Hey, is it possible that my mouse is dying? For months now my computer has said that it can't recognize it which has made using it frustrating but I have been able to use it but this week it may have reached some new low.

I was assuming that my computer not recognizing the USB device was due to the failing battery (I was unable to crack open my tower) - so have been ignoring it but perhaps all I need to do is replace the mouse.

What do you think?

Can you borrow a mouse from a friend to test the theory for free. If that works you can return it and buy a new one. If you can't borrow mice are cheap, and it is handy to have a spare.

My old (2005) iBook G4 seems like it might be giving up the ghost -- I can't get it to boot past the grey screen (plain grey, no Apple logo). I tried booting from the install CD, but it stayed grey and just looked at me.

I have a Genius Bar appt. for tomorrow, and I'm assuming a new computer is in my future, but until then -- any ideas?

If you hold down Command-V while powering on, you can watch your Mac boot in verbose mode. I doubt it will have anything enlightening to say, though.

Hopefully it will be something as simple as a motherboard battery, Teppy. Crossing my fingers.

That being said, if it does give up the ghost they should be able to transfer the data from the old one.

Usual self-serving note: As always should anyone's Macbook, iBook or Powerbook turn out to be a goner, I would be interested in acquiring such items for tinkering/learning purposes.

Oh, I have an iBook lying around waiting to be recycled, do you want it? I think the screen went dead, possibly other things were wrong with it, I don't remember. Drop me a mailing address at my profile address if you do, I think I've even got a suitable box for shipping...

No! Don't take my landline!

Nooooo! (said in Shatner cursing Khan tone) I can't stand the idea of not having a landline. This just seems like yet another harbinger of the apocalypse.

In other news...anybody have a recommendation for a decent webcam? I'm mac-based and wanting to do videos for my website. No clue about quality or features.

I do have a Snoball microphone, so if compatibility is an issue, there's that.

I haven't gotten word back from the repair place, but I think it's time to replace the Powerbook. There's only so much patching that's practical. I think I'll go with a 15"er. The real question is hard drive size. Last time was too small.

If the backbone of the phone system switches to VOIP, then VOIP will be the protocol that landline telephone services are delivered on. It doesn't mean everyone suddenly has to use Skype as their primary phone.

Yeah, I've tried every suggestion I found online, and the iBook is resolutely staring back with its grim grey face.

So, I'll let the Genius Bar look at it tomorrow, but I'm thinking I'll be coming home with a new Macbook.