<p>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.</p>
<p>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…</p>
<p>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???</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>note: it was my Dell flat screen that died (had it about 3 years).</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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!</p>
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