About Lauren Bennett Expertise I am a computer science major and my dad is an Electric Engineering, so my life has revolved around computers. For as long as I can remember, I have been buying and selling computers. I tend to travel a lot, so I have always had a laptop. I have bought 5 of them for myself, and bought around 30-40 for friends and family. I have dealt with the good and the bad of various version and brand names. If you are in need of buying a laptop, feel free to contact me and I'm sure I will be able to guide you into purchasing the laptop that will be the best fit for you. I will custom build you computers for you to choose from so you can get an exact idea of what to go and buy when you do it yourself and so that you have an exact price. However, I am in the USA and am only knowledgeable about computers here in the US. I do not know about foreign currency or the quality of computer brand names outside the US.
Experience B.S. in Computer Science. Buying and selling for years. Assisting friends/family.
Question QUESTION: I have recently noticed that my laptop screen has white dots on it. At first, I thought that my screen was just dirty, but after I cleaned it, the dots were still there. I don't notice them much when I'm just surfing around the Internet, but I have a blank black screen saver and I noticed them the most when my screen saver was up. They are no bigger then a dot from a pencil and there are about 4 of them on the screen (randomly placed). I don't know if my computer screen is wearing out or something? I bought my computer Christmas 2006 and it is an HP Pavilion zv6000. I was hoping you had some advice.
ANSWER: It sounds like some pixels are out. I'm surprised they went out that quick, but pixels do go out on the LCD's. It has been less than a year so you still have a warranty. If you contact HP technical support they should have you send your computer in, replace the LCD screen, and then send it back to you. They'll probably have you run diagnostics, but if you want to be sly, tell them you already ran the diagnostics on the LCD and the white dots were still present :).
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QUESTION: I'm sorry. I meant Christmas 2005. So, it has been about a year and a half. My computer isn't under warranty anymore either. Will the rest of them start going out quickly also? I don't know how much it costs to replace the screen. Any suggestions to how I can slow it down.. or anything? Thanks!
Answer Just because one or a few goes out doesn't mean any more will. I've had a pixel out on my LCD monitor on my desktop computer for two years and it has just been that one pixel. As for the cost of replacing it, you have a few options.
You can get them off eBay if you search for the make and model of your computer. However, just make sure you read the ad, the shipping costs, and the return policy very quickly. Also read the seller's feedback and make sure you pay with PayPal. I buy and sell on eBay all the time and I have never had a problem.
Also, if you call technical support or customer support they can give you a price quote on purchasing an LCD screen through them. However, it might be wise to purchase an extended warranty instead. Generally, one service call to repair your computer costs the same as a years warranty.
I wouldn't pay someone more than $50 an hour to replace it. I've also replaced my LCD screen on my sister's laptop (no warranty) and it took me about 10 minutes max. So make sure you don't get screwed. You should be able to stand there and watch them do it and it shouldn't take more than 10 minutes.
However, check out www.pchelpforum.com and I bet someone on there could walk you through replacing the LCD screen on your specific computer.
