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Archive for the ‘MacBook’ Category
MacBook Fan Running at High Speed
How To, MacBook, System Settings / 0 Comments
Over the last few months my MacBook has developed the “habit” of the fan periodically running at high speed. I wen
t online to see if I could get any help for the problem there and it seems to be a common problem for a number of people. On one forum I found the advice to “reset the System Management Controller” which, another person on the forum said worked for them. Mine looks as though I have a removable battery but I’ve never taken it out before so I have several questions:
- How do I know if I have a battery that I can remove myself?
- Is there any trick to removing it? (It looks like a press and slide kind of deal, like the back of a cell phone)
- Is “resetting the System Management Controller” the solution to my fan problem?
- If not, can you tell me what would be?
Jennifer
The System Management Controller, is a componant that manages functions like, sleep, wake from sleep, thermal controls, remembers the time, as well as volume settings. In some cases, the SMC may become corrupted and begin to exhibit unusual behavior. On the bottom of your computer, there is a coin-screw that can be turned 90 degrees. This releases the battery. It shouldn’t require any real amount of force to remove. Once the battery is out, you can perform the SMC reset process.
To reset the System Management Controller for Laptops:
- Shut down the computer
- Disconnect the MagSafe power adapter from the computer- if it’s connected.
- Remove the battery
- Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds
- Release the power button
- Reconnect the battery and MagSafe power adapter
- Press the power button to turn on the computer
The SMC reset may indeed provide the solution but keep in mind, certain applications generate more heat and will kick the fan up. With my MacBook, I’ve noticed that any web-page running flash for more than a few minutes kicks the fan up.
I hope this information is helpful for you.
Dennis
Ask Jacob Team
My refurbished MacBook Pro battery won’t old a charge.
Batteries, Laptops & Notebooks, MacBook / 0 Comments
I recently replaced my refurbished MacBook Pro battery and the computer shuts down about one minute after unplugging it from the power supply. Pressing the battery check button on back of laptop indicates full charge with all green led lights lit.
Plugging in the power supply and pushing the on button reboots the computer with chime sounding and the web paige I was on reappears and all is good.
What to do?
- Gary
It sounds as if your battery is not working properly. Either is is not truly being charged fully and it is misreporting that info, or it is discharging fully in seconds not hours. Is the battery an Apple branded battery or can you contact the manufacturer to see about getting a replacement unit?
I do not think it is a problem with your refurbished MacBook Pro. I would suspect a error in the battery itself.
Hope this helps
Jacob
Is $100 a decent price to pay for a MacBook with a broken screen?
Hardware, Laptops & Notebooks, MacBook, Repair / 0 Comments
I have the opportunity to buy a 13inch MacBook for $100. It is only a couple of years old but the screen is damaged. You can see only about a 1/4th of what’s on the screen in the upper left corner. A friend’s son had it at school and his friend threw a pop can at him, accidently hitting the monitor.
What would it cost to replace the screen? Would the cost be less if third party parts were used? If it were to be fixed at a reasonable cost, would I be able to sync it up with my G5 desktop?
Would I be able to get a third party power supply?
Thanks for helping me out.
- Dave
It is a good purchase for $100 because you can use it with an external display and keyboard if you do not get the screen fixed. It is like buying a $100 Mac Mini. Repairing the display will be pricy if you work though Apple Service, but if you are good with your hands you can get parts from PowerBookMedic.com or use their mail-in repair service.
You can move your data off of your G5, to this MacBook, using Migration Assistant, which is located in modern Mac’s Utilities folder.
There are not any third party MageSafe Power Adapters, you will have to get an Apple branded unit.
Hope this helps,
- Jacob
Which replacement Superdrive would you recommend for my MacBook?
Hard Drive, Hardware, Laptops & Notebooks, MacBook, Repair / 0 Comments
Hello Jacob,
The Superdrive on my first gen MacBook died and I am looking to replace it. Unfortunately I’m having trouble finding the exact model number I will need. Can you help?
- Kati
I often recommend the MCE replacement drives, like this MCE Internal 8x SuperDrive Upgrade for MacBook and MacBook Pro 15-inch.
Hope this helps
- Jacob
I need a new Mac that can run GarageBand well. What do you recommend?
Jacob,
I am looking to purchase a new computer and I have been interested in the apple products. I have been a PC user forever but I’ve been told I need to check out thr mac world. My first concern is
1. I use my computer to multitask- with the web, my music, programs, typing papers etc my poor PC is trying its best to keep up. As a teacher now I had been told that Mac excels in this department with GarageBand and other music programs to record and write so I would want that.
My second concern is:
2. Desktop vs laptop- I have been looking at the Mac mini, the MacBook, the MacBook Pro and the iMac but I’m not sure what would be the best buy for me along with what I need it to do. What would you suggest?
-Paul
For a first time Mac buyer, I would recommend a new MacBook. It will come with all the iLife applications, one of which is GarageBand, and it will have a nationwide warranty. A portable Mac will let you take your computer with you where you need it. This is especially helpful if you need to have someone show you how to do something. When you need help it is easier to go to the person for help opposed to trying to lure them to your home.
Also consider adding AppleCare for your MacBook for the three years of phone support as well as extras hardware support.
Hope this helps and welcome to the Mac world,
- Jacob
If all I really do is email which Apple notebook will do?
Laptops & Notebooks, MacBook / 0 Comments
Jacob,
I’m planning on purchasing a new computer to replace my 13 year old G4. I primarily use this G4 for sending lots of emails, sometimes with pix attached.
Is there an Apple notebook I should consider? or do I need the full size MacBook Pro? Any help you can offer would be appreciated. I run a small business and my business is all conducted by email.
- Doug
I would have to say that the best value Mac laptop is the white polycarbonate MacBook. It is a great system, and the latest version now has a 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor. For a little more you get a Aluminum finish and more RAM in the 13″ MacBook Pro.
These machines are fairly similar and should serve you well for another ten years. Hope this helps.
- Jacob
