Replace the screen on the EEE PC 901

What do you do when electronics fall apart? Most of us just bin it and buy a new one. Especially with the high prices the I.T companies charge. 50 euros just to look at it? F that. There's another way: D.I.Y.
It's really not that difficult. Here's how to replace a broken LCD on the EEE PC 901.



The above atrocity happened when a cell phone went flying and landed flat on the screen. The netbook didn't sustain any other damage. It just needs an LCD change.
First step is to locate the necessary replacement part. The 8.9" LCD screen. They sell for just 42 euros (£36) on ebay. Thank god for the Chinese!



Here's the old and new screen side by side.
Next, make sure that you have a screwdriver, and an old credit card or a guitar pick. If your screwdriver isn't magnetized you can attach a magnet on it. It helps a lot in removing the screws without losing them.



Start by removing the charger and the battery. Then remove 7 screws on the bottom. Because I tend to forget where each screw goes so I try to group them together with magnets and write down a short description to help me with the re-assembly. I strongly recommend you to do the same.



Now in order to remove the keyboard you have to press 3 tabs that hold it in place.



Here's a close-up of one of the tabs



After you free the keyboard from the tabs lift it slowly from the top. The lower part is attached to the rest of the netbook via the connecting ribbon. In order to disconnect it you have to pry apart the little black piece of plastic that keeps the ribbon tight in place. Then the keyboard is free. Put it aside.


this is the point of no return. If you're having second thoughts this is the time to screw everything back because after you break that yellow sticker you instantly void your warranty. Of course if your warranty is already expired, you got nothing to fear.



unscrew everything you see, and detach the little touchpad cable. It has the same locking mechanism as the keyboard.



Now for the next step, you have to insert something soft and slim on the sides to separate the top from the bottom. DO NOT use a screwdriver or you will scratch and mark the plastic. Use an old credit card, or a guitar pick.



Ta-daaa! Sexy exposed electronics. Notice the thermal paste on the CPU, GPU and north-bridge. The upper chassis functions as a heatsink that dissipates heat through the keyboard. Optionally, Remove the LCD ribbon on the right.



Next, you have to remove the plastic tabs that hide the screws. Keep them somewhere safe to put them back once we're finished. After you unscrew the 6 screws that hold together the monitor. Now in order to pry the LCD casing appart you need your trusty guitar pick or credit card. Insert, and pry away.



Remove the cable on the back of the LCD.



Next remove the support brackets and keep them for the new LCD. Throw away the old LCD. (By "throw-away" I really mean recycle). Screw back the support brackets, connect the LCD ribbon, and test that it's working before you re-assemble everything.



It's alive!!





Final step: remove the protective film. Congrats. You made it.