Help! - Macbook/computer guru's

[kipperfan]

Hey guys - I just managed to crack my Macbook (2008, black model) screen while vacation in Israel, 3 days into a 4 week trip (perfect timing!) and need to get it fixed as soon as I get back home (late Jan). I have been looking online and it appears the only way (reasonable priced) to go is to order a replacement screen online and then a DIY replacement. The only issue being, I have not once ounce of experience dealing with computer hardware. Wondering if anyone in the know would like to help a fellow CP'er out and help (read: show me and do most of it) me replace this screen? I am willing to offer $50 (so long as the job gets done right) or a few cases of beer to any kind soul who may want to help me out. I have been told this would take 1.25-2 hours if you know what you're doing, so I think that is fair. As mentioned, I am overseas now but hoping someone can agree to lend a hand when I return so I can order the part now.

Mods - feel free to move this thread to buy/sell if you feel it more applicable there.

[sclitheroe]

Originally Posted by kipperfan

I am willing to offer $50 (so long as the job gets done right) or a few cases of beer to any kind soul who may want to help me out. I have been told this would take 1.25-2 hours if you know what you're doing, so I think that is fair.

Lol...$50 for 2 hours work, by someone who knows what they are doing? Here's a hint: You could work at Chicken on the Way and make not much less for a couple hours work

[Russic]

I'm guessing there are maybe 2 or 3 on this board that have ever done what you're asking, so that would make them pretty specialized. $25/hour for specialized work isn't all that fair. After CP discount I'd think $75/hour is more in line with what is being asked. Also, in my opinion it doesn't matter if it turns out right or not... if somebody gives you 2 hours of time to help you with something like this, you should pay them.

[opendoor]

If you're willing to pay for shipping each way, these guys will do it for about $50 above the retail cost of an LCD panel:

http://www.iresq.com/macbook-repair/macbook.html

Though it looks like they ship only the US. It wouldn't hurt to contact them and see if they'll return it to Canada.

[sclitheroe]

Job done:
a) Fast
b) Cheap
c) Right

Pick any two.

[Hack&Lube]

Every model is slightly different and even in a single year, there are many variations inside the actual Macbook and most people have not done this more than once. It would probably take another 2 hours of research and prep for anybody local attempting this repair if they cared about doing a quality job and not causing further damage.

That's why the mail-in shops in the US that specialize in this sort of thing may be cheaper because they have much more experience with doing this on regular basis.

None of this is helpful to the OP though so if anybody is experienced in doing this type of replacement, just PM the OP with your going rate.

[Regular_John]

iFixIt.com guides are great, follow them to a T and take your time:
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installi...-Display/536/1

Having said that, that particular guide is listed as difficult, so you may or may not be confident enough to do it. But take a read through it a few times and see if you're grasping what your reading or if it's all greek. (not trying to be rude, just be honest about your confidence & abilities in cracking open expensive equipment).

I used the iFixIt guide to replace the harddrive in my 2006 Macbook Pro and it went great, but like I said, TAKE YOUR TIME.

[mac_gurl]

+1 for ifixit.com

My husband dropped our macbook pro on holidays, and cracked the screen. He's not the most computer savy person, but was able to fix it no problem, and for half the price that apple wanted. Fast shipping from ifixit.com too, the biggest problem was with fedex who wouldn't drop it at our door, as we had to sign it to pick it up.
I recommend doing it yourself. It barely took him an hour to fix it.