[JabbaPapa]

Ah ok NOT "just fine" then and this eliminates any possibility of it being a software issue.

[phileysmiley]

Well of course. That's why I went ahead and posted the links for the site that repairs LCD screens and inverters. I wouldn't have posted that if the laptop monitor was working.

[phileysmiley]

I'm wondering if I should just buy a new laptop. Looks like I can get one that's 2x as good as what I have now (2x the RAM, 2x the HDD, 2x the processor speed, etc) for less than half what I paid for this.

I just sunk $200 into a new battery. If I sink another $200 or so into a new LCD screen, well, that's $400 which would get me a decent new laptop.

Check out this deal, for example:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 34-101-180

Gateway T-6345U NoteBook Intel Pentium dual-core T3400(2.16GHz) 14.1" Wide XGA 2GB Memory DDR2 667 250GB HDD 5400rpm DVD Super Multi Intel GMA X3100


$379.99
Free Shipping

The one I have now is a Pentium M 1.73 GHz, came with 1 GB RAM (I upgraded to 2), and a 150 GB HDD (I upgraded to 200).

It cost me $1300 + $299 service plan + $100 tax = $1600 when I bought it in January 2006.

[phileysmiley]

The decision has been made by TWWTMP (those who wield the money power) that it would be better to just buy a new laptop rather than continue to pump money into repairing one that's 3 1/2 years old and a relic compared to today's. Even if this was an easy fix I think it's about time anyway.

Thanks everyone for your help!

[JabbaPapa]

The decision has been made by TWWTMP (those who wield the money power) that it would be better to just buy a new laptop rather than continue to pump money into repairing one that's 3 1/2 years old and a relic compared to today's. Even if this was an easy fix I think it's about time anyway.

Thanks everyone for your help!

That is the wisest decision, and 3 1/2 years for any laptop is a good innings.

Make sure you get one with the Windows 7 free upgrade offer, as W7 is faster, better, and more efficient than both XP and Vista

[phileysmiley]

Thanks.

I'm going to start a "buying new laptop" thread.

buying-new-laptop-t109259.html