ok..... need advice. Dropped laptop, cracked screen, nice spider web going on. Is it worth spending the money to see if it can be replaced or will it be so expensive I could just get a new one for less? It was a gift, and really i am just sad that I have to tell my dad I ruined his gift.
Depends on what model the laptop is. I've bought screens for as little as $40 (used and for an older model) and as much as $130 (aftermarket for newer model).
I've bought from ebay. I try to stay with OEM, and make sure that I'm buying the right size and type.
I bought my kids new netbooks for Christmas for about $350 each. One of them got knocked off the couch in early January and cracked the screen. I bought a new one on EBAY for $65 and replaced it in minutes. It was worth it in my case.
It probably worth is cause it is over a $800 computer, I just know nothing about hardware, and don't want to get taken! Any suggestions on a local fix it shop? I know geeksquad can do it but I would like to save money if I could.
Put the manufacturer, model, tag number, & serial number from the bottom of the laptop on here. Look for the UPC tag, it has the precise data on your unit. After you post that, I can give you a link to the best price. I repair about 10 to 12 screens a year. I'll give you my link to the best price. A typical model number like an HP DV600 can have over 100 versions of that model number. The UPC pins down your exact model. I may even have your screen (used) in my parts pile. I don't have any 17's though. Geek Squad is a bad place to get a quote. What they quote for $400 can be done by a local tech for $200. In their defense, they will not use after market screens. Most quality after market screens are around $138 with overnight shipping. That's a screen that comes with a 1 year warranty and pixel failure insurance. A tech should charge around $80 +/- based on the complexity .. ie . camera in bezel, cable lead location in dis-assembly, etc. Ebay has great prices, but, sometimes limited warranties and you'll wait 7 days to get it. If you pay expedited shipping it's the same price as the $138 price. Many direct ship from china so be careful, they don't include import fees in their price.
One thing to check when you are buying a replacement LCD screen - does it include the inverter. Especially if you are purchasing from an Ebay supplier, the lower prices are often screens that don't include the inverter...which you then have to remove from the original screen and move it to the replacement.
Stuff4Office on Main St. in Clayton, next to Jones Cafe replaces laptop screens. They will research and get the best price on one for you. They do free esitmates too.
