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GMC Forum _ CHILL OUT _ Changing A Macbook Screen
Posted by: Crazy_Diamond Sep 9 2009, 12:25 AM
Hello Folks,
I have been awy from GMC from a couple of month now since I was too busy this summer. I have just a move now in a new appartment close to my university. But, I have now a major problem.
In the moving process, my macbook felt on the floor. At first I taught there was no damage but as soon as I opened it, I saw that my screen wasn't working anymore. What a shame. I brought my computer to an apple store and the guy told me it was 700$ to repair it. So I went back home to find another solution.
I had a look on ebay and I find a new screen for 100$ (shipping include). I want to try to change the screen by myself.
Anyone has experience with macbook reparation ??
Thanks guys!!!
Posted by: Tjchep Sep 9 2009, 12:28 AM
I have been awy from GMC from a couple of month now since I was too busy this summer. I have just a move now in a new appartment close to my university. But, I have now a major problem.
In the moving process, my macbook felt on the floor. At first I taught there was no damage but as soon as I opened it, I saw that my screen wasn't working anymore. What a shame. I brought my computer to an apple store and the guy told me it was 700$ to repair it. So I went back home to find another solution.
I had a look on ebay and I find a new screen for 100$ (shipping include). I want to try to change the screen by myself.
Anyone has experience with macbook reparation ??
Thanks guys!!!
Yeah, the repair costs are incredible.
I would recommend not repairing it yourself, and would just get an external display.
TJ
Posted by: Muris Varajic Sep 9 2009, 12:39 AM
I really no idea,
maybe you should look in forums to see if someone
else does those reparation with lower charge?
Posted by: JCJXXL Sep 9 2009, 12:44 AM
Repairing a LCD on any laptop is not a big deal. I've done probably a thousand in my lifetime. The basic repair is the same on most laptops. Here's a video link to help you out:
Posted by: Crazy_Diamond Sep 9 2009, 01:15 AM
I have look a bit in some other forums and I have found a few video. I doesn't really look that complicated but i him still wondering if anybody have done it.
Posted by: Sinisa Cekic Sep 9 2009, 01:17 AM
I always had a surplus of parts after each repair. It is interesting that the repaired device is still working properly! 
If you want to do by yourself and you want to be sure about, turn on the camera and Record !
Posted by: Crazy_Diamond Sep 9 2009, 01:21 AM
If you want to do by yourself and you want to be sure about, turn on the camera and Record !
Great idea, never taught of using a cam!!!
Posted by: JCJXXL Sep 9 2009, 01:40 AM
Crazy_Diamond, see my post above. Yes, others have done it. And yes there is a video link in my post.
Posted by: David Wallimann Sep 9 2009, 01:52 AM
Never had that problem, but very interested in hearing how you did with the repair!
Posted by: VinceG Sep 9 2009, 06:32 AM
That's why it is recommended to get Apple Care. Might be expensive, but when things like this happen (or any other malfunction/accidents) then Apple will take care of you no problem and not have to pay for it, as long as you have Apple Care of course.
Posted by: twist Sep 9 2009, 08:35 AM
Apple stuff is a pain to repair. Its not hard or complicated, it just needs enough time to unscrew everything, open up plastic shells that are not meant to be opened and so on...
I think with a bit of patience it is not a problem to change the display by yourself, just make sure you have enough time, and the proper tools! Oh, and before you get everything back together, TEST EVERYTHING! There is nothing more annoying than having to everything twice 
Posted by: tonymiro Sep 9 2009, 11:43 AM
Like JCJXXL I've replaced a few screens on laptops but only on windows ones; I've never tried it on a mac. It's possible but a bit fiddly.
I think before you do try and repair/replace the screen you need to check whether its the screen, cable or the video card/chip. Plug in an external screen and see if it displays ok:
NB - opening up the clam shell will probably invalidate any warranty that you have.
1)If it does then either the screen has pulled away from the cable or it is broke. If you can get the clam shell open then do so and check that the cable is properly connected and if not re-seat it. If it is properly connected then you should investigate getting a replacement screen.
2) If it doesn't display then the video card/chip is possibly the issue.
Changing the video card/chip on most laptops isn't an easy job as most are soldered on to the mobo. If you check on a mac forum someone should be able to tell you if this is the case - or you can open up the clamshell and look. If it isn't soldered then you should be able to replace like for like.
Posted by: Crazy_Diamond Sep 11 2009, 09:07 PM
I've done it,
It was a really easy job. I had take a lot of time to do it cause I wanted to be sure that I wasn't breaking anything.
But finally I have fixed it.
A 100$ for the screen and about 2 hours to do it ... It way better then the 700$ that Apple ask me.
Yeah well now I kow the importance of the Apple Care program but at the time I bought my computer I didn't knew thas it give so much protection I just taught it was a crappy warantly.
Posted by: VinceG Sep 11 2009, 09:23 PM
you should do a video on how to do it!
Posted by: David Wallimann Sep 11 2009, 09:26 PM
That's great news!
If that ever happens to me, I will definitally get in touch with you for advice! :-)
Posted by: Crazy_Diamond Sep 12 2009, 03:25 PM
I believe some of the tutorials on Youtube are pretty decent and are way better that what I am able to produce.
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