It's my painful charge to inform readers that posting on AFIEP may be a bit sketchy over the next couple of weeks. My beloved iBook has been sent in for repairs to its unwell little logic board. Apparently there've been a spate of these problems with computers of this particular vintage, which, sadly, are not even three years old. Just toddlers, really; although in computer years, three years is apparently already middle-aged. Fortunately I have an extended warranty -- and even more fortunately, Apple has recognized the problem and offered to look at, diagnose and if necessary, fix all iBooks of that make and model.
But I'll tell you this. If G couldn't fix it, it can't be fixed by anyone other than the good folks at Apple Depot. One isn't really allowed to open the computer up and take a look at its little innards, at least not while it's still under warranty. Doing so would render the warranty invalid. However, within the parameters of what's permitted, G (a certified Apple technician in his own right) rather miraculously managed to get it to limp along for several weeks. It died, really died a couple of times and that man, bless his heart, resurrected it. In most of the workplaces where he's a computer technician, people speak of him in hushed voices and think he's a genius. He reminds me, however, that these are people who are incapable of checking to see whether or not their computer trouble stems from the fact that the machine isn't plugged in. "Shhhh," I tell him. "Genius is based in other people's perceptions." Yes, ladies, it's true, and I'm sorry. He fixes computers, washes dishes, provides the sweet lovin', and he's mine, all mine.
So for the moment, I'm borrowing his computer to work at home, check email and write an occasional post -- but my lovely pics for planned posts are backed up on an inaccessible drive at the moment. Ahh, what plans I had for you all. There was jam to write about (two kinds!), the glorious recipes I've recently made from other peoples' blogs, and some apple delicacies as well. In addition, I had and have major plans for the upcoming Sugar High Friday #13 (October 21st, The Dark Side), hosted by Lovescool. Sadly I've missed several recent SHFs, but I'd really be letting down the home team if I let the theme of Dark Chocolate go by without an entry. And then there's IMBB #20 (October 23rd, Has My Blog Fallen? hosted by Kitchen Chick) the theme of which is soufflés. I love soufflés, absolutely adore them. So I'm going to do my best to make those happen.
In the meantime, please stand by.
Oh Julie, I'll keep my fingers crossed!
Posted by: keiko | October 17, 2005 at 01:58 AM
Hope you'll be back again soon Julie!
Posted by: Zarah Maria | October 18, 2005 at 03:48 PM
Julie--
I certainly empathize. My 2003 iBook hasn't completely died. The hard drive is just, immediately, full. And I wanted to install a wireless card, finally, on it, for my upcoming trip to New York. (Yes, that's right, I'm coming to your neck of the woods.) Geek that I have suddenly become, I want to blog from coffee shops while I'm in my old city. But Apple doesn't make them anymore. I'd have to buy them off of eBay.
Enough. I finally gave in and bought a new one yesterday. Yikes. I hate that three years in computer time is 20 years in human time. I'm always going to feel behind!
Come back when you can. We'll be here.
Posted by: shauna | October 23, 2005 at 12:10 PM
Keiko and Zarah, thanks so much. Your heartfelt wishes and good energy obviously helped to heal my iBook, since it's now up and running again...
Hey Shauna,
I actually neglected to mention that Apple not only repaired my computer beautifully, they had it back to me in three, count 'em, three business days. I was pretty flabbergasted, but it looks like this baby and I are going to be in business for at least a little while longer.
G says that total life expectancy, especially for laptops, is only about 3 to 5 years...you might have one that lasts for longer, perhaps, but the question becomes whether or not it will be able to run anything that you want or need, as the technology changes from minute to minute...sigh.
When are you planning to be in NYC?
Posted by: Julie | October 23, 2005 at 03:30 PM
Julie--
I know. It's planned obsolescence. (Did I spell that correctly? Ah well.) I've had mine for three years, and since I'm taking so many photos and downloading material, I think the poor thing has just had it. Now, I'm actually pretty excited for the new one to arrive in the mail.
I'm coming to New York next week! I arrive on the 29th, and I don't leave until the 5th. Would you like to have coffee? Molly (of Orangette) speaks so highly of you!
(We could take this to email if you want to meet.)
Posted by: shauna | October 23, 2005 at 09:24 PM