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As with most things regarding replacement parts for Apple's Titanium PowerBook computers, looks can be deceiving. While it appears that all Titanium PowerBook displays are alike, this is not true. Apple produced displays with two different screen resolutions for the Titanium PowerBooks. This guide will explain the different display types, how to distinguish between them and how to select the proper display for your PowerBook.
The VGA PowerBooks use a 15.2" LCD with a screen resolution of 1152 x 768 pixels. These PowerBooks cover processor speeds of 400, 500, 550 and 667 MHz. (I believe the LCD is a Samsung model LTN152W1-L01 & LTN152W2-L01). The DVI Titanium PowerBooks use an LCD with screen resolution of 1280 x 854 pixels. The DVI PowerBooks cover processor speeds of: 667, 800, 867 MHz and 1 GHz. The figures below depict the PowerBook VGA and DVI connectors.
PowerBook VGA Port PowerBook DVI Port
The VGA display assemblies for the 400/500 MHz and 550/667 MHz PowerBooks are not identical. The "sleep" magnet is placed in a different location between the two models. The figure below depicts the approximate location of the sleep magnets for the VGA displays. The blue dot indicates the location of the 400/500 sleep magnet and the red dot indicates the location of the 550/667 sleep magnet.
The simplest way to determine where the sleep magnet is located on your display is to place your PowerBook on a flat surface with the lid closed then take a small metal object, such as a small screw, and move it to the general location of the sleep magnet. The magnetic field is strong enough that if you get within 10-15 mm of either location, it will snap into place.
The sleep magnet operates a reed switch that detects when the lid has been opened or closed. Installing a replacement display assembly with the magnet located in the incorrect position will disable lid open/closed signal. In practical terms, if you shut your PowerBook display, it won't automatically go to sleep. Conversely, if you open the display, it won't automatically wake from sleep. If you're purchasing a "drop-in" replacement for a VGA PowerBook, the best thing to do is purchase a replacement display assembly that specifically matches your PowerBook model.
Apple increased the PowerBook screen resolution to 1280 x 854 pixels (Samsung model LTN152W3-L01) beginning with the third generation Titanium PowerBooks. Apple used the same display design for the remainder of the Titanium PowerBook product line. Third and 4th generation Titanium PowerBooks are generally referred to as "DVI models". These PowerBooks cover processor speeds of 667, 800, 867 MHz and 1 GHz.
The 667 MHz PowerBook is unusual because Apple produced two different models with this processor speed. If you have a 667 MHz PowerBook, and you're not sure which model you own, you should check the video connector at the back of the unit before purchasing a replacement display (see figure above for connector guide). Another way to determine the model is by using the System Profiler to check the graphics/display information. The VGA model has 16Mb and the DVI model has 32Mb of VRAM.
One final word, physically the VGA and DVI displays appear almost identical. You can usually differentiate between the two screen resolutions by the color of the backlight wire (single set of two wires on right side of display). VGA displays (1152 x 768) usually have pink & white wires and DVI displays (1280 x 854) usually have black & grey wires. Before purchasing a replacement display assembly, make sure you check the item description for either a specific reference to screen resolution or PowerBook model. If you're not sure, then ask the seller before purchasing to avoid getting the wrong display.
I hope these tips help you to have a better eBuying experience on eBay. If you've found this guide helpful PLEASE VOTE on it at the bottom of this page, if you didn't, well VOTE anyway. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any corrections, questions or suggestions for this guide. I'm always looking to improve my reviews and guides.
The VGA PowerBooks use a 15.2" LCD with a screen resolution of 1152 x 768 pixels. These PowerBooks cover processor speeds of 400, 500, 550 and 667 MHz. (I believe the LCD is a Samsung model LTN152W1-L01 & LTN152W2-L01). The DVI Titanium PowerBooks use an LCD with screen resolution of 1280 x 854 pixels. The DVI PowerBooks cover processor speeds of: 667, 800, 867 MHz and 1 GHz. The figures below depict the PowerBook VGA and DVI connectors.
PowerBook VGA Port PowerBook DVI Port
The VGA display assemblies for the 400/500 MHz and 550/667 MHz PowerBooks are not identical. The "sleep" magnet is placed in a different location between the two models. The figure below depicts the approximate location of the sleep magnets for the VGA displays. The blue dot indicates the location of the 400/500 sleep magnet and the red dot indicates the location of the 550/667 sleep magnet.
The simplest way to determine where the sleep magnet is located on your display is to place your PowerBook on a flat surface with the lid closed then take a small metal object, such as a small screw, and move it to the general location of the sleep magnet. The magnetic field is strong enough that if you get within 10-15 mm of either location, it will snap into place.
The sleep magnet operates a reed switch that detects when the lid has been opened or closed. Installing a replacement display assembly with the magnet located in the incorrect position will disable lid open/closed signal. In practical terms, if you shut your PowerBook display, it won't automatically go to sleep. Conversely, if you open the display, it won't automatically wake from sleep. If you're purchasing a "drop-in" replacement for a VGA PowerBook, the best thing to do is purchase a replacement display assembly that specifically matches your PowerBook model.
Apple increased the PowerBook screen resolution to 1280 x 854 pixels (Samsung model LTN152W3-L01) beginning with the third generation Titanium PowerBooks. Apple used the same display design for the remainder of the Titanium PowerBook product line. Third and 4th generation Titanium PowerBooks are generally referred to as "DVI models". These PowerBooks cover processor speeds of 667, 800, 867 MHz and 1 GHz.
The 667 MHz PowerBook is unusual because Apple produced two different models with this processor speed. If you have a 667 MHz PowerBook, and you're not sure which model you own, you should check the video connector at the back of the unit before purchasing a replacement display (see figure above for connector guide). Another way to determine the model is by using the System Profiler to check the graphics/display information. The VGA model has 16Mb and the DVI model has 32Mb of VRAM.
One final word, physically the VGA and DVI displays appear almost identical. You can usually differentiate between the two screen resolutions by the color of the backlight wire (single set of two wires on right side of display). VGA displays (1152 x 768) usually have pink & white wires and DVI displays (1280 x 854) usually have black & grey wires. Before purchasing a replacement display assembly, make sure you check the item description for either a specific reference to screen resolution or PowerBook model. If you're not sure, then ask the seller before purchasing to avoid getting the wrong display.
I hope these tips help you to have a better eBuying experience on eBay. If you've found this guide helpful PLEASE VOTE on it at the bottom of this page, if you didn't, well VOTE anyway. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any corrections, questions or suggestions for this guide. I'm always looking to improve my reviews and guides.
Guide created: 06/28/06 (updated 09/06/08)
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