abasket

So the monitor on our desktop seems to have died. This morning I couldn't get it to "wake up" until I fooled with it and restarted and turned the on/off button a number of times - during this time, I saw some funny stripes etc. appear on the screen and the power button kind of phase in and out - then after about an hour this morning - black screen, no power button lighting up at all. I disconnected and reconnected twice with no results, no power.

The computer fix it store I used said they would take a look at it tomorrow, but I'm thinking it's probably dead. My first thought is to just go to Best Buy and pick up a monitor (though the computer fix it guy will probably want to sell me one of his) - don't want to spend a fortune - the computer itself is going on about 4 years so will probably replace it in another year or two....

But, anything new in desktop monitors I should look for or stay away from? Our desktop is a Gateway, and we had a 19 inch screen - but I can replace it with any brand/size right????

thumper1

Well unless things have changed...yes, you can get any monitor for your computer. DS had an old used Compaq computer his first two years of college with a brand spanking new Dell flat screen monitor (that was our compromise...small nice monitor for the small desks). We mix and match brand names around here all the time.

sybbie719

must be something in the water, as my monitor died last night. It started humming, then flashing like something from a science fiction movie. I shut my system down. rebooted, turned on the monitor. It stayed on about 10 seconds and went off. I still have my monitor from the computer before this one (a 15 inch screen as opposed to a 17 inch screen). I just plugged in the old monitor.

I am a little peeved at the thought of trying to replace it. But as long as this monitor holds up I will keep it until I upgrade computer.

note: it was my Dell flat screen that died (had it about 3 years).

NJres

I bought my last 2 monitors from buy dotcom. I get emails from them about their specials. If you are patient and a smart shopper you can pick up a 19" flatscreen for less than $100 with free shipping and no sales tax. I did get one flatscreen that would not work with one of our computers, so I guess it can happen, but most of the time you just plug them in, maybe install a driver from the CD included with purchase.

abasket

Yeah, I'll need to replace it pretty quickly - other than this one we only have my work laptop as a back-up....

Chedva

If you're not looking for a newer, flat screen monitor, try your local area freecycle.com. There are always people on freecycle trying to get rid of older monitors, and as noted in the name, everything's free.

abasket

I took it in and it is DOA.

Will go out and purchase a new one - would like something nicer since it's our main computer in a main room in the house - I hear all the new flat screens are HD so while not too expensive we will have a bit of a new look!