Don330

Q: PowerBook G3 Pismo yellow screen

Hi, my PowerBook G3 Pismo has a slight yellow tint on the display. Can someone tell me what part I would need to fix this or is a whole new LCD needed? Thank you.

PowerBook, Mac OS X (10.3.x), G3 Pismo

Posted on Mar 4, 2016 1:42 PM

Close

Q: PowerBook G3 Pismo yellow screen

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Mar 4, 2016 1:48 PM in response to Don330
    Level 10 (270,032 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 4, 2016 1:48 PM in response to Don330

    Ever consider a new computer? You need to check places like eBay or iFixIt or search via Google for parts. By now they should be pretty scarce and expensive. That PB is now 19 years old. It was a great machine (I once had one,) but it's about time for a new one, I would think.

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,Solvedanswer

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Mar 4, 2016 2:21 PM in response to Don330
    Level 8 (38,139 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 4, 2016 2:21 PM in response to Don330

    It sounds like the PowerBook's backlight is becoming dim.  Old laptops use a backlighting method called Cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL).  Unlike the LED method used in modern laptops and LCD displays, CCFL fades over time and usage.

     

    You can buy the specific (new) part used in the Pismo, for example (I think it is one)

     

    http://www.backlightlamp.com/apple-powerbook-g3-m7572-ccfl-backlight-lamp-bulb-1 41-p-13424.html

     

    but it takes specialized skill (and major disassembly) to do the work, and the part itself is very delicate.  An easier fix is to replace the complete display assembly (the entire top half of PowerBook with LCD), but you are getting the replacement from another used PowerBook, so it is likely to be somewhat faded as well, with unknown remaining lifetime.