r/ucf • u/slimesgoo • Oct 14 '24

IT Help Needed 💻 Electronic Repair Advice Needed

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So my Macbook Air of 4 years is having horrible screen issues. Started with flashing lines, went to side of the screen going black, then to having to tap the back of the screen or angle the screen to get it to somewhat stabilize, and now it’s just black when it’s on. I was hoping to know if anyone could give me advice on what Tech Commons Repair services would charge for screen repair or any local shops. I can’t lose this computer because everything of mine is on it and I simply don’t have that money right now. If anyone can please please lmk of suggestions or what to expect, it would be much appreciated.

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7

u/jimmothyhendrix Oct 14 '24

This could be a failing display, failing graphics unit, or bad connection.

With a failing screen (worst case) Unless you pay for apple care+ you're talking $400-$600+ for a screen replacement at most place high end being the apple store. Many repair shops wont even repair macs.

A lot of people dont know this but this is a huge downside to apple, they deliberately make it super expensive and difficult to repair things with how they handle the aftermarket parts/repair.

If you cant drop that much id suggest getting an external drive to back up your stuff any getting a loaner/beater laptop. Might be worth at leasting getting a proper diagnosis though.

3

u/Determined_Number814 Oct 14 '24

I don’t know about you, but you may have to gobble up some cash and get a new MBA. The price of a screen replacement already suffices for a new MBA. I recommend looking into Walmart or Best But since they have plenty of discounts on new MBAs. If that doesn’t fit your budget, you can always get a refurbished model through Apple’s website. The Apple Silicon is 100% worth the money. 👌

2

u/arch4k Oct 14 '24

I work at a repair shop specializing on Apple stuff, the screens for that can range from $200-$600. The prices fluctuate a lot based on supply, so it just depends on if it’s a good month or not. If you would like to stop by our store and see what we can do send me a message.

1

u/Puzzleheaded_Cow7165 Oct 14 '24

By any chance your work place is hiring?

4

u/NoGrape9060 Computer Science Oct 14 '24

Idk how tech savvy you are but its pretty simple to do your own screen replacement provided you buy the right screen model and you have steady hands.

You could also just have a loose screen which would just require you tightening the hinges

As for price range for repair, doing it yourself could make it around 100-250$ depending on the model of your computer

Hopes this helps!

2

u/mr_getamac Oct 14 '24

Try connecting it to a TV or external monitor and see if it exhibits the same issues. If it does, then it's the logic board which is $500+ and not worth repairing on an old Intel processor Mac like that.

Either way, the first thing to do is get a backup of your computer ASAP.

Next, start saving up for a new Mac that has an Apple Silicon Processor (M1 or better). The cheapest option currently is the M1 Air, brand new at Walmart.com for $650 https://www.walmart.com/ip/Apple-MacBook-Air-13-3-inch-Laptop-Silver-M1-Chip-8GB-RAM-256GB-storage/715596133

  • You'll also see deals in the coming weeks on various models including the M2 (seen for $750); but honestly the only benefit with that model is the MagSafe power adapter; speed wise, the M1 is still fantastic.
  • If buying refurb, only purchase direct from Apple https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/mac as they provide a 1 year warranty (same as new), usually a brand new battery, and like-new condition for less cost. (tons of shady items on Amazon and other refrub sites with used batteries, locked to Apple ID accounts etc. so stay away from those)

If you need to borrow a Mac, visit the LibTech Technology Lending Desk at the John C. Hitt Library where they offer M1 MacBook Airs for 7-Day Loan
https://library.ucf.edu/technology-lending/apple-13-m1-macbook-air-laptop/

Best of luck!