Notebook LCD problem

[okalex]

An old notebook I have has slowly developed the following problem: an image is displayed normally only when the display is tilted at a specific angle. Tilting it forward or backward wither causes color changes (a lot of purple) or makes the image disappear. But when the screen is right at the exact angle in which it does work, the image looks perfect.

I asked a technician if they could fix it, and they said the entire LCD will have to be replaced (which would cost not much less then an equivalent refurbished notebook).

Now, my question is whether it is likely that this diagnosis is correct, although the LCD does work pefectly well when tilted at a specific angle?? I am not a technician, but I would assume that the problem has to do with the cable connecting the LCD with the computer.

 

[PurdueRy]

If it looks perfect dead on the LCD sound fine. They do have a limited viewing angle and they do change colors/brightness when viewed from other directions...especially old laptop screens.

 

[okalex]

This is not what I meant. I have had this computer for several years. In recent time, tilting the screen even slightly made is show bright areas purple and generally distort the colors, or, at more extreme angles, turn black. This is not at all a matter of LCD viewwing angle, but probably a matter of electric contacts of some sort. As far as I know, the cable connecting the screen with the computer itslef is susceptible to wear, so, on the face of it, it seems likely that changing that cable would be the solution.

My question is whether it may nonetheless be true that the technician is right and the entire screen hae to be replaced, or whether I should I suspect that this is a dishonest attempt to make me pay more.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: okalex
This is not what I meant. I have had this computer for several years. In recent time, tilting the screen even slightly made is show bright areas purple and generally distort the colors, or, at more extreme angles, turn black. This is not at all a matter of LCD viewwing angle, but probably a matter of electric contacts of some sort. As far as I know, the cable connecting the screen with the computer itslef is susceptible to wear, so, on the face of it, it seems likely that changing that cable would be the solution.

My question is whether it may nonetheless be true that the technician is right and the entire screen hae to be replaced, or whether I should I suspect that this is a dishonest attempt to make me pay more.

I would say he is being honest. LCD's are very tough to repair and it is often easier to buy a new one then fvck with the broken one.

Take a picture of your LCD showing this problem

 

[corkyg]

The likely reason for the problem stated is old age. The backlight degrades and eventually burns out. They can be replaced. But, even that is becoming less cost effective as new laptops get cheaper.

Sometimes you can find a match on E-Bay and cannibalize it for parts - but even that is now questionable.

I have found the useful life of a laptop is about 4-5 years. By then, they are at least obsolescent if not obsolete.

 

[xtknight]

It's probably either a passive-matrix or a very old active-matrix TN (perhaps without polarization film?). There's really nothing wrong with it, it's just older/inferior technology.

 

[Oyeve]

Actually it sounds like a loose lcd cable. If you tilt it and the color changes or flickers offf and on then its probably a loose or worn cable. If you feel comfortable with opening the laptop then check the cable leading from the LCD to the mobo connector. It just might be loose. If the color changes when YOU move YOUR head and not the screen then it may be something else.

 

[okalex]

Yes, a loose or worn cable is the most logical reason for this problem. The question is whether there may truth in the technician's claim that the whole screen should be replaced. In other words, is it the case with some computers that the cable is not replaceable?

 

[Oyeve]

Originally posted by: okalex
Yes, a loose or worn cable is the most logical reason for this problem. The question is whether there may truth in the technician's claim that the whole screen should be replaced. In other words, is it the case with some computers that the cable is not replaceable?

Every laptop that I have worked on had replacable cables. They connect to the mobo via a slot and on the LCD backplane the also can be removed. I have replaced many LCD cables as well as lamps on laptop monitors. I even used lamps from different laptops makes on other laptops. Basically a thin flourescent bulb. He may not be able to do that kind of work hence the reason he says you need a whole new screen, but if you can narrow down the part that is bad you can contact the manufacturer or even get it off of ebay for a fraction of the cost of a new panel.

 

[okalex]

Thank you very much. So I'll reject the offer to replace the LCD and either try to replace the part myself or ask for a second opinion.

 

[xtknight]

Oh, I thought you meant tilting your head, not the TFT. Definitely some kind of loose connection then, I agree.