Replacing Laptop Screen

[Omnia sunt Communia]

I own a Advent Roma 1001 laptop. Recently the screen cracked, leaving me without a screen. I currently have my laptop hooked up to a external monitor but would like to replace the screen as soon as possible. I took my computer back to my retailer (Dixons) who said they couldn't do anything because it was 'accidental damage' (even though my laptop hasn't moved for the best part of three weeks).

 

Independant repair jobs are looking to cost me around £280, which is money I definietly don't have. I looked online and apparently replacing a laptop screen is a relatively easy process. I opened up my laptop and got the part number; checked online and it seems a new screen is going to cost me £64 (a much better price).

 

What I was wondering before I paid out for a new screen was: Is it possible to replace my laptop screen with any LCD screen of the same size? Does the screen have to be exactly the same as the one it came in? Or can I mix and match parts if I can find a old laptop for cheap?

 

Thanks in advance for the help.

[d00d]

While it is possible, its a lot of trouble and not recommended. The LCD screen itself will be roughly the same even if the resolution is different, but the connections to the rest of the laptop are not. Get the genuine spare.

 

Also I'd only advise replacing the screen if you're confident doing this. You need time, patience and a clean work area with a lot of space. While there usually isn't any soldering involved, some gentle hands wouldn't go amiss.

[mystk]

Yep, assuming the dimensions and the specs are the same you should have no problems. Just remember to use the ribbon cable that came with your laptop, while a different ribbon cable would work, the fit might not be the same.

 

Remember though, not every screen is guaranteed to work. There may be some screens which won't work.

Edited December 29, 2010 by Warlord.

[Omnia sunt Communia]

Thank you for the advice. I already took my laptop apart in order to get the part number for my screen, I managed to do that without any major catastrophes (I lost a few screws but that's about it!). The only thing I can see myself having problem with is disconnecting the ribbon cable. I couldn't do it when I tried removing my screen last time, and I didn't want to try again without knowing how to do it properly. What is the correct way to remove a ribbon cable?

[d00d]

From my experience, with screens you usually gently pull it out (applying gradual, equal force across the cable). Sometimes the socket the cable goes into has a clip, use a thin blade or screwdriver to push these clips out/upwards to release the ribbon.