laptop hp n3370 - how to get a replacement screen...

ok, other than paying for a new screen that would cost MORE than a new laptop, is there such a thing as a "used computer swap site" that helps people? what i need is just a bloody screen (mine cracked). the laptop is old as sin - but still works fine for email and text searches and testing connections to the internet. what do people do with their old laptop if the screen is ok, but the "cpu" part dies?

You can try Ebay, or the Google query below.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&l...acement+screen

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eBay is a great source of these things. You're exactly right, people do sell off their broken laptops for parts, and you can get a great deal as who else wants them, really?

What you need to make sure is that the screen size is the same. It would also be a good idea to find the part number of your screen - the HP site might give it to you, otherwise you'll have to open it up yourself & read the label inside. Sometimes people sell of the individual components from their broken laptops, they usually make more money this way.

Good luck!
GF

The big thing to consider is how broken is the screen. If it's just the glass, then it's not as big of a deal, though rpl'ing it is not a home project, unless your Joe Badass :-). If the TFT part is damaged, your pretty much SOL and would probably be better off getting a new system.

I know across the Sound in Seattle there are several stores that sell cheap, used laptops, like PIII and older, for a few hundred bucks. If you don't require a lot, maybe you should look for a local store or 'net site that sells old laptops.

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You can replace the glass of a TFT? That strikes me as an impossible job!

I'd to disassemble my laptop to replace a part (the cable linking the MOBO to the TFT was over-bent at the hinge), and the TFT came away on it's own. For my IBM, the TFT was a single unopenable part, the only thing you could really get to is the bulbs at the side.

Perhaps it's possible, much kudos to anyone who has done it!

I'd a touchscreen personal organiser once, dropped it, broke the glass of the screen. I tried to see if I could get replacement glass, but the glass was attached to the tft film, I couldn't seperate the 2 (although looking back, it might've been the touch-film).

A mate has a broken screen in his laptop (nice 15.1" Dell screen, dropped the laptop 2 days out of warranty), and if the glass could be replaced, it'd save him a fortune. Must do research on this..
GF

The only reason I mentioned replacing the glass is that I too broke a PDA. The support people said it would only be $200 to replace just the glass, due to the touch-screen. The TFT was still fine; I could use the PDA but not any touch features.

So, I conjecture that it's possible w/ some screens to replace the glass. I do know that many screens are an integral unit w/ the TFT, which is why it's so expensive to replace. I don't know enough about LCD tech. to state you can replace only the screen; I only think that it should be possible. I definantly don't think it's a DIY job.

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Hi All.

First, and foremost, thank you for your excellent suggestions and words of sorrow. I was able to take the Laptop apart. While Dell has a good tech support web site with pictures, there was a guy in the UK who went the distance to post PICTURES as he took his laptop apart. Sadly, he stopped at the screen. And sadly, I did NOT stop. I tried to take it out of the plastic backing and cracked it even MORE (is that possible? Yes ! Prior - 50% of the screen was working - now only 10% !) Other than the screen, the laptop is fully functionable. Just say an EBAY posting for $21 + 36 (shipping). So I have to ask myself: Is it worth $60 to get a screen for an ancient laptop? Actually, it would be. But here's the rub - I have *never* purchased from ebay before! Yes, I am the one remaining soul in the universe who has not done ebay! Thus, as an unregistered ebay user, I can't even ask the guy if his n3370 (search key words) is not-cracked. And the pressure to decide is ON - because the auction only has one day left (ends Sunday). May I have your opinions please? j1076366 AT hotmail DOT com

I'm sorry buddy that I've not had net access till now.

New to eBay isn't a big deal. However I'd advise you not to go for it now. Are there many other screens on offer that'll work? Creating an eBay account takes no time at all, but I'd like you to surf around a little and get used to it before bidding.

You've got to know some facts:
1. Caveat emptor - buyer beware. Be suspicious - read the item description exactly. It should be truthful - legally it's supposed to, but I doubt many follow up fraudulent sells. However leaving bad feedback is a big threat.

2. Feedback is very important. If you are going to buy from somebody, make sure they've got v. good feedback (97% or more I'd say). Read the negative feedbacks to see if they're important/suspicious. And make sure all good feedback is not all by the same guy(s). Also click on a few of the previous auctions to make sure he wasn't selling 50p's worth of soya sauce - i.e. that they were genuine important auctions.

3. PayPal is nice & secure, it's sufficient proof of payment, and doesn't cost you anything (although it does charge the seller - it's common for about 4% to be added to the winning bid at the end, for small hings I think it's worth it for the peace of mind). You'll need a credit-card to sign up. Also that implies that you seller has a verified address & contact info (as he's also got an account & valid CC) which you can get to if required.

4. Don't get carried away. If things look too good to be true, they probably are. Ensure good feedback, delivery charges aren't crazy, and don't give away credit-card or bank a/c info via email - forgive me if that sounds dumb, but you'd be amazed!

Don't pay by Western Union! It's untracable & you can be easily screwed. I learnt that the hard way (lost £400 for a laptop - I was naive).

Patience is a good thing. There'll always be another offering, so make sure you are 100% happy before bidding.

But eBay is great. I've bought loads of stuff off it. It's great fun seeing the deals and the wierd stuff. And you get a real thrill from bidding.

Good luck!
GF