T30 Screen Replacement Problem

[jivago]

I have a T30 (2366-45U) with a bad screen (11P8293). I pulled it apart to see the part number.

IBM lists 4 part numbers that might be the same:
11P8222 LG 200nit
11P8272 Samsung 200nit
11P8294 LG 150nit
11P8293 Samsung 150nit

I'm going to try to slide by cheap by getting something on eBay or other sources. Would any of these work? The "nit" is brightness I assume. Would I need a different inverter if I switched to a 200nit screen?

Are the physical connectors (data, mounting) the same for all of them?

Does anyone have a good source for new screens?

And lastly, how hard would it be to convert it to 1400x1050?

IBM lists 4 SXGA screens:
11P8223
11P8273
11P8295
11P8296
(same manufacturer order as above)

Can I switch? Would I need a different data cable and/or inverter? Could I use any of the 4 screens?

Thanks in advance,

JivaGo

[Jim Olson]

Jivago, a month ago I did a lengthy posting in this forum about my experiences replacing and repairing the LCD on my T-21.

You might begin by verifying that the LCD in your T-30 is truly dead. A dead inverter can make the panel go dark and appear dead. And lots of old TPs experience broken flex ribbon cables that can also make a good LCD seem bad.

I have two T-21s, one with a 1400 x 1050 and another with a 1024 x 768. Their ribbon cables are very different, so swapping panels would probably involve changing cables, too.

LCD panels for sale on the internet are all "pulls" from field-worn machines that probably had motherboard problems. Many of these pulls have flaws that you'd find objectionable: worn out fluorescent backlight lamps and scuffed polarizers that have been mashed against the keyboard.

Be wary that the flexible ribbon cable that comes with a pull may not be compatible with your motherboard.

Sorry to be so pessimistic about display replacement. It would help if you could see what you're getting before you buy. It would also help if there was a healthy after-market in all-new LCD panels that fit old TPs, not just worn pulls from dead warriors.

[jivago]

Jivago, a month ago I did a lengthy posting in this forum about my experiences replacing and repairing the LCD on my T-21.

You might begin by verifying that the LCD in your T-30 is truly dead. A dead inverter can make the panel go dark and appear dead. And lots of old TPs experience broken flex ribbon cables that can also make a good LCD seem bad.

It got squished.

I got it from my university's suplus warehouse as a reject because of the cracked screen (free, works great other than that one "little" problem). If I can get even a battle weary screen for $50 or $100 on ebay, I'll be happy. It's still has a university asset tag on it, and my dept won't spring for a new one (laptop or screen).

I got a T40 as well with the same problem. I should be able to get them to cough up a little more for that one.

Thanks,

JivaGo

[AbsoluteRaleigh]

Free! Wow, what a great find.

A used LCD for the T30 will easily run you $225 - $350. That unit is definately worth repairing.