This is in response to John Clemence' question regarding problems with a laptop display.
One of the most common problems that occur with laptops is that the flat-band or ribbon cable between the mainboard and the display becomes damaged or broken through bending at the hinge. The simplest way to test for this is to look at an image on the screen and then move the screen on its hinges, from all the way open to nearly closed. If the screen flickers or colors change it is definitely a  problem with the ribbon cable. These flat cables are available for almost all laptops at a relatively low price. The hardest part about replacing them is getting to them, but if you look at YouTube you can probably find a tutorial of how to open your laptop and get to the ribbon cable in order to replace it. 
If it turns out not to be the ribbon cable see all of the other excellent suggestions made previously. I have had luck replacing the screen on a couple of laptops with used screens bought on e-bay for little money. Having the laptop professionally repaired is probably not financially justifiable. Good luck and let us know how you get this sorted. Thanks.

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