T11M

I do IT consulting on the side.  I like changing out hardware, tinkering with new and old electronics, and configuring the hell out of whatever gadget or computer I am working on.  I took a job this week that gave me the awesome opportunity to take apart a 14″ iBook G3.  The problem was easily diagnosed as hard drive failure (it was clicking and wouldn’t spin up, not to mention when I got it out just moving it around sounded like it was full of screws – can you say “broken platters”).  Since I had not ever taken an iBook G3 apart before I naively said that I would do the whole thing, including parts, for $200.  I mean how hard could it be.  Well let me tell you – 36 steps later on iFixit’s tutorial and the entire laptop was apart on my desk.  Another hour later (and a few frustrated mumblings under my breath) and it was back together with a new hard drive.  Alright, not bad, I’m only 2.5 hours in.  I can still come out ahead.  Oh wait, I still have to do an entire OS install, then update, then load software, then load her personal files.  Chances are, I’m not coming out ahead on this job.  But hey, I’ve got work and the customer is paying me for it.  Things could be much worse…