I had a monitor repaired about 2 years ago, it ran me $75. at my local tv
repair shop.  Same problem reoccured 18 months later.  Try to find a shop
that gives free estimates and 90 day warranty.
If you buy new, check what the warranty requires - if you have to pay
shipping to and from the repair facility in Timbuctoo, that adds up too,
not to mention that you have to pack it up somehow.
You can also try to get extra coverage - some credit cards offer free
warranty extensions on items purchased with the card.  Many stores also
offer generic extended warranties for a price at the time of purchase.
Repairs are usually done locally.

Charles Bennett wrote:

> Well, I guess the picture tube went today.  Two year old Gateway VX
> 900 monitor.  I was routed to 4 different Gateway customer service
> reps and told the warranty is only 30 days unless the extended
> warranty was purchased.  Everything is so well built with name brands,
> I've never bothered...  any opinions on whether it's worth having a
> shop look at it to fix?  I can get a new NEC for $279 and figure it's
> going to cost $200 plus to fix the Gateway.
> Any advice appreciated and yes, I will only buy something with a 3
> year warranty!

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