refurbished/repaired.
These models still fetch a hefty price, starting at $1000, lowest, $895, highest $1500. I got mine for $950. Could have been sold for even more since it is in perfect MINT condition. I was so happy! =)
Message was edited by: Pismo 900
Or, just a suggestion, sell it as is, be honest with the problems it has, and take the money and run, for whatever someone offers to you. Just make sure to cover yourself and clearly sell it "As Is-- No Returns/Exchanges Accepted. All Sales Final."
I'm thinking your repair would be $500 or so. Instead of shelling out money, someone out there would buy your PowerBook because they feel they can fix it themselves, or can live with issues. Then, put that money toward your new MacBook/Pro.