DockLite G4 / Screen replacement

[iantm]

I've read one account of updating an iMac G4 with a modern screen. But what if you want to retain the 1440x900 1x original, just get a better backlight? Also, that's a big more trouble that I'd like, but if it's the only option I'll look into it.

I've been toying with converting my sunflower to a mere display/audio/usb hub via the DockLite, because the original display is still ok. But it would be grand to throw in a brighter, albeit lower resolution upgrade.

 

[davidg5678]

I think it would be very possible to replace the CCFL backlight with an LED upgrade, similar to what I did here to an iBook Clamshell. https://68kmla.org/bb/threads/upgrading-ibook-clamshell-display.38727/

Personally, I'd probably go for the LCD panel replacement anyway. The way I figure it, is if I were already going to the time and expense to use the iMac as an external monitor, I might as well make it a pleasant external monitor to use. I strongly suspect modern macOS will look pretty crummy on a low resolution LCD panel. Anyway, the Juicycrumb product is going to end up being comparable in cost to outright replacing the panel unfortunately.

 

[iantm]

i need to give this G4 some kind of purpose. It was free so I suppose I’ve nothing to lose by breaking it… but I’ll have to save that surgery for when I could really focus on it. Fortunately my project backburner isn’t big.

Good to know that it’s possible, though!

 

[iantm]

Some questions remain like is the backlight controller at all the same? I’m guessing probably not. Can I find a led that would even fit?


It’s encouraging that so many have succeeded with their iBooks. But the g4 sunflower is a different beast… I’ll begin some research.