Laptop Screen Replacement question.

[twumpus]

So well an accident occurred with my year and a half old laptop. Screen was broken , however seeing as nothing else is wrong with the thing. Figured i'd try to fix the screen.

before anyone goes into the Buy a new laptop its cheaper.
My options in my area for replacement are.
bestbuy- 450 plus taxes which will "replace the top part of my laptop not just the screen which will also fix some of the wear and tear to the machine"
Canada Computers- 40 dollars just to check to see if they can repair in the first place , then 200 bucks to fix the screen , another 100 for the actual repair job and another 100 because my windows license has worn from the bottom of laptop (not going there btw)
Wintronicxs- approx 180 dollars for screen , or 250 max. However it will be just the screen getting fixed, nothing else.
Dell- 100 bucks for shipping , 100 dollars for screen , 150 for repair , another 100 for shipping back , plus another anywhere up to 100 for taxes , duty. or 450 plus

So for 510 dollars with taxes the most expensive on this list , the best computer i can find isn't as good as my current laptop, also has to be a laptop .. i have a desktop computer already. Laptop is for school and travel related times.
Question being , has anyone any personal experiences that suggest i don't use or DO use one of those choices.
Laptop is a Dell XPS 16.

[JWL]

Why not DIY? I've replaced a screen and its not hard. Googled "Dell XPS 16 screen replacement" and the top hits were:

http://www.screencountry.com/index.php?section=products&model=STUDIO%20XPS%2016&brand=Dell&size=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUKiZzrJYJE

[bylo]

My advice, if you're at all mechanically inclined, is DIY with parts from eBay. If you're not mechanically inclined, try to find a small shop with a technician who cares. Avoid places like BB and CC.

I replaced the LCD panel on a ThinkPad many years ago. Fortunately I was able to buy the complete top lid assembly with LCD, backlight, inverter, bezels, etc. so the job was a bit easier. I got the lid assembly on eBay for a lot less than what Lenovo wanted for the panel.

A couple more points:
1. Lenovo, and I believe Dell also, publish their hardware manuals on their website. You'll find this indispensable for learning how to take your notebook apart and putting it back together again.
2. Lenovo, and probably Dell, have forums, both sponsored and independent, where owners can exchange information and help each other. Find the one(s) for Dell and ask them for advice. If all else fails try the forums on notebookreview.com

[moevsworld]

I had zero clue how to replace a screen, bought one from screencounry and watched a youtube video and in 10 mins my screen was fine!

[Catherine111]

I would suggest you to plug that model number into google or ebay and you should be able to find some affordable replacement screens.

[devilsknight]

I would suggest you to plug that model number into google or ebay and you should be able to find some affordable replacement screens.

+1

eBay will always have better prices and in most cases below or around $100 shipped for a replacement screen. they are very easy to replace as well...just make sure you have smaller screwdrivers and a plastic prying tool that will prevent damage to the bezel and watch the video first then go ahead and replace the screen.

[ShadowVlican]

i also replaced my own laptop screen.. the only nerve-racking part was removing the bezels, i was scared i would crack the plastic

[sleepyguy]

It's not too hard... hardest part is removing the benzel which is requires force in the right places. I used to do this as part of my job when I was working helpdesk... would get through a few each day.