Thanks Spec,
I haven't measured the actual current, just going off the datasheet for the original display. Its a 240 x 64 graphical display.
I am located in the USA and typically deal with Digikey, Mouser, Newark, Allied, etc.
I haven't pulled the inverter off the board yet but I like the switching regulator idea and am pretty sure there is enough room on the board to add it in place of the inverter. They are a little pricey but if they are robust and its a quality permanent fix I'm good with that.
I am essentially looking for recommendations on the most efficient and reliable approach I can have. I believe if I just supply a clean 5 volts to the new display the backlight is covered. I will have to take a closer look at the datasheet to be sure.
Thanks.
rfranzk.