09-08-2011, 05:31 PM

So I spotted a 12" Powerbook G4 being sold for parts on my local Craig's List. I have a working 867mhz 12" Powerbook G4 that I needed a few small parts for...so I figured I would go for it.

Seller was asking $50 bucks...I got it for $30. I found out (at the last minute) that it was completely disassembled...but according to the seller all the parts are there, everything works (except for the hard drive).

When I got home I found out that this was a 1.5ghz 12" Powerbook G4 (I've actually been looking for one of these). It's the fastest 12" Powerbook G4 Apple produced. If anyone has seen one of these 12" G4 Powerbooks, and compared it to one of the "white" MacBooks...it's actually smaller...so very portable.

So now my plans have changed from "stripping" parts for my 867mhz 12" Powerbook G4...to reassembling this one...and see if it's working ok (I know I have an extra HD in the basement).

See photo below...the seller was the original owner...and included:

- the original printed documentation
- the power supply
- the original "gray/silver" OS disks
- airport extreme card
- good battery

So for the $30 bucks I spent...even if it doesn't work...the power supply, airport extreme card, and battery are each worth $30 bucks by themselves.

Of course as any DIYer knows...it's always easier to reassemble something you took apart yourself...versus putting something together someone else took apart. So this may be a "challenge" (hello iFixit.com)!

I will update, and let you guys know if I was able to successfully reassemble it...and if it works!

- Nick

09-08-2011, 05:40 PM

Wow, it is REALLY disassembled. But hey, for $30, it sounds like a great project. Funny that the seller would wait til the last minute to mention "Yeah, it's in about 100 different pieces"

09-08-2011, 05:49 PM

Originally Posted by MacDude121

Wow, it is REALLY disassembled. But hey, for $30, it sounds like a great project. Funny that the seller would wait til the last minute to mention "Yeah, it's in about 100 different pieces"

Yeah...even the display & the hinge area was disassembled from the keyboard/logic board half of the laptop (usually don't need to do this normally). The heat sink was also removed from the logic board/cpu...so I'm going to have to apply fresh thermal grease as well.

I think that the sellers plan was to completely disassemble it...then sell individual pieces to interested buyers.

I basically said how much for the whole thing...and that's how got it for $30. But I only found out that it was in pieces about 10 minutes before meeting with the seller.

Oh well...keeping my fingers crossed that putting it together will not be a headache. I hate to get 90% done...then realize that the 2-3 pieces I have left won't fit unless I disassemble it part way (hopefully the iFixit.com instructions get the job done).

- Nick

p.s. One of the hassles with Powerbooks & iBooks is lots of different length screws are used. So since I didn't disassemble it myself...knowing which screws to use when & where will be one of the toughest parts of the assembly.

09-09-2011, 01:50 AM

Good luck with the rebuild! Fine machines though (he says, typing on one now).
The screws could prove to be a nightmare, but what a bargain, provided you can get it working.

09-09-2011, 03:41 AM

Originally Posted by pigoo3

Yeah...even the display & the hinge area was disassembled from the keyboard/logic board half of the laptop (usually don't need to do this normally). The heat sink was also removed from the logic board/cpu...so I'm going to have to apply fresh thermal grease as well.

I think that the sellers plan was to completely disassemble it...then sell individual pieces to interested buyers.

I basically said how much for the whole thing...and that's how got it for $30. But I only found out that it was in pieces about 10 minutes before meeting with the seller.

Oh well...keeping my fingers crossed that putting it together will not be a headache. I hate to get 90% done...then realize that the 2-3 pieces I have left won't fit unless I disassemble it part way (hopefully the iFixit.com instructions get the job done).

- Nick

Yes, I hope ifixit gets the job done for you. I suppose you can just follow the disassembly guide backwards, it's already done for you!

Originally Posted by pigoo3

p.s. One of the hassles with Powerbooks & iBooks is lots of different length screws are used. So since I didn't disassemble it myself...knowing which screws to use when & where will be one of the toughest parts of the assembly.

Yup, that's one of the main reasons I'm not gonna tear apart my iBook and install a bigger hard drive. (or a new DVD drive for that matter, as this one is getting pretty unreliable now)

09-09-2011, 04:04 AM

Nick, what a buy and find! Do keep us posted. I have seen many take apart guides for that machine. That was my favorite PB. I almost bought one new but got the iBook and always wished I bought the 12" PB. It's a Great machine! If I can help in any way do let me know. I am sure you will get it though. I just hope the seller was honest as if all the parts work you have one great power book there!

Good Luck!!

If it will help at all I should have the service manual here to it.

09-09-2011, 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by dtravis7

I just hope the seller was honest as if all the parts work you have one great power book there!

I hope all the parts are there & everything works as well. The seller seemed pretty honest...so I figure I have better than a 50/50 chance.

For the $30 bucks I paid...if it turns out it doesn't work...I can always use the:

- power supply with one of my other iBooks or Powerbooks
- Airport Extreme card in one of my older G4 Powermac's
- and if I'm lucky...the battery I got with this 1.5ghz Powerbook will fit my working 867mhz Powerbook

And if I'm feeling real spunky...try selling the remainder on e-Bay. But I'm hoping it works...since a nice working 1.5ghz 12" Powerbook G4 would be nice!

- Nick

09-11-2011, 05:49 PM

Nick, how is the Powerbook coming along?

09-11-2011, 06:34 PM

Originally Posted by dtravis7

Nick, how is the Powerbook coming along?

Aghhh...I'm sooo lazy. I've got too many "chores" at home...and when I get a free moment...I just want to sit on the couch & watch TV.

All the parts, tools, laptop to access iFixit.com & service manual .pdf, etc. are all laid out on a folding table ready to go...I just have to sit down & start.

I really want to find out if this thing works...so I got to get on it!!!

- Nick

09-11-2011, 09:25 PM

I know how that is. I hope you get some free time. I love those 12" PB's. Got to set one up for WiFi once and fell in love with the thing. I am interested if it works also. Just the tech in me I guess!

09-12-2011, 01:21 PM

So I finally did an important step...opened up the zip-lock baggie that all the screws were placed in by the previous owner...and tried to separate/group them (photo below).

By grouping them, things look a little less daunting...but there are still a bunch of individual "unique" screws that will have to make their way into the correct location...which hopefully I'll find.

Like a lot of reassembly projects (be it automobiles, lawn mowers, electric can openers, laptop computers, etc.)...hopefully I'll avoid the 1-2 screws leftover "syndrome" when the assembly is complete...and then be wondering...where the heck were those supposed to go!

In case anyone was trying to count...there are 75+ screws there!



- Nick

09-12-2011, 02:28 PM

Only 75? I remember my iBook 1.33 12" had quite a few. Not sure if it was 75, but a lot!

Keep us posted.

09-12-2011, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by dtravis7

Only 75? I remember my iBook 1.33 12" had quite a few. Not sure if it was 75, but a lot!

Keep us posted.

I was looking at a couple of the iFixit.com procedures for this laptop...and they do a real good job of identifying what exact screws are needed for exactly which areas.

So I should be able to "reverse engineer" things...by looking at the most appropriate procedure in reverse (the one I found has something like 49 steps). Then taking the screws needed in each step (from the "pile" of screws)...and hopefully by the time I get to step #1...I'll have no screws left!

- Nick

09-12-2011, 03:48 PM

Bet you do....

09-12-2011, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by pigoo3

- Nick

Yikes! That is a lot of screws... Hopefully all goes well during the assembly process.