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General discussion

First time mac user, have some questions about ibook problem

Sep 26, 2005 9:36AM PDT

I've recently purchased a brand new ibook g4 (OS X 10.4.2) and have been experiencing some issues with it. Basically, the trackpad, the mouse button, and the area in front of the keyboard (especially on the right side) creak when there is any (light) weight put on them. I noticed this a few days after I had opened the box. It needs to be very quiet to hear this. I'm wondering, does anybody have similar issues? Is this going to turn into a big problem in the future? Why could this thing be happening?

Issue 2: I recently had problems with numerous apps crashing, the system hanging, and the OS itself crashing. This may have been due to installation of some third party software that didn't quite work with mac. Anyway, because I had installed a lot of stuff I decided to reinstall the OS.

I partitioned the disc (which wipes it clean) and I reinstalled OS X using the cd which came with the box. Now that it's all set up it seems to be working ok except for two things (so far). The F1-F5 keys do not work. I spoke with tech support and they were stumped (said they'll get back to me). I can change volume and brightness by going into the respective apps, but these keys have no effect except to cause a sound when I press them (you know, that sound that you get when the OS won't let you do something).

I feel quite let down and frustrated as I'd heard so many good things about mac. I invested about 2 grand into this (including tax and warranty) and this is already happening.

Sorry about the length of my post. I would appreciate any insights that any of you may have.

Discussion is locked

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iBook Issues
Sep 27, 2005 12:08AM PDT

Glad to see you made it to the light.
I'm not sure about the "creaking" problem or of your definition of "light weight".
I'm also having trouble with the "third party software that didn't quite work with mac" What is that? Did you go installing Windows software? What sort of software did you install a "lot of".
Repartitioning the disk does not "wipe it clean", it just changes the directories so that the drive appears empty. All the data is still there.
I suggest that you take the installation CD's that came with the machine and, after booting from the CD, do a Format and Install. Follow this up with all the available updates.
Once this is complete and you have set the machine up again, you should have your sound back. If it fails, go back to Apple with your original case number, given to you when you first complained, and continue the troubleshooting. They will tell you to re-install the OS again, because it says so in the troubleshooting guide, but if it then fails, they will fix it under warranty. Tell them about the creaking, too.
Remember, from your description of the problem, it is self induced.

Keep us informed

P

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creaking case
Sep 27, 2005 12:34AM PDT

If I push hard enough (which isn't that hard) on parts of my iBook case it will strain and creak. Its a plastic case and has to have some air space to allow for ventilation so certain edges will rub against each other when pressure is applied. Only way they could have avoided this was by gluing the case together which equals no servicing.

As long as you hear nothing rattle I would not worry.

grim

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Thanks, I'm still talking to apple, will post on results
Oct 2, 2005 10:57AM PDT

I'm not sure about the ''creaking'' problem or of your definition of ''light weight''.
-The creaking is something that I can only hear when it's pretty quiet. Light weight is just pressing the trackpad button the same way that anybody else would. Just normal pressure that anybody else would put on while using it.

I'm also having trouble with the ''third party software that didn't quite work with mac'' What is that? Did you go installing Windows software? What sort of software did you install a ''lot of''.
-This was all mac software from various websites (all of them considered safe). Mostly it was widgets and note taking programs. I'm trying to find a good, free word processing and note taking program (I'm a student). I think the problem really began when I installed 2 versions of openoffice (for mac) to compare them.

Repartitioning the disk does not ''wipe it clean'', it just changes the directories so that the drive appears empty. All the data is still there.
I suggest that you take the installation CD's that came with the machine and, after booting from the CD, do a Format and Install. Follow this up with all the available updates.
Once this is complete and you have set the machine up again, you should have your sound back. If it fails, go back to Apple with your original case number, given to you when you first complained, and continue the troubleshooting. They will tell you to re-install the OS again, because it says so in the troubleshooting guide, but if it then fails, they will fix it under warranty. Tell them about the creaking, too.
Remember, from your description of the problem, it is self induced.
-Thanks for the advice. I agree that the software trouble certainly did seem self-induced.

Just wondering. Could anybody recommend a good, free notetaking program for a student?

Thanks.

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Appleworks
Oct 2, 2005 12:05PM PDT

Comes free with every iBook.
It is a word processor, spreadsheet, database, drawing and painting program.
It saves in multiply formats and is a very good price.

P

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Textedit
Oct 4, 2005 12:17PM PDT
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strarting over is a good idea
Oct 7, 2005 10:58PM PDT

Exactly how many is ?some? third party applications? The cardinal rule for installing any application is to install one at a time then use your computer extensively be insure compatibility. Installing more than one application simultaneously (except Apple products) is just asking for trouble.
By erasing your had disc and starting over, you did the right thing.
I can?t explain the F1 - F5 key problem since I don't have that problem.
I?ve never owned anything but Macs. They?re not perfect but OSX is the most stable of the operating systems I?ve used.
Since it sounds like most of your problems are third party software problems, don?t blame Apple. Give it time.

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F1 - F5 key problem
Jul 16, 2007 12:28AM PDT

I have a ibook G4, i have owned nothing but mac as well but suddenly im not able to use the f1 - f5 short cut keys either, any help.... i know how to use all of the short keys but i cant get them working again....
any suggestions?