iBook up the creek again

As a Mac user, I consider myself extremely lucky in that I don't have to put up with all the problems Windows users have to brave on a near-daily basis (such as crashes, viruses and spam email). By and large, my Mac is an exceptional machine which has delivered flawless performance for thirteen months now.

However, my particular model of iBook suffers from a faulty video chip: Apple says it's a rare problem which will only crop up once. Trouble is, it renders your computer unusable since it blacks out your screen.

As you may recall, I sent my computer in for repairs to fix this very problem in late February. It was back on its feet again quickly, and I have had no further problems since.

Until now. Instead of the familiar grey loading screen, there is only ominous blackness after the startup chime. Reboots don't work. The thing's still starting (I can hear the hard disk whispering away), but to all intents and purposes it is a dead duck.

Bugger. I now have to use my brother's computer until I can get the iBook repaired. I just hope it's still covered by the warranty.

(Forgive me, folks, if I can't post as often as I'd like to for a couple of weeks. You haven't been forgotten!)