When Bad Things Happen to Good LCD Screens

Life happens. And when it happens to laptops it can be a shattering experience.

Every year an estimated 3.3 million notebook users break their screens, says ScreenTek, makers of do-it-yourself notebook replacement screens. (I am personally responsible for at least two of those millions.)

Getting your cracked notebook screen replaced is a costly and time-consuming experience. ScreenTek says a laptop screen can cost between $700 and $1,000 to replace. I checked out a bunch of forums and found lower estimates, but it's still pricey. And I know it can easily take more than a month and include hefty shipping charges.

ScreenTek sells replacement screens for just about every laptop model and make. They typically cost about $250 to $300. At no charge, they'll replace the screen for you, but the more interesting way to go is the do-it-yourself kit they send to let you replace your own screen. Changing out your laptop screen is surprisingly easy—basically you're removing a few screws, snapping the screen in place, and plugging in a video cable and inverter. The on-site directions are carefully written, the photos are good, and there's a video. Directions are specific to your laptop model, too.

Now, maybe you haven't shattered your entire screen, but just messed up a few pixels. I'll tell you how to diagnose the situation in my next post.