Replacing an LCD screen

I'm not sure if this is where this post belongs here or not. A friend of mine recently broke another friend of mine's LCD screen on his laptop. They called me up and asked me how much it would cost to replace and how much trouble it would be. The truth is I have no idea about either and I haven't seen the laptop yet so I'm not exactly sure how extensive the damage is.
But if it has to be replaced would I be better off telling them to send it back to Compaq for a repair or buy the screen off the internet and change it themsleves? Also if they buy a replacement off the internet (which I'm sure will be cheaper) how hard would it be to replace at home? I have some computer knowledge (which is why they called me) but this is something I've never done before. Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

 

Cost: check eBay, but it's usually a couple hundred. Replacing it requires knowledge of screws and screwdrivers, and the ability to not screw up.

 

HP/Compaq should have a service manual that'll give you a step by step as to how to replace the screen. If they don't it shouldn't be TOO hard to guess and check, but if you're not comfortable with what you're doing that's definitely not the way to go.

 

Don't know where you are based but if you are in the UK most home insurance policies cover accidental damage to your laptop.

My old sony laptop got dragged off a table by the power cord and the screen cracked, i got it replaced under my home insurance, all i had to pay was a £60 excess and my premium went up by £20 the next year, so all told it cost me £80 and would have cost upwards of £300 if i paid for it out of my pocket.

 

It would be not that difficult to replace the LCD of a HP/Compaq laptop. I myself own a HP NC4000 and believe me, I've taken the LCD off the laptop at least 5 times to install the internal bluetooth or just for cleaning. Just follow the Service and Maintenance manual comes with the laptop or you can download one from HP website. IMO, the hardest part is to take the two plastic hinges off which requires a bit of agility and patience not to break them. Good luck with that!

 

Yeap, I forgot to mention, I broke the hinge on my laptop once by accident and HP Australia quoted me $1,500AUD including labor to replace my LCD. Luckily enough I was still under warranty by that time. Have fun striping your lappy