Episode #103
Leo, I have an iBook 1.42 GHz, 14-inch laptop (2005–2006 ver), and the past few months the wireless airport card had been dropping the signal, regardless of what network I’m on. Now, when the connection drops, the computer freezes up and sometimes I even get a grayed out screen telling me that I must force boot my computer to restart. I know there is a known issue with this version of the iBook model # A1134 has had issues, and I have had to have the logic board replaced already. I’ve run the hardware test CD, as well as a disk utility, but neither have shown that there is anything wrong, I have even reinstalled the OS, and the issue persists. My question is, can a failing airport card cause this issue, or is this the logic board the likely source? PS; I have been watching your show, in all of its forms, for over five years, LOVE IT! Keep it up!
Eric, Fredericton, NB
One question is whether you have computer connected to any network drives? When the network connection drops, the Finder can start behaving very badly when the computer’s connected to a network drive, causing the Finder to freeze completely, and potentially the computer.
If the problem is in fact the Airport card, you should be able to replace the Airport component — on the iBook it’s located below the keyboard, which you should be able to pull up fairly easily. One thing you may want to check before sending the computer into the shop: after unplugging the iBook and removing the battery, open up the keyboard compartment (spin the lock tab in the center with a small screwdriver, then pull down the two release tabs on the left and right of the keyboard). Carefully lift up the keyboard module, taking care not to damage the ribbon cable. Underneath, the Airport component should be located right up top in the exposed socket….make sure it’s plugged in firmly, and that the antenna connection at the top is also connected firmly. If everything does appear to be in order you may want to send it in for a once-over.
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Air Date: November 6, 2007
TranscriptCaller Questions
- James, Thornhill, ON
- Eric, Fredericton, NB
- Derek, Perth, ON
Yewell's Jewels
- Auroramac
Aurora is a free Alarm Clock for your Mac that lets you wake up to your favorite iTunes or iPod playlist or any TV or radio channel from EyeTV. Other features include a Sleep Timer, Apple Remote support and the ability to wake your Mac from sleep or from a powered-off state.
Sean's Shinies
- Discgear Selector 100
$80
If you have a ton of discs and not a lot of space, the Discgear Selector series provides a fairly discrete way to have all your discs at hand. The Selector 100 holds up to 100 discs, and getting the disc you want is as easy as sliding the selector switch to the disc you want, and pressing the eject button — the disc you want comes up with the lid. If you don’t want to memorize numbers for 100 discs, there’s an ejectable index drawer that you can fill out with the proper info. (Replacement index sheets will cost you extra but it should be easy enough to copy the ones included or create your own alternative.) The construction itself feels a bit flimsy for the price, but it does come with a lifetime warranty.Pro
- pulls out disc you want
- one-touch index drawer
- lifetime warranty
Con
- construction seems a bit flimsy
- pricey
Kate’s Tips
- New Tab Button on Tab Bar
Firefox add-on by Mike Goodspeed.
Adds a new tab button to the tab bar.