How hard is DIY replace a LCD screen on T42p..

[agarza]

I completely scratched my LCD screen with too many mini scratches scattered over the LCD. I could get a new SXGA+ panel for aprox 160USD. or get a new T43 (without the P) for 550USD, don't know the specs yet. I'm thinking selling my T42p, or replacing the SXGA+ damaged screen for a new one

[schen]

Actually not too bad. I just did it on a T41 that I installed a T41p assembly complete with Bluetooth and WiFi antennas. Of course it turned into a more involved ordeal since the "complete" assembly came with broken anchor screwholes. So I ended up doing a left hinge swap from one panel to the other as well.

Your T42p should be pretty much the same. Just download the HMM from the Lenovo support site and follow it step by step on another computer while you are doing the operation. It was not problem at all.

[Johan]

Very sorry to read about your accidental LCD scratching...

I have never replaced any LCD myself, so I am not able to comment on that BUT there is one advice I would point your attention to; which I picked up some time ago, and have kept in mind - see the thread Where to get: T42 display hinge where, in the post of Sat Apr 05, 2008 8:04 am, you will read:

Small advice:
The LCD is sticking to the front panel with some double-sided adhesisves... this is not mentioned in the HMM... just took some extra minutes to check that i did not forgot any screws.

This "minor point" applies to nearly all the Thinkpad displays, is never mentioned in the HMM and often enough leads to breakage of the LCD bezel. Whether the omission in the HMM is just an oversight, or is designed to generate orders for spare parts, is a mystery to me. I consider the omission a major (and unnecessary) problem.

What LCD do you have in your T42p now; an IDTech or a Samsung? With reference to 14.1inch LCD service parts - ThinkPad T40/p, T41/p, T42/p the IDTech has FRU 11P8346 and the Samsung has FRU 11P8348 (I recall having seen comments on this forum about users experience with both of them - and some comparison). If watching out on eBay, I am convinced that you may find one of these panels as NEW, and for something around $100. Alternatively, watch out for T40/T41/T42's sold "for parts/repair", as you may pick them up quite cheap. In such case, you will get the entire LCD assy (cover, hinges, antennas, panel etc.) in one, easy "swappable" unit - but the LCD in such case is of course used. Better probably to hang around for a new panel! I believe the Samsng panel is LTN141P4-L02 and the IDTech is IASX16H.

Update: I just found the thread mentioned abowe - containing a link to user-comparison of 14.1" SXGA+ LCD's; see WTB: T4X parts (the post of Fri Apr 18, 2008 9:43 pm).

PS: Also see T4x LCD replacement issue and Are new T43 14" screens brighter than T42 14"!

Johan

[agarza]

Hi Johan for your reply. I'm sad about my T42p screen, I actually scratched very bad on a left spot of the screen when I was removing sand dots, I was using a victorinox swiss knife covered in a fabric, but suddenly I heard a scratching noise and there was a NASTY scratch, maybe even deeper than the others.

I used brasso but now the screen is shiny and is annoying to see. I feel bad because this is my 3rd Thinkpad and my first 2 were babied.

How can I found out my LCD manufacturer?

I rather sell this machine and for the same money get a new T43 or maybe a T43p, I don't know the prices in my country at this moment. But for 520 USD I can get a new T43 although I don't know if it comes with a SXGA+ panel, I'd hate going back to a XGA.
another alternative would be to save more money, and get a T61 for like 900USD.

The problem is I don't live in US, getting stuff in ebay is cheaper over there.

[ajkula66]

I'd still replace the LCD...you can likely locate it for $100 or so...

There is no such thing as a "new T43". These babies stopped rolling off the assembly lines roughly two years ago.

Also, you may not like T43/p, a lot of people don't, especially ones who like T42/p a bunch. These are completely different animals, although they look alike...

My $0.02 only...and I do like T43/p, BTW...

[Johan]

How can I found out my LCD manufacturer?

1) From the T42 Hardware Maintenance Manual - ThinkPad T40, T40p, T41, T41p, T42, T42p or

2) In the System service parts - ThinkPad T40, T40p, T41, T41p, T42, T42p (which was "Last modified: 2008-03-31" and therefore must be way more updated than the old HMM!), or

3) Go to The Warranty Lookup Page and enter your model number (e.g. 2373) and your serial number and then, on the following page, follow the link (at the bottom of the page) "View parts lookup results for this system".

That's how!

Johan

[agarza]

My laptop does not have serial number, supposedly my laptop was sold to one of IBM employees, those sell to them cheaper but with no stickers. Is there any way to know the serial.

ajkula66, supposedly too the T43's being sold in my country are like old stock from IBM, IBM have a factory in Guadalajara city, but after Lenovo bought IBM they stopped producing laptops, seems the T43 was the last model manufactured there.
I'm still not sure which type of T43 are left

[schen]

You can find the serial number in the BIOS. I forget the exact name, but it starts with the 7 characters of the Type number followed by the S/N.

[chan_man]

Actually, all laptops sold to "IBMers" have serial numbers on them, they get serviced just like all other machines and have to have serial numbers to get this done, they have to call the same service centers.

[agarza]

I don't know, maybe in Mexico have another policies, but the laptop does not show signs that the stickers were peeled off. On the back I have only the sticker for the WLAN and nothing else. No centrino, no XP logo on the palmrest.

[Johan]

If you just go into your BIOS while booting, you will find the serial-number there... no need to discuss how or where anymore. The initial image in the BIOS will be as shown in the BIOS simulator - ThinkPad T42/p with fingerprint reader where the M/T (Model/Type) in the example displayed is 2373-P1U and the serial-number is AB1234. That's it.

Johan

[NovaKnowledgeNow]

I've done a couple T4x screen replacements. Not too hard when you've done several. I have an T43 I was thinking about selling if you're interested. $450USD. Or $350+ your T42p. Let me know if you're interested.

[runixd]

I did replace a top cover on T43p, which is not hard, replacing the screen is even easier, just make sure you remember where all the antennas go.

[jamnkats]

I have used Merkalink (http://www.merkalink.com) to get items down here that I can't get here. They are GREAT for importing - you ship (from seller) to their Laredo, TX warehouse, they then take care of Aduana and use Estafeta to ship your items to you.

They are a little pricey but for stuff you can't get down here, they are better than driving to the border. Also, you can simply get a quote for import and delivery from their home page so you can see if it is worth your time.

BTW, we love the Los Lirios area between Saltillo and Monterrey. Are you in the city itself?

[agarza]

jamnkats, thanks for the link

However, Merkalink only allow a maximum of 1000 USD dollar value for import. I will take a look at postal services so that I can pick up stuff. Thanks.

Oh, and BTW maybe later this year I will replace the LCD, I still like the machine, but I'd like also a new T61p, I'm a bit of dilemma here.

[jamnkats]

We're headed to the US in (ACK!) 5 days - do you want to still replace your LCD? We can bring the LCD back into the country and Estafeta it for you. Email me jamnkats at gmail dot com.