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17" Macbook Pro upgrade to WUXGA High Res

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bleepjay

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 28, 2008
43
0
So I bought my first Mac and got it today and are pretty pumped. I bought it used and got a decent price on it, but it is the regular display, and I think I want the High Res Display.

I noticed the thread about a Hi-def MBP but that thread is more focused on the 15". I'm assuming this will be a pretty easy upgrade where I could swap out the screens because the hardware should support the upgraded LCD?

Am I correct in thinking this? Any recommendations as to where to get a screen? Does Apple offer to do the upgrade at all? I don't mind doing it, but if it's not much more expensive for them to do, I'd rather the do it.

I appreciate all help in advance.
 
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bleepjay

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 28, 2008
43
0
I would have but saved a good amount of money by buying it used. I'm wondering if I need to try to sell this one and get the exact one I want or if the upgrade can be done rather easily
 
bobbleheadbob

bobbleheadbob

macrumors 6502a
Feb 6, 2007
653
0
Massachusetts
I have one (17" hi res MBP) and love it. Apple only sells them direct as an option when you order. I'm 99% sure you can't upgrade an existing MBP thru them. Not sure if you could do it yourself or not.

How about selling the one you got used and buying a new one with the config you want direct thru Apple? Sometimes they are available for a discount thru the refurb :apple: store. There's a couple up there now for $2,500.
 
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bleepjay

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 28, 2008
43
0
So is that the only option? I've replaced LCD screens in other laptops (PCs) before but never a Mac. Is it a very similar replacement.
 
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Eric.

macrumors regular
Mar 30, 2008
188
0
See if you can find some Apple certified repair centers around you. They may be willing to sell you a panel.
 
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bleepjay

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 28, 2008
43
0
So should I stay away from the panels I see on ebay that are for this MBP?
 
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bleepjay

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 28, 2008
43
0
What do you mean Bubba? I bought the regular display, but after having it a little while, and because I am going to be using this for software development, I feel the higher Res will be a lot more beneficial. Do you think my best option would be to sell this and get one with the display?
 
Fry-man22

Fry-man22

macrumors 6502
Nov 25, 2007
455
26
bleepjay said:
What do you mean Bubba? I bought the regular display, but after having it a little while, and because I am going to be using this for software development, I feel the higher Res will be a lot more beneficial. Do you think my best option would be to sell this and get one with the display?
Click to expand...

As long as you are confident in your ability to replace the display it doesn't seem like it's THAT hard. I think people are just used to the closed box un-changeable ways of the Mac...

iFixit.com probably has all the documentation you need to preform the swap and I don't think the LCD connectors would be different, the one this you should make sure of is the physical size of the display. I think the 17" Hi-res is LED and the low res is still a tube light or something, that could cause issues.

The cost you saved however may be blown away by the cost of the panel. Here's one (I think) http://www.welovemacs.com/6614628.html but it's like $899 without the old one to swap. This place says they'll repair one for $550 but I don't know if they would put in a different one...
http://www.macservice.com/macbookpro.html

Good luck.
 
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bleepjay

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 28, 2008
43
0
I can just go into the store and exchange my computer? I don't understand. How much credit would they give me? Keep in mind that I bought this from somebody.
 
Fry-man22

Fry-man22

macrumors 6502
Nov 25, 2007
455
26
bleepjay said:
What about something like this
http://cgi.ebay.com/A-NEW-APPLE-MAC...ryZ81687QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Is it even worth trying?
Click to expand...

I'd say NO. At least if you spend the $500-$700 then you are for sure to end up with the correct panel; these guys you may or may not get the correct one for your $300. Even if you do get the correct panel (unless all the 17" MBP are the same screen then I don't see how them listing 17" hi-res is enough detail), they give 4 month of warranty as opposed to a year for the other guys...

I would try to find a MBP with the screen you want and a trashed logic board or something and pull the screen before I did the ebay panel, but I don't know; I could be completely wrong. The guy you linked to has really good feedback and is a power seller so if indeed it was the correct LCD with no issues then it's a helluva deal...
 
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