I have a Gateway T1616 laptop that is only 4 months old and we cracked the LCD on it. Gateway says its $450 to replace it. That pretty much totals the laptop since it was like $599.

Is there any chance I can find the parts online and install the new LCD myself?

5/15/2008 9:33:29 PM

probably, but the cost wouldn't be worth it even if you got for half the cost. Best thing to do is get another laptop and turn this laptop into a slim desktop. Duct tape it behind a monitor and call it an iPC...

5/15/2008 10:21:33 PM

I did this to my Dell Inspiron(cracked my screen). Found a replacement screen on eBay for like 150-200 bucks. It came with step by step instructions, and worked like a charm.


It took maybe 20 minutes to replace it, I am not the best with parts and stuff either, it was simple on the Dell.

[Edited on May 15, 2008 at 11:46 PM. Reason : dwd]

5/15/2008 11:45:06 PM

you can definitely find a cheap DIY replacement on ebay that you will be able to assemble.

5/16/2008 12:15:24 AM

Quote :

"you can definitely find a cheap DIY replacement on ebay that you will be able to assemble."

5/16/2008 12:45:53 AM

Quote :

"probably, but the cost wouldn't be worth it even if you got for half the cost. Best thing to do is get another laptop and turn this laptop into a slim desktop. Duct tape it behind a monitor and call it an iPC..."

This was my first inclination, but then I ran a search for replacement LCD's and found a bunch so cheap it would not be cost prohibitive. My main concern now is ordering the right one, and of course making the repair without busting anything. I used to change the housings on my Nextels all the time but with those there was always a model specific tutorial to follow online.

I guess worst case I can ditch the clunker in the kitchen that is being used for a DJ computer and use this one. I just think it would be worth fixing if it can be done for >$150.

5/16/2008 12:47:36 AM

it's pretty easy to do.. look through a few tutorials for any models you can find online and yours should be similar

5/16/2008 8:15:49 AM

yeah, it's not difficult...the vast majority of laptop LCDs are held in place by screws at the hinge plate and around the edge of the panel (they're usually covered up by rubber tabs)...once you remove the screws, you'll see how the screen fits in...the only "difficult" part will be removing the actual connector, because it may not be in a place as easily accessible

at the very worst, do what i did - turn it into a dedicated torrenting box hardwired to the network

[Edited on May 16, 2008 at 8:58 AM. Reason : .]

5/16/2008 8:58:29 AM

Ive found plenty of laptop LCDs on ebay for less than $100, just gotta keep searching. Might even be able to get a busted laptop that has a good screen and part out the working parts to recover some of your cost

5/16/2008 6:32:51 PM