Anyone replaced a laptop screen?

[jtzordon]

I believe I've cracked the LCD screen on my laptop. I can see the display, but there is a black mark that continues to expand. Anyone replaced one of these things? Is it doable for someone inexperienced? Or am I going to need to shell out to get it repaired?

[LarryD]

I don't want to be the bad guy but the last time I had that happen to a computer all 3 places I took it to said getting a new computer was cheaper than getting a new screen installed.

[martolod]

it's doable :eek:
here is the correct procedure:-
unplug laptop
drive to local computer store.
buy new laptop
plug in new lap top.
there .simple. even a newbie can do that.

i'm afraid that is the cheapest and best option.you may be able to claim on your insurance.

[wlewisiii]

It can be done, it's not hard actually.  You may need to be able to use a soldering iron and multimeter. But it really will cost more than a new one. Best bet is for you to get another similar model & put your current hard drive in an external case to use as a backup device.

If you really want to look into repairing it, start at http://www.ifixit.com/Guide It's mostly Mac but there is some PC stuff and the principles are the same.

[taulen]

Or take the chance and look on ebay and alike to see if you can find a similar model thats not working but have a working screen...
But that is taking chances of course. =) Buying a new screen is as others have said, not worth it.

[Julio1fer]

I'd recommend calling your local service shop.

FWIW, about one year ago, at work, we had a Toshiba laptop screen replaced (it was cracked). IIRC it cost about half a simple laptop. Being a quite new machine, we thought it was worth it. The local Toshiba repair service did a good job.

[Justin Smith]

If the repair is cost-prohibitive, don't forget that you can still hook-up an external monitor and use the machine as a desktop.

[Ron G]

There are several tutorials online for reference,Google for what you are looking for.
The last LCD screen I bought was over $100.00 but you can buy a "second" for a little less money.They are fully functional but may have some background artifacts or areas that the brightness varies or some dead pixels etc but if the laptop is a little older you may choose to live with that.
Changing the diplay is not really rocket science but it is easy to break the plastic trim and in some cases squeeze the control and data wires when putting it all back together.
If you can find a tutorial for your model or something close to it and follow it to the letter you should be able to get it done.Ron G

[jtzordon]

Thanks guys for the ideas. I've been able to find a supplier for a screen for a little less than half of the original. I'll take some time to decide what route to go and just deal with the spot on the screen for a while. I might go for the home repair attempt and, if that doesn't work out, get a screen and use it as a desktop.