2 -
PowerBook G4 (15-inch FW800) Take Apart
General Information
New Procedures
If you are familiar with taking apart notebook computers, there are a few critical
differences:
•
Important:
The top case removal has two critical removal steps:
– A hidden latch behind the optical drive felt must be disengaged with a tool before
lifting off the top case.
– There are two flex cables (keyboard and multifunction trackpad) from the top case
to the logic board. Carefully lift the top case to avoid pulling these connectors off
the main logic board.
• The keyboard is secured with screws accessible from under the top case.
• Memory cards are easily accessible from the bottom of the computer.
Important:
To
avoid applying too much pressure onto the memory slot locking tabs, spread the tabs
apart when installing memory cards.
• The AirPort Extreme card is easily installed or replaced through a door in the main
battery compartment.
• The quantity and types of screws differ from earlier models.
Important Note
• Memory from the previous 15-inch PowerBook is not compatible with this computer.
Tools
The following tools are recommended for the take apart procedures.
• ESD wrist strap and mat
• Soft cloth
• #0 Phillips screwdriver (magnetized)
• #1 Phillips screwdriver (magnetized)
• 4 mm socket wrench
• 5 mm socket wrench
• 1.5 mm Hex key (or Torx T6)
• Needlenose pliers
• Torx T8 screwdriver
• Thermal pad kit (076-1055)
• EMI gaskets kit (076-1057)
• Alcohol pads
• Dental pick (with up to ninety-degree bend)
• Black stick (nylon probe tool 922-5065) (or other nonconductive nylon or plastic flat-
blade tool)
• Multi-compartment screw tray (such as a plastic ice cube tray)
• Double-stick tape
• Kapton® tape (922-1731)
• Voltmeter (for troubleshooting)
• Small low-power magnet (for troubleshooting)
• Apple Pro keyboard and mouse (for troubleshooting)
