Is it worth fixing?

So, I have a Macbook bought in August or July of 2008 or so and it's use is showing. I have cracks in the faceplates around the screen (3 of 'em) and on either side of the trackpad (2). The plastic on the bottom of the battery is peeling off, the feet things on the bottom of the whole computer are wearing thin, and I think some screws fell out of the battery compartment when I had to have it shipped back to me. The cd drive broke literally within 3 months and is still not fixed. There could be other things wrong that I haven't noticed yet, but I'm not too concerned about what I don't notice.
My question: Is it worth fixing this thing or just getting something stronger (like an Air or MBP or something)? I really don't like the idea of spending enough money to fix one thing when I could get something better.

Hey,
I don't know which country you're writing from (the Woods doesn't help...) but generally an upgrade is preferable if you have the cash. In GBP a new MBP is only £999 and is pretty bullet proof, although I would personally get one with a higher processor spec as they seem to have better longevity.
Your Macbook is fine, and if you don't mind the aesthetic issues you could happily replace the CD drive for under 100 if you go to the right man. it's not a core part so won't mess up the logic board if you get a non apple guy to do it. So if you're happy saving money and living with wear and tear just keep it.
Otherwise i suggest you start the piggy bank now, wait for an apple "sale day" and buy a shiny new one. You can also shift the old one for spares and repairs, this is very popular at the moment as people want to "collect" old machines.
Hope this helps.

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Is this MacBook Pro worth fixing?

Hello all:
I have a MacBook Intel Pro Dual Core laptop in a bit of a sorry state. The baby barfed over the keyboard, and so I tried to remove it to clean it... and now the keys won't go back on. Also the thing has been dropped a dozen times or more and the chassis is bent (which is probably why the keys won't fit back on). Also, as the chassis is bent I can't get a CD/DVD into the drive. Also, according to a diagnostic test a volume needs rebuilding.
Is this computer worth fixing? It would need a new keyboard, some internal jiggery-pokery (to fix the volume issues) and the chassis straightening.
Does anyone know what this is likely to cost? I live some distance from the nearest Mac Store so I'm trying to find out a ballpark amount before I take the trip.
Thanks for any info or thoughts.

Adrian:
You do not say just which MacBook Pro you have, but you can likely return it to usable condition for under $100, if the liquid did not get beyond the keyboard. I don't know about the bent chassis, but if it were not affecting the computer's functionality prior to the baby using the keyboard inappropriately, the computer should function just as well as before that accident. In terms of the optical drive it is difficult to say just what the issue might be there. It may have been damaged in one of the falls the computer sustained. You can pick up a keyboard/upper case on eBay for less than $50 and install it yourself with step by step directions from iFixit.
In the case of the volume needing rebuilding that is a directory issue which, if it can't be repaired by Disk Utility, can be repaired by a third party utility like Tech Tool Pro, DriveGenius or Disk Warrior. If you are not in a position to invest in one of those at the moment you can backup any data you wish to save and do a complete reformat, erase and reinstall. In other words, you computer can likely be functional again without major expense.
Please do post back with further questions or comments.
cornelius
Message was edited by: cornelius

I am looking at a MacBook pro 17 early 2011 with water damage that doesn't turn on. Now t would have a voided warranty wondered if anyone knew how much apple would charge to fix. If its worth fixing?

I am looking at a MacBook pro 17 early 2011 with water damage that doesn't turn on. Now t would have a voided warranty wondered if anyone knew how much apple would charge to fix. If its worth fixing?

It mostly depends on the damage that was done (the LCD, keyboard, etc) but yours does not turn on so I am assuming it was fully submerged and completely damaged. Therefore, I would think your warranty is most definitely void.
When did this happen? How bad was it? Have you taken any measures to get it to dry? You can go online and you can find tips on how to dry it at least a bit so that it is not as bad, it might not get it to work, but it can help you prevent rusting, which would cause further damage thus reducing the probability of getting repaired/replaced. Also, do not try to turn it on unless you have tried to dry it as it will damage it even more (electricity + water = destruction). I would suggest giving this a try, and if it is still not working then it is probably worth a try with Apple, just go in for a consultation in terms of pricing. If they seem too high and/or the warranty is void, then you can opt for after-market products which significantly reduce the repair costs... as you would have nothing to lose anyway in terms of warranty.
It's $3,000, that pays my rent. Even investing $1,000 would be better than just not giving it a try at all lol.

Oil got into my ipod and now it will not work at all is it worth fixing or should i just get a new one

Oil got into my ipod and now it will not work at all is it worth fixing or should i just replace it with a new one ?

Replace it.
Basic troubleshooting steps
17" 2.2GHz i7 Quad-Core MacBook Pro  8G RAM  750G HD + OCZ Vertex 3 SSD Boot HD 
Got problems with your Apple iDevice-like iPhone, iPad or iPod touch? Try Troubleshooting 101

My iMac g5 starts up , responds slow, freezes after approx. 2 minutes, then upper fan starts running high and loud. ANy ideas on what could be wrong? Worth fixing?

My iMac g5 starts up , responds slow, freezes after approx. 2 minutes, then upper fan starts running high and loud. Any ideas on what could be wrong? Worth fixing?

Could be over-heating. Try cleaning out the air vents.

Is my ibook g3 worth fixing?

I have an old ibook g3 that just needs it's graphics chip resoldered (it works fine when you apply pressure). I have the proper tools and experence to repair this but is it really worth the effort or should I just sell the unit for parts?

Small electric soldering irons are a more delicate way to avoid heating chips and
other parts; since a flame can be well above the melting point of low-lead solder.
Companies such as iFixit may have tools, OWC has some,
and powerbookmedic also lists parts, services, etc.
You can identify your computer by model number &/or
by serial number for a more accurate build date.
https://www.powerbookmedic.com/identify-mac-serial.php
Since I found this ^ site had a more secure page, I use it on occasion
to determine more accurate information on models and then use an
information download datatbase from http://mactracker.ca site also
http://everymac.com has a variety of information on most models.
Most ideas on graphic and CPU re-solder on logic board leads online
to the early G4 iBook repairs, they can give you some ideas while
the images and layout are not quite the same... soldering is, though.
Some suggest a heat gun, that blows hot air, and is adjustable to temps.
http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/tips/ibookg4_vreg_repair/ibookg4_vreg_repair.html
http://voices.yahoo.com/how-fix-ibook-graphics-chip-problem-3873166.html
http://www.applefritter.com/node/10193
There may be more detailed instruction on the kind of repair you seek
to make on that portable, online. As time goes by, some web sites no
longer have vintage items, or they simply no longer are online.
Good luck & happy computing!

What is wrong with my macbook and is it worth fixing?

I have a early 2008 white macbook. The last batch of the kind before the unibody MBP came out. I have been using my macbook for the past 5 years and it is still in great working condition with the exception of the problem in the pics below. The lid cannot close without the bulging in the pics. Surprisingly, I gently use my macbook so this is a huge shock to me. One minute it was fine the next minute the lid cannot close.
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/266/x9iy.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/703/vaj0.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/96/itw9.jpg/
Since the macbook pretty much lives on my desk except when I travel I am still going to use it for school until it gets too slow. However, it would be nice if I could fix it

I agree it is repairable, i have a mid 2007 white MacBook and i agree that its probably repairable, the real question will be whether it would be cost effective to do this? You won't know the answer to that until you get some idea of cost. Good luck.

Lost the right 2 1/2 in. on mac 10.4. screen. what is has to be done to fix screen? Is it worth fixing?

lost the right 2 1/2 in. on mac 10.4.11 screen. What is the cause and the fix? What is the cost of repair?

Run the Apple hardware test to see if it can identify an obvious hardware issue. Find your original gray-faced OS X disks. Insert the one that says 'AHT Version x.x' in small print on the label, and reboot holding the alt/option key. Choose the Apple hardware test, and when prompted, choose the extended test. If you have either of the TechTool programs, they can do similar testing. Does that point out any errors?

Nokia 6111 Broken Screen...Worth Fixing??

My daughter has a six month old 6111 ,the screen is broken (she sat on it in work ) Am I right in thinking that this wont be covered by the warranty..if so is it worth getting repaired ??
Julie.

Physical damage isn't covered under the warranty.
Cost of repair vs cost of new phone...
It might be worth giving your local service centre a call for a quote just in case it's an economical repair.
First use the search to see if your question has already been answered...
Secondly I will not knowingly assist in breaking the forum rules.
My information is always changing, what I post at the time is usually true.

Is my ipod worth fixing?

So my mom accidentally put my ipod through the wash. everything still works, except I can only select songs by pushing the next button. the scroll doesnt work, thus I cannot turn up my volume. Is there any way to fix it?

Replace it.
Basic troubleshooting steps
17" 2.2GHz i7 Quad-Core MacBook Pro  8G RAM  750G HD + OCZ Vertex 3 SSD Boot HD 
Got problems with your Apple iDevice-like iPhone, iPad or iPod touch? Try Troubleshooting 101

Put in the wrong airport card, fried my G5, is it worth fixing?

Maybe more importantly can i trust what this repair shop tells me?
After Apple told me my computer was too old to work on and scouring these boards i thought i was installing the right airport card and apparently I didn't.
Immediately the power went out on the machine and it would not power back on.
The repair shop told me that i need a new power supply and motherboard so i ordered and paid for those. ($175+)
Now they called and said my superdrive in one of the two harddrives is shot and i need a new one of those.
And that the drive that works isn't recognizing Leopard, the OS I had on there.
I was already thinking of getting a new machine before i took this in and it is getting to the point where this might cost as much as a new machine.
Assuming I am willing to walk away from the data on there (which was the only reason i was taking this in -- to get my data), should I just give up on the G5 and get a new computer?
Also, can I trust what these guys are telling me? Is it possible the airport card fried the power supply, motherboard and both harddrives?
Seems extreme to me, but then again I'm the idiot that put the wrong card in.
It just makes me mistrust them when its one thing after the other after the other.
Sure wish they would've taken me at the genius bar...
Thanks for any thoughts,
James

Hi James,
Though I love my G5, I'd cut my losses now & sell the PSU And logic board, I've seen either one go for more than a whole used G5.
Impossible to tell about what they're saying, but it certainly is possible for everything electrically connected to be adversely affected. It's like a bunch of people holding hands, shock one & they all could get it.

Is it worth fixing my old mac pro?

I have a Mac pro Dual Core that I bought in around 2006
I cant tell you what HD/Ram it has as I cant remember off the top of my head and dont have the machine with me as its at the apple store.
Now I have never so much as had a niggle of a problem with it in all the years Ive had it and havnt even thought about a new machine as its been more than reliable and has suited my needs well.
UNTILL two weeks ago my machine went into kernal panic, after trying everything I could I decided it was time to take my old trusty mac pro to the geniuses!
Well they have now had it for a couple of weeks and have narrowed the issue down to the logic board and graphics card, that cost of repair is £650 inc VAT OUCH!!!
Now Im in a right royal dilemna, it seems a lot of money to me to through at an old mac, however I am prepared to pay it out if its going to keep going for another few years. But Im thinking I might live to regret it if it goes wrong again!
At the moment the cost of a new mac pro is out of reach so my options are to sell my macpro for parts and to buy a 6 month - a year old mac pro or do I get a new 27inch Imac instead?
The last time I had an Imac (8 year +) it was not nearly good enough for the applications I was using and was way to slow. However I know they have improved dramatically and look like a better spec than what im currently using anyway, so I was wondering if I should be considering this?
I have a Macbook Pro 2.4 intel Duo core and Im quite happy with that and it handles my work without an issue, so on that basis I think an Imac would work.
I use my computer for mainly web development but I do quite a bit of graphics work also for print. I mainly use photoshop, navicat, Fetch, dreamweaver and illustartor quite often needing them all open at once.
So my options are:
Repair my mac witch it the least expensive solution, but do I put £650 into an older machine?
Sell it for parts and buy a 6 month - a year old mac pro
Sell it for parts and buy a top spec Imac
Please help, im not sure what the best option is

The last time I had an Imac (8 year +) it was not nearly good enough for the applications I was using and was way to slow. However I know they have improved dramatically and look like a better spec than what im currently using anyway, so I was wondering if I should be considering this?
The current iMacs are much faster than your current machine.
GeekBench Processor and Memory Performance:
Mac Pro 2.0 GHz    4029
Mac Pro 2.66 GHz 5202
Mac Pro 3.0 GHz    5801
iMac (2011) i7 3.4 GHz   11609
iMac (2011) i5 3.1 GHz    8379
MacBook Pro Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 2.4 GHz (2 cores) 3342
I have a Macbook Pro 2.4 intel Duo core and Im quite happy with that and it handles my work without an issue, so on that basis I think an Imac would work.
I think that you are correct.

Fell in cup of tea - worth fixing?

My iPod nano fell into a cup of hot tea on my bedside table and I'm wondering if I should bother taking it in for service. It was attached to a cable, so I was able to pull it out quickly, but afterwards it had what looked like a BIOS displayed on the screen and then it eventually went dead. I let it dry for a week, and just tried plugging it into my macbook, but it's still completely dead.

Leave it connected to power for at least a half hour ( a wall charger works best for this) and while it is connected to power Reset it (hold down the sleep and volume down buttons). It may take several tries. If it revives fully charge it.

Should I buy a new laptop? Or fix it with more RAM?

Dear all,
After a few years (since mid 2009) of happy relationship with my Macbook Pro, the last year I have noticed a severe decline in speed in all applications as well as a lot of apps crashing or not responding regulary. Me and my laptop have survived this long thanks to this forum where I am usually able to find solutions to various problems and by experimenting with "home fixes", despite my lack of technical knowledge.
I live abroad in a country without access to proper computor service centers etc, however I am visiting Europe next week and I need to take the decision on whether it is worth fixing my laptop or if the best option sis just to buy a new one.
After my attempts to troubleshoot and after reading up on this forum I am suspecting that the cause of the problems might have something to do with RAM or the proccessor. I do run a lot of heavy apps such as photoshop, premier pro, indesign, firefox, lightroom etc. I have always been able to work efficiently while having several apps running at the same time (for example firefox, word, indesign and photoshop) however since a while back i can't run more than 1-2 apps at the same time without the computer crashing or getting paralysed. The beach ball is spinning for minutes after each click which is very frustrating when working with details in for example photoshop. I have tried to clean up the computor with Onyx a few weeks ago which I think improved it a little bit. My 500GB harddisk is less than half full.
I would really appreciate your advise on my options of fixing the issue or just buying a new computer. Below are some details about my laptop.
Millions of thanks in advance!
Best,
Hanna
Processor: 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory: 2 GB 1067 MHz DDR3
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 9400M 256MB
Software: OSX Version 10.8.3

I think 8G of memory may be good enough to run Adobe suite and Office.
No, there is no such risk.
Following shop has memory you need, though if you think you couldn't hadle to upgrade RAM, take it to Apple Store's Genius Bar to ask about upgrading RAM.
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/Apple_MacBook_MacBook_Pro/Upgrade/DDR3
-- kaz-k
PS/ You'd better ask about your question at MacBook Pro discussion board.
https://discussions.apple.com/community/notebooks/macbook_pro

Error message - need help to fix

Hi there,
I have put a form on this page - https://ceressecure.worldsecuresystems.com/venue-hire/commkitchenbooking.html.
It was working fine for a time but now it is returning this error - ERROR: An error occurred. Your web form must capture customer name and email address. Please fix this issue and re-insert your web form on your web page.
I have no idea how to fix/ debug it. Support said it was a js conflict issue but couldn't help me any more than that. If anyone can help or let me know what steps I could take to debug it that would be most appreciated.
Tom

Hi Tom,
Firstly, you have a few javasctipt errors on that site/page. It actually crashed chrome for me and would not finish loading the page. Worth fixing those up.
The ID's and names seem ok on the forms, the javascript is not kicking in due to the script errors you have hence the red line error message.
The web form ID in your form action, note that and in the admin click the form you have in the web forms. In the URL you will see the ID for the form there too. Are these the same? IF not then you have edited the form at some point and not using the correct form ID.

Is it worth fixing?

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