T41 with dim SXGA+ display

[Morten]

Hi again

Second post - my other thinkpad is a 14" T41 with SXGA+ display that is going dim. It doesn't have any defects as such, and is still usable, but the brightness is nowhere satisfactory and using it is straining on my eyes. Almost looks unsharp or blurred, but I'm thinking it's really just a lack of contrast due to the low brightness.

Are these normal signs of ageing? What can be done about it?

Thanks,
Morten

[ZaZ]

Yes, it is a normal of aging. The CFFL bulbs used in the screens do tend to dim over time. You can replace the bulb on the screen. It's a pain in the rear job, but is the cheapest option. If you don't want to go that way, you can replace the screen. You might want to post in the marketplace forum to see if anyone has an extra screen. eBay is another option, but brings its own set of problems.

[Morten]

Next question - if this sort of dimming with age is normal, is it so normal that I should just expect most of the displays the same age as mine to be pretty dim as well?

And lastly, are some models of CCFL lit displays more prone to aging / faster wearing than others?

[ZaZ]

Every LCD tells its own story and how much each individual LCD dims can vary quite a bit.

[fefrie]

Mine just pooped the bed. In actual fact, it wouldn't light up at all. Just a flicker at start up. No warning, just died, but my laptop has fallen about 2 feet onto a carpeted floor many times.

Unfortunately, I had a spare xga screen that I wanted to transplant the ccfl into the sxga, but my butter fingers kludged it.

I'm looking at this on ebay since it's already soldered. Not worth soldering something so delicate.

Any recommendations on better suppliers?

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/14-1-LCD-CCFL-Ba ... 2a157261fc