My iBook died today. It can't turn on. No startup chime, no hard drive spinning, no fan noise. It just died. What an drama right after my last post screaming how awesome my iBook is!

So what should I do? "Don't panic!" No way! How could I not? My brain started to flash back in search for the last time I backed up. Was that one week ago? Two weeks ago? I can't recall! So what about the time before last time I backed up my data? Oh, no! I hadn't printed my statistical final, which is due tomorrow. Do I have to redo it tonight? I'm cursed!

Panic time was over. Then I sat down to try helping myself. I tried all the steps Apple Support Web site suggested but none worked. This is something I really hate about laptops. In my eyes, laptops are black boxes [in this case of iBook, it is a white box.] I have no clue how it is working and I don't dare to troubleshoot it myself. I missed the days I could just open the case and replug everything. Seemed a trip to Apple Store was inevitable.

Then I started to look for all my Apple documents so I can take advantage of the AppleCare Plan. I found all my iBook manuals, install disc, reminder for production regiestration... all the junk but the original receipt! I felt being cursed again!

Out of desperation, I called the technical support, hoping I can negotiate with them about the receipt issue. Oh, of course I had to get through the troubleshooting step first, though I never expected it would work [based on my experience with Dell Tech Support].

The tech guy sounded really calm when I screamed on the phone.

"So your iBook doesn't turn on?"

"No! No sound, no spinning. It just died!"

"Okay. Please try this. Unplug your power cord, then take out your battery."

"Hmmm..."

"Then press the power button for 5-7 seconds."

10 seconds of silence.

"Then put the battery back and replug your power cord and try to boot."

Then I heard the familiar chime. I would give him a big hug if he were around.

Apple rocks, still.