My Problem

I had 4GB of RAM and a 120GB HD. Both were as received from Apple. For a couple of years I was running my boot drive from an external FW800 Raid Enclosure using RAID 1with 500GB capacity. The enclosure bit the dust recently so I was then running off my USB 2.0 clone drive that I keep updated. Every time I do any OS update I use SuperDuper to make an bootable clone of the boot drive. (btw I also use Time Machine for ongoing backup). I wanted higher performance but didn't want to buy a new computer so I decided to upgrade the drive with a WD Scorpio Black 750GB HD and while I was at it, upgrade the RAM with 8GB of Kingston RAM. (I also run Parallels so the extra RAM is a plus).

My Fix

Following IFixit's guide for MacMini A1283 HD and RAM replacement and using the tools obtained from IFixit I dove in and did the replacement. I was nervous at first, but following the guides I gained more confidence as I went. All went perfectly. My 2009 vintage Mac Mini runs like a champ. It's like a new machine!

My Advice

A tip I would give would be for the HD replacement. At step 13 I did the skip ahead to steps 18 & 19 then returned to step 15. I found removing the heat sensor from the drive was far less dangerous and easier than fiddling with the thermal sensor connector.

Also, before replacing the HD, I would suggest doing a fresh install of OS X on the new drive then let the OS migrate your data, boot and do a software update and boot again. That way you know you have a good bootable drive before you tear into the Mac Mini.

My Problem

My DVD drive was busted. In order to use TurboTax, I had to upgrade to Snow Leopard or higher Mac OSX. In order to upgrade, I had to use a DVD. Therein was the problem.

My Fix

It went very well! The instructions were clear and accurate. I am impressed with your site and will surely recommend it to others and use it again.

My Advice

Leave space on printed instructions to allow taping screws to the page without obscuring or damaging the instructions or pictures.

My Problem

I ordered these tools just to work on PC's, Apple products, just anything.

My Fix

The repair went well but I think I will purchase an more sturdy screwdriver.

My Advice

I would have loved to receive some tri-wings with flat tops.

My Problem

My late 2009 iMac was completely dead. Any boot chime sound, any noise from fans.

My Fix

The repair went fine. 15 minutes and the iMac screen was shining again.

My Advice

I used my GPS suction cup for glass panel removing.

Be careful not touching the surface of the old PSU before removing it.

My Problem

Fixed the touch screen, was unable to reconect camera cable, so camera doesn't work.

My Fix

Fair, I had difficulty re-inserting various ribbons into their plastic clamps/ports,...

My Advice

Purchase/ Use tweezers next time for reinserting cables! :)

My Problem

Upgraded ram from 1 GB to 2 GB.

My Fix

Taking out the case was the biggest challenge. I initially tried couple of tools, but they almost damaged the edges of the case. The machine is very old and case was not easy to pull. I saw a video demo of iSesamo tool on youtube and ordered from ifixit. The order was delivered on time in India and initially I had a doubt if the tool will really work because it looked too soft. But I was really surprised the way it worked. Initially I had some difficulty as the case was too tight but I am quite sure if I had used some other tool, then my case would have been damaged. With the help of other tools and video/guides, other tasks were made easy. Apple authorized shop asked me around $150 for this upgrade, but I managed to do it myself @ $30. My order at ifixit cost me around $90 but I can use them for future repairs. So over all I am in profit. Thanks ifixit.

My Advice

If you are trying to open old mac mini (not unibody), then better order two isesamo tool as it can help pulling the case. You can pull one side and block it with one tool, and they try pulling other to open the case.

My Problem

I Was Fixing A Laptop , Bad Lcd Cable

My Fix

Amazing

My Advice

To Get This Magnetic Mat So You Don't Lose Screws

My Problem

Battery needed exchange due to fast unload.

My Fix

The repair went well. I first viewed the short, informative video, then started the repair myself. I enlarged some of the photos of the connections to be sure I did it right. Everything went fine on the first go!

My Advice

Stay calm, no need to rush. Be accurate when assembling all parts.

My Problem

I am not happy with the pricing on the the existing pressure sensitive graphics tablet/monitors so I have been experimenting with making my own.

My Fix

I'm not sure what I'm doing so this may be a disaster but 1) I will learn so much from the process and 2) I may end up with an awesome homemade version of a Cintique.

My Advice

None to offer yet

My Problem

English : The internal hard drive on my iMac was damaged, I was able to retrieve the files, it only remained to change the disc and then just do a bit mechanical !

French : Le disque dur interne de mon IMac était endommagé, j'ai réussi à récupéré les fichiers, il ne restait plus qu'à changer le disque et donc juste faire un peu de mécanique !

My Fix

English : The repair was very easy thanks to the video explanation on this site, taking his time, it really easy !

French : La réparation à été très facile grâce à la vidéo d'explication sur ce site, en prenant son temps, c'est vraiment un jeu d'enfant !

My Advice

Do not be scared by replacing the internal hard drive of a English : Mac I, it is really easy with the video on this site and the right tools. I'm almost to the repair shop, but finally I did it myself, it is much cheaper and quite fun finally !

planning a small vacuum cleaner in case there was a lot of dust inside the computer, like mine!

French : Ne soyez pas effrayé par le remplacement de disque dur interne d'un I Mac, c'est vraiment facile avec la vidéo de ce site et les bons outils. J'ai bien faillit faire la réparation en magasin, mais finallement je l'ai fait moi-même, c'est beaucoup moins cher et assez amusant finalement !

prévoyez un petit aspirateur au cas où il y avait beaucoup de poussière à l'intérieur de l'ordinateur, comme le mien !