Powerbook's screen scrambled during use, and re-boot doesn't help...

Hi,
This one is not easy, as it is my mother's machine, and I am having to base my description on phone conversations.
Mum's description is that she was switching from Safari to Mail (expose), when she said the screen cracked up, but she then explained that it has gone into some kind of tiled pattern, kind of like tartan.
So I talked her through PRAM reset and PMU reset, and it still boots to the same scrambled screen. I would assume that a kernel panic would reset at boot, so it could be the actual graphics card, i guess.
The machine is a 15" G4, I think it has a superdrive in it, but I dont know what model exactly, and it should be running 10.4.11. everything is a bit vague talking to them (they are in their mid sixties).
Also, I have no idea if it is a hardware or software issue, and this is part of the problem. Why is there not a cross-posting function in this forum, allowing for doubt and avoiding spamming?
Any ideas?
cheers,
t

Yes, I didn't suggest trying an external monitor because I don't think you'll see any difference. It could theoretically be a problem with the internal cable but moving the position of the lid will usually make this apparent. If your parents can hook up a monitor I believe when the PowerBook is turned on it will automatically detect it so possibly worth a shot though I think the odds are long. Ideally in this situation a friendly no charge professional diagnosis would be the place to start if they can find such a thing. After that it becomes a question of being sensible about the cost of fixing it. You can usually pick up a reasonable working PB for less than the cost of having a replacement (usually reclaimed) logic board fitted! Also these machines are now coming to the end of their useful lives so it may be time for your folks to consider an Intel future....

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Powerbook's screen scrambled during use, and re-boot doesn't help...

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