tanner1294
Level 1 (10 points)

Q: Broken Backlight(?)

My PowerBook was in a thin laptop case with almost no protection and it fell off a table and hit the ground with a horrifying crack like sound. The computer still works, the OS seems fine, the LCD isn't cracked or damaged, but the backlihgt doesn't work anymore. I can see what's on the screen with a bright light but otherwise nothing. I don't have any way to open the computer just yet (Dang those awkward hex screws..) so I'm just wondering what do you all think? Could the backlight itself be broken? Or maybe the inverter for the backlight unplugged or broke? I've noticed the area around the plug is more... open than before. Even the plug is a bit finnicky now.

PowerBook, Mac OS X (10.5.8), G4 1.5ghz, 2gb RAM

Posted on Jan 22, 2013 9:21 AM

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tanner1294

Q: Broken Backlight(?)

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  • by Texas Mac Man,

    Texas Mac Man Texas Mac Man Jan 22, 2013 9:31 AM in response to tanner1294
    Level 8 (46,611 points)
    Jan 22, 2013 9:31 AM in response to tanner1294

    If you want to attempt a DIY repair, this is an excellect site with step-by-step procedures.

    http://www.ifixit.com/Device/PowerBook_G4_Aluminum_Series

     

    You'll probably need a Torx (T8) screwdriver.

     

     Cheers, Tom

  • by tanner1294,

    tanner1294 tanner1294 Jan 22, 2013 10:49 AM in response to Texas Mac Man
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Jan 22, 2013 10:49 AM in response to Texas Mac Man

    Thanks Tom, I've already checked out ifixit (love that site). Do you happen to know where I could get a new backlight or inverter? I've been googling around but I keep coming up with the full display assembly for anywhere between 100 and 200 dollars which is way out of my budget. Could a new display work for a slightly older PowerBook? I've got the January 2005 1.5ghz 15" and I wouldn't mind having the brighter and slightly newer October 2005 1.67 ghz 15"'s display if I can find it for the right price. But no one seems to have an answer of whether the slightly newer display is compatible.