Had to take the iMac in to CompUSA to be repaired this weekend, as it started smelling like it was on fire Saturday afternoon. I had tried calling Apple about it, but they said there was nothing they could do for me on the phone, and that I’d have to take it in.
After I brought it in, they called me later in the afternoon to say that I needed a new power supply, which is what I figured all along. Unfortunately, the power supply for an iMac is a bit more custom than the ones I’m used to swapping out on the PC, so it’s going to cost around $300 total for the thing to get fixed.
The dumbest part of the whole process is that when they called me to tell me that they needed to order the part, they wouldn’t just take my verbal OK. They said I had to go back to the store and order it in person. What the hell? I just re-checked my calendar, and it says 2006. They don’t have the ability to purchase parts over the phone on an existing work order? As a result, Laura’s going to drive back over to Warwick today to get the ball rolling. What a waste of time and energy.
The plus side to all of this—if there actually is one—is that Laura and I discussed getting an Intel Mac for our next computer. That way, we can truly consolidate both of our machines into one (thanks to either Boot Camp or Parallels), and get rid of one of the desks in the dining room. Since my stuff got moved to make room for the baby, it’s a bit more cluttered than we’d like. Either way, we’ll probably wait for Leopard to be released before making our move.
fractal August 23rd, 2006 at 7:32 am
I’ve been talking about a huge upgrade to my LAN for almost 2 years and I always tell myself to hold off until the right time. Is it time yet? I always run my ideas by chuckles so thought I’d post this link he sent me recently:
http://www.systemshootouts.org/shootouts/desktop/2006/0809_dt3200.html
I’m ready for a couple terabyte servers in addition to an amazing workforce machine, or two, for my video and animation projects. Currently I have a WXP network with some LINUX in the mix. I came from the MAC world and have no problem with any OS so now that MAC offers the best of ALL worlds I’m pretty confident that I’m going to make the obvious choice. I really dont care what it is as long as my software and audio hardware work.
The question remains…will Vista be a part of my long term goals?
John August 23rd, 2006 at 8:11 am
I don’t think I can justify the Mac Pro. I like that it’s headless, and can run Parallels, but the price! The cheapest they start at is $2200.
Don’t really want another iMac with the integrated screen, as the max resolution on the 17″ I have isn’t exactly optimal. I’d like to ramp it up more. 1600×1200 (4:3) or 1920×1200 (widescreen) would be my targets.
So my other option for Macs is the mini. Headless, small, quiet, but the shared video memory makes me sad.
I’m thinking Spring is the time to make these decisions, as Leopard and (maybe) Vista will be out.
The tough part is having the willpower to wait that long…
JLa2r August 28th, 2006 at 2:12 pm
$300 for a Mac PS? Can’t you buy a Mini Mac for that? Jeesh…
btw, I checked… the closest Apple store to your work is Newton, Chestnut Hill Mall.
John August 28th, 2006 at 2:14 pm
Price includes $140 for “labor”.
I searched around the web for DIY replacement parts, wasn’t able to find any anywhere.