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Polarizing film for a PowerBook 145b
Posted by: MacPlus2300 on 2026-09-22 20:11:07
What sort of polarization film should I look for in use to replace the original destroyed stuff on these sharp passive matrix displays? I can’t seem to find any good results anywhere for the matte finish lcd polarizers that are self adhesive or the correct angle. I’m not sure what to look for or to expect so I was wondering if anyone had any expertise with this and if they know where I can pick some up. I already removed the old bad polarizer and fixed all the electrolyte leakage and caps for those wondering. Can I reuse the original polarizer? I wouldn’t have any way of adhering it.
Posted by: Byrd on 2026-09-22 23:28:55
It's very trial and error for replacement of polarizing films for any LCD, and much trickier the older in design the panel is. You might find this display has two films front and back, and the standard films found for TFT panels are a poor match.

If your existing film is intact and not warped, you could remove the glue using IPA and adhere the edges with a very thin piece of double sided tape around the borders.

Long term, I'd also suggest looking for a junk 140/145 PB and having a spare LCD
Posted by: MacPlus2300 on 2026-09-23 04:02:59
It's very trial and error for replacement of polarizing films for any LCD, and much trickier the older in design the panel is. You might find this display has two films front and back, and the standard films found for TFT panels are a poor match.

If your existing film is intact and not warped, you could remove the glue using IPA and adhere the edges with a very thin piece of double sided tape around the borders.

Long term, I'd also suggest looking for a junk 140/145 PB and having a spare LCD
Thanks for the insight. I’d have to scour pretty hard to find something that works or maybe even a spare LCD. Do all the monochrome PowerBooks using passive matrix displays have the same one?
Posted by: finkmac on 2026-09-23 04:58:04
for passive matrix you'd need STN Film. aliexpress is probably your best bet
Posted by: iantm on 2026-09-23 06:47:49
There's a couple with decent screens I could find.
  1. Some streaking
  2. Better looking
Keep an eye out… there was one that just sold a couple of days ago. I guess, however, I'm not sure if the 145 is a drop in replacement for the 145B.
Posted by: iantm on 2026-09-23 06:57:24
Except whoops that second one is actually a 150. Sorry about that.
Posted by: Byrd on 2026-09-23 13:05:59
for passive matrix you'd need STN Film. aliexpress is probably your best bet

It’s expensive; bought some for an IBM PC110 nope no good
Posted by: finkmac on 2026-09-23 17:29:19
It’s expensive; bought some for an IBM PC110 nope no good
i wonder if a group buy from an alibaba seller could be organized...
Posted by: Byrd on 2026-09-23 17:42:12
The legitimacy of the product is more the issue over bulk purchase I feel
Posted by: MacPlus2300 on 2026-09-23 19:26:27
The legitimacy of the product is more the issue over bulk purchase I feel
Completely agree. Can’t find the right product ever, if you do it’s always a hassle with the seller getting questions answered. I wish I found a good replacement as of yet.
Posted by: finkmac on 2026-09-23 19:36:12
can't say i've had a problem ordering polarizer.
Posted by: MacPlus2300 on 2026-09-23 19:45:58
can't say i've had a problem ordering polarizer.
I am just having trouble finding matte, FSTN (twist), self adhesive 45° polarizing film…
Posted by: iantm on 2026-09-27 18:19:17
Since you’re in OH this Villa Park IL 145 might work?
Posted by: croissantking on 2026-09-28 02:09:01
Thanks for the insight. I’d have to scour pretty hard to find something that works or maybe even a spare LCD. Do all the monochrome PowerBooks using passive matrix displays have the same one?
AFAIK all passive 640x400 screens are interchangeable.
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