Fried iBook- anyone have experience/advice?

I have an iBook G4 from late 2005. Of course RIGHT after the AppleCare ran out it went on the fritz. It would just randomly shut off withoutwarning, not sleep mode, OFF when it wasn't plugged in, even if the battery monitor said it had juice. Then one day I turned it off and tried to turn it back on and nothing happens, all I hear is the fan, no startup noise, completely black screen.

I have files I need from the computer. Does anyone have any idea what might be wrong, how much it might cost to fix, etc?

People are telling me it's not worth it and if I buy a new Mac, they'll transfer my files for free. But I just don't have that kind of money. I'm using my desktop for now, but it's almost a decade old. I'm considering buying an iMac to replace both, but I did like the convenience of a laptop. WWYD?

Will the Apple store look at it for free or do they charge a fee?

ETA: I also have a 5 or so year old 4G iPod mini. I was trying to upload to it and got the "sad iPod" icon. I'm assuming it bit the dust and is definitely not worth fixing, right?

Message edited 1/20/2009 9:24:28 AM.

Re: Fried iBook- anyone have experience/advice?

The sad ipod logo on those old ones is not good. It most likely is the battery at this point it is a better investment to get a new one.

I would see about making an appointment at the MAC store for your computer, see if they have any insight.