How to disable LCD on Tibook

#1 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 - 22:23 68kMLA

Hey, I've got a Tibook with no screen. When I try to output via DVI to my screen, it works, however it still thinks there are 2 screens(the external and internal) even though the internal screen is nonexistent. How do I disable the internal screen?

#2 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 - 22:28 68kMLA

Don't think there's any way to do that in software. You could open it and unplug it from the logic board...

#3 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 - 23:32 68kMLA

place a small (real small) magnet about 1.5 cm down from the top and 1 cm from the left side. (If you have the broken screen laying around you can find this magnet on the other side of the LCD.)

This will signal that the lid is closed and the internal screen is not in use. You will have to reboot or sleep/wake for this to take effect.

#4 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 - 02:54 68kMLA

Interesting theory, I'll have to check that out.

#5 Wed, 3 Dec 2008 - 06:27 68kMLA

I figured this out! For anyone with this problem in the future: there is a magnetic reed switch between the hard drive and touch pad on a ribbon cable. I cut a sliver off a flat fridge magnet and duct taped it on the reed switch. Booted up the TiBook and it was in external monitor only mode. The only downside is this disables the laptop's keyboard and touchpad.

This allows me to output 1080p from the laptop.

#6 Wed, 3 Dec 2008 - 21:44 68kMLA

you did not say you wanted it permanent. I just looked at my old post and saw that I did not say place the magnet "on the trackpad". That is how I have my working without a case, keyboard or screen. Your fix may be just what I need.