Sep 01 2008
Laptop LCD Replacement Guidelines
One of the dreaded problems with laptops is if the LCD is busted or cracked. Should you throw in the towel and get a new one or get it fixed?
While in the past it was expensive and complicated to replace a laptop screen. With the advent of the internet, competitive pricing, detailed schematics and repair guides it's become simpler and more cost effective to replace a LCD screen than ever before.
One of the largest factors in replacing the LCD is the size and quality of the screen you're replacing. Replacement LCD's can be as cheap at $140 for a small 12 inch screen, and go as high as $400 for a high quality 17" screen. The average seems to be right around $200 give or take $50.
There are many different places to buy your replacement laptop screen. There are a few really good LCD superstores like LCDSuper.com that offer very competitive pricing on LCD Screens. Ebay and craigslist remain viable alternatives. And using google shopping can often find very reasonable alternatives.
The LCD itself is only one factor in the overall cost of replacing the screen. You'll have to consider what it takes to replace that screen. I highly recommend NOT doing it yourself. One inadvertent thumb in the wrong place can effectively ruin your laptop.
A qualified computer repair technician can usually replace the LCD screen in as little as an hour. Each laptop model unfortunately is different, so it may take longer depending on what it takes to get the screen apart.
If you do decide to replace the screen yourself, there are numerous sites that list detailed schematics of how to take apart the screen for each manufacturer and model. A simple google search of laptop repair guides should help.
As with all computer repairs, you have to weigh the cost of the repairs with effective replacement costs of the entire computer. As most LCD repairs cost at least $300 with labor, if you can replace the computer for about double that price you might not want to proceed. However, it's hard to put a dollar value on the customizations you have on your computer already. A new computer might not have the programs you need, or your internet bookmarks. So, take that into consideration as well. Good luck with your laptop revival, and email us if you have any questions.