The last time I was at CPUsed (months back) there was a sign - not just fine print - indicating that the minimum charge for any tech labour was $75.Anyway, for these jack asses to tell us what we already knew was $75. To repair it $400!!!
As for the card, I've had the same quote for replacing a sound/power card from at least three other dealers. I believe Apple has a suggested price list for certain repairs.
A few years back, when I had sound problems with my Wallstreet I also figured the problem was the card, and CPUsed quoted me $400 for a replacement sight unseen - I didn't offer to let them look at the laptop. I went to CC for another estimate and got the same price. Replacing the card does not always solve the problem, though. Carbon Computing tried two replacement cards on my laptop before they gave up. In their case, no repair meant no payment. I gave the laptop to my sister-in-law and bought a couple of iBooks. They lived for a couple of years in neoprene laptop cases I picked up on College Street (Factory Direct) for $10. I had no problem with my iBook, but my daughter, who pushes the envelope a bit (she'll use it on the subway) had a problem with the backlight. That was fixed by CPUsed at no charge under AppleCare. After the experience with the Wallstreet I always get AppleCare - the previous time I didn't, the screen died. AppleCare is cheaper than a new screen.
I decided to trade up the original 500 MHz iBook last year and got a quote from a little place off Sheppard, subject to inspection. They had the lowest price for the replacement book as well - just bring it in, they said. I took the day off to make the trade, but when I took the old 'Book in, they told me the case was too scuffed (remember this book had lived in a neoprene protector), they didn't care about the combo drive, and the net price for the replacement jumped by $200 - oh, and it would take a couple of days to get the model I wanted. I stormed out and tried a couple of other stores. Both stores liked the case and the combo drive, but I got a better net offer from CPUsed. I still had to wait a day for testing, but I this time I expected the wait and I had at least _seen_ the replacement. Since the original guys had said they wouldn't transfer data, I had already backed up.
Incidentally, a quick Google for Lombard sound card replacement with new parts gives a current price ranging from US$118 plus shipping all the way up to US$274.00 plus shipping. FWIW, the last price also required the old card in exchange.
And I guess you know about the PMU problem with Wallstreets, Lombards, and such, which was sometimes cited by techs as requiring a sound card replacement?
-- Mac Canada is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and...
Shop Canadian, visit Mantek Services <http://www.mantek.mb.ca> Low Prices That Will Keep YOU and Your MAC Smiling Educational discounts are now available
Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html>
Mac Canada info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/mac-can.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/mac-canada%40mail.maclaunch.com/>
Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
