LCD compatibility?

[cwb]

I'm lookin' for a screen for my gateway (don't laugh too hard) mx 6131. I think I got the only one. Searches return very little; almost zero.

There's at least hundreds of Gateway MX xxxx models, w/ identically configured 15.4inch screens/bezels/specifications (to a 'T'):

15.4-inch active matrix (TFT) LCD color display
Maximum panel resolution: 1280 × 800.
Maximum color depth: 32-bit (16.7 million colors) at 1024 × 768 and 262,144 colors at 1280 × 800
LCD supported video modes
XGA
SXGA+
WXGA
LCD maximum refresh rate: 60 Hz

If the screen fits, is there any way that one with a different part # would NOT work???

Thanks!

[redwudz]

From the Gateway site, that appears to be part No. 105097 - 15.4-inch WXGA Glare LCD Assembly
http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/Q106/Blade/5953nv.shtml

A similar one is listed at $375US on one laptop display site. This site appears to have that part number: http://www.cygnussupply.com/Gateway/Gateway-Page3.html But you would have to email them for availability and price.

I hope that laptop's worth it.

[TBoneit]

Shrot answer is if the screen fits it could work. Depends on the electrical connections.

Make sure the screen you buy is for your model. It could even help if you open the unit and look at the part number on the panel itself.

You do know that the screen will only be the LCD panel itself and not the housing? What is the problem? Cracked, doesn't light, Etc.

In the case of doesn't light take a flashlight and see if shining it on the screen shows the image. Test the computer itself by hooking up a external VGA monitor. Before spending that kind of money I'd want to be sure the panel is bad and not just the inverter for example.

[cwb]

Thanks!

No, the box is hardly worth a new screen, unless I can get a toasted unit from ebay.

I've done google for about 15 - 20 hours in the last couple days on this, and cannot find a checklist for spec compatibility/interchangeability. Even more strange, is how many Gateway 15.4 screens are used in the MX xxxx series!!! Some of them HAVE TO be compatible. And there's tons of 'em on ebay.

Still waitin' on Gateway to provide info on other models' screen swap...

Anybody with more tips/suggestions/website info on specs?

Thanks!

[cwb]

Shrot answer is if the screen fits it could work. Depends on the electrical connections.

Make sure the screen you buy is for your model. It could even help if you open the unit and look at the part number on the panel itself.

You do know that the screen will only be the LCD panel itself and not the housing? What is the problem? Cracked, doesn't light, Etc.

In the case of doesn't light take a flashlight and see if shining it on the screen shows the image. Test the computer itself by hooking up a external VGA monitor. Before spending that kind of money I'd want to be sure the panel is bad and not just the inverter for example.

If the connector is identical, and the mount is good, what could then be a problem?

Would the screen manufacturer's # be different from the Gateway part #?

Screen is crushed, and CD/DVD drive. All else works, even to external monitor.

[TBoneit]

Connector and mounting is mechanical, Electrical could be different.

If everything is the same why have different part #'s

Open the screen housing and look at the part number then look for that part number.

IOWs ignore computer model and look by part number. To open look for removable plugs covering screws. That is generic since I'm not familiar with your model. Once the screws are out carefully remove the front bezel around the screen and see if there are more mounting screws holding the panel itself in. Some have teh connectors in the screen and more have the connectors on the motherboard. So be very carefull.

A second though if it isn't needed to be portable? Just remove the screen and use as a desktop.

Cheers

[SingSing]

"Maximum color depth: 32-bit (16.7 million colors) at 1024 × 768 and 262,144 colors at 1280 × 800"

Look like you are going to have trouble finding a matching LCD monitor. Most of them are 1280x1024, or 1440x800.

You are going to see aliasing(grey dash/spot) if your PC and LCD monitor resolution is not an exact match.

For your situation, buying a matching graphics card and monitor, is the way to go.

[MJA]

even if he finds the part the price is going to be over $300. cheaper to buy a new laptop

[cwb]

I got a glossy screen for $69 on ebay.

Joy!

[cwb]

After a ton of research, I found that 99% of screens that have same sizes, AND RESOLUTION, are interchangeable. If the connector/mobo interface is the same, it's about 99.9% interchangeable.

[TBoneit]

Sad to say the connector to the mobo is the biggest problem. I have tons of them here, same size. Not interchangeable due to connectors being different. Inverters being different.

I'll disagree with your 99% figure. Much, much lower. They have to be physically the same, electrically the same, connectors must be the same.

If it was that easy do you really think there would be so many different inverters? Screens? for sale. Someone would be selling universal parts.

Sad to say they don't work. We've had this problem with inverters, they work for a few minutes every turn on then no display. Change to exact part, no problem.