[Ti] Ti hinges (again !)

[Kynan Shook]

Why didn't you buy the AppleCare while the machine was being repaired?  
Personally, I recommend AppleCare on any portable; they tend to break 
more easily than a desktop, and they're more expensive to repair.
I find it unusual that the hinge broke; I work for an Apple Authorized 
Service Provider, and I can't think of a single occasion when somebody 
has come in with a broken hinge that isn't obviously due to dropping 
the computer or other similar abuse.  Those hinges are normally very 
strong.  Even of the dropped machines we get, a broken hinge is 
unusual; more often the LCD cracks or the DC plug is broken or the case 
is dented or whatever.
Anyway, you might actually have to take your computer apart to figure 
out what all is broken in it, but it would probably be expensive to 
repair, even if you buy the parts used online.  It wouldn't be a bad 
idea to consider a new PowerBook.  They use a very different hinge 
design, which is probably even stronger.  So far, except for the white 
spots on the 15" LCD, I haven't really seen any common problems with 
any of the Aluminum PowerBooks.  However, I'd still recommend the 
AppleCare.  And a good carrying case.

Georges Vandeputte <g.vandeputte at advalvas.be> writes:
> About a year ago I posted a comment after both hinges of my Ti550
> snapped inside the screen case.
> After a long while, Apple replaced the whole screen unit under warranty
> (the Ti was then 11 months).
> By the time the unit came back, Apple refused to accept a subscription
> for Apple Care (>12 months !)
> Now, a year after all this, the left hinge snapped again (same sh**) !
>
> I'm pessimistic about Apple's reaction this time ;-(((   Ain't I right 
> ?
> Should I try to fiddle my own - ugly - repair ?
> This hinge problem indicates clearly a conceptual default. Is there
> really no action to take against Apple ?
>
> If I'm really in the problem I think I am, should I consider purchasing
> a new Powerbook ?
> The 17" Al is quite tempting, but wouldn't I encounter similar quality
> problems after a year or so ?