Vive La EEE!

It LIVES!!!

Well, I suppose it was more like a bad black eye than being dead.  As it turned out, shortly after posting that the display wasn’t supposed to arrive until Monday, FedEx showed up with the display.  I had some trouble getting the brackets off of the old display and onto the new one, but managed it eventually.  The other trick was putting the bezel back on because it covers part of the hinges as well.  Once I managed those two tasks, I was able to test fire it and complete the reassembly.  This post was written and posted from the EEE.

If you’re wondering what’s involved in the process, I have some details after the jump

You do not have to completely dismantle the EEE in order to replace the display.  There are six screws holding the bezel in place.  Four of them are covered by the bumper pads across the top.  The other 2 screws are in the lower corners and are covered by plastic stickers.  You’ll need a razor blade or utility knife to pry the bumpers and stickers off.  The screws are small phillips heads- so you’ll need an eyeglass screw driver or a similarly sized screwdriver.

After those screws are removed, you’ll want to remove the two screws under the hinges- this will loosen up the hinge covers so you’ll be able to work the bezel off.  These screws are accessed from the bottom of the unit.  Once this is done, gently pry the bezel from the display, and then you’ll have to carefully pry the bezel out from under the hinge covers.  It can be done.  Just be VERY careful so as not to crack the case plastic anywhere. 

Once the bezel is off, remove the 2 screws holding the display bracket in place.  These are in the lower corners of the display.  Once these are off, lay the display face down on the keyboard (you may want to put a soft cloth on the keyboard first).  The display cable needs to be pulled out of the connector.  First, remove the piece of tape and set it aside, you’ll need it for the new display.  Then, using the razor blade, work the display cable out of the connector.  Please be careful not to gouge the cable assembly with the sharp instrument.

Finally, you’ll need to remove the display brackets from the broken display and attach them to the new one.  Be sure to note the orientation of the brackets so you don’t have to attach them to the new display more than once.  If you’ve forgotten already, the brackets should be attached so the side with 2 holes is at the top, and the opposite flared side is at the bottom of the display.  When connecting the display cable, use the razor blade to work the cable into the connector.  Don’t try to push it in all at once.  Take your time and alternate pressure on the sides of the cable assembly to work it into the connector.  After it’s firmly seated, replace the tape and then just reverse the disassembly process above. 

Good luck.