how to reuse the LCD of a dead Apple MacBook/Pro? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: 0db
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 01:52:21 pm
content: A colleague owns an old Apple MacBook/Pro. It looks to be a 5 years old model or something similar, and the motherboard is fried. The computer doesn't power on but the LCD looks working.My colleague wants to throw it into the trash dumpster, and I wonder if the LCD can be reused for something.Any idea?

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 01:59:18 pm
content: If I'm not mistaken, most Retina panels on Mac laptops (as long as they are not too ancient) have an eDP interface. Check that with the reference of the panel.Then you can buy an HDMI-eDP board interface and try that (can be found on Aliexpress and the like.) Make sure it supports the native resolution of the panel though.

author: 0db
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 02:43:57 pm
content: On the back of the computer, there is only a label, reportingModel A1286. Not very helpful to understand how old it is.

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 02:48:10 pm
content: A quick search for "Apple A1286"found thisas the second listed hit.

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 02:48:31 pm
content: https://everymac.com/ultimate-mac-lookup/?search_keywords=A1286

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 02:52:48 pm
content: Quote from: jfiresto on March 10, 2020, 02:48:10 pmAhah, same find.Now the easiest way of finding out what kind of panel it is exactly will be to disassemble the laptop and take a look at the panel's reference directly (you'll also get to see if there is indeed an eDP connector.)From what you can read in the specs above, this should be a 15.4", 1440x900 panel. If it's eDP, the difficult part will be to find an HDMI-eDP interface that will support this resolution. Many of the low-cost adapter boards only support Full HD or 4K, but rarely anything else. Good luck!

author: 0db
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 03:14:24 pm
content: Quote from: jfiresto on March 10, 2020, 02:48:10 pmall of these are A1286Quotebut, 2011? 2012? 2013?

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 03:50:54 pm
content: Quote from: 0db on March 10, 2020, 03:14:24 pmYes. And I own one of the latter – which is now a stylish paperweight from the serial consequences of three debilitating engineering defects.Try entering the computer's complete serial number as the identifier, and searching for it.

author: 0db
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 05:03:32 pm
content: That's the pic of the video connector ... umm it's a 2009-2010 computer

author: 0db
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 05:06:51 pm
content: Quote from: jfiresto on March 10, 2020, 03:50:54 pmMacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011)

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 05:19:53 pm
content: Quote from: 0db on March 10, 2020, 05:03:32 pmVery much looks like an eDP 30-pin connector. You can unplug it (just pull off gently) and count the pins to make sure it's 30-pin.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 05:23:22 pm
content: The best would be simply selling this laptop for parts, it still holds significant value. You likely could buy LCD which is suitable for your needs without tinkering and there still would be some money left.

author: Refrigerator
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 08:54:13 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on March 10, 2020, 05:23:22 pmI agree.These macs should have depreciated in value much more that they have, but people's belief that they still hold significant value keeps them pricey.You can sell this one for parts, especially if the LCD is good and buy a decent monitor.Fiy, working 15.4" LCD displays from old non-mac laptops sell for ~5€ where i live, so if you want to play around you can first get one of them.

author: Nusa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2020, 09:04:12 pm
content: The whole (even the fried motherboard) has value as parts to individuals that repair macbooks. Unless you have those skills yourself and other macbooks to fix, I'd sell it on whatever auction site works best in your country.

author: TomS_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2020, 08:22:39 am
content: Or send it to Louis Rossmann, get him to fix it (if possible), and sell as a working machine.

author: mikerj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2020, 01:25:04 pm
content: Quote from: TomS_ on March 11, 2020, 08:22:39 amI can't imagine that would be remotely viable economically, compared to just selling the thing for spares.