ThinkPad T40 - Screen Brightness

[dgyee]

I have two ThinkPad T40s. One is a model 2373-GU8 and the other is a 2373-72U. The monitor on the GU8 is is very clear and bright. The monitor on the 72U is not as sharp or bright. I've raised the light intensity (Fn Home) and adjusted the resolution within Windows but I still can't get the same brightness or sharpness on the second PC. Does anyone have any ideas on what I might try? Thanks

dgyee@yahoo.com

[poshgeordie]

72U is 14" XGA display, but I cannot find actual spec for GU8; circumstancial evidence makes it the same spec LCD.

1. I assume they're Windows machines, in which case check it has the correct display drivers installed. That makes a big difference to the sharpness. Ditto if they're both Linux TP's.

2. It could be a display whose backlight or display itself is beginning to go and thus giving a dull poor quality display.

To Check this out connect it to an external monitor. If the display quality (and brightness) are good then it's a display assembly problem.

To finally confirm this, assuming the two displays are similar, try swapping them around between the two T40's and see if the fault follows the display or stays on the TP.

[Johan]

As to the difference in brightness of your two ThinkPad's, this might be caused by different settings in the BIOS - but this may only explain the difference if (/when) you run off battery:

Try to go into the BIOS and check if LCD brightness is set to ”Normal” or ”High”? If set to ”Normal” and if running on battery, it will appear more ”low” than ”Normal”! If you want to play safely with the BIOS settings, you may see/try how/where you can alter this setting in the BIOS simulator - ThinkPad T42/p with fingerprint reader (go to Config --> Display --> Brightness).

You may also check/alter this setting through the "ThinkPad-configuration" program (in Windows XP go to Start --> All programs --> ThinkVantage --> ThinkPad-configuration). There, under the LCD-tab, you are able to chose "Intensity when on battery" = "Normal" or "High".

Hey, what exactly do you mean by: "...and adjusted the resolution within Windows"?? You should certainly not "alter" any settings in Windows when it comes to resolution; if you chose another setting for both panels than the native XGA (1024x768), the image will become somewhat grainy!

Update! I just came across a very interesting hint:

Well, there is a program called LiquidView, and it works great. You know how the screen looks all washed out if you don't run your system at the native, i.e. highest resolution? This application LiquidView does away with that, and very effectively so! I've tried it on a past Thinkpad, just for kicks. I also had an SXGA+ screen at the time, so when I chose 1024x768 for XGA, and 640x480 for VGA, the screen remained super sharp.

- and I guess that it is this program which is referenced to? (there are a number of different hits if searching for "LiquidView" using Google...).

PS: Checking IBM's site for specifications for 2373-72U and 2373-GU8 both are found to be 14.1" XGA's. According to the 14.1inch LCD service parts - ThinkPad T40/p, T41/p, T42/p, the 2373-72U has a ID Tech panel (FRU 11P8350) while the 2373-GU8 (which is "based on 2373-82U") probably a also has an ID Tech panel... so different panels does not seem to explain the difference (if I am correct in my assumption that both panels are ID Tech).

Johan

[dgyee]

Thanks for your detailed response. I checked the BIOS and set it both ways, normal and high. There is no difference except in the battery mode which (as expected) is not as bright.

By changing the Windows settings I changed the display properties e.g. screen resolution and color quality.

I may try LiquidView but am hesitant to spend $40 for the software, rather I would apply this to a new display.

Another posting thought is might be bad or out dated drivers. I'll check this out but I don't think that is my problem.

Thanks again for your input..

[dgyee]

Thanks for the response. The specs on the 72U and the GU8 are the same. The only difference is the memory and optical device.

1. Yes both are Windows machines. I checked the display drivers and they are up-to date and the same.

2. You may be right about the backlight display. I have to find another monitor to check it out. I don't think I'll swap display screens (seems light a lot of work) unless it gets really bad. I'll live with it for now..

Thanks again..