Reparing / Replacing a laptop screen

SteamWake · 12-01-08, 01:38 PM

During travel over the holiday weekend I had the pleasure of checking through airport secuirty at MIA.

While for the most part they did a good job and got through with a minimum of fuss.

I placed the laptop back in its padded case and put the case atop my pull along suitcase. Well at some point the laptop case fell to the floor with a thump. It landed rather flat and I figured it would be okay being in a padded case in all.

Wrong.... not the scrreen works there is a permanent white stripe about an inch wide up the right side about three fourths of the way. Makes it hard to get to the scroll bar for excell ... sigh.

So Ive done a little research and it seems you can buy replacement screens. I havent nailed down the costs as yet, appears to be in the 200-300 $us range.

Has anyone actually replaced their screens? How hard was it? Is it even worth it or should I save for a new laptop? Is there any way I can 'repair' this without having to replace the thing?

OH it is a Compaq Presario 1500... a bit dated but still a good machine for what I use it for.

Thanks in advance.

CaptainHaplo · 12-01-08, 07:02 PM

They are not that hard to replace - its basically one ribbon cable. Just make sure you get one that fits your laptop - as things like latch size, hinge placement, etc - vary widely between "close" models.

If your not looking to replace the machine then sure go ahead and swap the screen - if you want a new laptop - save the dough for the next portable.

FIREWALL · 12-01-08, 08:18 PM

Advice : Get a better padded case.

PELICAN http://www.pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1495

SteamWake · 12-01-08, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIREWALL

Advice : Get a better padded case.

PELICAN http://www.pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1495

LOL little late for that :p

I dident think it hit that hard but it hit just right I guess.

longam · 12-01-08, 10:08 PM

As always double check connection first, dc voltage is a tricky thing.

I have a pain in the butt DC PLC board that gives me fits until I check a few connectors. No mater what I do they come back to haunt me ... and its all do to impact vibrations.

FIREWALL · 12-02-08, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteamWake

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIREWALL

Advice : Get a better padded case.

PELICAN http://www.pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1495

LOL little late for that :p

I dident think it hit that hard but it hit just right I guess.

I guess so but, a Pelican case could have fallen out of the plane and if recovered,

your laptop wouldn't have a scratch.

12-01-08, 01:38 PM	#1
SteamWake Rear Admiral Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 13,224 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	Reparing / Replacing a laptop screen During travel over the holiday weekend I had the pleasure of checking through airport secuirty at MIA. While for the most part they did a good job and got through with a minimum of fuss. I placed the laptop back in its padded case and put the case atop my pull along suitcase. Well at some point the laptop case fell to the floor with a thump. It landed rather flat and I figured it would be okay being in a padded case in all. Wrong.... not the scrreen works there is a permanent white stripe about an inch wide up the right side about three fourths of the way. Makes it hard to get to the scroll bar for excell ... sigh. So Ive done a little research and it seems you can buy replacement screens. I havent nailed down the costs as yet, appears to be in the 200-300 $us range. Has anyone actually replaced their screens? How hard was it? Is it even worth it or should I save for a new laptop? Is there any way I can 'repair' this without having to replace the thing? OH it is a Compaq Presario 1500... a bit dated but still a good machine for what I use it for. Thanks in advance.

12-01-08, 07:02 PM	#2
CaptainHaplo Silent Hunter Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 4,404 Downloads: 29 Uploads: 0	They are not that hard to replace - its basically one ribbon cable. Just make sure you get one that fits your laptop - as things like latch size, hinge placement, etc - vary widely between "close" models. If your not looking to replace the machine then sure go ahead and swap the screen - if you want a new laptop - save the dough for the next portable. __________________ Good Hunting! Captain Haplo

12-01-08, 08:18 PM	#3
FIREWALL Eternal Patrol Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: CATALINA IS. SO . CAL USA Posts: 10,108 Downloads: 511 Uploads: 0	Advice : Get a better padded case. PELICAN http://www.pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1495 __________________ RIP FIREWALL I Play GWX. Silent Hunter Who ???

12-01-08, 10:08 PM	#5
longam Admiral Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,014 Downloads: 26 Uploads: 0	As always double check connection first, dc voltage is a tricky thing. I have a pain in the butt DC PLC board that gives me fits until I check a few connectors. No mater what I do they come back to haunt me ... and its all do to impact vibrations. Last edited by longam; 12-01-08 at 10:10 PM.