Stepped on my new TZ-250 and cracked the screen :\

so i stepped on my new TZ and now the screen is cracked with some ink-like spots

is there a way to replace the LCD screen? i've seen some for sale on the net, I wonder how hard would it be to replace it.

and suggestions?

 

I had a friend drop a lava lamp on my laptop about three years ago. It didn't break on the laptop, just rolled off and smashed to the ground. But it obliterated my LCD. At first we were looking at getting the LCD replaced through CompUSA (where I had bought it), and it was going to cost a bunnndle to get a new one put in. But we looked into my friend's insurance and he had homeowner's insurance which covered the total cost of the laptop, and I was able to get a whole new machine. So if your warranty or accident care plan doesn't cover this, then look into your insurance. They could cover it. But I believe LCD screens are supposed to be replaced in "clean" rooms, although that is likely a ploy by manufacturers to get your business. But I would call the computer company, or bring it to a computer shop of some sort. See what they can do.

 

Its not hard to replace if you know what you are doing.

Price should be around 420$ if I recall corectly...

 

why was your TZ in a location where you could casually step on in the first place?

 

If you're comfortable you can replace the screen yourself. The alternative is to send it in for repairs which in past experience costs more in the long run.

First thing to do is acquire your model's service manual. You can request the part numbers (to replace the screen) individually but the manual also helps with disassembly. Go here and request the service manual (make sure you provide them your notebook's complete model number). In a few days they'll get back to you with the manual's part number. Type that into the search box (on that same page) to bring up the product page which will allow you to put it into your cart to buy.

Once you get the manual you can look up every part number you'll need to replace the screen. If you're feeling adventurous you can also (optionally) upgrade the screen as well (LED backlight perhaps - only if it's available). Just make sure you do the research and find the part numbers necessary for it to work. If you're unsure verify the numbers you do have with the Parts & Services crew - they're very knowledgeable and in my experience very helpful.

Next step is to order the parts. Follow the same process as when you ordered the service manual. When everything arrives clear a couple of hours from your schedule to for disassembly/reassembly. Work slow and document every step of the process (camera is fine). If something goes wrong you can easily review the steps you took by viewing the pictures (or video).

With luck and some patience you'll be able to do it yourself and save a chunk of change in the process. I won't lie - it's not for the fainthearted. The process is pretty straightforward but it's usually the small pieces and wiring that present a challenge.

Good luck!

 

thanks iisdev!

 

another option is to go search on the part number for the LCD itself after you've taken it apart. there are a lot of places that will sell you that LCD for about $300 (ebay, google search it, etc). sony wants a LOT more than that.

also, the LCD in the TZ series is LED backlight already.

 

Those 300$ are mainly from asia and I dont trust them much, to be honest.

I rather pay 100$ more and get it from sony or authorized sony service.

Like I did a few days ago

 

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=tz+11.1+lcd&category0=

I called Sony to get my vaio tx lcd replaced, they said they couldn't ship the part because it was so fragile, and had to replace it themselves ($800). So I bought the same part from ebay for less than half that price, and it even came with 1 year warranty.

 

try skreentek they are fast and offer good pricing

 

Ditto - I've got a similar rider on my insurance. $25/year and covers all my tech toys. I had a similar mishap with a Sony years ago and got a new laptop. I also sold the broken one on eBay for a couple hundred, iirc.

 

Ditto to that. I sold my broken one on Ebay as well for a couple hundred. Then realized how awesome Ebay was and started selling GI Joes and Legos on Ebay. Then my mom got into it, and now she's made like ten grand selling junk on ebay. So all in all, the laptop braking was worth it.