Monitor Question and Problem.

[DawnCt1]

We have a Gateway desk top with a flat screen monitor. The warrantee is now expired. The monitor flickers on briefly and goes black. I unplugged the monitor from the PC and attempted to do a self test. It did not work so I have to assume that the monitor is broken. Is it worth fixing a monitor? Are they "fixable". We bought the entire thing together but I would assume flat screen monitors aren't cheap. Should I take it in to be fixed knowing that they may charge me a lot of $$$ or should I consider it "disposable"?

 

[WebmasterAlex]

Monitors that are out of warranty are very rarely worth fixing. I would consider it disposable. The prices on flat screens have come way down and you should be able to pick up something fairly cheap, look at BJ's, Sam's club or costco if you have one

 

[DawnCt1]

Thank you Alex. I will go to Costco today. I don't even care if its a flat screen at this point. DH is away until the middle of the week. Do I just pick up the monitor, plug it in and load the software that comes with it?

 

[KathyTX]

You can pick up a decent quality 17" flat screen monitor for about $120 or so. You should be able to just plug it in and go. You probably won't need to load any software.

A good-quality 17" flat panel monitor runs around $400.

 

[DawnCt1]

Thanks Kathy, I guess its the flat panel that we have now.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Flat panels are so much easier on the eyes too, as compared to the flat screened crt's. I have had my flat panel for several months and can't believe how easy it is on my eyes. Also, lots of space freed up on the desk. Costco does have some great prices, lots of variety.

 

[WebmasterAlex]

Just plug it in, ususally you don't even need software.
One weird thing about monitors. A 15" LCD (the really thin monitors) is the same as a 17" CRT (the kind that look like a tv).
The reason is on a CRT they count the area behind the plastic trim.