Ibook G4 1ghz Freezes When Moved

fugazi77

Registered
My ibook works well when I do not make any sudden moves. But I simply want to move it from my lap it freezes up. I have no idea what the problem can be. I put a brand new HD in it and it still does it. Any idea would help.

Dave
 
You can check to see if any internal parts are secure. For example, the memory chips, or the hard drive connections.
 
Hi there,
I have the exact same problem with the same model ibook...works fine when still, but any movement at all causes a freeze. I've ran multiple diagnostics, reset permissions, disk utility, even reinstalled the os. I have also checked for loose connections with HD, RAM, etc. PLeas HElp if someone has any insight on this problem.
Thanks.
 
Hey,

I have had the same problem with a g4 powerbook. Unfortunately, I am a mac neophyte (though learning more every day), so I can't say for sure, but I understand that Mac has installed a kind of Mercury switch inside the g4 - if it is dropped, or otherwise violently shifted, in order that you don't lose whatever it is you are currently doing, the system will freeze. I wonder if this could be the problem? of course my system will also freeze if I adjust the monitor while it is booting, or even after, so I don't know....I have done a quick poke and prod to see if anything appeared loose, and nothing did. At first I assumed (being a long time pc owner) that I had either not enough ram, or some bad ram, but I swapped mine out and still get the same problem. Let me know what happens if you have an extra minute.

s
 
If you have an early white iBook, then you might have to take it in for Apple to replace the logic board. Early IceBooks (that's what the early white ibooks were called) had issues with that which required replacement.
 
nixgeek said:
If you have an early white iBook, then you might have to take it in for Apple to replace the logic board. Early IceBooks (that's what the early white ibooks were called) had issues with that which required replacement.

Are you talking about the logic board replacement program that apple did? Because that was only for g3's. Since last post, I have taken my ibook to a local specialist, and his first guesses (before looking at anything) were either the SMS system being corrupt, or possibly the video chip coming unsoldered slightly.
SMS problem sounds more logical to me at this point...then again I am flying blind right now. I will keep you all posted when he gives me a diagnosis.
 
Manorman said:
Are you talking about the logic board replacement program that apple did? Because that was only for g3's. Since last post, I have taken my ibook to a local specialist, and his first guesses (before looking at anything) were either the SMS system being corrupt, or possibly the video chip coming unsoldered slightly.
SMS problem sounds more logical to me at this point...then again I am flying blind right now. I will keep you all posted when he gives me a diagnosis.

I am very interested in this thread. I have an iBook G4 with exactly the problem you describe. As long as you keep it on a desk or very still in your lap, no problems. As soon as you move the computer it freezes exactly as you describe (ie cursor still mobile, no other response). If you get any answers please post them!

cheers,

ben
 
I had the same problem in the past with my G4 933MHz iBook. It was a bad logic board and luckily it was under warranty. Others with the same problem have also reported bad logic boards. If you can freeze it by applying pressure to the left edge of the case adjacent to the fn key I would bet on a bad logic board.

John
 
Just Researched again....

"In the event of a drop, your iBooks Sudden Motion Sensor (SMS) instantly parks the hard drive heads so they wont scratch the disks on impact, reducing the risk of damage. When the module senses your iBook is level, it unlocks the hard drive heads automatically."

Apples Exact words...nothing is wrong with the iBOOKS, sensors might be a lil touchy, but thats it.
 
If you put pressure on the area next to the touch pad the computer will work fine. the problem I am having has to do with the video chip on the logic board. It is becoming unsoldered and needs to be soldered back on. I of coarse cannot do this but I can put enough pressure on it with a large rubberband to use it when I need to. I hope this helps.
 
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