MacBuild

The Program

MacBuild is a post-Build program available to volunteers who have completed the Build program and are looking for something new and different. The MacBuild area works with desktops, laptops and accessories manufactured by Apple. While experience with a Macintosh system isn't necessary, it is helpful. Additionally, experience in Free Geek's Laptop Build is beneficial for volunteers who have never taken apart a laptop before. Macbuild is very hands-on and you will be required to take apart full systems.

Areas

• Mac Laptops - Learn to refurbish and repair MacBooks, MacBook Pros, and MacBook Airs. We only build out Intel based systems, and either recycle or "as-is" G4 or lower systems
• iMacs - All in one systems with a built in LCD panel. Again, we only focus on Intel based systems.
• Mac Pros - Macintosh desktops. We refurbish mostly the Intel based systems, but will build our G5 systems when requested by the store or grants.

Build Process

• Macintosh Category on Free Geek wiki
• MacBuild Specs Specifications for systems
• Mac Recycle Checklist
• Mac As-Is Checklist
• Mac Build Checklist
• Mac QC Checklist
• Mac Build Archive: For Linux installing, Power PC builds, and miscellaneous old building checklists

Helpful Links

• ifixit.com An invaluable resource to us in Mabuild, and a great starting point if you want to learn how to take apart and fix an Apple computer.
• EveryMac.com
• LowEndMac.com

OpenFirmware Links

• OF info at www.netneurotic.de
• OF at Wikipedia
• Apple Technote TN1061 (OF part 1)
• Apple Technote TN1062 (OF part 2)
• NewWorld Rom TN1167 (Open Firmware) (often slow)
• Reference Library at Apple Developer Connection