Apple PowerBook G4 Lower Memory Slot Repair Program

web757 - 05:24am Sep 27, 2007 PST

In response to failures of the lower memory slot in certain PowerBook G4 models, Apple has created a program to repair the issue. Since the lower memory slot is hard wired to the motherboard, the repair requires replacement of the motherboard and can cost more than $500 in parts and labor.

The issue can go unnoticed because it typically manifests itself weeks or months after receipt of a new PowerBook or installation of RAM. If you don't habitually check how much RAM is installed in your PowerBook, and you don't use programs that require a lot of RAM (Final Cut Pro and other high-end video programs), then the performance decrease is negligible and typically unnoticeable by most users.

<http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303173>

However thousands more PowerBooks have this same issue, but are not within the serial number range covered by the Apple program. Furthermore, the repairs covered by the program might not work. An online petition to ask Apple to fix the defect has over 3200 signatures to date.

<http://lowermemoryslot.editkid.com/>

Owners of PowerBooks that have a failed lower memory slot are left to pursue the following options:

(1) Do nothing. This limits your computer to 1GB of RAM, which results in a reduction in performance or inability to run applications that require a lot of RAM. It also reduces its resale value.

(2) Go after Apple to make the repair. This article indicates that writing a letter and sending it via US Mail has some impact. His cost was $250:

<http://lowermemoryslot.editkid.com/discussion/comments.php?DiscussionID=38&;>

(3) Make an appointment online to have your computer repaired through an Apple Store. Costs to repair it range between $500-1000.

<http://www.apple.com/retail/>

(4) Use an Apple authorized repair shop. Backup your data before sending it out for repair.

(5) Finally attempt to join a class action lawsuit:

<http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/case/apple_powerbook_classaction>