Hey ho hippyfans!

Sorry for the longer than usual gap in posts. I’d love to blame it on something as exciting as a trip to a desert island, or a drug-induced coma, but sadly the truth is more mundane than that.

My iMac has been in the shop for the last few days, though thanks to my iBook, I’ve still been online.

So if I’ve still been online, why haven’t I posted?

Simple, I’ve been suffering from tech-stress!

In the last 3 weeks, all of my major Apple gadgets have suffered from some sort of problem or issue. They are all resolved now, so my tech-stress levels are returning to normal.

Before anyone thinks this is going to be some sort of anti-Apple tirade, think again. I have nothing but praise for how they have handled my technical troubles.

Firstly, my Black 60gb iPod with video developed an odd problem; when I connected it to my computer, it didn’t show up on the desktop or in iTunes. The iPod itself worked fine for playback, but it wouldn’t synch or charge via the dock connector.

Because my iPod is engraved, the only repair option I had was to use Apple’s collect and return service. All of this was under my original warranty, so it only cost me in time without it, but no dosh at all.

Apple sent UPS to collect the iPod, complete with all the packaging and labels required.

The UPS guy even waited a few minutes while I boxed it up. The next day it was back with the mothership in the Netherlands, the problem was diagnosed and a new one was shipped out from their factory in Shanghai the day after that.

If it weren’t for the recent terror alerts, I would have had the replacement much quicker, but as it turned out, I was without the iPod for 10 days. Not bad.

I’m not sure if the replacement is brand new or reconditioned, but it certainly looks and feels new. I was so impressed with the service I received that I bought the Apple Care plan to cover it for another 2 years. If something else ever goes wrong with it, I know exactly what to expect.

My G5 iMac is around 18 months old and I still love it.

Around a year ago, Apple identified an issue with my model of iMac that involved the Logic Board and power supply and extended the repair period by an additional 2 years on top of their warranty. Last week, I realised my computer was suffering from this known issue.

The fans were running fast, the temp was high and hot and finally, I started getting distorted video and weird crashes. Last Wednesday I took it into my local north London Apple Store.

I had my first ever appointment with a Mac Genius and I was impressed. He checked out my iMac, booked it in for the repairs and even ordered the parts he thought might need replacing. It turns out, it didn’t need everything he sent but better safe than sorry.

On Friday, the online status of my repair said it was complete, but they didn’t phone me. I was really missing it, so today (Monday) I went in to collect it. The repair was finished, but they wanted to clean it before I picked it up, so I wandered around for half an hour and when I returned, it was boxed up and ready to go.

It’s running cooler, the fans are quieter and the video looks great. Also, they did an amazing job of scrubbing it up, it looks as good as it did when it was new…even the keyboard!

So again, Apple came through for me.

Now, my problem with my iBook is the same one affecting 1.8 million other Apple laptop owners, the great Sony battery recall of 2006. Apple was quick to announce this and even though they haven’t had that many reported cases of overheating, they’re replacing all those batteries for free!

As I was using my iBook extensively in the last week, while the iMac was back with the mothership being repaired, I noticed the battery wasn’t holding it’s charge as well as it used to and considered ordering a replacement. Now I don’t need to, as I’ve registered for the recall and should receive a new battery for it in the next month or so.

Again, I’m pleased with the outcome.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s stressful when your essential toys go funny and I’ve been missing my iMac like mad.

I was able to back-up all my important data; the elements of my all new digital lifestyle, before I took it into the shop, but it’s still never easy to part with your computer.

I’m glued to my screen most of the time, when I’m home. If I’m not writing, or surfing the net, I’m using it to waste time with music and video. I’m attached, addicted, whatever you want to call it. I’m glad it’s home, where it belongs.

I want a black MacBook and am going to get one at some point in the not too distant future.

I’ve offered Mrs. Hippy the iBook, which is only a year old and pristine condition and if she passes, I’ll sell it at a decent price. I may already know someone who would grab it, though I would love to see Mrs. H take it. She doesn’t really get my love of all things Apple and I think it would put her on the road to understanding why they are so damn good.

I also hope to be ordering a Mac Mini soon as there’s a refresh expected in the next fortnight, if you believe the rumour sites. I always believe the rumours; life is more fun that way.

The Mac Mini will get connected to my Sony Bravia and stereo and act as my media server. I’ll move all of my iTunes on to it as well as using it to download video from the net. I’ll also be able to receive and record some digital terrestrial channels on it, which will be extra cool because I can export the programmes for playback on my iPod.

And then my 2nd Airport Express, which is currently connected to my stereo, for streaming music from the iMac, will move into the kitchen, to connect to my brand new Logitech mm50 (black) speakers, that I picked up last week. They’re rather wicked and I’m blown away by the sound!

My all-new digital lifestyle just keeps getting better and better and better! And this ends what amounts to a two-handed geek-speak wank that probably put most of you off!

Normal hippy service will resume soon!