Christine, I tried the JB Weld. It didn't succeed. Closing the welded lid just once produced enough torque to break the "weld" (made of brittle epoxy) and mortally damaged my LCD screen in the process.
-
Rather than going through all that again, I decided to transform my MBP into a desktop Mac. I cut away the top case (being careful to preserve a lead that apparently made the computer sleep when the case was closed and another that may be a wireless antenna). I then filed off the hinge's sharp edges.
+
Rather than going through all that again, I decided to transform my MBP into a desktop version. I cut away the top case (being careful to preserve a lead that apparently made the computer sleep when the case was closed and another that may be a wireless antenna). I then filed off the hinge's sharp edges.
I was left with the operational 95% of my computer contained in the bottom half.
-
I connected to the chopped MBP a 23" Apple HD Cinema Display sitting in my garage, installed Shades (a free, open-source display-control application), and clipped to the display a cheap Logitech C270 webcam ($15-$25).
+
I connected to the chopped MBP a 23" Apple HD Cinema Display I had sitting in my garage, installed Shades (a free display-control application downloadable at http://screenshade.en.softonic.com/mac/), and clipped to the display a cheap but very effective Logitech C270 webcam ($15-$25). I can fine-tune control the camera with eCamm iGlasses (http://www.ecamm.com/mac/iglasses/, $20) or simply use it out of the box.
-
Voila: my kludged "new" desktop Mac is easier to work at than was it was as an intact MBP! The screen is easier to read and watch, the computer runs cooler (important in the desert, where I live), and the stability of the keyboard in this configuration is much greater than it was.
+
Voila: my kludged "new" desktop Mac is a better workstation than it was a laptop! The screen is easier to read or watch, the computer runs cooler (important in the desert, where I live), and the stability of the keyboard in this configuration is much greater than it was. Surprisingly, the sound is unaffected at all or maybe even a little louder than it was before.
-
(I have an MB Air on which I can take my computing with me, when necessary. I'd rather work on the desktop Mac)
+
When necessary, I have an MB Air on which I can take my computing with me. But I'd much rather work on my desktop Mac.
-
Admittedly, this is a radical situation, the "joke solution" in many somber explanations of how to fix your broken top frame. True, you may not want to give up your machine's portability or former good looks. Or you may not have a display to substitute for the screen. But if you do, I can assure you: this solution works fine. And it may prove the only sure way to preserve your Mac. Maybe you can safely install another frame, but unless you're a tech with experience, I wouldn't count on it. And what if it later breaks just as your first one did?
+
Admittedly, this is a radical solution, the "joke solution" in many somber explanations of how to fix your broken top frame. True, you may not want to give up your machine's portability or ''former'' good looks. Or, you may not have a display to substitute for the screen. But if you don't care about the former and do have or can acquire the latter, I can assure you: this solution works great. And it may prove the only way to preserve your Mac. Maybe you can safely install another frame yourself, but unless you're a tech with experience, I wouldn't count on it. Commercially, it can cost up to $500, the cost of a replacement 2009 MBP. And what if the new screen later breaks, just as your first one did?
-
At least now you know: your Mac can have an afterlife even if you accidentally murder it while trying to save it.
+
At least now you know: your Mac can have an afterlife, can be reborn, even if you accidentally murder it while trying to save it.
-
Sincerely, Bob Jacobson aka bobbissimo
+
Sincerely, Bob Jacobson (aka bobbissimo)
PS If you do go this route, be very careful with the LCD when you cut away the top lid. An intact LCD screen, even one this old, can fetch you around $100 on eBay. A broken one, like mine, zilch.
Christine, I tried the JB Weld. It didn't succeed. The very first time I closed the welded lid it produced enough torque to break the "weld" (made of brittle epoxy) and mortally damaged my LCD screen in the process.
+
Christine, I tried the JB Weld. It didn't succeed. Closing the welded lid just once produced enough torque to break the "weld" (made of brittle epoxy) and mortally damaged my LCD screen in the process.
Rather than going through all that again, I decided to transform my MBP into a desktop Mac. I cut away the top case (being careful to preserve a lead that apparently made the computer sleep when the case was closed and another that may be a wireless antenna). I then filed off the hinge's sharp edges.
I was left with the operational 95% of my computer contained in the bottom half.
I connected to the chopped MBP a 23" Apple HD Cinema Display sitting in my garage, installed Shades (a free, open-source display-control application), and clipped to the display a cheap Logitech C270 webcam ($15-$25).
Voila: my kludged "new" desktop Mac is easier to work at than was it was as an intact MBP! The screen is easier to read and watch, the computer runs cooler (important in the desert, where I live), and the stability of the keyboard in this configuration is much greater than it was.
(I have an MB Air on which I can take my computing with me, when necessary. I'd rather work on the desktop Mac)
Admittedly, this is a radical situation, the "joke solution" in many somber explanations of how to fix your broken top frame. True, you may not want to give up your machine's portability or former good looks. Or you may not have a display to substitute for the screen. But if you do, I can assure you: this solution works fine. And it may prove the only sure way to preserve your Mac. Maybe you can safely install another frame, but unless you're a tech with experience, I wouldn't count on it. And what if it later breaks just as your first one did?
At least now you know: your Mac can have an afterlife even if you accidentally murder it while trying to save it.
Sincerely, Bob Jacobson aka bobbissimo
PS If you do go this route, be very careful with the LCD when you cut away the top lid. An intact LCD screen, even one this old, can fetch you around $100 on eBay. A broken one, like mine, zilch.
Christine, I tried the JB Weld. It didn't succeed. The very next time I closed the lid it produced enough torque to break the "weld" (made of brittle epoxy) and mortally damaged my LCD screen in the process.
+
Christine, I tried the JB Weld. It didn't succeed. The very first time I closed the welded lid it produced enough torque to break the "weld" (made of brittle epoxy) and mortally damaged my LCD screen in the process.
Rather than going through all that again, I decided to transform my MBP into a desktop Mac. I cut away the top case (being careful to preserve a lead that apparently made the computer sleep when the case was closed and another that may be a wireless antenna). I then filed off the hinge's sharp edges.
I was left with the operational 95% of my computer contained in the bottom half.
I connected to the chopped MBP a 23" Apple HD Cinema Display sitting in my garage, installed Shades (a free, open-source display-control application), and clipped to the display a cheap Logitech C270 webcam ($15-$25).
Voila: my kludged "new" desktop Mac is easier to work at than was it was as an intact MBP! The screen is easier to read and watch, the computer runs cooler (important in the desert, where I live), and the stability of the keyboard in this configuration is much greater than it was.
(I have an MB Air on which I can take my computing with me, when necessary. I'd rather work on the desktop Mac)
Admittedly, this is a radical situation, the "joke solution" in many somber explanations of how to fix your broken top frame. True, you may not want to give up your machine's portability or former good looks. Or you may not have a display to substitute for the screen. But if you do, I can assure you: this solution works fine. And it may prove the only sure way to preserve your Mac. Maybe you can safely install another frame, but unless you're a tech with experience, I wouldn't count on it. And what if it later breaks just as your first one did?
At least now you know: your Mac can have an afterlife even if you accidentally murder it while trying to save it.
Sincerely, Bob Jacobson aka bobbissimo
PS If you do go this route, be very careful with the LCD when you cut away the top lid. An intact LCD screen, even one this old, can fetch you around $100 on eBay. A broken one, like mine, zilch.
Christine, I tried the JB Weld. It didn't succeed. Closing it just once produced enough torque to break the "weld" (which is only epoxy) and mortally damaged the LCD in the process.
+
Christine, I tried the JB Weld. It didn't succeed. The very next time I closed the lid it produced enough torque to break the "weld" (made of brittle epoxy) and mortally damaged my LCD screen in the process.
Rather than going through all that again, I decided to transform my MBP into a desktop Mac. I cut away the top case (being careful to preserve a lead that apparently made the computer sleep when the case was closed and another that may be a wireless antenna). I then filed off the hinge's sharp edges.
I was left with the operational 95% of my computer contained in the bottom half.
I connected to the chopped MBP a 23" Apple HD Cinema Display sitting in my garage, installed Shades (a free, open-source display-control application), and clipped to the display a cheap Logitech C270 webcam ($15-$25).
Voila: my kludged "new" desktop Mac is easier to work at than was it was as an intact MBP! The screen is easier to read and watch, the computer runs cooler (important in the desert, where I live), and the stability of the keyboard in this configuration is much greater than it was.
(I have an MB Air on which I can take my computing with me, when necessary. I'd rather work on the desktop Mac)
Admittedly, this is a radical situation, the "joke solution" in many somber explanations of how to fix your broken top frame. True, you may not want to give up your machine's portability or former good looks. Or you may not have a display to substitute for the screen. But if you do, I can assure you: this solution works fine. And it may prove the only sure way to preserve your Mac. Maybe you can safely install another frame, but unless you're a tech with experience, I wouldn't count on it. And what if it later breaks just as your first one did?
At least now you know: your Mac can have an afterlife even if you accidentally murder it while trying to save it.
Sincerely, Bob Jacobson aka bobbissimo
PS If you do go this route, be very careful with the LCD when you cut away the top lid. An intact LCD screen, even one this old, can fetch you around $100 on eBay. A broken one, like mine, zilch.
Christine, I tried the JB Weld. It didn't succeed. Closing it just once produced enough torque to break the "weld" (which is only epoxy) and mortally damaged the LCD in the process.
Rather than going through all that again, I decided to transform my MBP into a desktop Mac. I cut away the top case (being careful to preserve a lead that apparently made the computer sleep when the case was closed and another that may be a wireless antenna). I then filed off the hinge's sharp edges.
I was left with the operational 95% of my computer contained in the bottom half.
I connected to the chopped MBP a 23" Apple HD Cinema Display sitting in my garage, installed Shades (a free, open-source display-control application), and clipped to the display a cheap Logitech C270 webcam ($15-$25).
Voila: my kludged "new" desktop Mac is easier to work at than was it was as an intact MBP! The screen is easier to read and watch, the computer runs cooler (important in the desert, where I live), and the stability of the keyboard in this configuration is much greater than it was.
(I have an MB Air on which I can take my computing with me, when necessary. I'd rather work on the desktop Mac)
-
Admittedly, this is a radical situation, the "joke solution" in many somber explanations of how to fix your broken top frame. True, you may not want to give up your machine's portability or former good looks. Or you may not have a display to substitute for the screen. But if you do, I can assure you: it works fine. And this may be the only sure way to preserve your machine. Maybe you can safely install another frame, but I wouldn't count on it. And what if it breaks just as your first one did?
+
Admittedly, this is a radical situation, the "joke solution" in many somber explanations of how to fix your broken top frame. True, you may not want to give up your machine's portability or former good looks. Or you may not have a display to substitute for the screen. But if you do, I can assure you: this solution works fine. And it may prove the only sure way to preserve your Mac. Maybe you can safely install another frame, but unless you're a tech with experience, I wouldn't count on it. And what if it later breaks just as your first one did?
At least now you know: your Mac can have an afterlife even if you accidentally murder it while trying to save it.
Sincerely, Bob Jacobson aka bobbissimo
PS If you do go this route, be very careful with the LCD when you cut away the top lid. An intact LCD screen, even one this old, can fetch you around $100 on eBay. A broken one, like mine, zilch.
Christine, I tried the JB Weld. It didn't succeed. Closing it just once produced enough torque to break the "weld" (which is only epoxy) and mortally damaged the LCD in the process.
Rather than going through all that again, I decided to transform my MBP into a desktop Mac. I cut away the top case (being careful to preserve a lead that apparently made the computer sleep when the case was closed and another that may be a wireless antenna). I then filed off the hinge's sharp edges.
I was left with the operational 95% of my computer contained in the bottom half.
I connected to the chopped MBP a 23" Apple HD Cinema Display sitting in my garage, installed Shades (a free, open-source display-control application), and clipped to the display a cheap Logitech C270 webcam ($15-$25).
Voila: my kludged "new" desktop Mac is easier to work at than was it was as an intact MBP! The screen is easier to read and watch, the computer runs cooler (important in the desert, where I live), and the stability of the keyboard in this configuration is much greater than it was.
(I have an MB Air on which I can take my computing with me, when necessary. I'd rather work on the desktop Mac)
Admittedly, this is a radical situation, the "joke solution" in many somber explanations of how to fix your broken top frame. True, you may not want to give up your machine's portability or former good looks. Or you may not have a display to substitute for the screen. But if you do, I can assure you: it works fine. And this may be the only sure way to preserve your machine. Maybe you can safely install another frame, but I wouldn't count on it. And what if it breaks just as your first one did?
At least now you know: your Mac can have an afterlife even if you accidentally murder it while trying to save it.
-
Sincerely, Bob
+
Sincerely, Bob Jacobson aka bobbissimo
PS If you do go this route, be very careful with the LCD when you cut away the top lid. An intact LCD screen, even one this old, can fetch you around $100 on eBay. A broken one, like mine, zilch.
Christine, I tried the JB Weld. It didn't succeed. Closing it just once produced enough torque to break the "weld" (which is only epoxy) and mortally damaged the LCD in the process.
Rather than going through all that again, I decided to transform my MBP into a desktop Mac. I cut away the top case (being careful to preserve a lead that apparently made the computer sleep when the case was closed and another that may be a wireless antenna). I then filed off the hinge's sharp edges.
I was left with the operational 95% of my computer contained in the bottom half.
I connected to the chopped MBP a 23" Apple HD Cinema Display sitting in my garage, installed Shades (a free, open-source display-control application), and clipped to the display a cheap Logitech C270 webcam ($15-$25).
Voila: my kludged "new" desktop Mac is easier to work at than was it was as an intact MBP! The screen is easier to read and watch, the computer runs cooler (important in the desert, where I live), and the stability of the keyboard in this configuration is much greater than it was.
(I have an MB Air on which I can take my computing with me, when necessary. I'd rather work on the desktop Mac)
Admittedly, this is a radical situation, the "joke solution" in many somber explanations of how to fix your broken top frame. True, you may not want to give up your machine's portability or former good looks. Or you may not have a display to substitute for the screen. But if you do, I can assure you: it works fine. And this may be the only sure way to preserve your machine. Maybe you can safely install another frame, but I wouldn't count on it. And what if it breaks just as your first one did?
-
At least now you know: your Mac can have an afterlife even if you accidentally murder it.
+
At least now you know: your Mac can have an afterlife even if you accidentally murder it while trying to save it.
Sincerely, Bob
PS If you do go this route, be very careful with the LCD when you cut away the top lid. An intact LCD screen, even one this old, can fetch you around $100 on eBay. A broken one, like mine, zilch.
Christine, I tried the JB Weld. It didn't succeed. Closing it just once produced enough torque to break the "weld" (which is only epoxy) and mortally damaged the LCD in the process.
Rather than going through all that again, I decided to transform my MBP into a desktop Mac. I cut away the top case (being careful to preserve a lead that apparently made the computer sleep when the case was closed and another that may be a wireless antenna). I then filed off the hinge's sharp edges.
I was left with the operational 95% of my computer contained in the bottom half.
I connected to the chopped MBP a 23" Apple HD Cinema Display sitting in my garage, installed Shades (a free, open-source display-control application), and clipped to the display a cheap Logitech C270 webcam ($15-$25).
Voila: my kludged "new" desktop Mac is easier to work at than was it was as an intact MBP! The screen is easier to read and watch, the computer runs cooler (important in the desert, where I live), and the stability of the keyboard in this configuration is much greater than it was.
(I have an MB Air on which I can take my computing with me, when necessary. I'd rather work on the desktop Mac)
Admittedly, this is a radical situation, the "joke solution" in many somber explanations of how to fix your broken top frame. True, you may not want to give up your machine's portability or former good looks. Or you may not have a display to substitute for the screen. But if you do, I can assure you: it works fine. And this may be the only sure way to preserve your machine. Maybe you can safely install another frame, but I wouldn't count on it. And what if it breaks just as your first one did?
At least now you know: your Mac can have an afterlife even if you accidentally murder it.
Sincerely, Bob
-
PS If you do go this route, be very careful with the LCD when you cut away the top lid. An intact LCD screen, even one this old, can fetch you around $100. A broken one, like mine, zilch.
+
PS If you do go this route, be very careful with the LCD when you cut away the top lid. An intact LCD screen, even one this old, can fetch you around $100 on eBay. A broken one, like mine, zilch.
Christine, I tried the JB Weld. It didn't succeed. Closing it just once produced enough torque to break the "weld" (which is only epoxy) and mortally damaged the LCD in the process.
Rather than going through all that again, I decided to transform my MBP into a desktop Mac. I cut away the top case (being careful to preserve a lead that apparently made the computer sleep when the case was closed and another that may be a wireless antenna). I then filed off the hinge's sharp edges.
I was left with the operational 95% of my computer contained in the bottom half.
I connected to the chopped MBP a 23" Apple HD Cinema Display sitting in my garage, installed Shades (a free, open-source display-control application), and clipped to the display a cheap Logitech C270 webcam ($15-$25).
Voila: my kludged "new" desktop Mac is easier to work at than was it was as an intact MBP! The screen is easier to read and watch, the computer runs cooler (important in the desert, where I live), and the stability of the keyboard in this configuration is much greater than it was.
(I have an MB Air on which I can take my computing with me, when necessary. I'd rather work on the desktop Mac)
Admittedly, this is a radical situation, the "joke solution" in many somber explanations of how to fix your broken top frame. True, you may not want to give up your machine's portability or former good looks. Or you may not have a display to substitute for the screen. But if you do, I can assure you: it works fine. And this may be the only sure way to preserve your machine. Maybe you can safely install another frame, but I wouldn't count on it. And what if it breaks just as your first one did?
-
At least now you know: there can be a Mac afterlife after apparent death.
+
At least now you know: your Mac can have an afterlife even if you accidentally murder it.
Sincerely, Bob
PS If you do go this route, be very careful with the LCD when you cut away the top lid. An intact LCD screen, even one this old, can fetch you around $100. A broken one, like mine, zilch.
Christine, I tried the JB Weld. It didn't succeed. Closing it just once produced enough torque to break the "weld" (which is only epoxy) and mortally damaged the LCD in the process.
Rather than going through all that again, I decided to transform my MBP into a desktop Mac. I cut away the top case (being careful to preserve a lead that apparently made the computer sleep when the case was closed and another that may be a wireless antenna). I then filed off the hinge's sharp edges.
I was left with the operational 95% of my computer contained in the bottom half.
-
I connected to the MBP a 23" Apple HD Cinema Display sitting in my garage, installed Shades (a free, open-source display-control application), and clipped to the display a cheap Logitech C270 webcam ($15-$25).
+
I connected to the chopped MBP a 23" Apple HD Cinema Display sitting in my garage, installed Shades (a free, open-source display-control application), and clipped to the display a cheap Logitech C270 webcam ($15-$25).
Voila: my kludged "new" desktop Mac is easier to work at than was it was as an intact MBP! The screen is easier to read and watch, the computer runs cooler (important in the desert, where I live), and the stability of the keyboard in this configuration is much greater than it was.
(I have an MB Air on which I can take my computing with me, when necessary. I'd rather work on the desktop Mac)
Admittedly, this is a radical situation, the "joke solution" in many somber explanations of how to fix your broken top frame. True, you may not want to give up your machine's portability or former good looks. Or you may not have a display to substitute for the screen. But if you do, I can assure you: it works fine. And this may be the only sure way to preserve your machine. Maybe you can safely install another frame, but I wouldn't count on it. And what if it breaks just as your first one did?
At least now you know: there can be a Mac afterlife after apparent death.
Sincerely, Bob
-
PS If you do go this route, be very careful with the LCD when you cut away the top lid. An intact LCD screen, even one this old, can fetch you around $100. A broken one, zilch.
+
PS If you do go this route, be very careful with the LCD when you cut away the top lid. An intact LCD screen, even one this old, can fetch you around $100. A broken one, like mine, zilch.
Christine, I tried the JB Weld. It didn't succeed. Closing it just once produced enough torque to break the "weld" (which is only epoxy) and mortally damaged the LCD in the process.
Rather than going through all that again, I decided to transform my MBP into a desktop Mac. I cut away the top case (being careful to preserve a lead that apparently made the computer sleep when the case was closed and another that may be a wireless antenna). I then filed off the hinge's sharp edges.
I was left with the operational 95% of my computer contained in the bottom half.
I connected to the MBP a 23" Apple HD Cinema Display sitting in my garage, installed Shades (a free, open-source display-control application), and clipped to the display a cheap Logitech C270 webcam ($15-$25).
Voila: my kludged "new" desktop Mac is easier to work at than was it was as an intact MBP! The screen is easier to read and watch, the computer runs cooler (important in the desert, where I live), and the stability of the keyboard in this configuration is much greater than it was.
(I have an MB Air on which I can take my computing with me, when necessary. I'd rather work on the desktop Mac)
Admittedly, this is a radical situation, the "joke solution" in many somber explanations of how to fix your broken top frame. True, you may not want to give up your machine's portability or former good looks. Or you may not have a display to substitute for the screen. But if you do, I can assure you: it works fine. And this may be the only sure way to preserve your machine. Maybe you can safely install another frame, but I wouldn't count on it. And what if it breaks just as your first one did?
At least now you know: there can be a Mac afterlife after apparent death.
Sincerely, Bob
PS If you do go this route, be very careful with the LCD when you cut away the top lid. An intact LCD screen, even one this old, can fetch you around $100. A broken one, zilch.
Christine, I tried the JB Weld. It didn't succeed. Closing it just once produced enough torque to break the "weld" (which is only epoxy) and mortally damaged the LCD in the process.
Rather than going through all that again, I decided to transform my MBP into a desktop Mac. I cut away the top case (being careful to preserve a lead that apparently made the computer sleep when the case was closed and another that may be a wireless antenna). I then filed off the hinge's sharp edges.
I was left with the operational 95% of my computer contained in the bottom half.
I connected to the MBP a 23" Apple HD Cinema Display sitting in my garage, installed Shades (a free, open-source display-control application), and clipped to the display a cheap Logitech C270 webcam ($15-$25).
Voila: my kludged "new" desktop Mac is easier to work at than was it was as an intact MBP! The screen is easier to read and watch, the computer runs cooler (important in the desert, where I live), and the stability of the keyboard in this configuration is much greater than it was.
(I have an MB Air on which I can take my computing with me, when necessary. I'd rather work on the desktop Mac)
Admittedly, this is a radical situation, the "joke solution" in many somber explanations of how to fix your broken top frame. True, you may not want to give up your machine's portability or former good looks. Or you may not have a display to substitute for the screen. But if you do, I can assure you: it works fine. And this may be the only sure way to preserve your machine. Maybe you can safely install another frame, but I wouldn't count on it. And what if it breaks just as your first one did?
At least now you know: there can be a Mac afterlife after apparent death.
Sincerely, Bob
PS If you do go this route, be very careful with the LCD when you cut away the top lid. An intact LCD screen, even one this old, can fetch you around $100. A broken one, zilch.
Christine, I tried the JB Weld. It didn't succeed. Closing it just once produced enough torque to break the "weld" (which is only epoxy) and mortally damaged the LCD in the process.
Rather than going through all that again, I decided to transform my MBP into a desktop Mac. I cut away the top case (being careful to preserve a lead that apparently made the computer sleep when the case was closed and another that may be a wireless antenna). I then filed off the hinge's sharp edges.
I was left with the operational 95% of my computer contained in the bottom half.
I connected to the MBP a 23" Apple HD Cinema Display sitting in my garage, installed Shades (a free, open-source display-control application), and clipped to the display a cheap Logitech C270 webcam ($15-$25).
Voila: my kludged "new" desktop Mac is easier to work at than was it was as an intact MBP! The screen is easier to read and watch, the computer runs cooler (important in the desert, where I live), and the stability of the keyboard in this configuration is much greater than it was.
(I have an MB Air on which I can take my computing with me, when necessary. I'd rather work on the desktop Mac)
Admittedly, this is a radical situation, the "joke solution" in many somber explanations of how to fix your broken top frame. True, you may not want to give up your machine's portability or former good looks. Or you may not have a display to substitute for the screen. But if you do, I can assure you: it works fine. And this may be the only sure way to preserve your machine. Maybe you can safely install another frame, but I wouldn't count on it. And what if it breaks just as your first one did?
At least now you know: there can be a Mac afterlife after apparent death.
Sincerely, Bob
PS If you do go this route, be very careful with the LCD when you cut away the top lid. An intact LCD screen, even one this old, can fetch you around $100. A broken one, zilch.
I thought I answered this before. Perhaps on another thread.
+
I thought I answered this before. Perhaps on another thread...
-
I tried the JB Weld. It didn't succeed. Closing it just once produced enough torque to break the "weld" (which is only epoxy) and mortally damaged the LCD in the process.
+
* * *
+
+
Christine, I tried the JB Weld. It didn't succeed. Closing it just once produced enough torque to break the "weld" (which is only epoxy) and mortally damaged the LCD in the process.
Rather than going through all that again, I decided to transform my MBP into a desktop Mac. I cut away the top case (being careful to preserve a lead that apparently made the computer sleep when the case was closed and another that may be a wireless antenna). I then filed off the hinge's sharp edges.
I was left with the operational 95% of my computer contained in the bottom half.
-
I connected to the MBP a 23" Apple HD Cinema Display sitting in my garage, installed Shades (a free, open-source display-control application), and clipped to the display a cheap Logitech C270 webcam ($15-$25).
+
I connected to the MBP a 23" Apple HD Cinema Display sitting in my garage, installed Shades (a free, open-source display-control application), and clipped to the display a cheap Logitech C270 webcam ($15-$25).
Voila: my kludged "new" desktop Mac is easier to work at than was it was as an intact MBP! The screen is easier to read and watch, the computer runs cooler (important in the desert, where I live), and the stability of the keyboard in this configuration is much greater than it was.
(I have an MB Air on which I can take my computing with me, when necessary. I'd rather work on the desktop Mac)
-
Admittedly, this is a radical situation, the "joke solution" in many somber explanations of how to fix your broken top frame. True, you may not want to give up your machine's portability or former good looks. Or you may not have a display to substitute for the screen. But if you do, I can assure you: it works fine. And this may be the only sure way to preserve your machine. Maybe you can safely install another frame, but I wouldn't count on it. And what if it breaks just as your first one did?
+
Admittedly, this is a radical situation, the "joke solution" in many somber explanations of how to fix your broken top frame. True, you may not want to give up your machine's portability or former good looks. Or you may not have a display to substitute for the screen. But if you do, I can assure you: it works fine. And this may be the only sure way to preserve your machine. Maybe you can safely install another frame, but I wouldn't count on it. And what if it breaks just as your first one did?
At least now you know: there can be a Mac afterlife after apparent death.
Sincerely, Bob
PS If you do go this route, be very careful with the LCD when you cut away the top lid. An intact LCD screen, even one this old, can fetch you around $100. A broken one, zilch.
I thought I answered this before. Perhaps on another thread.
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I tried the JB Weld. It didn't succeed. The torque on the frame from closing it just once broken the "weld" (which is only epoxy) and damaged the LCD in the process. Rather than going through all that again, I decided to make my MBP into a desktop unit. I cut away the top case (being careful to preserve a lead that apparently made the computer sleep when the case was closed and another that may be a wireless antenna). I filed off the hinge's sharp edges.
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I tried the JB Weld. It didn't succeed. Closing it just once produced enough torque to break the "weld" (which is only epoxy) and mortally damaged the LCD in the process.
+
+
Rather than going through all that again, I decided to transform my MBP into a desktop Mac. I cut away the top case (being careful to preserve a lead that apparently made the computer sleep when the case was closed and another that may be a wireless antenna). I then filed off the hinge's sharp edges.
I was left with the operational 95% of my computer contained in the bottom half.
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I connected to the MBP to a 23" Apple HD Cinema Display sitting in my garage, installed Shades (a free, open-source brightness-control application), and clipped on a cheap Logitech C270 webcam ($15-$25) to the Display. Voila! My kludged "new" desktop is easier to work at than was it was as an intact MBP. The screen is easier to read and watch, the computer runs cooler (important in the desert, where I live), and the stability of the workstation in this configuration is much greater than it was before.
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I connected to the MBP a 23" Apple HD Cinema Display sitting in my garage, installed Shades (a free, open-source display-control application), and clipped to the display a cheap Logitech C270 webcam ($15-$25).
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Fortunately, I also have an MB Air, so I still can take my computing with me,when necessary.
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Voila: my kludged "new" desktop Mac is easier to work at than was it was as an intact MBP! The screen is easier to read and watch, the computer runs cooler (important in the desert, where I live), and the stability of the keyboard in this configuration is much greater than it was.
-
Admittedly, this is a radical situation. The joke solution in many serious explanations of how to fix the broken top frame. True, you may not want to give up your machine's portability or former good looks. Or you may not have a display to substitute. But if you do, I can assure you:it works fine. And this may be the only sure way to preserve your machine. Maybe you can safely install another frame, but I wouldn't count on it. And what if it breaks as did your first one? At least now you know, there is a backup solution.
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(I have an MB Air on which I can take my computing with me, when necessary. I'd rather work on the desktop Mac)
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PS If you do go this route, be very careful with the LCD when you cut away the top lid. An intact LCD screen, even one this old, can still fetch you around $100. A broken one, zilch.
+
Admittedly, this is a radical situation, the "joke solution" in many somber explanations of how to fix your broken top frame. True, you may not want to give up your machine's portability or former good looks. Or you may not have a display to substitute for the screen. But if you do, I can assure you: it works fine. And this may be the only sure way to preserve your machine. Maybe you can safely install another frame, but I wouldn't count on it. And what if it breaks just as your first one did?
+
+
At least now you know: there can be a Mac afterlife after apparent death.
+
+
Sincerely, Bob
+
+
PS If you do go this route, be very careful with the LCD when you cut away the top lid. An intact LCD screen, even one this old, can fetch you around $100. A broken one, zilch.
I thought I answered this before. Perhaps on another thread.
I tried the JB Weld. It didn't succeed. The torque on the frame from closing it just once broken the "weld" (which is only epoxy) and damaged the LCD in the process. Rather than going through all that again, I decided to make my MBP into a desktop unit. I cut away the top case (being careful to preserve a lead that apparently made the computer sleep when the case was closed and another that may be a wireless antenna). I filed off the hinge's sharp edges.
I was left with the operational 95% of my computer contained in the bottom half.
I connected to the MBP to a 23" Apple HD Cinema Display sitting in my garage, installed Shades (a free, open-source brightness-control application), and clipped on a cheap Logitech C270 webcam ($15-$25) to the Display. Voila! My kludged "new" desktop is easier to work at than was it was as an intact MBP. The screen is easier to read and watch, the computer runs cooler (important in the desert, where I live), and the stability of the workstation in this configuration is much greater than it was before.
Fortunately, I also have an MB Air, so I still can take my computing with me, when necessary.
Admittedly, this is a radical situation. The joke solution in many serious explanations of how to fix the broken top frame. True, you may not want to give up your machine's portability or former good looks. Or you may not have a display to substitute. But if you do, I can assure you: it works fine. And this may be the only sure way to preserve your machine. Maybe you can safely install another frame, but I wouldn't count on it. And what if it breaks as did your first one? At least now you know, there is a backup solution.
PS If you do go this route, be very careful with the LCD when you cut away the top lid. An intact LCD screen, even one this old, can still fetch you around $100. A broken one, zilch.