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    Travelmate Replacement Screen?

    Discussion in 'Acer' started by StoneWolf, Apr 27, 2005.

  1. StoneWolf

    StoneWolf Newbie

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    After 15 months of heavy use my Travelmate 800's screen has decided to pack it in. The laptop is no longer covered by any warranty either. I have emailed Acer support but have not received a response yet. Does anyone know if they will be able to do anything to help? I.e. replace the screen?

    I need to find out soon because a friend of mine can get me a deal on a new Thinkpad T42, but only for a limited time. The Thinkpad is very tempting because IBM's reputation and the 3 year warranty.
     
    StoneWolf, Apr 27, 2005
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  2. StoneWolf

    StoneWolf Newbie

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    It's not just dim, it goes blank. Sometimes if it's left on you'll see some faint white horizontal lines, and sometimes some black and white inkblot-style things. The backlight still works.

    It works fine with an external monitor. I've been using it all day, in fact. The weird thing is that sometimes the LCD screen decides to work again for a little while. Once the computer gets intensive the screen starts the blank-out again.

    I still have not got a response from Acer. :(
     
    StoneWolf, Apr 28, 2005
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  3. Venombite

    Venombite Notebook Virtuoso

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    When you say the screen decided to pack it in, did you mean that you get no video or do you get very dim video? The reason I ask is because if it's completely dead, you need a new LCD, FL inverter or video card, if it's just dim, all you need is a backlight. Best place to get a deal on parts is through ebay. If it's not available, you're gonna have to buy the part (full price) which will run a few hundred bucks.

    One quick test you can try is to hook an external monitor to your notebook, if you get video, then it's just the LCD/Inverter that needs to be replaced.

    Weigh your options, if the Travelmate 800 is getting dated (technology wise), you may wnt to consider getting an up-to-date notebook as it'll last you longer in the long run.

    -Vb-
     
    Venombite, Apr 28, 2005
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  4. StoneWolf

    StoneWolf Newbie

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    I got a reply from their email support and it wasn't helpful at all.

    I tried phoning their tech support but they want to charge me $2.79 US per minute. That IBM Thinkpad is looking better and better.

    Edit - They want $450 US to repair the laptop. To top it off I'd have to ship the laptop from here (Vancouver, BC, Canada) to San Jose to get it done. I think I'm going to go with the Thinkpad.
     
    StoneWolf, Apr 28, 2005
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