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Replacement display more expensive than working machine!

I have a Powerbook G4 Aluminum 15" 1.25 GH, 1M RAM, 100GB HDD. The bottom third of the display usually doesn't work. There's "light," but no discernible image, just gray lines. I want to replace the display. I assume that's the problem. Maybe not? Suggestions about this specific troubleshooting question invited.

iFixit sells a replacement display for my machine. $300 for used, B-stock display. I'd love to do the work, learn how to do this. BUT: I can buy a working machine on ebay, same or better specs, for less than that. Replacing the whole machine seems to be cheaper than replacing the part!

I hate to recycle the machine, which otherwise seems to work well enough with Panther (10.3.9), if it just needs a display. But it's hard to justify spending more money plus time… especially given the possibility that I screw up something along the way. (And presently, I don't have money to spare.)

Any thoughts on this conundrum? Am I going about this or thinking about this the wrong way?

Thanks!

Answer this question I have this problem too

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You've Answered your own Question but it's not the Answer you like. Due to your finances Replacing the whole machine seems to be cheaper than replacing the part! It's that way with many mass produced items (hence the iFixit Manifesto)

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I scored a titanium powerbook. That's a different machine. Can I assume the screen would work on my aluminum powerbook? Or is that a BAD assumption?

Thanks!

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Get one on eBay -- you can get them for around $100. Better yet, buy a dead PowerBook with a working screen on eBay, and you'll have the screen you need plus a pile of various other replacement parts.

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The step-by-step instructions I find here are for replacing the display, not for replacing the LCD in the display case. Are there instructions for THAT work that I'm not seeing? Thanks again!

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To confirm that's all you need hook up to a external monitor and check your video. If good here is a link to replace the LCD. +

PowerBook G4 Aluminum 15" 1-1.5 GHz LCD Replacement

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Sorry I was assuming you were talking about replacing just the screen. Yes, if you use a guide like this, which is the guide for the display inverter PowerBook G4 Aluminum 15" 1-1.5 GHz Display Inverter Replacement in conjunction with the guide for removing the screen assembly, that will basically get you where you need to be to replace the screen itself. Be careful when pulling the screen out, because they are glued in at the bottom, and you will likely need a razor to separate the bottom edge of the screen frame from the lower edge of the screen itself. And as rj713 recommends, it's always a good idea to test with an external display to make sure the screen is at fault, although from what you describe it definitely sounds like the problem (although it may be the video cable if the problem changes when you move the hinge).

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Thanks for all the info, suggestions and warnings. You folks rock!

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drlapin will be eternally grateful.
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