04-29-2009, 03:11 AM

I have an Apple ibook G4 but the 2 usb ports dont work. It has a firewire port.

The guys at the mac repair shop told me id need to replace the whole motherboard for $1k.

Can I buy a firewire adaptor and use that as a usb port instead?

04-29-2009, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by tabrook

I have an Apple ibook G4 but the 2 usb ports dont work. It has a firewire port.

The guys at the mac repair shop told me id need to replace the whole motherboard for $1k.

Can I buy a firewire adaptor and use that as a usb port instead?

1k for an ibook logic?!!??!! Okay try this first. Power down ibook. Now restart ibook holding O,F,option,command(apple key is command) until you reach a white screen. You will be prompted to release keys at this point. Type in these simple commands and should repair ports. reset-nvram press enter it should follow up with ok, then type reset-all press enter, your computer will automatically restart at this point. Try usb connection and all should be fine. If not then yes pick up a usb hub with a firewire connection and you are under way. Hope this will help.

04-30-2009, 12:30 PM

Originally Posted by tabrook

I have an Apple ibook G4 but the 2 usb ports dont work. It has a firewire port.

The guys at the mac repair shop told me id need to replace the whole motherboard for $1k.

Can I buy a firewire adaptor and use that as a usb port instead?

No you can't. Firewire and USB are whole different interface. Yeah, try resetting the PRAM. Wow, 1k for the logic board only. You better get a brand new MacBook for $999 at the Apple Store.