Laptop screen troubles

[Izzie]

The past couple months, if I push my HP Pavilion special edition Laptop blahblahblah's screen all the way back, parts of the screen would turn pink and flicker.
It's two years old and gets heavy use, from 6-10 hours a day, so I figured the hinge or whatever was just getting tired, and just kept the screen from going all the way back. Not a big hassle for me.

Yesterday, got that dreaded blue screen, and before I could read what it said, the computer shut off. Whenever I restart, everything sounds fine (All the startup sounds are there), but I have a black screen.

When shining a flashlight along it in a dark room, you still can't see anything.


Computer doctor came over to look at it, and says that he suspects that either the screen, or some converter box at the hinge is out. Says that the blue screen might be something else entirely (infection).
If it is the screen- he say's he'll have to look for parts on ebay.
Is that the best route for repair, or could we get a better deal someplace else? Like from HP or newegg?

I'm more concerned about the screen than any infection right now- the computer was backed up to a disc just a week ago.

[stefpix]

You could attach an external monitor. How much did you pay for the computer? how much woudl you pay for the repair? the screen is one of teh most expensive parts to fix in a laptop. But probably could be the hinge wiring not teh screen itself. if repair is more than 2/ 300 and your computer is below 900 i would consider buying a new one

[johnblagg]

sounds like a cable or connector failing ..there is a funky little cable in there for that and it could be Kaput

[Call_Me_Bob]

there is a cable that runs from the "main body" of the laptop through the hinge and connects to the screen. this cable is probably what is messed up. the exact same thing happened to mine, thankfully it was under warranty

[Izzie]

We'll be checking on the cable tomorrow. Hooked it up to an external monitor, and it's fine. The monitor toggle function key does nothing. The box should be a cheap fix, if that's it. If not, this guy can find a screen for around $100.

This computer was nearly $2k, so it's worth it to me to fix it.

Crossing fingers that it's a cable though!

[stefpix]

everything that breaks these days is a flat rate minimum 100 can be 150 at least [don't tell me!]. Buying extended warranty for laptops or buying with a credit card that doubles the warranty is worth I think

[Izzie]

I agree stefano- after this, I am considering insuring the appliances I'm more attached to.