backlight or inverter?

Thanks for your reply, fredman.

In the interim, I went ahead and ordered both the inverter &
backlight. Actually, of the two, the inverter is quite a bit more
expensive - $69.99 vs $9.99. I found a supplier that carries a large
assortment of LCD replacement parts (http://www.lcdparts.net).
Supposedly, they manufacture *improved* replacements for both parts -
their CCFL tubes are brighter than the original OEM's; and their
inverters are re-engineered to be more reliable.

Neither part looks like it's too difficult to replace, and their Web
site even has step-by-step instructions on how to do it. Of course,
the inverter is pretty much a no-brainer to replace (2 connectors &
some double-stick tape); but I *will* be a little nervous when re-
soldering the wires onto the CCFL tube ends - supposedly very fragile.
I'll let you know how I make out.

best,
JohnB
 >> Stay informed about: backlight or inverter? 

Got it. Took me about 2 hrs because the CCFL tube was so buried under
the ribbon circuits for the LCD array; and they're covered with the
copper foil shielding, which you havta carefully peel away. I was able
to re-install the foil shielding and hold it in place with some
strategically-placed pieces of Scotch tape...god bless the good people
at 3M.

It was pretty nerve-wracking to desolder/solder the leads onto the new
tube - you just havta be careful because the tube is so tiny &
fragile.

The LCD now works like a charm, and is probably about 15-20% brighter
than it ever was. The tubes from http://www.lcdparts.net are
supposedly brighter than the original OEM's that they replace. Sure
looks that way to me.

Now I know how to replace an backlight inverter & CCFL - althought I'm
not anxious to do it again any time soon!

JohnB
 >> Stay informed about: backlight or inverter?