iBook repair, third time’s a charm?

Once again, e-Mail contact with me will become sporadic due to my iBook’s video going on the fritz for the third time. What a great birthday present it was too (Saturday afternoon when I woke it up). Now I still endorse Apple’s portables because they’re pretty decent. Even I weren’t an Apple employee, I’d still own one over a Dell (clunky), Sony (neat but still Windows-driven) or Leveno (IBM’s failed business in Red Chinese hands). From 1997 to 2000, I owned a used 5300c [the Edsel of Apple portable computers] that needed fewer repairs (one) than this iBook sadly. The PowerBook G3 (FireWire) I sold to get this iBook was invincible (no repairs ever) too. I can only hope my new MacBook will resemble the PB G3 more. I’m not buying a MacBook though because there are more urgent financial matters to take care of at home, namely refinancing Somara’s big loan, paying off an unexpected IRS bill [got to remember, with them, you’re automatically guilty] and I my car’s airbags need to be fixed for inspection later this year. I read the public FAQ about the iBook on Apple’s site. There was a comment about repairs still being covered on a case-by-case basis; fortunately, my iBook was manufactured in a certain range taken into consideration, I guess there was a bad stretch. I called support because I decided the worst that could happen is a “no” answer. The agent gave me the repair exception so my iBook has a date with a shipping box when I return to work Tuesday. 
 
Until then, it’ll remain in target mode as a drive. If this is a bust, at least I can make over $100 selling off its AirPort card on eBay.