Replacement Screens for Alienware M18 - does it have to be exact match?

[Christopher Holmes]

I have an Alienware M18 and the screen has been damaged. A tech friend of mine opened it up and found the part number, LTM184HL01-C01. Unfortunately, I cannot find this screen anywhere. Any place that might have it has been out of stock for the past two months. This is my only machine and right now I have an external monitor plugged in. No ideal.

I am wondering if other screens can be used in place of the LTM184HL01-C01. Like, for instance, could I use a N184H3-L02? It is also a WUXGA, 18.4 size screen. Does the replacement screen have to be an exact match?

 

[Titillating]

It doesn't necessarily have to be an exact match (although that would be preferred, obviously). As long as the wiring and connectors are the same, it will probably work.