[T41] washed out lcd colors

[g79]

I have a very annoying (to say the least) problem with my Thinkpad (T41 2379DJU, 1400x1050 sxga+).

The colors on my T41 lcd display appear quite "washed" in the lower part.
For example, if I set the background to grey (full color) the upper part is actually grey but the lower part is whitish. This happens with every color/shape (not only full color images) but it's probably not noticeable on all-white backgrounds. I suspect there's a problem with the backlight (which is too "strong" in the lower part).

Is this a common flaw on T41's? Can I expect/hope to get a better lcd if I turn the unit in for a replacement? Do they even consider this to be a problem?
(getting a T42 15'' is not an affordable solution)

I don't want to get a desktop-quality lcd, I'd be content with one with consistent colors.

Finally, where should I look to find out if the panel is a 11P8346 (ID-TECH)
or a 11P8348 (SAMSUNG)? and which one is the best?

Thanks
G79

[K. Eng]

This is a common complaint on T40 and T41's. I wouldn't get my hopes up for a replacement.

Is this a common flaw on T41's? Can I expect/hope to get a better lcd if I turn the unit in for a replacement?

No. But I've read here on this board that IBM started to use more Samsung panels in the 14" T42's. ID-TECH ceased to make the 14" SXGA+

Do they even consider this to be a problem?

The only way you can tell for sure who made your panel is to open the LCD housing (I don't recommend this).

What I do recommend is that you return your unit if you are not happy with it, and order a T42 14".

[g79]

What I do recommend is that you return your unit if you are not happy with it, and order a T42 14".

so, are samsung lcd's definitely better than IDTECH's in this respect (discoloration in the lower part)?

g79

[Flightvector]

Apart from the fact that IDTech makes the Flexview 15" and that IBM now partially owns the company, the 14" IDs were of poorer quality, and after a short run, IBM went to the Samsung LCD. Others have reported a similar washout. It is not easy to tell without opening the housing to know which LCD you have.

This post is relevant to your questions: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... ght=idtech

[g79]

Sorry for bringing this up again.

After posting here I sent my unit back to IBM Italy for a replacement.
So I got the original LCD (which turned out to be a Samsung) replaced with a Samsung (11P8348) . Obviously the washed-out effect is still there.

I guess I'm simply too picky when it comes to LCD's.

I'm considering selling this unit and getting a 15" flexview (R50/R51/T42) but I'm not sure this will result in an improvement over my current display.
I mean, several people in this forum say that there's little to no difference between a 15" flexview and a non-flexview 14" when one looks straight at it.

I'm not expecting to be able to calibrate my unit to perfectly match sRGB but I'd like to get consistent colors over the entire screen.
At the moment solid colors look like gradient fills. (even when I _look_straight_ at the screen). This is completely unacceptable.

It seems the problem is due to glare and/or backlight leakage but I may be wrong.

Do you think a 15" flexview is the right choice for me? or should I just switch to a different brand?

thanks in advance
G79