Thinkpads Forum

I have a T420s that I would prefer to convert to an earlier 16x10 screen (16x9 is just awful). So I'm looking for a screen from an earlier machine. Since physically enclosures are identical there is a good chance this is just a straight swap. A dead T400s/T410s is fine also as long as the screen is intact.

synchromesh wrote:Since physically enclosures are identical there is a good chance this is just a straight swap.

I'm not sure where you picked up this info, but it's incorrect. I placed my T400s on a T420s. The T420s is about 1/4" wider and 1/4" less deep. If you could get it to work, it'd be a custom modification!

Good luck and keep us posted!

(FYI, T400s & T410s machines are the same size.)

Thanks for the heads up. I didn't realize that part as I could never find them beside each other.

Actually I looked at dimensions online and you're right:
T410s: 13.3" x 9.5" x 0.83–1.02
T420s: 13.5 in x 9.1 in x 1 in

My main concern was that the bezel on T420s is much larger than that on T410s. So I'm curious why that is since both are x900 and T420s is actually less deep.

Well, there is so much bezel on both models that it would certainly "fit". The issues would be 1) whether or not the same cable can be used, 2) whether or not the BIOS will properly set up a WSXGA+ (vs. HD+) panel, 3) how to attach the more narrow (yet taller) LCD panel to the hinges/frame, 4) how to trim (top/bottom) and fill (sides) the LCD plastic bezel for good cosmetics, and 5) what did you do to the resale value (maybe up?!) and the warranty coverage (maybe no more!)

Like I said, it would be a custom modification. Many forum members have ventured further, the T43 with a PATA to SATA hard drive conversion comes to mind...

Hmm, if it's more narrow but taller it would require way too much custom fabrication.

I'm confused though, how could it be taller? I mean both are x900 but there is so much more bezel on the T420s even though it's less deep. How can that be?

synchromesh wrote:Hmm, if it's more narrow but taller it would require way too much custom fabrication.

The T400s/T410s WXGA+ LCD is taller and narrower, but not by much. It wouldn't be drastic, but removing and adding plastic would be required.

synchromesh wrote:I'm confused though, how could it be taller? I mean both are x900 but there is so much more bezel on the T420s even though it's less deep. How can that be?

Displays are very confusing, especially since resolution, diagonal dimension and aspect ratio are in play. Think about it this way, a 15.6" HD panel is only 768 pixels high, but much taller than any T400s/T410s/T420s 900 pixel high panel. A 12.1" 4:3 panel is taller than a T420s 14.0" 16:9 panel. Panels keep getting squatter and wider. One more example, a 15.4" 16:10 panel is about 1/4" shorter than a 14.1" 4:3 panel! So, a T40 (14.1" 4:3) had a taller panel than a T500 (15.4" 16:10). Crazy.