Take a look at our
ThinkPads.com HOME PAGE
For those who might want to contribute to the blog, start here: Editors Alley Topic
Then contact Bill with a Private Message
ThinkPads.com HOME PAGE
For those who might want to contribute to the blog, start here: Editors Alley Topic
Then contact Bill with a Private Message
Thinkpad 25 triple-screen desk setup with IBM Thinkvision L200p monitors
Thinkpad 25 triple-screen desk setup with IBM Thinkvision L200p monitors
My current office setup
The TP25 supports 3 simultaneous display outputs (The T410 without Optimus only supported 2), so I added a third IBM L200p to the existing two, for my first ever triple-monitor desk setup.
The Thinkvision L200p is an IPS UXGA (1600x1200) monitor. These units are probably 13-14 years old, and still hold up impressively well (although obviously lost some brightness which was not so high to begin with). I run them all on 100% brightness to be comfortable (in comparison, my DELL monitors at home are rarely run over 50% brightness). The L200p is not the last 20" UXGA Thinkvision - it was succeeded by the L201p, with a thinner bezel and an improved stand which was less stiff and also supported pivot - but somehow L201p units were much less abundant in the wild - I don't think I've ever seen one in use.
The monitors are all connected to the Ultra Dock:
1. Dock DP (Display Output 1) ⟶ DP-to-DVI dongle ⟶ Monitor DVI
2. Dock DVI (Display Output 2) ⟶ Monitor DVI
3. Dock VGA (Display Output 3) ⟶ Monitor VGA
The dock only has 2 digital video outputs shared between the 4 connectors, so the third output has to be VGA. It is a bit blurrier, which is easy to notice if you are used to 100% sharp digital displays, but it does not affect comfort. I could get a third digital output out of the Thunderbolt or HDMI connectors on the laptop itself, but that would ruin the snap-on docking experience. Out of curiosity, I tried a a 4-display configuration (including the laptop LCD), but I believe this is not supported - Windows would detect all 4 displays, but would only display to 3 of them (any combination).
The keyboard is the IBM/Lenovo Enhanced Performance USB Keyboard. I've been using them almost exclusively for the past 10 years, and I really like them. Wrote about my experience a bit here. The mouse is the popular at one time Logitech MX518. It is very comfortable to me, but the rubberized coating on the sides is wearing off somewhat (after 5.5 years of regular use).
Also pictured: USB 3.0 hub (as there are no conveniently accessible USB ports when the laptop is docked), Rubik's Cube, Rubik's Void Cube, Square-1. No, my desk is not normally this tidy - I cleaned it up for the photo.
The TP25 supports 3 simultaneous display outputs (The T410 without Optimus only supported 2), so I added a third IBM L200p to the existing two, for my first ever triple-monitor desk setup.
The Thinkvision L200p is an IPS UXGA (1600x1200) monitor. These units are probably 13-14 years old, and still hold up impressively well (although obviously lost some brightness which was not so high to begin with). I run them all on 100% brightness to be comfortable (in comparison, my DELL monitors at home are rarely run over 50% brightness). The L200p is not the last 20" UXGA Thinkvision - it was succeeded by the L201p, with a thinner bezel and an improved stand which was less stiff and also supported pivot - but somehow L201p units were much less abundant in the wild - I don't think I've ever seen one in use.
The monitors are all connected to the Ultra Dock:
1. Dock DP (Display Output 1) ⟶ DP-to-DVI dongle ⟶ Monitor DVI
2. Dock DVI (Display Output 2) ⟶ Monitor DVI
3. Dock VGA (Display Output 3) ⟶ Monitor VGA
The dock only has 2 digital video outputs shared between the 4 connectors, so the third output has to be VGA. It is a bit blurrier, which is easy to notice if you are used to 100% sharp digital displays, but it does not affect comfort. I could get a third digital output out of the Thunderbolt or HDMI connectors on the laptop itself, but that would ruin the snap-on docking experience. Out of curiosity, I tried a a 4-display configuration (including the laptop LCD), but I believe this is not supported - Windows would detect all 4 displays, but would only display to 3 of them (any combination).
The keyboard is the IBM/Lenovo Enhanced Performance USB Keyboard. I've been using them almost exclusively for the past 10 years, and I really like them. Wrote about my experience a bit here. The mouse is the popular at one time Logitech MX518. It is very comfortable to me, but the rubberized coating on the sides is wearing off somewhat (after 5.5 years of regular use).
Also pictured: USB 3.0 hub (as there are no conveniently accessible USB ports when the laptop is docked), Rubik's Cube, Rubik's Void Cube, Square-1. No, my desk is not normally this tidy - I cleaned it up for the photo.
Last edited by dr_st on Fri Apr 20, 2018 1:22 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Thinkpad 25 (20K7), T490 (20N3), Yoga 14 (20FY), T430s (IPS FHD + Classic Keyboard), X220 4291-4BG
X61 7673-V2V, T60 2007-QPG, T42 2373-F7G, X32 (IPS Screen), A31p w/ Ultrabay Numpad
X61 7673-V2V, T60 2007-QPG, T42 2373-F7G, X32 (IPS Screen), A31p w/ Ultrabay Numpad
Re: Thinkpad 25 triple-screen desk setup with IBM Thinkvision L200p monitors
The L200p displays use LG panels internally. You'll note that they have a surprisingly low ghosting rate, making them pretty darn decent for gaming!
LG panels for some reason are designed very well in that regard. I may even like LG over IDtech :p
LG panels for some reason are designed very well in that regard. I may even like LG over IDtech :p
-
- Senior ThinkPadder
- Posts: 2670
- Joined: Sun Aug 09, 2015 9:25 am
- Location: N. Bellmore, ny
Re: Thinkpad 25 triple-screen desk setup with IBM Thinkvision L200p monitors
I like the 2001FP the best. I just find the IBM monitors a bit ugly. The Dell panel is nothing short of amazing, so probably a very similar panel.
Image for reference:
I also see your keyboard has those rare grey keys like my X60s.
Image for reference:
I also see your keyboard has those rare grey keys like my X60s.
Thinkpad4by3's Law of the Universe.
The efficiency of two screens equally sized with equal numbers if pixels are equal. The time spent by a 4:3 user complaining about 16:9 is proportional to the inefficiency working with a 16:9 display, therefore the amount of useful work extracted is equal.
The efficiency of two screens equally sized with equal numbers if pixels are equal. The time spent by a 4:3 user complaining about 16:9 is proportional to the inefficiency working with a 16:9 display, therefore the amount of useful work extracted is equal.
Re: Thinkpad 25 triple-screen desk setup with IBM Thinkvision L200p monitors
Yeah, the looks of the L200p are nothing to write home about. As I said, the L201p slightly improved on that, but those monitors are kinda rare.Thinkpad4by3 wrote: ↑Thu Feb 01, 2018 9:56 pmI like the 2001FP the best. I just find the IBM monitors a bit ugly. The Dell panel is nothing short of amazing, so probably a very similar panel.
Almost all IPS panels of that generation were produced by LG (actually LG-Philips). I have a DELL 2007FP myself with an LG-Philis IPS panel, which is more than 10 years old at this point. It still looks great, but is slightly yellower at the right half compared to the left (I don't know if it developed it at some point or whether I just did not notice at first).
No, that's just the lighting. Both Enter keys are blue.Thinkpad4by3 wrote: ↑Thu Feb 01, 2018 9:56 pmI also see your keyboard has those rare grey keys like my X60s.
Apparently, not all LG IPS panels are equal. I distinctly remember a huge difference in ghosting between my 2007FP (LG 20" UXGA) and T42's Flexview LCD (LG 15" SXGA+). I think desktop panels have always been ahead of laptop panels in most parameters, ghosting included.
Thinkpad 25 (20K7), T490 (20N3), Yoga 14 (20FY), T430s (IPS FHD + Classic Keyboard), X220 4291-4BG
X61 7673-V2V, T60 2007-QPG, T42 2373-F7G, X32 (IPS Screen), A31p w/ Ultrabay Numpad
X61 7673-V2V, T60 2007-QPG, T42 2373-F7G, X32 (IPS Screen), A31p w/ Ultrabay Numpad
-
- Junior Member
- Posts: 306
- Joined: Tue Sep 10, 2019 10:27 pm
- Location: USA
Re: Thinkpad 25 triple-screen desk setup with IBM Thinkvision L200p monitors
How well do the backlights in these L200Ps typically age? I'm looking into getting one for a few reasons (mostly to replace a CRT of mine that finally died, but also since its a UXGA monitor that would go nicely with my T601p), but am offput by the idea of buying a 15+ year-old used monitor with a CCFL backlight. Are LED mods a thing for the panel + inverter combo in it?
P1 Gen 5
P52
T25 Anniversary
Many more as well!
P52
T25 Anniversary
Many more as well!
Re: Thinkpad 25 triple-screen desk setup with IBM Thinkvision L200p monitors
Well, the three units I had in this picture were fine at the time it was taken, which was 3 years ago, and the monitors were probably 13-14 years old at that point. Since I didn't have them from day 1, I have no idea how much use they have actually seen. I no longer have them, so I cannot tell you how they are doing now either.
With something so old it's a gamble. You can get a monitor that is in good condition now, but whether it starts experiencing issues after 10 days or after 10 years - no one can be sure.
In regards to LED mods - I am not aware, but you can see if any are available for the DELL monitors mentioned above (2001FP/2007FP). They use similar panels, so perhaps such mods (if they exist) can be compatible.
With something so old it's a gamble. You can get a monitor that is in good condition now, but whether it starts experiencing issues after 10 days or after 10 years - no one can be sure.
In regards to LED mods - I am not aware, but you can see if any are available for the DELL monitors mentioned above (2001FP/2007FP). They use similar panels, so perhaps such mods (if they exist) can be compatible.
Thinkpad 25 (20K7), T490 (20N3), Yoga 14 (20FY), T430s (IPS FHD + Classic Keyboard), X220 4291-4BG
X61 7673-V2V, T60 2007-QPG, T42 2373-F7G, X32 (IPS Screen), A31p w/ Ultrabay Numpad
X61 7673-V2V, T60 2007-QPG, T42 2373-F7G, X32 (IPS Screen), A31p w/ Ultrabay Numpad
Re: Thinkpad 25 triple-screen desk setup with IBM Thinkvision L200p monitors
Unfortunately I missed this post originally, but there's a matrox triplehead2go which has DP input with 3 DVI outputs so you could have 4 digital connections.
-
- Junior Member
- Posts: 306
- Joined: Tue Sep 10, 2019 10:27 pm
- Location: USA
Re: Thinkpad 25 triple-screen desk setup with IBM Thinkvision L200p monitors
Ended up snagging an L200p locally for 15 USD. I'll post some pics and maybe a teardown once I've picked it up. From the pics, the backlight looked very good.
P1 Gen 5
P52
T25 Anniversary
Many more as well!
P52
T25 Anniversary
Many more as well!
-
- Similar Topics
- Replies
- Views
- Last post
-
-
T580 (renewed) stuck on setup
by KopyKat0822 » Fri Mar 15, 2024 10:18 pm » in ThinkPad T430-T490 / T530-T590 Series - 3 Replies
- 131 Views
-
Last post by rumbero
Sat Mar 16, 2024 7:26 am
-
-
-
[Free FS] 755CSE Screen Damaged (Screen Only)
by clamic235 » Thu Feb 08, 2024 3:24 am » in Marketplace - Forum Members only - 0 Replies
- 418 Views
-
Last post by clamic235
Thu Feb 08, 2024 3:24 am
-
-
-
701c screen distortion- gpu or screen failure??
by nicefisher » Fri Feb 16, 2024 12:50 pm » in ThinkPad Legacy Hardware - 3 Replies
- 681 Views
-
Last post by astral
Wed Feb 21, 2024 11:07 am
-
-
-
"NEW" IBM Thinkpad 701C Butterfly with 10th Gen Intel Core i3.
by KingDawnBrave » Tue Oct 17, 2023 1:25 am » in ThinkPad Legacy Hardware - 14 Replies
- 7031 Views
-
Last post by KingDawnBrave
Wed Oct 25, 2023 8:13 pm
-
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 13 guests