My Problem

When initially decommissioned, this iBook G3 14" had intermittent display backlight failure, seemingly tied to screen angle. After sitting in my office hooked up to an external display for several years (mostly sleeping), thinking about fixing it for my kids.

My Fix

Based on anecdotal evidence & other information on this site, I figured there was a good chance it was the display inverter. I figured $30 was a decent gamble, so I took the plunge. The process went very smoothly, thanks to the iFixit guide. However, no joy from the backlight. Now the million (well, hundred-) dollar question: is it worth it to try replacing the LCD, or am I better off sticking it in a closet and using it as a NAS/web server/proxy/etc ?

My Advice

The screw guide didn't seem to match what I was doing... not to worry, if you find that to be the case, just tape the screws to a sheet of paper in the order of the steps you follow in your guide, then reverse the order for re-assembly.

Oh... and don't forget to order a spudger... I hit "place order" too quickly and had to eat the shipping on a second order just for a spudger.

My Problem

After rebooting my IBook G4, the desktop came up as a negative image. The Apple Support World suggested reversing the Preferences>Universal>Image which added some color and also attaching it to an external monitor. The monitor image was perfect and the diagnosis was either the Image Inverter or, more expensive, the Display was bad. So I decided to try the lesser or the two cost-wise evils.

My Fix

Ifixit's service was incredible. I ordered the Inverter on the night of Nov. 1, it was shipped the 2nd and I received it, in Michigan, on the 4th. I was totally amazed. I used a "lab spatula" to pry apart the bezels and it worked perfectly. It is very thin, sharp and strong. The process went off without a hitch and I interrupted myself several times to keep the pace slow and methodical. I used just under 2 hours but it could have been done in 1 hour. No one should be afraid to undertake this repair. But, alas, it did not resolve the problem and I think the Green portion of RBG is out. The desktop is darkish, and the only colors are harsh reds and some blues.

My Advice

The iFixit instructions were clear, concise and easily followed, except for the part about the screw next to the hinge and the small spacer under the screw. There were screws next to both hinges and I did not find a spacer. Any GOOD hardware store will have a 1.5mm hex key, in the area where they have specialty parts, for about $.70. Lastly, the repair instructions should suggest replacing the outside cover by starting at what would be the top of the monitor and snapping the "hinge" edge in place as the last part of that operation.

My Problem

Trying to get an old gifted iBook useable for a 10-year-old

My Fix

The repair hasn't fixed the problem. I got the inverter board from iFixit, spent the 2.5 hours taking the iBook apart and putting it back together, only to discover the problem still existed. I did some more research, and disabled the reed switch. That didn't fix it either. Then I bought a replacement display cable (from ebay). Spent another afternoon doing the teardown and rebuild, and THAT didn't work either. Right now my patience is frayed and I may just chuck the computer - don't know what else to try. Logic tells me this is a mechanical problem, and should be fixable, but patience is stretched thin and I don't know if I'm up for another run at it- especially since I don't know what to do.

My Advice

Be prepared to be sorely tested. This is time-consuming and without guaranteed results.

My Problem

Fixed the backlight and the dc in-board.

My Fix

It went smoothly, thanks to the guides at iFixit.com

The hole process took only an hour, with my two inquisitive teenage-daugthers by my side and over both my shoulders :D

My Advice

Get the tools you need ready before you start! Remember to order the spudger, I didn't and this tool is essential!!