My iMac is out of order since 2 days... a big problem. Apple can repair it for 500 euros = 500 dollards, the price of the computer... I was working on a picture since 10 days, and I can't finish it for the moment... so I disappointed. Luckily, I can go on the net with the pc of my brother. But to work, I use my old Performa 5200 (75 Mhz !!!). Work with it in Bryce is a torture, but I will try to do something with it. I'm looking for information to know if I can repair my computer by myself, or I will try to by a new one in september with a credit...

well, well... it seems that broken down computers is IN these days.... mmmmm your not the only one man, i got into the groove a few weeks back.. still down in the dumps... im trying to use my office's computer and "secretly" doing bryce for a moment or so, but i could never do any poser figure for the moment... ahahahaha! and worse... all those great mats a re gone... have to reinstall all of them again... DARN! dont worry. you'll get over it sooner thatn you can think... eric "with dead computer 2" eyecon

What is defect? Mainboard? Graphicboard? HD? Display? Powersupply? Sometimes it is a good idea to have a look at ebay. The time my big workingscreen decides to shut down forever I found there a 21" Eizo for 145 Euro inkluding delivery. I would give it a try. Apple Comps are good but...if something "breaks down"... Whish you the best... And never forget your HD if you send a comp to repair. Often they are empty if you get it back. Thomas

How did it stop working, did you smell something burn? Are there any activity/any noise coming from the system? It could be something simple, but the word kaput isn't any help in trying to diagnose what's wrong with it. Try to explain how it happened/when it happened?

I phone to apple. They tell me that it's the Graphicboard. Lots of iMac have this problem, apparently. Finally, it will cost 269 euros. It is an iMac, so it is very complicate to take down. I think I am gone to make it repair by them

I think letting the apple specialists repairing it is the safest option. I've tried to repair an old Compaq system once. It was a maze of wires and cards and everything and all was crammed in a tiny case. You couldn't get to anything. I had to take out the Motherboard just to get enough space to get to a damaged RAM stick.

I prefer building my own systems, it's easy, you get just the right vid and sound cards, and if something goes wrong it's off to the parts store.

I always build my own system

You can't do that with apple, and I love too much their software (OS) to change for a pc...

yeah, Apple has got great software. And a really good OS.

Apple should gain a lot by letting people be able to build their own systems. Thats one of the main reasons i use a PC. Easy to build a good machine for half of the price if you buy it in parts.