Macbook Pro LCD Screen Works Sometimes / On/Off

Question

For several months my (late 2007, 15 in) macbook pro screen was not working at all. I took it to apple at one point and they said I would need to replace my screen which would cost at least $400 or $600 I can't remember how much. I just knew it was too much.
Then recently I found out that my model had the NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics processor and Apple found out those had a problem in a number of those computers so they are supporting it by replacing the mother board.
So... I got my new mother board recently but the screen was STILL not coming on at all after the repair. One conclusion was obvious I needed a new screen or just use the computer as a desktop with an external monitor which is what I've been doing.
So now, here's the rub:
My SCREEN MAGICALLY HAS COME BACK ON just last night and this morning... it was working and then Poof it went off again.... now again it's magically come back on.
When working there isn't any streaks or anything that appears damaged on the screen at all. My guess is that there is some cable or some connector point that is loose and somehow like a short makes it go on and off.
Now, part of what has been going on since yesterday is that I just replaced my hard drive so I've had the cover of the computer off... somehow I did something to they keyboard so I'm having to use an USB keyboard right now (might have to replace that too). So... somehow my taking off the cover and putting it back on a few times must have touched something that is making it work again.
What could it be? Any ideas? I'd be grateful for any advice that would keep me from having to try buying a new screen as I understand I have to replace the whole piece.
Thanks,
phil

Answer 1

That's a very interesting offer. There are a finite number of LCD manufacturers, and it could be there are models that can go in different computers. The construction of the display and the cables would be different for different computers. It would depend on whether the LCD is specifically configured for Apple or if Apple uses an "off the shelf" LCD and then configures the housing and cables.
Generally, in manufacturing, you try to use as many off the shelf parts as you possibly can. For example, you would use standard screws and fasteners unless you had a special need for a non-standard one. If there is already a LCD on the market that meets your specs and your needs, then it would make sense to use it rather than to have something special made.
I still suspect that the problem will turn out to be a connection one rather than one with the LCD itself. There have been cases where the flex cable developed damage from opening and closing the computer. This would be the first thing to check. A break in the trace or traces in a flex cable would allow for intermittent working of the LCD, depending on whether the broken traces were touching or not.
If the price sounds reasonable, then it sounds like you don't have much to lose by letting the guy have a shot at it. I wonder if he would let you watch while he works--it might be very illuminating.
Good luck!