Dell Vostro 1500 LCD stopped working!

I bought my Dell Vostro 1500 last September and the LCD doesn't work anymore.

I took it to a local service guy (with good online reviews) who offered to diagnose it for free (I was thinking it might be just a loose connector or something) before I ship it to Dell, since it might still be under warranty.

He said the LCD is broken and I would have to replace it. I don't remember any heavy impact fall...it once fell from my lap to the carpet but that's about it.

He says the part will cost anywhere from $200 to $300 and the labour is another $150.

1. Is it worth replacing? It almost seems like I can get a new one for that price I usually upgrade every 3 years or so...should I just wait this out?

2. I have seen a replacement screen on e-bay for $185. Does anyone know if there is a manual or procedure for replacing these screens on our own at home? How easy/difficult is this? I will try google but first-hand experience in these forums is always better.

3. Can I still ship it to Dell and get them to replace it under warranty?

 

Since all dells come with the standard 1 year mail-in warranty, I assume that you're safe. Call dell up and ask them what your options are...

 

If it was cracked from a drop, it would most likely look like this http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_th.../2/istockphoto_4045318_cracked_lcd_screen.jpg

I would pop off the cover that has the power button and says Vostro 1500 and check to make sure that the lcd is connected ... the connector is above the print screen and insert button.

 

Why don't you just call Dell?.. See what they say..