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An Apple MacBook display that has failed is a big nuisance, repairing it can be expensive. However, some people use laptops exclusively as desktops, with a large monitor, and don't even open them. XDA's Brady Snyder removed the non-working display and turned the MacBook Air into a desktop computer with its own keyboard.
Nowadays laptops are powerful enough that many people do not need a separate desktop computer. A laptop connected to an external monitor, docking station, and peripherals performs just as well or better. If you don’t use the laptop as a portable device or have another separate laptop for this, then the display, especially a non-working one, only gets in the way. Without a screen, you can not fold the laptop and fully use its keyboard, speakers and connectors.
“Surprisingly, there are a few reasonable situations where it makes sense to remove the screen of your MacBook, but the biggest and most obvious — this is when your display is broken or cracked.”
People with a broken MacBook screen often use their laptop with the lid closed and the power plugged in. A MacBook can output macOS to an external monitor for use just like any other desktop Mac. However, in this case, you cannot use the built-in keyboard and touchpad. In turn, a broken display is a constant sad reminder. Instead of buying a new laptop or paying for repairs, you can simply remove the screen. As it turned out in the experiment, the process does not require additional costs and lasts less than an hour.
According to Snyder, a MacBook Air with an M1 processor and a cracked screen can be purchased for less than $200. There was even a selection on eBay, and he bought it for $140.
“Getting an M1-based computer for less than the price of a pair of headphones is a steal. I did just that and the results were incredible. … I paid about $140 for the broken laptop, so purchasing a replacement display would bring my total cost to $540 for a new M1 MacBook Air. In 2024, this computer is not worth that much. … The person I bought this laptop from simply upgraded to a newer M2 MacBook Air instead of wasting time and money on a replacement, and I probably would have done that.”
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Snyder decided not to buy the screen separately due to the cost plus repairs – “it didn't make financial sense” even if he already had the necessary tools. To remove the screen, the enthusiast needed a Pentalobe and Torx screwdriver, as well as a spatula and tweezers – all of which were at hand.
He notes that he took on this project because he wanted a MacBook Air “without a head.” One of the cool features of Apple Vision Pro is the ability to use a nearby MacBook in virtual reality using the Mac Virtual Display feature. This mode turns off the MacBook's built-in display, which Brady took advantage of. He says building a MacBook without a screen costs nothing and takes about 30 minutes, with the tools.
Inspired by YouTuber Luke Miani To get a good estimate of the time and knowledge required to complete a project, he checked the difficulty rating and estimated repair time in the iFixit guide. For those who have relevant experience with technology, these data are very accurate.
It was necessary to unscrew 10 screws of different lengths to gain access to the MacBook Air battery. Disconnecting the battery is the first step in any laptop repair. The motherboard is located in the upper right corner of the case and is very small. Carefully remove the MacBook's antennas, remove the antenna bracket, and unscrew the hinge screws.
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To remove the display, I had to lift the top of the case and open the laptop at an angle of 90 degrees. Then the cover with the display is removed – the MacBook is divided into two parts. If the elements have previously been deformed, for example during a fall, you will have to spend a little time removing the display. Then everything is closed in reverse order, and the hardware modification is ready.
“For $110 less than what I paid for my pair of AirPods Pro 2, I got a working Apple Silicon computer, and it's a steal.”
Using the MacBook Air without a screen exceeded the enthusiast's expectations. The keyboard and trackpad that are part of the M1 MacBook Air are “very good,” and Apple's trackpad is “particularly good for productivity.” Snyder connected a Dell UltraSharp 34″ to MacBook Air using a Thunderbolt cable.
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