How hard is it to replace a laptop screen? Where to buy one?

[Meety Peety]

My wife turned on her laptop today, to find that the screen is having a problem. If I had to guess, she probably dropped something on it while it was closed - that's what it looks like to me anyway. The computer still works fine and there are no actual cracks in the screen, just a distorted picture. I've been told you can buy a replacement LCD panel and install it, but I have not messed with many laptops before and I don't know what I would be getting into. I'm very tech savvy and assuming it's not rocket science, I'm sure I would be able to get it done with some decent instructions.

Also, does anyone know where a good place to buy said parts would be? I would prefer OEM stuff, as I don't really want to have to deal with something not being compatible or having cheap parts break etc. I have not looked into it yet, just asking some preliminary questions before I start looking around.

[awiner]

I've replaced a couple. Not too bad on the HP laptops.

Every laptop is different though.

Google your model #, as you may be able to find a good guide to replacement or even a video detailing the procedure.

[Ritchie8719]

Just went through this. I only get low end stuff, so the $120 cost of a new Acer display made me go buy a new $300 Acer and do the transfer. The old one is now our TV computer.

[rvicta]

Laptop screens are not difficult to replace. I bought replacements off eBay.

[2DoorImpala]

Google search screen repair with the brand on model. I replaced the old lenovo a while ago. Screen only cost me 120. And about 1hr or repair

[michiganboy]

Easy to do and cheap replacements on Ebay.

[johnniezombie]

Cheap replacements on Ebay or google shop. Easy to replace, lots of YouTube videos

[North Bay Guy]

It's probably pretty easy to replace the screen. What I did when I broke the screen on one of my labtops was use an old tv as the screen. Basically making it a desktop. You can pick up the cord cheap at Walmart or bestbuy if it's a PC. That might not help if you need your computer to be mobile.

[billofrights]

Nobody makes their own panels for their brand of laptops, so OEM is a waste of money. Google the model on how to remove the screen, confirm what panel it is (often times during a specific laptop's run they will use 2 or 3 different panels) and buy one off of ebay. Should run you about $100-150 and an hour of you time.

*Unless it's an Apple. Same price but bigger PITA to remove them*

[Iknownot]

It's not hard to replace a screen on most laptops. There's probably a how to video up on youtube for your particular model of lap top.

My only issue is how old is the lap top? If it's a year or so old or under, replace the screen or if it is a very high end one, replace the screen.

If it is older or just basic, new laptops are so cheap now ($350-400 for a pretty decent one). For not much more money , you'll get a new laptop with new components and no wear and tear.

Just my 2 cents.

[Meety Peety]

Thanks for all the input. The laptop is less than a year old, and its a pretty decent mid range model. Certainly cheaper to replace the screen if I can find one for around $100-$150.

Another question - is there quality difference in the replacements? The screen I have is "HD" and one of the reasons we chose this particular one was it's really nice looking screen/graphics. It would suck if I replaced the screen and it looked mediocre.

Thanks again, I will start looking at replacements in the next few days, been very busy lately and haven't had much time to look into it.