Three year old XPS M1530: Display getting very dim. Need tips for replacement

After more than three years the display of my trusty XPS M1530 seems to getting dimmer. It haven't been a sudden change, but it is noticeable when I compare the brightness to other newer laptops.

As I can't find any clear advice on the Internet whether it is the display or the inverter or the backlight that is to blame I have decided to try to replace the whole display with a newer one. Bonus points of I can get a matte and higher resolution one at the same time.

So the question is: Can I replace my current display (1280x800) with a higher resolution one (1440x900 or 1680x1050)? I have seen people do this, so I assume it works, but the seller on eBay I've been asking the same question says that I would have to replace my motherboard as well

Just found some more information. It seems that the part number I should be looking for if I want an 1680x1050 screen is LP154WE2(TL)(B2). So as long as the part number is correct I should be able to just pop in the new screen and everything from video signals to the adjustable backlight should work?

 

That screen is gorgeous on this laptop. Yes, it should be a straight drop. I suggest you consider getting an inverter just to be safe.

 

I second the inverter buy as well. Only $15 on ebay and it's always hard to tell if it's the inverter or ccfl bulb going out.

 

Thanks for the replies. I've found a this and this displays on eBay. They should both work on account of having LP154WE2(TL)(B2) as the part number? And as they include the inverter, the only thing I have to do is replace the cable from my old display and put it on the new one before installing it?

 

So, I've got some more answers from the sellers, and it seems that being able to upgrade from WXGA to WSXGA+ actually is dependant on the LCD cable and/or motherboard to support the higher resolution.
Anyone that can confirm or deny that?

 

No other comments? I've contacted Dell Support as well to see if an upgrade is possible (although I don't expect an answer as my warranty expired a year ago).

 

I can't confirm your computer's cable need's for different screens, but I can confirm that dell currently uses different LCD ribbon cables for different screens. EX: The ribbon cable for the 720p screen offered on the L502x is different than the ribbon cable needed for the 1080p B+RGLED screen.

 

Hmm, that doesn't sound too reassuring. But after this post I should be able to track down and PM some members on here that I've seen replaced their screen.
Anyone else is still very welcome to confirm/deny/answer any of my questions.

 

So, I bit the bullet and ordered a new LG WSXGA+ display via eBay this Wednesday.
I got it today and replaced my old Samsung WXGA with the new display.
It took 45 minutes to disassemble, replace the screen and reassemble it again.
Everything works perfectly. I have a vivid picture without any spots, and the variable backlight works without any problems

For future reference I only had to replace the display and move the brackets that hold the display to the cover from the old to the new.
The screen I ordered came with an inverter already fitted, and I used my existing cable from the motherboard to the display and inverter.

 

Good new's! Here's to hoping you get another couple of years out of her yet!