Where to repair Powerbook G4 display

Question

I have a powerbook G4 with screen problems. the lower half of the screen is grayed out but displays to an external screen fine (i.e. projector in a lecture hall). I have taken it in to an Apple Authorized re-seller/repair but they say the machine is vintage and can't be repaired. What exactly does this mean? I have tried the help line and they were incompetent and unable to answer the question. I searched high and low on the web page for an appropriate e-mail address to ask this question but was unsuccessful (which of course put me in a very foul mood that I had to call the help line which is not convenient FOR ME -THE CUSTOMER!). I have been a loyal customer of Apple for over 20 years and proudly display my Powerbook in front of 1000's of university students but right now, with the above recent experiences, I am seriously rethinking my apple loyalty. So does anyone have an alternative suggestion as to where to get my powerbook repaired if not an authorized apple re-seller/repair? And does anyone know how many years it is before Apple decides one of its products (laptop computer specifically) is vintage and can no longer be repaired? The answer to this question will determine whether or not I will ever buy Apple again.

Answer 1

You can buy a warranty extension plan from Apple anytime in the first year of ownership to extend your hardware and software warranty to 3 years from date of computer's purchase. AppleCare, which is this program can be reached here:
http://www.apple.com/contact/phone_contacts.html
Sometimes out of warranty Macs are eligible for a free extension/repair program listed here:
http://www.apple.com/support/exchange_repair/
Apple will repair any display of any age they have parts for but at a cost if it is obviously a non-warranty issue or beyond the warranty period.
7 years typically is a time frame for many Macs to reach end of life status, but it varies depending on the product. Some authorized service centers are better than others in keeping in stock old parts. AppleCare itself when you call them can often tell you if the parts are available for them to repair from. But because the parts cost so much to make, there comes a point of diminishing returns, where a high priced repair makes it cost more to repair than to replace. Apple does have a recycling program when you buy a new Mac:
http://www.apple.com/environment/recycling/
These vendors will repair Apple displays out of warranty often for less than Apple:
http://www.dttservice.com/
http://www.powerbookresq.com/
http://www.microdocusa.com/
http://www.macspecialist.com/
http://www.techrestore.com/
Apple has few e-mail addresses for programs such as MobileMe, and iTunes Music Store, but not for computer repairs. Their support phone numbers are available 7 days a week, 12 hours a day.
Message was edited by: a brody
Message was edited by: a brody