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Naplander · Feb 7, 2008, 01:35 PM

My 1.5ghz PowerBook G4 screen is dying

Here is a video of a someone elses, but same problem:

YouTube - Messed Up Laptop Screen

I can get a new screen fitted for £250 ($500), but I am not sure if it's worth it.

What do you guys suggest?

ibook_steve · Feb 7, 2008, 01:44 PM

If you're having the same problem as the video, then that's a cable problem (the LVDS video cable, to be exact) or a cable connector problem, not the screen itself, since moving the display fixes it occasionally. Cables are obviously much cheaper, but still require almost a full disassembly to replace.

Steve

Cletus989 · Feb 7, 2008, 01:50 PM

fix it your self

Naplander · Feb 7, 2008, 02:18 PM

I hope it's just a cable!

Unfortunately now, even if I do move the screen about, the bottom third of the screen remains blank.

I am going to open it up tonight and make sure all the cable are tight, then maybe see if that fixes it.

If not, I'll see about getting a new cable.

Thanks for your help

Naplander · Feb 8, 2008, 06:19 AM

Originally Posted by ibook_steve

If you're having the same problem as the video, then that's a cable problem (the LVDS video cable, to be exact) or a cable connector problem, not the screen itself, since moving the display fixes it occasionally. Cables are obviously much cheaper, but still require almost a full disassembly to replace.

Steve

I have just being doing some research, and wanted to check with you if it could possibly be the "inverter" cable?

I am going to try to do this myself, and just want to be sure I have all the info when I take the plunge.

Thanks Steve.

JoshuaZ · Feb 8, 2008, 06:34 AM

If push comes to shove, and for some reason it's still going to cost you an arm and a leg to fix, the computer can still be useful.

I just set up an old 12in Powerbook as a full time torrenter/ TV Media center. Its got a busted HD see so I hooked up an old firewire drive to it, put it in under my TV, and now see it as a poor man's Apple TV.

So while your screen may be going bad, the video out is probably still fine. You can do something with it.

Naplander · Feb 8, 2008, 06:50 AM

I was thinking that actually. I am using it at work, on an external monitor and everything else on the machine is still just fine.

It could even justify me getting a MacBook Air, as I will still then have a machine with all the ports (firewire) etc if I needed

MacosNerd · Feb 8, 2008, 08:53 AM

Since the cost of sending it to repair is so high and its a PPC laptop as opposed to a intel mac, I suggest as others have to fix it yourself.

Naplander · 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by MacosNerd

Since the cost of sending it to repair is so high and its a PPC laptop as opposed to a intel mac, I suggest as others have to fix it yourself.

I agree. I have ordered a LVDS cable, and should have it in about a week. I'll then set about replacing it, which should be fun

ibook_steve · Feb 8, 2008, 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by Naplander

I have just being doing some research, and wanted to check with you if it could possibly be the "inverter" cable?

I am going to try to do this myself, and just want to be sure I have all the info when I take the plunge.

Thanks Steve.

The inverter cable is for the backlight, not the display itself.

Steve

Naplander · Mar 3, 2008, 10:26 AM

Right, I received my new cable today. I hope this fixes the problem.

Does anyone know where I can find a guide online that will show me the process of removing the old one and replacing with a new one?

Thanks for any info.

ibook_steve · Mar 3, 2008, 02:26 PM

As always: iFixit: iPod, iBook, & PowerBook Parts and Accessories

Steve

Naplander · Mar 4, 2008, 09:15 AM

That's a hectic repair job

I think I am going to send it in to a professional to replace!

MacosNerd · Mar 4, 2008, 09:31 AM

Its not that bad, just take your time, do not rush, and make sure you keep the screws identified, so you know where they go.

Naplander · Mar 4, 2008, 11:37 AM

Thanks.

I found a guide at PowerBook medic that is a bit simpler and doesn't involve using a hair dryer to loosen the thermal paste, and also doesn't involve a full logic board removal!

So I might put aside a few hours this weekend to do it thoroughly. The guy was going to charge me £100 ($200) just to put the new cable in, which is quite a lot I thought.

peeb · Mar 4, 2008, 12:23 PM

Sorry - it's not clear to me whether you can run an external monitor from this - if so, that might be a practical and cost effective way to keep this machine going?

Naplander · Mar 4, 2008, 01:11 PM

I can still run an external monitor from the PB just fine.

At the moment I am using both the PB display and an external at the same time.

What's annoying is that it takes me 15 minutes every morning prodding my screen, changing the angle etc until it comes right.

So when I am with clients, or need to use the laptop away from my desk I have to repeat this process over and over, which is annoying as hell. Hence the desire to change the LVDS cable in the hope that it will fix this problem

peeb · Mar 4, 2008, 01:12 PM

If you use this machine for work, you should replace it. No good having a tool you depend on to make a living fail you like that.

Naplander · Mar 4, 2008, 02:06 PM

I know, but we're a bit cash strapped at work at the moment, and I'm not a MacBook person. So would have to go for a Pro :/

Here is something else I was thinking....

What if I change the cable, and it's a cable connector problem? Is that replaceable?

Naplander · Mar 9, 2008, 03:51 PM

I changed out the cable yesterday, which is no easy task, but the problem still persists :/

Any other ideas guys?