So for some reason, Google seems to really like me. Two days ago, I checked my mail only to realize that I was greeted with a brand new (and free) CR-48 ChromeOS Notebook. I don’t know if this is because I’m a (Senior) Moderator on XDA-Developers, the Portal Administrator / Editor-in-Chief for XDA-Developers, the former Editor-in-Chief for BriefMobile, because I’m the recipient of a limited edition Nexus S, or because of my contributions to Android through theming. Whatever, though. I will not question a free and very pretty new toy!

Anyway, all was well until I noticed that occasionally my screen’s back-light would flicker. It was the type of flickering that you’d expect from a broken CCFL back-light. Given that this notebook uses LED back-lighting, I knew that was not possible. I called the ChromeOS “Ninjas” for help on how to obtain a replacement part. They told me it was a known issue and that I should try to open up the device and re-set the cable connecting the screen to the motherboard. They provided me with a clear, simple, and easy to follow guide to open up my device.

The stark contrast between this and Apple’s approach, where the consumer is assumed to know nothing and actively discouraged from tinkering with software, let alone hardware, is jarring. Huge props to Google for that. They actually treat me like I have a brain. Yay. THANK YOU CHROMEOS NINJAS!

Here’s my journey in pictures:

The journey begins…

Oh noez!!! It exploded!! (aka several stripped screws later)

Pretty. The DDR2 module matches the motherboard PCB color.

Underneath that white tape (that I added), was a loose display connector, the bane of my viewing existance!!

Yay! It still works! (And yes. That’s a DAS Model S Ultimate Keyboard right next to my Chromebook.)