MacBook Pro Screen is Shot - Help Me Choose My Best Option

[dmw16]

My wife inherited my mid-2010 15" MBP about 6 months ago and about 5 months ago she dropped it on our hardwood floor and dented the lid near the hinge. Aside from the dent it seemed no worse for the fall.

However, over the weekend it developed a 2" wide band of color/distortion/etc which is made worse when I shake the screen. I'm guessing the hinge or ribbon cable is damaged.

I figure my options are:

1. Take it to the Genius Bar as it's still under warranty. Seems like I may as well give it a shot, but the dent may cause them to not cover it. Anyone have experience with this?

2. Replace the display and ribbon cable. I can order the parts and tools for about $150. Does it sound like that would fix it?

3. Sell her laptop As-Is and order a refurb machine or go on eBay. This is the most expensive option and I'd rather not go there.

#1 seems like a no-brainer, but I'd like to hear thoughts mainly on option #2.

Thanks.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Try the genius bar, they sometimes fix accidental damage, and could likely tell you if #2 would work if not.

 

[bearxor]

It's totally possible to replace the display and ribbon cable. You might spend more on coin that than your comfortable with though.

Definitely take it to an Apple store and feign a little ignorance. Don't be dishonest, just don't OFFER too much information. They'll probably notice the dent but just tell them it's been working fine for several months. That would be what I would do first.

 

[dmw16]

It's totally possible to replace the display and ribbon cable. You might spend more on coin that than your comfortable with though.

Definitely take it to an Apple store and feign a little ignorance. Don't be dishonest, just don't OFFER too much information. They'll probably notice the dent but just tell them it's been working fine for several months. That would be what I would do first.

I found a screen and ribbon cable on eBay for about $125 which isn't bad assuming that fixes it. A full lid assembly is too much money ($700+) but just the display and ribbon at $125 is worth the risk of it not working.

 

[Atty]

Take it to the Genius bar. Its free, in warranty, they might fix it for you, and if not you'll get an estimate of the cost of them doing it vs you doing it yourself. Always the best option.

 

[Patranus]

1. Have the wife take it to the Genius Bar and act ditzy.

fixed.

 

[ubercaffeinated]

fixed.

+1 - I've seen geniuses complete fold over ditzy acting coeds. Nothing like using a little sex appeal to get your way.

 

[dmw16]

+1 - I've seen geniuses complete fold over ditzy acting coeds. Nothing like using a little sex appeal to get your way.

Actually not a bad idea...

 

[dclive]

It's not as if it's useless even without a screen - you can always use it as a nice and 1" thin mac mini....

 

[dmw16]

It's not as if it's useless even without a screen - you can always use it as a nice and 1" thin mac mini....

She uses her laptop as a laptop so she needs it to be mobile.

Turns out it isn't under warranty (I was looking at the wrong order) so I went ahead and ordered a new LCD, ribbon cable, and tools. For under $200 it's worth trying to fix it myself before selling it As-Is and getting a new machine.