I have a HP ze 4500 laptop, unfortunately the screen has gone blank.

I bought it new 18 months ago and I am really peed off about it, I'm currently using it plugged into an old monitor.

I think it maybe the backlight that's faulty, but that's only a guess.

There is a firm Sheffield Laptop Repairs that advertises but I have tried to ring them on 020 8863 2225 but the line is always engaged.

Am I wasting money getting it fixed or will it be cheaper buying another?

Can anyone put me onto someone who could fix it for me or at least advise me?

Unhappy Days!

If it was new only 18 months ago it will probably be worth finding out how much a repair might be...get them to have a look and quote you.

You may have to pay a bit for them to have a look but reckon would be better than risk a bill £300 or sommat stupid after repair!

If the quote is over £150 ish think very carefully about replacing the whole machine - compare current specs/prices.

It might be worth checking the lid sensor switch is not stuck down (so it thinks the lid is closed) most machiens have one somewhere above the keyboard. If it is the inverter you should still see a very very very very dull image on the screen, if that is all it is then you should be able to buy one from somewhere and they are easy to fit.

We have a large stock of HP / Compaq laptops around three years old and the screens are starting to fail, we've had about four or five go this year.

The replacement screen price was almost the price of a new budget laptop.

HP do an online parts service, you can price one up on there. The screens are quite easy to replace yourself.

If you get another laptop, make sure you get an extended warranty.

I use CBC on Brown St for laptop repairs:

http://www.cbccomputers.com/

I guess it will cost £200+ if the screen needs totally replacing.

I've had an inverter (back light power supply) die on me last month. It was going to cost me over £300 to get the whole top of the laptop replaced :(

There is a [local] chappy on Ecclesall Road somewhere, apparently he's good - try the previous suggestions first.

I might be able to help with toshiba stuff but not much else if you need parts