Add Webcam To 1520

I was just wondering if it was possible to add the built in webcam in later by buying the parts and installing it yourself? I guess this would go for the 1420, 1520, 1720 and the Vostro's as well.

 

I'm going to guess no way jose. I've never heard of anyone doing that successfully.

 

No for installing the built-in webcam you need to probably replace the complete casing covering the LCD... I dunno if you can get that one alone separately...

 

I thought it should be as simple as replacing the front bezel with the one for the webcam and of course installing the webcam, I am sure it just plugs in somewhere.

 

I've taken apart an apple lcd. It is not straightforward at all. The webcam is mounted in a fairly intricate fashion.

 

I just looked at the service manual and it seems straight forward enough. Just a matter if the parts are available.

 

no unless you wan to basically buy the whole top housing along with all the parts.. if so then more power to you. for the 20-50$ it costs to start with id spend the money now

 

It's not impossible, however it would probably be difficult to locate the appropriate part numbers for the webcam and front bezel, (colour coded) and depending if, these parts are up for purchase. Mind you, you need to be fairly careful when removing the bezel as well due to it being quite a fragile piece of plastic.
Anyways, here's an image of the webcam; as you can see, the camera simply screws into the chassis and connects to a small ribbon connector protruding from the top of the screen. I would assume that the screens without the webcam option simply have the solid bezel and still retain the area and connectors where a camera may be installed.

 

Than again, it's simpler to purchase the feature outright.

 

Would be easy if you could come up with the LCD bezel having the cut out for the camera lens. (Dell has refurbed cameras for sale for like $21.00)