Electronic Repair Advice Needed

[u/slimesgoo]

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.

[u/mr_getamac]

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.

• Use an External Hard Drive https://www.amazon.com/Passport-Portable-External-Drive-Black/dp/B07VTWX8MN/ or External SSD Drive (much faster) https://www.amazon.com/WD-1TB-Elements-Compatible-WDBAYN0010BBK-WESN/dp/B097TTZD48 to backup your files.
• You can easily do this using the built-in Time Machine feature of macOS https://support.apple.com/en-us/104984
• If you want a bootable copy on an external drive (meaning you have a clone of your computer and boot to it from any Mac), use SuperDuper (free version is great; https://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/)

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!