Issue 10.11
The first time I purchased a laptop computer, I had owned it about two months when I made a big mistake. I had been taking notes from some web sites and I set the pencil on my keyboard. A few minutes later, I closed the screen and heard a cracking sound. Yes, I had broken the screen.
At that time, replacing the screen was very expensive – about $450 for the part and about an hour and a half labor. It’s not as bad now, but it is still quite expensive. Prices range from $60-$120 for used screens (if you can find them for your product) to a range of $100-$250 for new ones (depending on size, brand and availability). It still takes about an hour and a half to replace the screen if you know how, or it will usually cost you about $50-$60, depending on the tech you have do it. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, be sure to follow the technical service manual instructions for your make and model. Laptops are intricately wired so as to fit all that capability in a small, flat area. If you don’t get everything back where it goes or if you break a wire while you are assembling/disassembling the unit, you may have another hefty repair bill to add to the first one. It is also important to remember that, in addition to unplugging the laptop before you work on it, you must also remove the battery and make sure you are grounded electrically so you don’t damage any of the components by touching them.
If your screen is not actually broken, but has gone dark, it is often the back-light that has failed. The parts for this repair usually cost between $70 and $120 and labor is about the same as the broken screen replacement. In all cases, you must have the exact replacement part or it will likely not work.
Another solution that can be useful (if you don’t care too much about the portability issue) is to simply add an external monitor to your laptop. Most modern laptops will sense the monitor and send the display to it. You may need to adjust it for a correct fit, but it can save you quite a bit. Monitors range from $95 – $250, depending on size. They come in 17, 19, 20, 22 and 23 inch sizes and have a variety of sharpness and clarity ratings. The only drawback is that you would have to carry the monitor around with you if you travel with your computer.
I generally don’t encourage people to buy extended warranties because they usually cost more that you would likely spend on repairs. One exception is the laptop – but be sure that any extended warranty you buy covers accidental damage because broken screens are almost always considered accidental damage. Then you have to weigh the cost/benefit of having the warranty. It has helped my daughter. Her children have broken her computer 3 times and she is glad for the protection she paid for.
Remember, stay safe – and make sure you have a backup of anything important.
Shaun McCausland has been in the computer industry for 29 years (locally with Musicomp & Bits ‘N’ Bytes) and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions, you can reach him at 668-7118.