Monitor might be dead :(

[fustercluck]

Having probs with my monitor which I guessed to be on it's last legs for a while now. I'm not 100% sure it's dead though. One of the problems I had in the last 5 or 6 months is the power button on the monitor stopped working correctly. It would only stay on if the Power button was pushed all the way in, and held into position. I Macgyver'd up something that held the button in place at all times though. I just left my monitor on all the time, though it would go into sleep mode when my computer was off.

So the problem was temporarily solved. 5 months later now I had to completely turn off the monitor, which I have done from time to time. Only problem is, it didn't turn back on, no matter how hard I press the button. So I can't tell if it's dead now, or if the power button is just more broke than before. Monitors as you know aren't very easy to get into, I can't even take the front panel off or anything. What can I do to figure out if the monitor is dead or if it's just the button? My current monitor is in my sig if it matters.

By the by, if you want to recommend me a new monitor (20+ inch) I'd be all ears - I'm always looking for hot deals. I'm using my TV as a monitor now which is behind where I sit to type, so I'm having to turn my head and type, which is not good for my neck.

Again...too much information. When I lack sleep I just can't stop typing. Ah well, at least it's really detailed. Thanks for looking Anandfolk.

 

[deadken]

IIRC, Monitors (like CRT TVs) are designed to be difficult to get into because of the capictors in them. The capacitor stores an electrical charge and people don't realize that they can get electricuted/shocked even after they unplug the device.

Honestly, from your description, it does in fact sound like it just needs a switch. Before you attempt to open the case, perhaps you should see if a replacement switch is available from the manufacturer (no one likes seeing a monitor ghetto rigged). If you are thinking that you can open it and repair the existing switch, I'd doubt it.

Lastly, you should consider you budget and wants and check out a LCD monitor. After I bought my first LCD, I never looked back. The space savings, lack of heat, clarity, enery savings, etc... just make you never want to go back.

Good luck either way.

 

[fustercluck]

Thanks. A new switch from the manufacturer wouldn't help too much, for one I don't know for sure if it's the switch problem or if the monitor is dead, and secondly I couldn't equip the new switch even if i could get one, and it would probably take forever to get here. And...this monitor isn't under warranty

Would trying to open up the monitor be a horrible horrible idea? I just need to check out the front switch area since something is wrong. I know t could get a mean shock if I did something wrong though. I'd hate to think that it's just the switch, as even though it's a minor problem, it would still be really hard to solve.

 

[mancunian]

Originally posted by: Adaman
Would trying to open up the monitor be a horrible horrible idea?

In short, yes.

Monitors are the kind of equipment best left to skilled people.

 

[fustercluck]

Ok, I guess I won't pretend to know what I'm doing. I can't be without a monitor for long though, so I'm definitely going to have to look into buying a new (or used) one that I can get for a real good deal and fast. I guess LCDs are better than they used to be, I stuck with a CRT so long for gaming, but plenty of gamers use LCDs now without many complaints. Not to mention it weighs a ton and is bringing down my crappy $100 computer desk.

Any suggestions on where I can get another monitor fast? I'd still be open to getting another CRT, but they are kinda hard to find nowadays. Open to trading too if anyone lives in Tucson and is up for it - Suggestions will really help, my neck is killing me. I'll check out the deal forums for now.

 

[fustercluck]

Well, I tried to open up my monitor, which I was warned and agreed was a very bad idea - I just don't see how it'll get fixed otherwise. I could take it to some computer tech dude tomorrow but they'd probably keep it at least a few days and charge me a lot to fix it. I would much rather buy a new one tomorrow (if I can find a good price on something which I can't) and craigslist my current broken monitor. This monitor was cursed from the beginning. Guess i'm lucky it didn't kill me...but I had to give it a shot.

Please someone out there recommend a monitor for me to get in-store somewhere. I know I'm heading to Costco tomorrow but they don't currently have any good monitor deals that i can find.