Gwimby's Profile

Cool project. I really like what you did to simplify the desktop. This helps keep the expectations of the machine (given its age) in perspective while making it more appliance-like. Also the size vs speed trade off of a small SSD makes sense in your case as well. What OS and apps did you install (iLife? iWork?) and what is the amount of free space on the drive? Also, like a previous commenter, I am curious on the math & how it added up to <$100?

A couple of notes:

The top case (keyboard & trackpad piece as it is called) does often (but not always) qualify for a complimentary repair from Apple or an Authorized service provider if it has the cracking front edge. Just ask them nicely to check your serial number to see if it qualifies.

The RAM for Macs with integrated graphics is recommened to be paired (same in each slot) for video performance purposes. Running it unpaired reduces the amount of bandwidth available for the integrated graphics. Your specific workload will determine which is the better configuration. Ideally, try both!

If your machine cannot accept 4GB or more of RAM, I would not recomment Lion (10.7). Stick with Snow Leopard (10.6). The only caveat to this is no iCloud syncing (email works but anything else is questionable). For instance my 2010 MacBook with 2GB of RAM was fine in 10.6, but safari was essentially unusable in 10.7. A RAM upgrade solved this.

I also enjoy Padmapper, and for NYC there is the excellent NY Times real estate app (iPhone/iPad) that is great for buying or renting.

The new Sony reminds me of the ASUS XG Station, which was supposed to be an external PCIex16 graphics card, or how nvidia and MXM slots would usher in interchangeable graphics cards for laptops. Neither vision really worked out.

I like the X101, especially with a $199 price point. Almost 3 years in though and netbooks have not pushed past the 1024x600 resolution to something... useable. This means I'll probably just dig out my Mini9 & download MeeGo.

Link to XG Station:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XG_Station

Long time reader, first time commenter.
As part of my day job I fix iPhones, usually broken glass. Heres my thoughts:

A) The business insider article is a bit miss leading on the cost of display replacement at the Apple store. $199 is replacement for an iPhone 4. The 3G & 3Gs display assembly replacement is $99. This is an out-patient repair for the 3G/s models (assuming parts in stock) that includes a new Glass, digitizer, LCD, earpiece & home button. Easy & fast.

B) I am wary of the ultra cheap kits on places like Amazon. Typically these are fully functioning, but have some sort of defect physically. Usually there is an imperfection in the glass that looks like a white speck or scratch. Its really hard to see until the part is installed. Think "you get what you pay for"- theres a reason the part did not go to the bigger resellers. I've also seen knock off parts that are close, but just not OEM quality or materials. If you like risk, go for it.

C) Glass vs assembly: Replacing just the glass requires more tools and know how, so if you're confident and adventurous- go for it. I'd personally go for iFixit parts- they generally have high quality parts like the yellow/orange adhesive. Those are much easier to work with than the beige/green ones. As for replacing the assembly; much easier and much less time. You basically remove the display assembly and swap the LCD over. Simple, no heat gun needed, less to go wrong.

To sum up the difficulty:
Hard: Glass & digitizer replacement
Medium: Front panel assembly
Easy: Display assembly