TwinOaks Report post Posted November 27, 2011 My primary computer is my laptop....this laptop on which I'm typing this. It's a 6 year old Dell and has been pretty good up until a few weeks ago. The bottom third of the screen would freeze with whatever image was on it - whether program display or browser- and then slowly fade to "random pixels". Lightly "twisting" the screen instantly cleared up the issue, but it returned when I released the pressure. I checked the biggest self help directory on the planet, and found a couple of possible issues. First I completely disassembled the lid and pulled the screen out so I could check the ribbon cable connection and the power connection...and the LCD inverter. No dice. All the connections were good and there were no obvious damages to cables/wires. Then I ran across a post that said pinching the screen's frame about an inch above the lower left corner of the screen cleared it up. So...I tried it, and sure enough, pinching that spot makes the problem go away! In the help forums, there were multiple reports that the manufacturer was quoting $400-$500 for the repair (if out of warranty). AY CARAMBA!!!!! A new laptop is only $400!! Since pinching the screen worked so well, I started looking for something to pinch it more permanently. I settled on a 1 inch wide binder clip. Squeeze to open, apply to correct location, release tension.....screen works! If anyone else is having a similar issue, I'll be happy to supply you with the magic binder clips to repair your screen.....at a bargain price of ONLY $199.99 each (shipping included). Hope this helps anyone else that can't afford $10 coffees either. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
McJeep Report post Posted November 27, 2011 excellent - thanks for the morning chuckle Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
woodandsteel Report post Posted November 27, 2011 I had a similar problem with my Apple iBook. The screen would freeze up and cut out. I found a temporary fix was to clamp it to my desk with a 12" wood clamp, putting pressure right next to the track pad. It worked for a while, but eventually even that didn't help. I've since given up on it and have commandeered my wife's laptop when i need it, and my iphone works for most of my email/internet/forum posting. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted November 27, 2011 With me doing all the work (yes I'm one of those type people), a replacement screen is ~$90, a battery (mine holds charge for all of 10 minutes) is ~$120, and the power adapter is ~$40......yes there are cheaper products, but I like 'inexpensive' not 'cheap', so I try to buy quality. Given the costs of just the parts vs. the cost of a new laptop, I'm going with the new laptop. This one just needs to last until after Christmas. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bard Skye Report post Posted December 18, 2011 A Dell, eh? Reminds me of when I lived in Forks, WA. (Yeah, the vampire town) there was a small computer repair shop that had a sign in the window: Dell - Thanks for the job security! Always got a laugh out of that. Skye Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
