Upgrading my T20 (dim monitor problem) to T21-T30?

[evilfabio]

I've been having a problem with my T20. The monitor starts up very dim/barely visible, and I have to tilt the screen back and forth fast if it's going to come on. It helps if I don't close the screen when I shut down, which makes the laptop something less than portable.

(If anyone has any suggestions as to what this problem could be -- loose/frayed ribbon? -- that a non-tech guy like me could check on, please let me know.)

But otherwise, I was thinking I could upgrade. What's the highest T model in which I could still use my hard drive, 2 256 memory chips, wifi card and DVD burner? (I was also thinking if I get something with a working hard drive, I could use the extra with a caddy in the UltraBay.)

TIA.

MJ

[zdriver]

You need to check the lcd cable and its connections at both ends, also the suspend switch (activates when the lid is closed)

Your memory, if it is pc100 restricts you to a T22 upgrade, the T23 uses pc133 sodimms. The hd and ultrabay2000 parts will work.

For the money lately, start considering a T41, T42, they can be had for about $250 and you can sell your T20 parts off. The hd will be about the only part you can transfer.

[evilfabio]

Many thanks. Could you (or anyone) point me in the direction of a site describing how to check the LCD cable (I assume I have to pull off the screen) and suspend switch?

MJ

[RealBlackStuff]

D/L the illustrated manual here: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... IGR-4UYM3F

[rkawakami]

The suspend switch that zdriver mentioned is in front of the right side hinge, just above the Insert key. You might try pressing it down quickly a couple of times to see if the switch is stuck/dirty. Best to do this with the laptop off otherwise you might drive the power-down system crazy .

From your initial description I gather that the image on the screen is there but the brightness (i.e., the backlight) is not. An intermittent backlight could be caused by the suspend switch, a break in the LCD ribbon cable, the inverter board (behind the LCD bezel just above the power switch) or the wires going out from the inverter to the backlight. Use the HMM that RealBlackStuff linked to and it will tell you how to take the system apart. The LCD ribbon cable's connection to the motherboard can be accessed once the keyboard is removed. Remove the connector from the motherboard and then re-insert it. Do the same with the inverter board (remove the tiny connector on the ribbon cable side) and the plug out at the end of the inverter. Inspect the ribbon cable, especially near the bends and along the outside edges, to see of there's any breaks or tears. Re-assemble and see if that helped.

[evilfabio]

Yes, the image is there, just very dim, until I manhandle the screen a little. Thanks again to everyone.

MJ