I am considering purchasing a used Thinkpad for my wife. The biggest concern is getting a nice quality screen. I am wondering which models offered IPS as a screen option. The ideal would probably be a Fankenpad with QXGA + Core2Duo, but I do realize those QXGA screens are hard to find and frankly I lack the skills to assemble a Fankenpad. So I'd appreciate a list of Thnikpads that came with any IPS screen, though realistically I wouldn't go as back as Pentium 4.

Thanks.

Welcome to the forum!

T42 and T43 in 15" SXGA+ were IPS, as was R51.

T42p, T43p and R50p in 15" UXGA - the last one was also available as QXGA.

All of those were Pentium M units.

T60 and T60p, both in 15" SXGA+ and 15" UXGA, available as Core Duo and Core 2 Duo.

Most of the tablets came with IPS/AFFS screens in some shape or form as well.

Nowadays, it's X220 in some configurations.

The "old guard" would be A30/p which is Pentium 3M and A31/p which was P4M, available as SXGA+ (select non-p models) and UXGA (P-models)

Have fun.

Awesome, thanks so much. A few followups questions though.

If I found a T43 15" SXGA+, and we assume it is stock, then it must be IPS? In other words, they did not offer an SXGA+ TN panel? Just wondering because many sellers on Craigslist do not give very detailed specs.

Also, I see T60/p split across Core Duo and Core 2 Duo. Can you upgrade a Core Duo model to a C2D model without changing the mobo?

The T60p would have discrete graphics, and that would be prior to the Nvidia defect mess, right? That was just T61p?

A stock 15" SXGA+ T43 would be IPS-equipped. No TN panels were spec'd by IBM on these units.

You can upgrade a T60/p to a Core 2 Duo with no issues in my experience.

T60p would come with either ATi V5200 or V5250, no nVidias there.

Pardon me for being blunt, but what are you looking to spend? I've got at least half a dozen IPS-equipped ThinkPads looking for a new home...

PM me if interested.

Careful what you wish for, you may get it. I would point out text will be awfully small on a 15" QXGA LCD and keep in mind the QXGA screens are significantly dimmer than the UXGA and SXGA+ LCDs. I would opt for for a T60 over a T4x machine as they're more durable, have dual core CPUs and gets you access bigger faster SATA hard drives and SSDs.

If you're on a more limited budget and don't mind swapping the LCD yourself, the R60 or R60e are also a straight swap. It's not rocket science. If you get stuck, hit the service and training site. They've got videos showing how to complete each step of the process. I managed to put together my R60e which has the SXGA+ IPS, 3GB and 16GB SSD running Linux for a little over $200. Good Luck.

Hi, I assume you are also ZaZ over at NBR?

Thanks for the tip on text size. I think maybe the QXGA might be overkill for my wife. I just like the idea of having such a unique screen.

Also, the link to Lenovo's service training site looks awesome. Thanks for that too.

I suggest that you consider getting a 15" (4:3) T60 with SXGA+ (1400x1050) resolution as this will have a FlexView/IPS LCD. Replace the mechanical HDD with a fast SSD, and you will no doubt be very satisfied!

In relation to this suggestion, I trust the thread Advice please - $700-$800 TP for college student will prove to be of interest for you.

Upgrading a Core Duo CPU in a T60 to a Core 2 Duo does not impact the performance to any particular extent (for daily-day applications, wich are typically not very CPU intensive); more information about this e.g. in the thread T60 upgrade question.

Johan

I have a T60p 15" 1600x1200 IPS screen. It is a jewel!
I bought the X220 Tablet only because it is the only Thinkpad laptop one now made with IPS, however there is no comparison with my T60p at all. In fact I use my T60p 95% of the time and the X220 only for travel.

Many T43 had an overheating problem that cause the fan to run all the time... I would rather choose the T42 over the 43 just because of that.

Mine is extra silent, much more than the tabletpc too. Gosh, even is much more sexy and thinner than the X220, specially because of its odd battery size.

I would buy a new Thinkpad if it had IPS and more realstate than the X220... but no hope for now...

Sorry to be "pickey" - but onother Thinkpad "laptop" is x220 ( current model) HOWEVER = you must pick "12.5" Premium HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, IPS, Mobile Broadband Ready, 2x2 Antenna " to get the IPS panel

BTW am showing the USA website "configure and buy" feature for X220 laptop , not tablet
however , the x220 table also has IPS panel PLUS multi-touch and with another version = Gorilla glass (outdoor model) without multi-touch

Hope this is not too confusing. IPS panel = most handy to have ! my fmaily loves it. often -they wont get off them to use the newer more faster machines

ALSO = might want to head out to Lenovo OUTLET store for bargins!! last time I went to their OUTLET WEBSTIE it was out of order !

good luck !