Upgrading LCD screen in Macbook Pro 17?...

[George A.]

Hi!

Very quick question...

I have an Intel Macbook Pro Dual 2.4Ghz laptop. The screen unfortunately is not the HD screen (1920x1200) but the 1680x1050.

Is it possible to upgrade the screen to the HD specs (replacing the screen altogether)? I haven't heard of it so far so I am just curious. Will the video card even allow it?

If anyone is familiar with such a thing, please let me know. Thanks a lot.

Best regards,
George

 

[Ben Brainerd]

I highly doubt that Apple provides the service directly. However, there are a number of freelance Apple repair shops out there (Some Apple Certified, some not) that could probably pull it off. Will probably be VERY expensive.

 

[Alexis Hanawalt]

I'm sure it's possible. AppleCare accidentally downgraded my screen from the HD screen when I sent mine in for replacement and everything worked normally (it took several days of confusion for me to realize what had happened)

 

[ericyoung]

It will also depend on the graphics chip and possibly the backlight board in the laptop - if it can handle 1920x1200 then it may be possible, although where you get the screen from I don't know!

Also, as the screen is one of the single most expensive parts of a laptop, it's debatable whether it would be worth the time and effort to try this rather than say buying a good condition 3 month old high res top of the range previous generation version secondhand for £1000 / $1600 which is what I did!

 

[Noah Kadner]

Yeah I'd suggest selling and buying a new machine. At best you'll spend through the nose for this and at worst you'll end up with a hacked up machine- and either way warranty will be voided.

Noah

 

[George A.]

Warranty is long voided.

I just found out a company which will do this for under $500.

 

[Ben Brainerd]

Warranty is long voided.

I just found out a company which will do this for under $500.

I'd be a bit leery of a company that says they'll do it for $500 inclusive. If that's $500 for the part, plus labor, that's one thing. But all told?

Not saying don't do it. Just saying check them out. See if they're using refurb Apple parts or off-brand, check out any reviews online, that kind of thing.

Eric and Noah are pretty much on the ball with their responses. I had an out of warranty MBP with a cracked LCD, and my repair guy flat out told me it wasn't worth repairing, just buy a new one.