RSS Feeds: What to do when it's Time to Replace your Netbook Monitor Screen
I hadn't thought about what to when it gets to the point where I have to replace the monitor screen on my netbook. That is, until I read an article about it. Because laptop components fail when they shouldn't, and when you least expect it, knowing how to fix or replace them can save you a lot of money and trouble.
Warranties and Extended Warranties
Most computers and peripherals come with a limited 1-year warranty with an option to purchase an extended warranty. Netbooks come with the same warranty options. The problem with any warranty is the ability to get the service under the warranty, provided you need the service within the warranty period.
Needless to say, most computer components fail after the warranty has already expired. Is an extended warranty for a netbook even worth buying, considering how little they cost? What if you live in an area, like I do, where getting warranty service would be more trouble than it's worth?
Thinking about how affordable netbooks are to begin with, it seems to me that when a component fails and isn't easily fixed, the old netbook will end up getting replaced by a new netbook with the old netbook being set aside for other uses in the future or discarded as trash.
Some enterprising folks out there are figuring out ways where you can fix things yourself, without being a computer whiz, and save on extended warranties and other headaches.
Replace Your Netbook Monitor Screen
According to the folks at Pixel Qi, changing a netbook monitor screen is slightly more difficult than changing a light bulb. You remove 6 screws, the bezel, replace the screen and then do everything in reverse and can be done with it in under five minutes.
Well, if you've done it before, it might take five minutes. If it takes a bit longer, it really doesn't matter. The benefit is that you can do it at home using common household tools and you don't even have to get the replacement from the manufacturer.
Pixel Qi demonstrated an "ePaper" enhanced netbook monitor screen at the 2010 computer electronics show (CES) and it received great reviews. They're in the process of preparing kits to be sent out within a month or two. I don't know what the cost of one of their netbook monitor screens will be, but I can assure it won't be as expensive as replacing a netbook. Also, given that power consumption by the new screen is one half or less of the screen you have in your netbook now, it's a winning proposition to replace it. Hopefully, the major netbook manufacturers will take notice of this and start using this new technology in their netbooks.
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I had to replace my whole netbook when my screen died on me, the cost of repair was more than a new one – how does that work?!
freebiejeebies´s last blog: Free iPad
Wow, I didn't even know that was possible. Normally one would expect that a gadget like the netbook is not possible to repair. Or at least that the repair will actually cost more than buying a new one – as is the case with a lot of consumer electronics these days.
Interesting to note that Pixel Qi seems to be promoting a DIY change of screen even if your notebook isn't broken, in order to reduce power consumption.
Mike H´s last blog: Examples Among 17 Inch Laptop Bags
Laptops have too many problems to be honest. They are too esy to break and repairs dont come cheap. Excellent article though, probably saved someone some money!