Powerbook G4 Backlight Problems

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

I was given a Powerbook G4 because they couldn't use it due to the backlight not working. The person who gave it to me fell on the laptop which caused the left hinge to break. The screen works it's just you can't see anything because of the backlight not working. It is currently taken apart and I don't know what to check and how to check it.

If all else fails, how much do you think I could get for all the parts that come with it? Or can I use the computer without reconnecting the display and use an external monitor, mouse, and keyboard?

 

[Dahak]

usually the reason the backlight does not work is either the cable going from the motherboard to the inverter or the inverter itself ( which is in the screen) the inverter cable is on the left side when looking at the screen so there is a chance that the cable got damaged when the hinge broke

 

[mmntech]

The CCFL itself could also be damaged. If it's the inverter, they can be replaced. I know Ifixit sells them for about $70. You could probably get it cheaper on eBay though. If Ifixit's prices are any indication, the display itself is not worth replacing. They run about $500, which is probably around what the whole computer is worth by this point.

 

[TheStu]

You can use it with external stuff, assuming the keyboard works since that is where the power button is.

If it is a 12" G4 PowerBook, then, depending on the specs, it could be worth a fair amount, even partially busted. People still loves those things since they are narrower by about an inch over the MacBook, and offer enough performance, much like a netbook.