Hi

The replacement part nbr for the screen is 435768-001
HP replacement cost is $283 (you can look up parts prices here: http://h20141.www2.hp.com/Hpparts/Default.aspx)
I did find a listing for that part for $189 @ Buy.com
You can look up the all the parts and procedures using the C300 service manual

Of course you'd also be paying the labor charges. Most tech shops would charge you $283 for the part (buy paying $189 for it) and then charge you labor - figure something along the lines of $70.

These days you can get a good basic computer for not much more than $400.

Yeah, ultimamtely it may be better to get a new notebook for 400-500. You could always pull the hard drive and install it in another pc to get the data off the laptop drive.