iMac Replacement Repairs
The iMac G5 is designed to make it easy for you to install replacement parts if you need to. The parts you can install yourself are:
- AirPort Extreme Card
- Memory - DDR 400 MHz (PC3200) SDRAM
- Hard drive
- Optical drive
- Power supply
- LCD display
- Modem card
- Mid-plane assembly (contains the main logic board, the G5 processor, fans, NVIDIA graphics processor, and so forth).
That's an impressive list for that type of all-in-one consumer computer. I tried to swap out a hard drive in a 1999 "candy-colored" iMac but it just wasn't feasible. Only memory in that machine could be upgraded reasonably. And if the CRT on that machine dies, that's it, the machine needs replacement (unless one has a headless server application).
Are LCDs (and their associated backlight) as reliable and long-lived as CRTs? I don't know. I got the impression the answer was negative, which is why I cringed a bit when I saw the new iMac design where the LCD looked tied to the computer such that repairs would require help, like with laptops generally. I'm glad for this news that that's not so.
Update: Looks like Apple is getting innovative here. A report to MacInTouch tells us:
Not only does the iMac G5 introduce a number of new features, it also introduces new service and support options. These are all discussed in greater detail in later iMac G5 courses. Here's a quick overview of what's new:
- Also called "do it yourself," or "DIY." The iMac G5 features a series of built-in diagnostic LEDs (indicator lights) that make diagnosing certain symptoms very easy. It is now possible for customers to access an iMac support website, walk through some online troubleshooting steps, confirm their problem, and (if appropriate) order a part and install it without ever having to phone Apple.
- iMac G5 chat support: This new support option is complimentary to DIY self-service. If a customer is going through web-based troubleshooting materials, the customer can - at any time - click a chat button, and gain access to a technical support agent who can assist the customer in finding troubleshooting materials, or in figuring out the best service option.