Laptop screens

[calrath]

I believe that the screen on the laptop I use for college is going bad. It seems much dimmer than it used to be, even with the brightness turned all the way up. The screen has also become loose, as in if it's not close to a 90 degree angle, it will fall shut or all the way open. It's out of warranty now, as I got it back in 2001. Is there any way to get a replacement screen for a laptop without spending too much? The laptop still works great, but the screen is starting to be an annoyance. It's a compaq model.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[ziggy4500]

2001 model? i think replacing that screen wouldnt be cost feasiable. lets say it cost around 300 for the screen to be replaced (probably more). lots of times dell, has laptops for about 600 after rebate. so basically for a bit more, get a whole modern computer. just my 2cents

[Marlon_JB2]

eBay maybe? I don't recommend *any* of the cheap Dells, laptop or desktop. I have fixed way too many. :)

[calrath]

eBay maybe? I don't recommend *any* of the cheap Dells, laptop or desktop. I have fixed way too many. :)

I've also heard bad things about the cheap Dells.

Over 300 for a new screen huh? Hmm, guess I'll just deal with it for now then.

[chucka]

I bought a screen for a older hp (3 years old) for $90 on ebay and it worked fine.

[rfra3645]

mine went bad i bought a used emptied out whole laptop for "parts" for 120 got the whole case and screen..

installing it was an expierience... but verry much better than the 450$ hp quoted me to fix the problem..

the cheap dells suck.. and amazinlgly enough this the 2nd thread i have seen in like 4 minutes talking about someone should do that...

i think dell is way over tlaked over produced.. and under supported.. lol..

just my 1 cent

[DocWatson]

I believe that the screen on the laptop I use for college is going bad. It seems much dimmer than it used to be, even with the brightness turned all the way up. The screen has also become loose, as in if it's not close to a 90 degree angle, it will fall shut or all the way open. It's out of warranty now, as I got it back in 2001. Is there any way to get a replacement screen for a laptop without spending too much? The laptop still works great, but the screen is starting to be an annoyance. It's a compaq model.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Lots of good advice here. Yes, replacement screens are expensive, yes, you can buy a gutted laptop on ebay cheaper and swap screens, yes cheap Dells suck.

A couple of thoughts: Your screen may not be going bad, but the light source for it may. You can get replacement light sources much cheaper than screens, and they are also often available on ebay. Also, the power board that feeds the light source could be failing, also much cheaper. I've replaced both at various times, and neither is a big deal.

Good luck.