How to get MacBook screen/iSight repaired quickly from Canada?

March 1, 2008 6:53 PM

How can I get my MacBook screen and iSight repaired quickly (by March 6), safely and affordably? I'm in Canada and I do not have AppleCare. The screen cracked and iSight stopped working after I dropped it about a metre, but the laptop is otherwise usable. I'm searching on Google but I would like some recommendations of specific companies.
posted by Xianny to Computers & Internet (7 answers total)

Where in Canada?
posted by winston at 6:58 PM on March 1, 2008

How adventurous are you with technology? Screens are really not all the difficult to replace, so if you have a couple of hours to spare, I'd recommend you do it yourself. I've purchased tons of replacement parts from Powerbookmedic.com and they ship very quickly. They're in the US but offer affordable international shipping. All you would need is the screen and two types of screwdrivers.

Here are the parts you'd need.

http://www.powerbookmedic.com/133-MacBook-Display-LCD-Screen-NEW-p-16961.html
http://www.powerbookmedic.com/Laptop-Repair-Tool-Set-p-17102.html

I'm sure you'll find a variety of detailed guides online form iFixIt and others. If you aren't that gutsy, you can always try to find a friendly nearby tech and provide the parts.
posted by cgomez at 7:00 PM on March 1, 2008

winston: Vancouver, thanks.
posted by Xianny at 7:17 PM on March 1, 2008

cgomez, I'm curious about this too - what about the iSight she mentioned?

http://www.powerbookmedic.com/xcart1/product.php?productid=17034&cat=0&page=1
does thiss contain the iSight?
posted by mebibyte at 7:21 PM on March 1, 2008

@mebibtye: I doubt that the iSight was actually damaged in the drop; the ribbon cable that attaches it to the logic board was probably just disconnected. It doesn't look like Powerbookmedic carries that item, the bezel you linked to is just the front piece of the display housing.
posted by cgomez at 7:31 PM on March 1, 2008

Lowest aftermarket price for quality door-to-door screen replacement I have found is:

TechRestore

I've done the screen and bezel on a Macbook myself with e-bayed parts (a Macbook screen can be had for about $100-150 if you bid aggressively). But it ain't easy work unless you know your way around a laptop's innards already. Lots and lots of very tiny screws, no two alike. Not a job for a beginner.

Apple charges twice as much as TechRestore.
posted by fourcheesemac at 4:39 AM on March 2, 2008

Seconding that the camera is probably fine once you get the cable or connectors replaced.
posted by fourcheesemac at 4:40 AM on March 2, 2008