Upgrading Laptop Display

[Docs45332]

hey there, long term LTT fan, new to the forums, recently found passion in modifying an old Toshiba satellite a100 that was gifted to me, running maxed ram, a new SSD, and a fresh Zorin OS install with intent to use it as a mobile media consumption device, and was curious if anyone with a bit more knowledge than i could help me find a slightly higher resolution display to fully bring this old girl into the new age, the only things i am somewhat confident in regarding the current display is that its 1280X800, something about a 30 pin ribbon connector, and that it is firmly attached to the laptop at the moment, any help (or even knowing its a lots cause) would be greatly appreciated :)

[Takumidesh]

This seems like a monumental task that IMO is probably not worth the effort.

 

You need to find a panel that will be higher resolution, has the same pinout (or you would need to modify it), has the exact same footprint & mounting points, screw holes, etc.(the part that seems most difficult to me) and that would be a reasonable price (if its too expensive then you might as well just save for a new laptop).

 

 

Then after sourcing the parts, you will actually need to the replacement, make sure that the laptop can deliver enough power to the screen, and that it is even supported.

Keep in mind that a laptop screen is not necessarily using a protocol like HDMI, it is likely using something like lvds or eDP. which means that unless the replacement screen is compatible there may be lots of trouble there as well. There is also driver support issues.

 

Overall, unless there is an available OEM direct replacement (e.g. the laptop came with two different display options) I do not think this is worth pursuing and even if the direct replacement is available, that does not mean that the chips in the laptop itself will support it.

 

 

[jaslion]

No upgrades possible.

 

You say media consumption but this laptop doesnt have any modern hardware acceleration so I doubt it will even do 720p streaming.

 

Dont waste money on this device either you can have a way faster laptop with a way better screen used for around 100$. That or a new tablet thats far better for 200$

[Andrewtst]

No point for the hassle as it is way too old. This laptop is release in year 2007, that is 15 years ago. 

You should just keep it as it is. Not worth to upgrade any part of it anymore.

 

If you really wan, connect to external monitor is the better option if you have extra not use monitor.

Not recommended to buy it as it is only support VGA output where most modern monitor also no longer came with it.

[IPD]

I have a 2014 laptop that isn't even up to snuff (can't get windows 11), and has been relegated to HTPC streaming duties.  I can't imagine wasting time/effort/money on trying to upgrade something from 2007.

[jaslion]

18 hours ago, IPD said:

I have a 2014 laptop that isn't even up to snuff (can't get windows 11), and has been relegated to HTPC streaming duties.  I can't imagine wasting time/effort/money on trying to upgrade something from 2007.

And the moment it stops supporting modern codecs even that will fall off.

 

I have a intel hd 2000 laptop with an i5 something something and its struggling bad on todays web. Cpu performance is enough but the gpu is just not supporting modern standards.

 

A device from 2007 is not eveb going to be able to bruteforce playing hd yt videos at this point.