T43 display gives me a headache. . .

[Whyme]

I just got my T43p with the 15" UXGA screen. For some reason it's giving me a headache. Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

The fonts thing is driving me nuts but I don't think that would cause it. I've changed dpi size but many are still real small.

x

[GomJabbar]

Might be time for a visit to the Optometrist

[MobileGuru]

If you are not used to working on a high res .. small size .. screen then I can see why you would maybe be getting a headache. Best bet is either to reduce the resolution (and lose quality of image) or use an external monitor. Try enabling the ClearType setting for font look, and turning the brightness down a smidge.

MG.

[kyrotech]

Might be time for a visit to the Optometrist

adjust resolution?

[Whyme]

I've adjusted the resolution and enabled clear type fonts. It almost seems too bright.
I'll take the brightness down a few notches. I was just curious if anyone else had that problem.

Thanks

[ulrich.von.lich]

I also find my T43 screen too bright, even brighter than some laptops with glossy screens, and its font look makes me feel uncomfortable..

[Whyme]

I see that my refresh rate is locked at 60htz. Is it possible to force it 75 and will it damage the monitor?

[K. Eng]

Changing the refresh rate will have no effect. Refresh rate is only really important for CRT type monitors, not LCDs.

[Whyme]

Changing the refresh rate will have no effect. Refresh rate is only really important for CRT type monitors, not LCDs.

Dang!

I really don't want to take this computer back; I really like it! When I go into the office tomorrow I'll try turning the brightness way down (I love brightness) and put the shades down to see if it helps.

[Kyocera]

Try adjusting the Gamma, Brightness and Contrast in the ATI color properties, it worked great for me. Hope it is the same for the t43.

[christopher_wolf]

I can verify this works for the T43 as well

AFAIK, it should work in all Laptops with a Modern ATI Card

[brainpicker]

Try adjusting the Gamma, Brightness and Contrast in the ATI color properties, it worked great for me.

EXACTLY! I haven't found a laptop LCD yet that had (close to) proper Gamma or color ballance. Download QuickGamma or PM me and I'll send you a copy. Use it alone or with your ATI software. It makes a HUGE difference in reading fonts. I can't tell you why, but it does for me.

Yak

[carbon_unit]

Changing the refresh rate will have no effect. Refresh rate is only really important for CRT type monitors, not LCDs.

LCD don't "flicker" like CRT's do, so the refresh rate is meaningless.

[Whyme]

Try adjusting the Gamma, Brightness and Contrast in the ATI color properties, it worked great for me. Hope it is the same for the t43.

What would be appropriate Gamma settings? How about contrast?

Thanks!

[Kyocera]

Download QuickGamma like brainpicker mentioned, on the RGB lower it, mine is set way down to the lowest setting. Then lower the brightness at the ATI driver if you need to and contrast. I would not recommend the exact numbers I use because the screens are different, there is a pretty wide spectrum of adjustment here, from dark and rich to completly washed out and cold.

Select the startup box in QG and hold the default settings button. I think it helps to be in a room with the lights off, not like a brightly lit office when adjusting, to eliminate the possibility of overtweaking to compensate for ambient light.

[Whyme]

I've lowered the gamma down to 1.40. I don't notice any big difference in how things look. Should I? I do notice that since I've lowered the blinds and adjusted the gamma I don't have any eye strain yet.

[Kyocera]

The brightness on my t42 is set to neg 50, the contrast is 113, the gamma on the ati is set to 1.05 and the QG is set to 1.40. Make sure the settings in QG are taking effect, try adjusting colors individually and see if it changes your display. Mine goes through very noticeable changes on both ends when adjusting the gamma, if yours does not maybe try another freeware or shareware gamma tool or call Tech Support.

[spanichs]

Thanks QuickGamma !!
At first I had the same problem as you. Unfortunately, my graphic chip is only INTEL 915, it has not much to adjust. After trying QG, things are much better. The "white" is not too bright any more and I feel more comfortable.

However, another problem is the color management. Mine is blue-emphasis. I tried to adjust the color, but I can't correct it yet.

Can anyone know how to use "QuickMonitorProfile"? (the companion of QuickGamma)

-Saroch

[Whyme]

The brightness on my t42 is set to neg 50, the contrast is 113, the gamma on the ati is set to 1.05 and the QG is set to 1.40. Make sure the settings in QG are taking effect, try adjusting colors individually and see if it changes your display. Mine goes through very noticeable changes on both ends when adjusting the gamma, if yours does not maybe try another freeware or shareware gamma tool or call Tech Support.

It doesn't appear that QG is doing anything.
I'll have to search for another gamma program.

I wish the dang fonts weren't so small!
In Outlook the fonts look really thin and grey more than dark.

[Whyme]

This is really bugging me. I don't want to return it because it's perfect in every other way but I just can't look at the screen. UGH.

[jeffcrilly]

The fonts thing is driving me nuts but I don't think that would cause it. I've changed dpi size but many are still real small.

In the browser under (I beleive "view") you can change the font sized used by pages - with the browser its all relative. I've noticed that the DPI, in some cases, has no effect on web page fonts.

[christopher_wolf]

You can also change the Font Size by Right-Clicking on the Desktop and selecting Properties; then go to the "Appearance" Tab and Select the Size of Fonts

[Whyme]

I've done everything that can be done with the fonts. I think it's just that the white is overpowering everything.

[Roy_W]

My suggestion might seem a little simple but have you considered creating/using another Windows colour scheme. For example by changing any of the White backgrounds for a Light grey or similar soft tone colour.


Roy

[Whyme]

My suggestion might seem a little simple but have you considered creating/using another Windows colour scheme. For example by changing any of the White backgrounds for a Light grey or similar soft tone colour.


Roy

Actually, I tried that. I thought it would help too but it didn't.

I've put 4 people in front of the screen 3 out of the 4 say it is causing them eye strain and that something isn't right.

So, I'm leaning toward calling IBM and getting a replacement but my biggest fear is that it's just the T43 and not the monitor itself.

I really don't want to go out searching for another laptop. There's nothing that comes close to the Thinkpad!

[christopher_wolf]

Wow, sounds like you have an exceptionally bright LCD

I use mine all throughout the day; sometimes on Battery thereby dimming it to Level 0, or on Mains AC keeping it at Level 7.

I have had some people say that it is too dim on Level 0, but nobody said it was too bright at Level 7....very interesting.

You could, theoretically, try sticking a very thin film of a polarized or darkened plastic film across the screen. I wouldn't know where you would get the materials for it, but the good part about that is that you can make it yourself. Though, you shouldn't be needing an extreme solution like this to solve that problem; I am guessing it might be an issue with your LCD

[Whyme]

I'm going to call support this weekend (if they are open) and see what they have to say. It's really weird. Even when the brightness is way down it's still difficult to look at.

I'm thinking if I have to return it I might get the 14" with SXGA because the fonts are so small on the 15".

[mysbca]

I'm thinking if I have to return it I might get the 14" with SXGA because the fonts are so small on the 15".

The fonts with the 14" SXGA+ is probably going to be about the same size as the 15" UXGA. The screen will not be as bright though.

[Whyme]

I'm thinking if I have to return it I might get the 14" with SXGA because the fonts are so small on the 15".

The fonts with the 14" SXGA+ is probably going to be about the same size as the 15" UXGA. The screen will not be as bright though.

That's good to know. Thanks.
I really hope I just have a bad screen and they can replace it.

[Roy_W]

Have you tried connecting an external monitor in order to determine if the problem lies with the Graphics card or with the LCD.

If you have the opportunity to connect an external monitor can you take a photo, preferably in a darkened room, of the CRT and the LCD running the same image at the same time in order that we can see the difference.