Have a powerbook G4 15 Display Issue

Problem is;

1) Bad graphics chipset,
or
2) Bad Video Cable, or loose connections,
or,
3) Bad screen Inverter,
or,
4) Bad LCD screen.

A) Graphics chipset:

(Chip and Chipset are slang terms for I.C.
Integrated Circuit,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrated_Circuit

The chipset, or I.C. used for graphics; is the graphics chipset.
More properly known as the G.P.U.
Graphics Processing Unit,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GPU )

Laptop OFF, monitor OFF, connect a VGA monitor; to the VGA connector on the laptop. (Port)
(Left side of laptop, if memory serves)

This is a General example of a VGA connector, (Port), and VGA cable,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VGA_Connector

You can use a CRT type of monitor (Looks like a small TV), or a flat LCD screen monitor if it has a VGA cable.

Turn the monitor on. If a CRT type allow it to warm up.
Turn the laptop on.
By factory default settings, the display should show on the external VGA monitor.
IF not;

You have at least 3 display options available;
1) Internal monitor of laptop ONLY
2) Internal monitor of laptop AND external VGA monitor
3) External VGA monitor ONLY

Press, and hold the Fn key down, and at the SAME time tap once on the F4 key.
(The F4 key is the Display Toggle-Over key)

Still no?
Hold the Fn key down again, and tap once more on the F4 key.

Same display on external VGA monitor (Red lines), suggests problem with the graphics chipset.
Good display on external VGA monitor means;

Problem with;
1) Video Cable
2) screen Inverter
3) LCD screen

http://tim.id.au/laptops/hp/hp%20g60%20compaq%20presario%20cq60.pdf

If you find it is one of the three stated above, post back in a Comment; and I'll guide you step by step, in diagnosing.

Will require partial disassembly of laptop, but not very far.
Will also require an ESD wrist strap.
Average cost is around $3 to $6.

Example,

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103245

Needed to keep from Static shocking, the delicate hardware components inside the laptop.

[All power removed;
Loosen Keyboard, and roll over out of the way. Do NOT disconnect Keyboard Cable.
Remove Keyboard Cover.
Remove Display Bezel.
Remove screws that hold LCD screen to Display Cover, and check Video Cable connections to back of LCD screen.

The plastic frame in front of the LCD screen, is the Display Bezel.
Laptop closed the top cover is the Display Cover.

Just basic instructions. Like I said, I will step by step you through it, if you wish ]

[Primer:
An LCD screen cannot produce light. It needs an additional light source.
A Backlight is the additional light source.

A Backlight can be a CCFL (or more than one), or a series of LED's.
(Light Emitting Diode)

The Compaq Presario CQ61 series of Notebook PC's, uses a single (1) CCFL.

A CCFL is a Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp.
Similar to Fluorescent lighting used in homes, and businesses; but on a MUCH smaller scale.

Average thickness is 2mm. That is a little more than 1/16th of an Inch, or about the width of this capital letter -> O <-

Average length is almost as long, as the LCD screen is in height.
View the last 8 photos,

http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2007/12/09/replace-laptop-backlight-ccfl-lamp/

The screen Inverter converts the power (Electricity), from the laptop; for the LCD screen, and Backlight.
Backlighting that uses CCFL, uses a screen Inverter.

Backlighting that uses a series of LED's, May or May Not use a screen Inverter.
It seems when the LED technology first came out, they did.
Later designs do not seem to.

Regards,
joecoolvette

Display Configuration A flickering screen may be caused by the computer detecting incorrect display settings as it starts or returns from sleep. It can also come from changes to the screen resolution settings caused by a new program or update installation. Verify screen resolution before assuming the issue is hardware related. Faulty Inverter Next to the display screen behind the plastic screen bezel is a small component called the inverter, which supplies power to the screen backlight. The flickering indicates the power is not reaching the backlight. To fix the issue, replace the inverter. Faulty Connectors The wires and cables traveling from the display around the hinges and into the motherboard tend to wear at the hinge area. Over time, the opening and closing of the screen causes this wear. The solution is to disassemble the plastic casing of the laptop, reorganize the cables so they have no interference from hinges, or replace the cables and connectors with new ones made specifically for the computer make and model experiencing the issue. b> Test an LCD Inverter An inverter is an electrical device on the bottom of your laptop screen. The job of the inverter is to convert DC electrical current to AC voltage to maintain power to the backlight lamp. If the display on your laptop is dark but working, odds are the inverter or the lamp are at fault. When troubleshooting monitor problems on a laptop, you may need to evaluate the inverter to determine which of the two parts is malfunctioning.

Remove the screen bezel on your laptop. The bezel is the piece of the computer casing that surrounds and protects the LCD screen. To remove the bezel, remove the screws around the screen. Bezel removal method may vary by model. Once the screws come out, the bezel should pop off. The inverter will be under the screen. Attach the positive probe (+) of a multimeter to the pin 1 on the inverter. The inverter has two connections, one on each end. With the laptop screen facing you, look at the left side of the inverter. Pin 1 is the top metal flange pointing to the right. Secure the negative probe (-) of the multimeter to any bare screw. There should be a screw securing the inverter to the laptop that will be perfect for the negative ground connection. Turn the laptop on to test the inverter. Turn the multimeter on and check the multimeter reading. If the display records voltage going to the inverter, such as 19 V DC, the inverter power supply is working. Turn the laptop off. Unplug the LCD inverter connection on the right side of the inverter. This disconnects the backlight from the inverter. Plug a working backlight to the connection on the right side of the inverter. Turn on the laptop. If the screen lights up, the backlight lamp is bad but the inverter works. If the screen remains dark, the inverter is bad.

Display Configuration

A flickering screen may be caused by the computer detecting incorrect display settings as it starts or returns from sleep.

It can also come from changes to the screen resolution settings caused by a new program or update installation.

Verify screen resolution before assuming the issue is hardware related.

Faulty Inverter

Next to the display screen behind the plastic screen bezel is a small component called the inverter, which supplies power to the screen backlight.

The flickering indicates the power is not reaching the backlight.

To fix the issue, replace the inverter.

Faulty Connectors

The wires and cables traveling from the display around the hinges and into the motherboard tend to wear at the hinge area.

Over time, the opening and closing of the screen causes this wear.

The solution is to disassemble the plastic casing of the laptop, reorganize the cables so they have no interference from hinges, or replace the cables and connectors with new ones made specifically for the computer make and model experiencing the issue.

hope this helps

1) Looking at the User Manual right now, and do not see a Hot Key on the Keyboard, that shifts the display.

[ Hot Key is also known as Special Key. The F1 through F12 keys at the top of the keyboard, and also for your model, colored keys on the keyboard ]

It could be the Screen Resolution is messed up. Not set at the correct settings.

Right-click on an empty area of your desktop screen.
At the bottom of the drop down list, click on Properties.

In the Display Properties window click on the Settings tab.

The screen pixel resolution should be set at 1366 X 768,

http://www.screentekinc.com/Asus_EEE_PC_1201HAB--12.1-inch--1366x768-wxga_hd-laptop-lcd-screen.shtml

In the middle of the Display Properties window, you see the blue subheading - Screen resolution

Right under this small subheading is a Slider.
The Pointed 'arrow' with the green tip, and top, slides back, and forth on the 'line'.

It should state 1366 X 768.
If it does not;

A) Left-click on that green tipped Slider. Hold the left mouse button down. Move your mouse, and move the Slider. (Drag)
Move it to the Left to Decrease the screen resolution, or to the Right to Increase the screen resolution.

Can't set it to 1366 X 768? Post back in a Comment.
ALSO, the Color Quality should be set to -
Highest (32 bit)

If not click on the blue down arrow to the right of this box.
In the list left-click on Highest (32 bit)

Now go below to the right, and click on Apply.
After go below to the Left, and click on OK.

Still no joy?
Believe the problem is hardware related.

Could be something as simple (?) as a bad Video Cable.
(Goes from the motherboard, up under the left Hinge, and then up into the Display Assembly)

Could be the screen Inverter.

However the Eee PC 1201HAB is supposed to use an LCD panel, that has qa series of LED's for backlighting.
Newer backlighting that uses a series of LED's for the Backlight, doesn't require a screen Inverter.

There were some LED backlit LCD screen, that DID use a screen Inverter. Mostly the older models of laptops.
This is what makes me think your LCD screen's Backlight, (And LED), may use a screen Inverter,

http://www.batterystyle.com/asus-eee-pc-1201hab-screen-p-168219.html

Scroll down,
"5. Disconnect the power cable and video cable from the Asus EEE PC 1201HAB Lcd panel. The power cable connects the screen's power source, the lcd inverter, to the backlight lamp attached to a side of the panel."

Probably just a generic form, and didn't take in consideration that the Eee PC 1201HAB netbook, uses a series of LED's, as a Backlight.

May not have a screen Inverter.

To explain;
Primer:

An LCD screen cannot produce light by itself,

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NA_Optical/Systems/BehindTheScenes/Optics101/

(Click on the window with the computer monitor in it )

It needs an additional light source. A Backlight is the additional light source.
A Backlight can be a CCFL, (Or two of them), or a series of LED's.

[ LED = Light Emitting Diode.
CCFL stands for Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp.
Similar to Fluorescent lighting used in homes, and businesses, but on a MUCH smaller scale.

{Average thickness of a CCFL bulb is 2mm. That is a a little larger than 1/16th of an Inch.
The average length is almost as long, as the LCD screen is in height]

A screen Inverter is used to CONVERT the power from the laptop, for the LCD screen, and Backlight.

Do not see any listings for an Asus Eee PC 1201HAB netbook, for a screen Inverter. Believe the LCD screen uses LED's for a Backlight, and does NOT use a screen Inverter.

Which means if the problem is in the Display Assembly, the LCD screen itself will need to be replaced.
The LED backlighting is built-in.

[Hmmmm, I see a trend going on here that I do not care for, and just woke up to it. Have to replace the entire LCD screen, and cannot just replace the Backlight, or screen Inverter? Sounds like Ka-ching $$$$$ for somebody!

A screen Inverter usually averages from $20 to $40+.
A Backlight ( CCFL) usually ranges from $10 to $15.
An average LCD screen can range from $80 to $300+.]

How to know if the problem is in the Display Assembly?
Use a VGA monitor, and connect it to your laptop.

A) Laptop OFF, monitor OFF. Connect a VGA monitor's cable to the VGA port on the laptop.
(Left side rear. This is an example of a VGA Cable, and VGA connector { Port on a computer },

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VGA_connector )

You can use an older CRT type of VGA monitor (Looks like a small TV), or a flat LCD screen monitor if it has a VGA cable attached.

B) Turn the monitor on. If a CRT type allow it to warm up.
Turn the laptop on.
By default the display should automatically show, on the external VGA monitor.
IF not;

There are at least three display options:
1) Internal monitor of laptop ONLY
2) Internal monitor of laptop AND external VGA monitor
3) External VGA monitor ONLY

Press the Fn key down, and hold it down. At the same time tap once on the F8 key.
The F8 key is the Display Toggle-Over key.
(Give it a few seconds. Sometimes it doesn't happen right away)

Still no?
Hold the Fn key down again, and tap once more on the F8 key.

Is the display off to one side on the external VGA monitor?
Post back in a Comment.

Regards,
joecoolvette

the screen lamp (CFT) may gone out of order

Meaning the graphics chipset is OK.

Problem lies with the Video Cable, or Display Assembly.
(Dell: Display Panel Cable = Video cable)

The Display Assembly is the;
1) Display Bezel: Plastic thin frame in front of the LCD screen.

2) LCD screen (Dell = Display Panel)

3) Screen Frame: The thin metal frame which surrounds the LCD screen layers, and also holds them in place. (Resembles a picture frame, and can be disassembled)

4) Camera (If applicable)

5) Screen Inverter: (Dell = Display Inverter)

The Display Panel Cable (Video Cable) is a thin flat ribbon cable.
One end connects to the motherboard, the cable then goes up by the left Hinge, and the opposite end connects to the back of the LCD screen, in the Display Assembly.

1) A connection may be loose. One end of the video cable may be loose, to it's connector.
BOTH the connection on the motherboard, AND the connection at the back of the LCD screen, need to be checked.

This means partial disassembly of the laptop body, to check the motherboard connection. It is under the Keyboard.
ALL power removed from laptop, AC adapter (Charger), and Battery, the Center Control Cover needs to be removed next, then the Keyboard,

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1545/en/SM/keyboard.htm#wp1179911

Also look at the condition of the sheath, of the video cable. If there looks to be apparent damage to the sheath, the tiny thin wires inside may also be damaged. (Stretched/Broken)

Checking the connection of the video cable at the LCD screen, requires opening the Display Assembly.
This requires removing the Display Assembly first,

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1545/en/SM/display.htm#wp1109848

Both connections check out? Prove to be tight? (If you open the Display Assembly, and the video cable falls off, it wasn't tight)

I would then suggest performing a continuity check of the video cable.
Check each wire in the video cable. (Multimeter set to Ohm's, see if electricity passes through the wires. Continuity)

If the video cable proves to be good, then the screen Inverter is next.

An LCD screen cannot produce light by itself. (Or enough light)
It needs an additional light source.
A Backlight is the additional light source.

A Backlight can be a CCFL, or a series of LED lights.
The Dell Inspiron 1545 Notebook PC uses a CCFL as a Backlight.

A CCFL is a Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp.
Similar to Fluorescent lighting used in homes, and businesses, but on a MUCH smaller scale.
{ Example: 2mm Wide and 334mm Long. That is approximately a little thicker than 1/16th of a inch, (.078), and a little longer than 13 inches }

A screen Inverter converts the power (Electricity) from the laptop, for the Backlight, and LCD screen.

90 PERCENT OF THE TIME the fault is the Inverter.

Fortunately it is also the cheaper of the parts, when compared to an LCD screen, and is easier to access.

It is behind the Display Bezel, and mounted at the bottom of the LCD screen frame.

[ In the Display Assembly link above scroll down to the subheading -
Display Bezel.
In the first photo under the subheading, the screen Inverter is shown at the bottom, of the LCD screen.

This example shows it in more detail,

http://www.batterysupport.com/dell-inspiron-1545-inverter-p-206027.html

To test a screen Inverter you need a sensitive multimeter. This = $$$$
(Or you can use a good Inverter to test)
Barring that the two examples above are not feasible, the alternative is to buy, and replace the screen Inverter.

A) Video Cable checks out it's on to the screen Inverter.
B) Replace screen Inverter does not fix the problem, the problem is a bad LCD screen.

I'm betting on a loose connection of the video cable, at the back of the LCD screen. Just my thoughts.

Post back in a Comment, (Or Comments), as to your findings.

Regards,
joecoolvette

Yes, this does sound like it's an inverter issue.
The only way to get this part is straight from Apple or from a Authorized Service Provider who get there parts straight from Apple.

It sounds like a backlight problem. It could be a problem with the inverter board or backlight itself. When the display "blanks out," can you still see a faint image on the screen -- especially if you look at an angle with some light shining on the screen? It is usually easiest to see changes on the screen - so after Windows boots, press the windows key on the keyboard repeatedly and look at the part of the screen where the start menu would appear. If you can see anyting, then it is definitely a backlight problem.

If it is a backlight problem, you'll need to disassemble the LCD panel to correct it. Correcting it might be as simple as re-seating or re-routing a loose or pinched backlight cable to as complex as replacing the LCD panel and inverter board. There is really no way to tell over the Internet. You'll probably void any applicable warranty by disassembling the panel.

By the way -- watch out, the inverter board can generate lots of voltage and reasonible amounts of current. I've never been shocked by one, but I've been careful.

This happens, and unless your startup disk is locked up and needs some swap space, it's just a matter of a screen whose time has come.

I'd highly recommend taking into the Apple Genius bar. You've definitely damaged something. You might be lucky and one of the connectors came loose, but most likely you damaged the LCD which will need to be replaced.