iMac G5 Porn Roundup 530
boredMDer writes "Apparently someone who has already recieved their iMac G5 has decided to take it apart. Stupid if only for the fact that he's just voided his warranty."
pjcreath writes "Apple has posted official pages listing the components that are 'easy' to install (including the LCD!) and describing how to troubleshoot hardware problems using diagnostic LEDs inside the case. For the very curious, you can download the high-resolution TIFF (10MB) of the iMac's innards from Apple."
Didn't void the warranty (Score:5, Informative)
Re:For those not using Macs... (Score:3, Informative)
Isn't there already a book on iMac hacking? (Score:0, Informative)
The Monitor is for the new iMac! (Score:5, Informative)
Actually, he didn't void his warrantee by doing this. The new G5 iMac is extremely easy for customer troubleshooting, upgrading and generally messing around inside the thing. This is way better than even the big G5 PowerMacs.
Regards
Roger Born
writing.borngraphics.com
"These are my principles. If you don't like them, I have others."
Linkey to the blog (Score:5, Informative)
This is one server that really won't survive a slashdotting too well, so better use the CDN!
Coral cache link (Score:5, Informative)
Save the guy's website! Use this coral cache link [nyud.net] instead
mirror of images (Score:5, Informative)
Since the server is already busy... (Score:2, Informative)
Come to think of it (Score:3, Informative)
Natrually, you would expect their bandwidth to have at least some relation to this fact.
Re:iMac G5 Porn Roundup (Score:1, Informative)
And I don't know that from overtyping, I swear...
Re:Coral CDN (Score:5, Informative)
Mirror (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Didn't void the warranty (Score:3, Informative)
Re:For those not using Macs... (Score:5, Informative)
StuffIt Expander [stuffit.com] is available for Linux/x86 [allume.com], Solaris/Sparc [allume.com] and Solaris/x86 [allume.com].
iMac G5 Diagnostics (Score:4, Informative)
If you follow the instructions exactly as specified, nobody is going to be able to diagnose their iMac.
It says in step one to turn off the machine and remove all cables. Then in step seven it describes how to read the status LED's. The problem is the instructions never tell you to plug the computer back in and turn it on while it is open, so none of the LED's are going to function.
Re:For those not using Macs... (Score:5, Informative)
hqx does two things. First, it allows the resource fork of a file to be transported along with the data fork (remember that all Mac files can potentially appear as two files to the file system). Second, it then allows for the resulting mess to be sent over systems that can only handle the low 7-bits of a byte.
Think of it as a way to uuencode two files into one.
I'm so happy I'm using Linux today.
Re:Didn't void the warranty (Score:5, Informative)
Re:The Monitor is for the new iMac! (Score:5, Informative)
Actually at least -some- PC manufacturers definitely void the warranty based on opening the case. Anything from those funky self-destructing stickers to case intrusion switches can detect this, and they make way too much use of them.
I'm looking at this computer here at work. Not sure what brand it is, as that information has all been removed *Grr*. Might be an off brand. But it has a big sticker on the back of it that reads: "WARNING: All guarentees and warranties are void if case is opened or main BIOS settings are modified in any way. This system contains modification-detection technology. NO USER SERVICABLE PARTS INSIDE. Please contact your dealer for service." This sticker has not one, but THREE little holographic self-detsructing fingers sealing the main siade of the case up, and there are two on the backside side of the case, and two on each side of the case between the front cover and the sides.
Admittedly, this is a system bought by the US Federal Government, but still. I've done work on computers in private homes that had the same deal. It's scary to think about.
At the same time, it makes sense. Most PC Owners honestly wouldn't know a DIMM from a CF card, let alone how to safely change even a PCI card. The vast majority of them are more likely to break something in trying. They just want a computer that works for what they want it to do, and not have to worry. Plus, if the manufacturer can convince people that they -must- return it to their service shops for service, then they can make a killing on labor.
Honestly, it's VERY nice to see a computer of any type that ENCOURAGES ease of opening and meddling even for the people who are not completely tech savvy.
Re:For those not using Macs... (Score:1, Informative)
Re:For those not using Macs... (Score:2, Informative)
Comment removed (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Another limitation (Score:5, Informative)
1 connect a USB or FireWire drive.
2 Go out on a limb and *replace* it.
Seems like in some ways, Apple clearly favours form over function.
In some maybe, but not all. Form _is_ function in other ways. The iMac is quite and requires a small amount of space. That is being functional without intrusive.
My current, beige-box PC has 4 hard drives... if I run out of space, I just slap in a new one for $50-$200 depending on what size I need and how rich I am. As far as I can see, if you run out of space on the G5 iMac, you have to buy a new iMac or at least replace your hard disk with a new one.
1 Your beige box is noisier, takes up a lot more space and probably has a rats-next of wires coming out the back.
2 4 Hard drives ?! That must be noisy as sin. I used to have 3 and that was bad enough.
3 Well, you can just slap in a new one too, as long as you "slap out" the old one first. So, your point is...?
But the 5200 is not exactly a sizzling card. Meybe that's why they chose it -- for thermal reasons.
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Re:Didn't void the warranty (Score:1, Informative)
My own experience with Mac "quality" has been pretty bad: two dead Titanium Powerbooks ($4k each!), chipping paint, unreliable DVD drives, etc. I wonder where the statistics are to back up the claims that Macs are quality machines. You know, just because they look nice (and they do) doesn't mean that they are high quality.
Re:Important Part of Aesthetics (Score:5, Informative)
It's literally quieter than a whisper. All those fans are there so that the Mac can turn on only the ones it needs for the bits that need cooling at that moment. The PowerMacs have something similar (although on mine it's spoilt by the crappy, loud fan on the 9800pro video card.)
Photo of the 20 inch version here. (Score:5, Informative)
The fans are laid out differently, the HD and inverter in a slightly different position, and looks like there would be room for a dual CPU if apple were so inclined.
Re:The Monitor is for the new iMac! (Score:5, Informative)
If you have a warranty contract that states that intrusion into the system voids the warranty, then what is the situation then? Where precisely is it REQUIRED for them to warrant their equipment? It's not here. If they said "you are buying this 'As Is'", then there would be no warranty anyway, with the exceptions of implied warrantee (Such as in product specifications, claims, etc.) Because a lot of places do not legally require warranties. (These are usually noted in the Warranty text as "Warranty void if ... except in or other places where prohibited by law.")
It seems that you also come from AU, or are possibly thinking of that country, which likely has differnet laws in effect than other places. In the US, they can and do legally say "We will warrant this as long as you don't open it." So overall, it has a huge dependancy on where you buy it.
It's right up there with the popular belief that stores have the right to search your bags just by sticking up a sign "a condition of entry is that we can search your bags". Nope. They still can't search your bags. They can't negate your right to privacy with a sign.
Again, you seem to have forgotten difference in laws. It depends on whether 'search of personal property' requires implicit or explicit permission. In many places, it requires only implicit permission. As such, by entering a store with a PROMINENTLY placed sign stating "By entering this property, you give us the right to search your bags" or anything of the sort, then you have effectively given them permission to search your bags.
In all cases, the permission issue is the key. If asked for permission to search your bags, and you give this permission, then you have just given up the right to privacy within your bags. You cannot then watch them search it, and say "How dare you search my bags!?" and sue them, since you directly gave permission. heck, this is even apparent with police officers, who, without due cause, cannot search your person. That is why they ask "Do you mind if I pat you down?" or somesuch, with the understanding that MOST people will just agree, which then means you have relinquished your right to privacy in that specific case. You -DO- technically have the right to say "I do not want you to search me." (Though of course this will make them suspicious of you, and could make matters worse in the future.)
The other consideration is that if they require you to allow a bag search upon ENTRY, then they have another thing to go by. You cannot just walk in, refuse a bag search, and then expect to still be allowed in the store. They are private property, and they have the right to require you to waive any waivable rights (Right to privacy is a waivable right) you have in order to gain access to their private property. Failure to comply can and WILL result in denial of access to the property. And if you insist, then the owner or any agent thereof can have you arrested for trespass.
I used to work at Fry's Electronics in California. Believe me, we were seen as the Gustapo just because we had signs like you mention, and because we looked through all outgoing bags. Now the funny thing is that the PRIMARY meaning of "By entering this premises, you agree that we have the right to search all bags" was for the shopping bags that were leaving the store. But we occasionally had to search backpacks too. When somebody objected (99% of the time they had stolen something if they did), we would simply place them under citizen's arrest and call the police. By entering the store, and staying in it with no intent to actually allow search after giving implicit permission advised by the prominent sign, they were trespassing. With the police present, they were given a choice. May we search your bags, or do you want to go to jail on charges of trespassing? The 1% that ddid not steal anything would generally allow a bag search at that point and be released, albeit g
Re:The Monitor is for the new iMac! (Score:1, Informative)
In many (most?) states, there exist laws that require a company to -- at mimimum -- warrant that a product will work as advertised for a reasonable (subjective, yes) period of time. Hence the terms "void where prohibited" and "except where not applicable by law", etc.
Regarding the search of bags issue, I do agree. If you enter my property (private or public) and I have a specific condition -- such as making sure you leave only with what you came in with -- that should be my (eg, the property/business owner's) right, and I believe in most US states, that is the case provided some kind of indication is posted and visible prior to entry by the customer.
I'm not entirely sure if a store employee can actually search a potential shop-lifter (I really don't know; may be a per-state thing?) but I do know that one representing the store (eg, a security officer or manager) can hold the person while waiting for the police, provided there is probable cause (eg, the employee has sufficient reason to believe the customer has done something wrong).
As far as warranties, it does seem this is a per-state (in the US) thing; usually warranty statements have various exclusions for certain states, and of course the catch-all "if any term is deemed illegal the rest of this stands" blah blah...
I know there are certain minimum warranty requirements, even on products that proclaim "no warranty, express or implied" -- there are still certain requirements imposed by US and/or state laws, at minimum truth in advertising or misrepresentation of a product's capabilities, etc. Just because the warranty card says something doesn't necessarily mean it's legal or binding.
On the bright side (as the parent post mentioned), if you disagree with the warranty terms, most retail stores will gladly accept returns for cash/credit or exchange, depending on circumstances (presense of receipt, time since purchase, condition of the item, etc).
Ugh, I'm gonna stop before I get entirely carried away (I now know how Dennis Miller feels...
Re:Pomp and circumstance... (Score:4, Informative)
For everyone to compare here are pics of an iMac G5 and a Sony Vaio all-in-one:
http://www.macbase.de/Xchange/vaio_vs_imacg5.jpg
From a site called Sonystyle:
http://www.sonystyle.com/intershoproot/eCS/Store/e n/imagesProducts/MoreImages/PCVV100G_4.jpg
And a sideway tray-loading CD-ROM:
http://www.sonystyle.com/intershoproot/eCS/Store/e n/imagesProducts/MoreImages/PCVV100G_7.jpg
Re:For those not using Macs... (Score:2, Informative)
Have Fun!
http://dubious.kicks-ass.net/~jherek/04imac_insid
Re:The Monitor is for the new iMac! (Score:1, Informative)
Actually, in the U.S. the Mangusen-Moss Warranty Act requires that, for any product selling for $15 or more, the seller make the warranty terms available to you in writing prior to completing the sale of the item in question. And yes, having a website with the warranty terms counts.
Re:Didn't void the warranty (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Didn't void the warranty (Score:5, Informative)
From working in an Apple authorized service center, it didn't matter if a machine with Applecare or Apple's 1 year warranty came in with modifications as long as those changes didn't cause other components to fail. IE: A CPU upgrade fried the motherboard or a HD replacement broke a component off the logic board. Disassembling your Power or iBook would be a huge mistake due to the sheer number of different screws but a careful end user could disassemble his book and put it back together without causing anyone to become suspicious.
If he disassembled the hard drive to take pictuers, then he would have broken a seal that would have voided his warranty. As it is, I'm sure his warranty is intact.
I don't know if the Magnusson-Moss warranty act is directly applicable but I don't see why it wouldn't be.
Re:Didn't void the warranty (Score:5, Informative)
Never happened to mine. It's been dropped a few times and stepped on once or twice and it's bashed and bent and held together with duct tape, but it still works just fine.
""Windtunnel" PowerMac G4's"
I never understood the problem with these. The one I have is loud but it's no worse than your typical Dell PC.
"logic-board failures on iBooks"
Don't know about this one -- I never owned a iBook.
"failing lid-latches on Powerbooks"
Never had this problem on the 5 Powerbooks I have.
"cracks on the Cube"
Had two of these, one had small cosmetic cracks, the other didn't. Not a problem for me, but I can see how some folks would. Nice design, though; wish I still had 'em and didn't give 'em away.
"overheating 12" PowerBooks"
My wife has one of these -- she uses it all the time and hasn't had a problem with overheating. I don't think it gets any hotter than the 15" Powerbook I use everyday as my primary machine.
Now, I'm not saying these problems don't exist. But I personally own a lot of Macs (about 10 in current use around the house right now) of nearly every model and I've had very few of the problems folks complain about. YMMV.
Re:Didn't void the warranty (Score:4, Informative)
Why yes, all the time. Easy as pie. Two latches (basically two big buttons buttons to push up) on the front panel, then you pull the cover towards you. The rest unfolds easily giving you easy access to the PCI slots, RAM, and videocard. I little work to remove or add HDDs or CD-ROMs, but nothing worse than your average PC case.
I think you may have it confused with another Apple system...
Re:New Mac User Replacable Parts? (Score:3, Informative)
It's an interesting story, but I just have to question the veracity of it. As far as I can recall, Apple hasn't made their own external floppy drives since they made them for the Apple II and early Macintoshes [demon.co.uk], if that's what you are referring to then it would be way out of warranty. That and the "beige boxes" that you refer to had internal floppies, the internals were discontinued back in 1999, just a bit after all the colorful machines started being produced.
Re:porn roundup (Score:3, Informative)
Re:The Monitor is for the new iMac! (Score:3, Informative)
I never show my receipt. I walk out the door despite their constant and increasingly malevolent protests, but they are obviously told to never touch a customer, nor mention "stealing" when they don't know for absolutely sure. What I'm doing is not illegal, because I never gave permission, implicit or otherwise, to search my person, *especially* after I've paid for it (the property is now mine).
Re:iMac G5 Diagnostics (Score:2, Informative)
You didn't read the article it seems:
7. Locate the large white arrow in the middle of the computer.
Above this arrow, you'll see four LEDs:
* LED 1 indicates that trickle voltage from the power supply has been detected. This LED will be ON when the computer is turned off and your power supply is working correctly.
* LED 2 indicates that the main logic board has detected proper power from the power supply when the computer is turned on. This LED will be ON when the computer is turned on and the power supply is working correctly.
* LED 3 indicates that the computer and the LCD display are communicating. This LED will be ON when the computer is turned on and video signal is being generated.
* LED 4 lights only if the computer detects an over-temperature condition. This LED will be OFF when the computer is turned on and running at the correct temperature.
Now which of these LED is going to light up when the power supply is disconnected?
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