aproximate computer repair cost?

[Awkwardsaw]

hey guys, i just need to know about how much it would cost if i fix my laptop myself. the screen is cracked, and the power input is going out. im guessing its no more than 200 bucks, 100 if i can get a cheap screen.

is this worth it?

[Smartzkid]

Screens can be tricky, but if you can find the right one (and it actually turns out to be the right one), you should be able to pull it off for ~100 total.

If you have the time and patience for it, and the laptop is worth putting the money into, go for it. Just make sure you're getting the right screen and confirm that the seller has a refund policy. Of the three screens I've replaced, one has been the wrong model. Be careful and you'll be okay.

[Awkwardsaw]

ok, but what about the power input? its kind of loose, and i had to hold the cord in a certain direction. i did this for a few months, before the cord end just snapped off

[Hobbit]

Is it the jack on the inside of the computer that is loose or is it the cord on the power adapter?

If its the jack it may be quite pricey, depending on if the mounts are broken. If the mounts are intact and its just the jack, probably a $30-40 part. If the mounts are busted you need to replace the motherboard... in that case its usually more worthwhile to buy a new laptop.

[Awkwardsaw]

im pretty sure its just the jack. is there any real way to tell without busting open the laptop?

[Hobbit]

Not really

[Awkwardsaw]

ok well, datadoctors has free check ups on hardware, i guess i'll hit them up

thanks guys :)

[Shuttleu]

for the screen i would say around £60-70
for the jack, assuming its on the inside, you can replace it for around £2-3

bear in mind that the jack may need soldering

the screen shouldnt be too hard, take the case off until you get to the screen connector, once you get there take the lid off and work on the lid, overall i wouldnt say it is too hard

the jack will be harder, you will need to get the motherboard out and disconnect any batteries, wires etc.
then you will need to de-solder the old jack and make sure the holes are clear (de-soldering takes more heat than soldering so be careful not to burn or break any of the surrounding components, or your hand ;)).
once the holes are clear you should be able to just put the jack on and solder

if your lucky you may have one like my dads where the jack plugs in to the board and you will just need to glue the lack down

just a idea on the cost
screen: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-Acer-Aspire-AS5742Z-4685-15-6-HD-LED-Glossy-Screen-/230561884664?pt=UK_Computing_LaptopAccess_RL&hash=item35ae8f29f8#ht_1118wt_905 or http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FUJITSU-LIFEBOOK-CP126178-15-XGA-LCD-SCREEN-MATT-/270437325920?pt=UK_Computing_LaptopAccess_RL&hash=item3ef7521c60#ht_747wt_905
Plug-in jack: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/IBM-THINKPAD-T41-JACK-POWER-PIN-/270613698497?pt=UK_Computing_LaptopAccess_RL&hash=item3f01d557c1#ht_901wt_905
Jack: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DC-Power-Jack-Socket-PJ03-2-5-Advent-7104-Brand-New-/220632729896?pt=UK_Computing_LaptopAccessories_Pow erSupplies&hash=item335ebc4928

so overall price, no more than £70

~shut

[Hobbit]

ok well, datadoctors has free check ups on hardware, i guess i'll hit them up

thanks guys :)

That probably wont do visual inspection, they probably just run something like PC-Doctor. http://www.ws.com/

Won't tell you anything about the power block issue

[Smartzkid]

I've replaced power supply plugs with four pin molex connectors in a pinch...

[Boreas]

Sometimes powerjacks are on a daughterboard that don't cost much more than the jack, so no soldering. For screens you need to look for model on the screen (gotta take it apart) not the model of the laptop, I like dvdsuper999 on ebay. If the laptop is more than a couple years old and you don't have a lot of data and licensed programs, you might be better off getting a new one.