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General discussion

Best Way To Keep iBook G4 Cool!

Oct 22, 2007 5:24AM PDT

Kept getting a kernel panic error message, that kept freezing my iBook telling me in different languages that I should restart it. There wasn't a single solution to this on the Web, cuz a kernel panic is caused by different things...

So I tried to troubleshoot doing RAM, HDD, OSX and Firmware checks, reinstall or upgrades until I figured out that my iBook was overheating. The error only appeared when I used my iBook for a period of time, when I run high end applications or when I restarted it after the error message (this made the error appear instatly after booting, or sometimes during apple logo).

I noticed the left side closer to me gets very hot and I dunno how I can keep it cool. I left the iBook running on my window for a while now, but I can't use it like that... wondering if I can do anything to help it cool?

http://membres.lycos.fr/skyline13300/ibook3.jpg

Discussion is locked

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Tell me about your yearly cleaning.
Oct 22, 2007 5:32AM PDT

Do you get the can of air and blast the vents yearly?

Bob

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Never thought of that?
Oct 22, 2007 5:52AM PDT

I don't usually clean the vents in any way and I've the iBook for 2 years... I'll try that then... thanx for the help!

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A slightly off the subject comment...
Oct 22, 2007 6:23AM PDT

I recently opened up my iBook and found a few dog hairs inside but not much dust at all (I do spray the vents, ports, and optical drive slot with caned air on a regular basis. It surfprised me considering how much dust builds up insidew my regular tower, not to mention stero equipment and other electronics.

To thefjk... For keeping my iBook running cool, I use a Targus Chill pad. Internal sensors show a temp drop by as much as 8 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit when I use it compared to when I don't. It also makes keeping the thing sitting on your lap less of an endurance test.

cheers

grim

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Wrong problem, but its now FIXED!
Oct 24, 2007 5:01AM PDT

Thanx everyone for your help... I tried cleaning the vents and everything but the error (kernel panic) still happened. Even after the computer was running at a cool enough temperature!

Did a google about this and found some more info on iBooks bought in the mid 2005. Most people who reported kernel panics fixed theirs by re-connecting their Airport Extreme cards. It seems the cards loosen up due to motion and this crashes the computer...

My iBook model is a bit different and I can't get to the Airport card without tearing my computer apart, so after DISABLING airport by luck after Mac OSX booted the kernel panic has finally disappeared! For the time being I can only browse using a cable, but i'll get it fixed.

Thanx again for your help...
Fraser

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(NT) Thanks for the update & good luck
Oct 24, 2007 5:43AM PDT
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You might also want to consider a cooling pad.
Oct 24, 2007 10:23PM PDT

Those white iBooks do tend to get quite hot. A cooling pad might help ease the heat.