Swapping out LCDs?

Message

sparta.rising · #1 Post by **sparta.rising** » Sun Jan 29, 2006 12:54 am

Ok this might be a stupid question, but it was a dream that just occurred to me.

If I bought a different manufactorer's LCD (from eBay or somewhere) that was the same size as my Thinkpad T43 14.1" display, would I be able to pop it into the laptop?

What I'm thinking is how nice would it to have Thinkpad construction with lets say a Sony Vaio BX screen (they have SXGA+ 14.1" displays with "XBRITE-ECO")

Any thoughts? Am I just a stupid "n00b" dreamer?

brewt · #2 Post by **brewt** » Sun Jan 29, 2006 3:07 am

No you can't do this since the digital connection from the LCD to the video card is usually LCD specific.

Have you checked out those films that you apply to LCD's that make them like the XBRITE screens? I can't remember who makes them, but it's been mentioned on the forum before.

sparta.rising · #3 Post by **sparta.rising** » Sun Jan 29, 2006 3:26 am

Thanks, I'll look into it. I've just heard people on this forum mention that they've used LCD's not listed as compatible. And if the connector isn't the same, why cant an adapter be built? Or just solder on the other connector if you've got the wires right.

Website · #4 Post by **tfflivemb2** » Sun Jan 29, 2006 4:09 pm

One thing to keep in mind if you are going to try this...especially soldering on a different connection. This will most likely void your warranty.

If we were talking about an older machine, it might be worth it, but most TP 43s are still under warranty.

jongordo8 · #5 Post by **jongordo8** » Sun Jan 29, 2006 4:36 pm

I was wondering the same question. I just got done using a 17" widescreen hp laptop with the glossy screen. I really wish a thinkpad had a nice screen like this.

Someone should try this and see if they will work. Anyone know of 14" screens that are bright and glossy?

sparta.rising · #6 Post by **sparta.rising** » Sun Jan 29, 2006 4:52 pm

Well like I said, the Sony BX has a 14.1" XBRITE-ECO screen that's quite nice. But I don't know what the LCD's part number is, and wasnt able to find anything on ebay. So if you wanted to try this, you'd have to be pretty loaded, enough to potentially destroy 2 laptops (or one, or neither depending on success). I have seen the Sony Z1 screen on ebay, which is a 14.1" SXGA+, but I don't know how it'd compare to the current T43 screen. It'd be interesting, and something I'd try if I had more money. I was aware it'd void my warrenty, but if it worked, it might worth it

The film that brewt refered to is nushield, and if you do a quick forum search you can find all of the info on it. I'm interested, so I'm going to order one.

sparta.rising · #7 Post by **sparta.rising** » Sun Jan 29, 2006 4:53 pm

There's also the issue of dimensions, some LCD's substantually thicker, like my girlfriends T42 15" flexview is about twice the thickness of my LCD (or at least the housing is).

skuff · #8 Post by **skuff** » Sun Jan 29, 2006 8:17 pm

More info on this:

I have a T42 that came with the ID Tech 15" SXGA+ LCD. I replaced the LCD panel with a Samsung LTN150PG which is mostly found in Dell's. I liked the Samsung display characteristics better so I swapped them. It works great.

Things to know:

The inverters that IBM uses are specific to the ThinkPads. They have have the indicator lights built in. So, in most cases the inverter that comes on an new LCD will not work. You'll have to disconnect and remove the manufacturer's inverter and use the one in your ThinkPad. The connector is standard. The output voltage on most inverters is also standard so it's not a problem.

Also, the dimensions and mounting holes on most all LCD panels is standard as well. So the different panels will mount in most cases with no problem. You will have to dissasemble the LCD housing and bezel. Not to difficult but be careful not to break off any plastic tabs or lose any parts while it's apart.

IBM's video cards are not very flexible in terms of resolution. So, for instance, if you replace a 14" XGA IBM panel, with a 14" SXGA+ panel, it probably wont' work. You need to keep the native resolution of the replacement panel the same as the original. A 14" XGA panel from a different manu. would probably work as a replacemetn for a 14" IBM XGA panel.

LCD panels have two connections to the video/flex cable. One that connects to the inverter and one that connects to the back of the LCD. Since you'll be re-using your IBM inverter, that's fine. The other connection is pretty much standard for a similar generation of LCD, regardless of the manu.

There is no soldering involved in this, just careful mechanical manipulation of the delicate parts inside the LCD housing.

Good Luck!

brentpresley · #9 Post by **brentpresley** » Sun Jan 29, 2006 8:34 pm

skuff wrote: IBM's video cards are not very flexible in terms of resolution. So, for instance, if you replace a 14" XGA IBM panel, with a 14" SXGA+ panel, it probably wont' work. You need to keep the native resolution of the replacement panel the same as the original. A 14" XGA panel from a different manu. would probably work as a replacemetn for a 14" IBM XGA panel.

I (and others here) have successfully replaced 14" XGA+ screens with 14" SXGA+ screens with no problems. Even if you have the BASE video system (32MB, like me), then you will have no problems running 1400 x 1050 in SXGA resolution. It's all a function of the video driver, nothing else.

skuff · #10 Post by **skuff** » Sun Jan 29, 2006 10:14 pm

Ah, thanks for the info on the resolution upgrade. I had read somewhere that you couldn't replace a 15" XGA with a 15" SXGA+ screen and that the issue was dependent on the video card.

Glad to hear that the resolution can be successfully upgraded.

Swapping out LCDs?

Swapping out LCDs?

Who is online