upgrading LCD panel on macbook pro 15

Ok so I just started my masters at a college that requires me to buy a macbook through them. I got the newest core i7 macbook pro 15 with the radeon 6750m graphics, its a nice machine except for two details, A: it needs more RAM the standard 4gb just isnt enough when im running windows 7 in vmware fusion, but this is fairly easy to upgrade so im not to worried about that one. The second thing is this the model with the 1440x900 resolution led LCD which for someone used to a envy 17 with a 1080p screen is rather poor, however this same model is available with a 1680x1050 resolution LCD. My question is, if I knew the correct model LCD to purchase as a replacement part say on ebay, would I be able to swap out the original one with the hi res model? Also how hard is it to disassemble the bezel, it looks like it could be a major pain? and if it is possible does anyone know the correct model panel to purchase? Anyway, any suggestions would be appreciated.

bump.... any mac hardware experts out there?

If you wanted to do this, you'd be looking at a whole new screen (with glass and all), not just a panel, due to the way they manufacture these. The price, I can't suggest I'm afraid, however the job of taking the system apart looks easy in my eyes. Take a look here: http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/MacBook-Pro-15-Inch-Unibody-Early-2011-Teardown/4990/2

Take a look at panel prices, it might be cheaper to sell your current one off for good money and buy another one through refurb or slightly used.

lamboman said:

If you wanted to do this, you'd be looking at a whole new screen (with glass and all), not just a panel, due to the way they manufacture these. The price, I can't suggest I'm afraid, however the job of taking the system apart looks easy in my eyes. Take a look here: http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/MacBook-Pro-15-Inch-Unibody-Early-2011-Teardown/4990/2

Take a look at panel prices, it might be cheaper to sell your current one off for good money and buy another one through refurb or slightly used.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the teardown link! Ok that makes sense, so my big question is, if I did purchase the replacement lid with the lcd panel and glass bezel and simply unattached the old one and plugged in the 1680x1050 one would it be recognized by the system? are the monitor pin outs the same?

I don't see why it wouldn't be. I highly doubt there is a completely different pinout for a different resolution. That would mean two separate motherboards and that doesn't seem logical. This is of course not verified by me but just using logic. See if you can't go to ifixit and look up your model, then replacing the top lid section and look around for some info.

Full costs of panels are here: http://www.ifixit.com/MacBook-Parts...um=cart_product_link&utm_content=product_list

If you 'just got it" exchange it for the High-Res display version.

Or, sell it on Craigslist/Ebay for about what you paid, turn around and order the High-Res version.

Either way I'm willing to bet will be less expensive then buying a Panel/Glass and upgrading.