Combining a T42 with a T41 (need some help)

[jumpin1c4]

I have a T42 that the backlight on the LCD screen went about a year ago. I have not been using it but it works fine when hooked up to a monitor.

My wife's laptop is a T41. She uses it daily for many hours. The screen has now started to go blank often when it is moved. I have read about the issue with the GPU losing contact and the need to resolder but I do not have the tools or the skill to attempt that.

My question is this: what is the easiest way to get one working laptop from those two?

Can I just replace the motherboard on the T41 with the one from T42?

Or would it be easier to take the LCD screen from the T41 and put it on the T42? (and if I go this route, can I just put my wife's hard drive from the T41 into the T42?)

At the end of the day, I just need one working T4x machine for my wife.

Thanks for any help, advice or instructions.

[underclocker]

Or would it be easier to take the LCD screen from the T41 and put it on the T42? (and if I go this route, can I just put my wife's hard drive from the T41 into the T42?)

Yes (swap the whole display assembly) & yes (you might need to update a few drivers after the swap). No problem, regardless of resolution of either and assuming both are 14" machines and both either do or don't have Bluetooth.

It's just a lot of screws, some screw covers, the keyboard, palmrest and keyboard bezel, the LCD cable that unclips and the wifi antennas that unclip.

Use the T4x Hardware Maintenance Manual, as needed. Good luck.

[jumpin1c4]

Thanks!

[Johan]

As underclocker says - just go ahead!

The following references/threads may come useful: First, go grab the Hardware Maintenance Manual - ThinkPad T42. Also, you may see the various movies Hardware removal and installation - ThinkPad T40/p, T41/p, T42/p, T43/p. The thread Upgrading a 14.1' T42 from 1024x768 to 1440x1050 resolution (especially this post and the links therein) may also be useful, and finally see the very useful guide by poshgeordie: 4x 14 inch Display Screw Locations in Pictures. Use the Search function of this forum for additional help.

If you consider having your wife's T41 repaired, this is actually very cheap, as evident from the thread Superior Reball GPU Fix. Might be an interesting option? Alternatively see the thread Thinkpad T4* Planars for Sale CHEAP!- All have been reflowed - also very, very attractive! Trusted member, fine feedback, advanced equipment used - what more could you possibly ask for?

Good luck with the "upgrade", if you choose this route!

- hey, I completely forgot (where are my manners today?!): Welcome to the forum!

Johan

[jumpin1c4]

Thanks Johan. This is a great forum.