Thinkpads Forum

I would really like to upgrade the LCD somehow. When using various computers that aren't mine (school, friends) I just notice how much better they are in terms of brightness and overall quality.

It's my understanding that part of the "problem" is that the displays on the T60's all use CCFL backlighting, as opposed to the more modern LED.

All I really want is a brighter screen where that's easier on the eyes. The display on my T60 is a Toshiba LTD14IECMB (FRU 13N7057).

I did find, through eBay, this screen which supposedly is compatible, and also is a higher resolution, a plus for me.

Can I expect the LCD I found on eBay to be better in terms of image quality and readability? Am I better off getting a new laptop, and hence a much better display?

An lcd upgrade to led is about $20 and fairly simple now with the 2nd gen kits.

laowai wrote:An lcd upgrade to led is about $20 and fairly simple now with the 2nd gen kits.

Do you have any links that can be of help? That's a great tip, thank you.

nebol wrote:

laowai wrote:An lcd upgrade to led is about $20 and fairly simple now with the 2nd gen kits.

Do you have any links that can be of help? That's a great tip, thank you.

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=7893378681
http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=14888959104

They run 128 RMB a set plus shipping on taobao. I'd just assume there would be a seller on ebay or something.

Woah... nice!! Those prices aren't even that bad at all.

Before you go for that questionable solution, consider this:
- is a modified inverter included?
- because that outlet on a standard inverter supplies 700-1300 Volts, I kid you not!
...LEDs need only between 5-19 Volts.
- is the dimmer functional?
- is the On-Off switch working?
- are all the function-LEDs on the inverter present (power, wifi, bluetooth etc.)?
- ever tried to replace the CCFL on a 14.1" screen? Even I can't do it!

RealBlackStuff wrote:Before you go for that questionable solution, consider this:
- is a modified inverter included?
- because that outlet on a standard inverter supplies 700-1300 Volts, I kid you not!
...LEDs need only between 5-19 Volts.
- is the dimmer functional?
- is the On-Off switch working?
- are all the function-LEDs on the inverter present (power, wifi, bluetooth etc.)?
- ever tried to replace the CCFL on a 14.1" screen? Even I can't do it!

New inverter comes with it
Dimmer works
On-Off switch works
All the function LEDs work like normal
It's a simplified process for this upgrade version, well, simple enough that from the buyer feedback no one left any comments about it being too hard, or screwing it up, or coming back with further feedback about it dying. No bad comments about it on the chinese forums either.

I've got another lappy that needs an upgrade and I'll be more than happy to post about it.

Hmmmm very interested in this. I'll probably roll the dice and order one unit two months from now.
I'll post a thread when the time comes, I'll upload the process to YouTube as well!

CCFL is tough yes. I broke a unit while taking it out but not the one I actually replaced.

Those kits look like the ones on iccfl.com. At least the inverter does.

I'd check that first, that's a USA based company run by a chinese guy if i recall correctly.

86turbodsl wrote:Those kits look like the ones on iccfl.com. At least the inverter does.

I'd check that first, that's a USA based company run by a chinese guy if i recall correctly.

Worth a check, but on a 14.1" 4:3, you're looking for a 285mm strip. Didn't see it on the site though. If the guy can get em, great

laowai wrote:

86turbodsl wrote:Those kits look like the ones on iccfl.com. At least the inverter does.

I'd check that first, that's a USA based company run by a chinese guy if i recall correctly.

Worth a check, but on a 14.1" 4:3, you're looking for a 285mm strip. Didn't see it on the site though. If the guy can get em, great

Yeah, and ordering from the U.S. would be overall much more expensive, considering that they seem to be the same product. Anyways, Google Translate gives me this:

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=14888959104 wrote:Transformation of LED backlight notebook models with different lengths of high-pressure common LED strip kit models use different specifications

IBM T60 LCD screen backlight LED backlight solution package upgrade

Kit Description: This kit consists of (LED driver board ( Inverter ) + LED backlight strips has been pro weld , no longer need to weld , you can begin installing the repurchase .

With the upgrading of the technology matures , LED backlight design because of different model specifications may vary at any time to change technical kind , but the decline will not affect the quality changed after upgrading , upgrading will only change after more simplified installation quality improvement , then shipped to the transformation of the components forming LED strip prevail , subject to change without notice.

Parents who are the first to buy please tell models, such as : IBM T60 IBM T40 ... Secondly , please tell the machine specifications, such as: 14.1 -inch screen 14.1 widescreen ... so as to give a good pro with a corresponding LED light bar with driver board ( Inverter )

Upgrading notebook LED backlight bar and screen size reference :
12.1 -inch screen dedicated LED light bar length : 246mm
12.1 -inch widescreen LED light bar dedicated Length: 270mm
14.1 -inch screen dedicated LED light bar length : 285mm
14.1 -inch widescreen LED strip length special : 301mm
15.1 -inch screen dedicated LED light bar length : 301mm
15.4 -inch widescreen LED strip length special : 337mm

So, specify what model you have, and this company will send the corresponding kit? The description does make it sound pretty easy. I might just try this out after I've looked at the LCD closer to try and figure out how this would work.

Can you even get them to ship to USA? I was not aware taobao would do that.

EDIT: I found a taobao broker who will ship to USA. By the time you pay the commision, chinese shipping, international shipping, you're looking at $45, which is right about the ICCFL price. I don't think you're going to save anything on the taobao site assuming that the parts are the same.

Has anyone actually tried to buy a LED kit from iccfl.com?

Well i did this morning and they only accept western union wired payment!!

The checkout screen says call them when you have completed the wire transfer and they will process!

Learn German, read this:
1st mass-order: http://thinkpad-forum.de/threads/152797
2nd mass-order: http://thinkpad-forum.de/threads/155914
3rd mass-order: http://thinkpad-forum.de/threads/165773
4th mass-order: http://thinkpad-forum.de/threads/169270

So I tried to order a kit from engtaobao.com (a broker website) and they take mastercard. my mastercard issuing company denied payment to the chinese clearing company, alipay. Perhaps they've had some issues in the past?

I have not read all the hundreds of pages of the 4 threads yet, but i am seeing a lot of happy people in the comments.

Would there be any interest in a North American group buy? I have at least 2 screens here i'd be interested in converting, maybe more.

The total price from engtaobao was about $27 with brokerage and custom fees, not including the airmail from hong kong. That would run probably about $10 or less maybe. Then local shipping. These would EASILY fit in a USPS flat rate box for less than $5. I think it's feasible that USA customers could get these for less than $40

86turbodsl wrote:Can you even get them to ship to USA? I was not aware taobao would do that.

EDIT: I found a taobao broker who will ship to USA. By the time you pay the commision, chinese shipping, international shipping, you're looking at $45, which is right about the ICCFL price. I don't think you're going to save anything on the taobao site assuming that the parts are the same.

Well, I just pulled the trigger on one seller. They'll ship to the US via SF Express. EMS isn't too bad with a discount. Probably easier with a group buy and a seller that can do e-packet shipping for basically nothing.

aaand, installed. Actually a fairly easy install. One small mod was removing a small chunk of white plastic border from the panel to get it to fit correctly. Other than that, it was a breeze, and actually, if you just do that mod, it's possible to make the swap without removing the reflector at all.

laowai wrote:aaand, installed. Actually a fairly easy install. One small mod was removing a small chunk of white plastic border from the panel to get it to fit correctly. Other than that, it was a breeze, and actually, if you just do that mod, it's possible to make the swap without removing the reflector at all.

Cool! Is there any improvement in display quality?

laowai wrote:aaand, installed. Actually a fairly easy install. One small mod was removing a small chunk of white plastic border from the panel to get it to fit correctly. Other than that, it was a breeze, and actually, if you just do that mod, it's possible to make the swap without removing the reflector at all.

Pictures please

emeraldgirl08 wrote:
Pictures please

The kit arrived:
Pretty much exactly as expected, all activity lights are where they should be, the on/off works, the dimmer works for all levels. Inverter itself is so similar that I had to do a double take when I saw the CCFL wire harness.

Being an idiot who doesn't follow directions, and having a bit of the flu and not thinking straight, I of course didn't do it the easy way. Nope, I took off that reflector and did it the hard way. Fairly straight forward process:
Remove LCD
Remove foil tape
Remove screws from bottom and sides
Pry off the metal retainer
Carefully remove the reflector
Remove the CCFL
Place the LED strip inside... then notice that the wiring path just isn't going to happen, and the little clip section for the wires is too big a pain. There is clearance inside the case for a little bit of a jut. All that stood in the way was a 1cm chunk of white plastic that got snipped off.
Then put the whole thing together again
Test and be all happy.
Then realize that that foil f-ing tape never got put back on because of reasons.
Take as little apart as possible, spending more time than just doing it proper
Put foil on
Put it all back together
Play with the wires
Make post on the forum claiming great success

nebol wrote: Cool! Is there any improvement in display quality?

There's a bit of bleed in the bottom right and again just above the activity lights. This is a seating problem and not a problem with the unit itself. One day when I'm not sick and having to watch over a screaming baby an attention starved cat and a tired wife at the same time, I'll go in there and fiddle around. Till then. It's MUCH brighter, there's no redding going on (dying CCFL). The 0 setting is more than enough for indoors, as opposed to before where it was useless. 7 is BRIGHT, bright enough that it should be perfect for in the sunlight.

It took about 2 hours of non-continuous effort. If I had to do it all over again, I could get it done in about 20~30 minutes without issue.

Total cost: 128 RMB + 22 RMB shipping via SF Express (cus I'm a dummy and ordered leading up to spring festival). So, about $23 or so and I shouldn't have to worry about a light burning out again.

Thanks for sharing this

I have (2) ThinkPads which could use this mod!

Awesome photo!! it is bright!
Now if only I can teleport to China and back to my home to reduce costs...

Saucey wrote:Awesome photo!! it is bright!
Now if only I can teleport to China and back to my home to reduce costs...

VERY bright. Today was a sunshiny sunny day. Laptop in direct sunlight was entirely usable for the first time ever... didn't even have to crank it up to 7, it was fine at about 5 or 6. If you can manage to get an account setup properlike, it should be possible to just use alipay with a visa card or whatever and have them ship out. Chinapost/USPS for a small thing like that should be around $10. More like a buck or two if the seller can use the whole epacket thing.

This is very promising.

laowai wrote:

86turbodsl wrote:Can you even get them to ship to USA? I was not aware taobao would do that.

EDIT: I found a taobao broker who will ship to USA. By the time you pay the commision, chinese shipping, international shipping, you're looking at $45, which is right about the ICCFL price. I don't think you're going to save anything on the taobao site assuming that the parts are the same.

Well, I just pulled the trigger on one seller. They'll ship to the US via SF Express. EMS isn't too bad with a discount. Probably easier with a group buy and a seller that can do e-packet shipping for basically nothing.

For non-Chinese members, you can try Aliexpress with details in English and shipping rates to USA. Toabao is for the domestic Chinese market. Taobao have more item and larger listings than Aliexpresss.

Price is more competitive on Taobao than Aliexpress. I find shipping information on Aliexpress helpful and better.

Hope this help.

RealBlackStuff wrote:Learn German, read this:
1st mass-order: http://thinkpad-forum.de/threads/152797
2nd mass-order: http://thinkpad-forum.de/threads/155914
3rd mass-order: http://thinkpad-forum.de/threads/165773
4th mass-order: http://thinkpad-forum.de/threads/169270

Could someone please summarize for those of us who nein sprechen ze Deutche?

Well... I was able to apply the LED backlight to my unit.
I bought a widescreen 14" and 15" 4:3 LED kit that comes with an inverter included. I got it from iccfl.com (Thanks turbodiesel! )
The cost for both w/ uninsured shipped was $69 bucks, its $12 flat for shipping so its the reason why I got two instead of one.
It seemed to come out to the same price using the taobao broker site. Also it asks for the length of the LEDs, I put down 300mm and I initially thought it was too short but it lights up the LCD just fine.
So far indicator lights seem to work for both sides.

I broke the plastic housing (Third time, I never learn) on the bottom right corner, but I was able to use it.
It works great! Only thing is that, there is no O-ring holder in the middle thats in all CCFLs I've seen.
The LED strip is susceptible to bending, while the CCFL can break. I think its a fair tradeoff.
Here is a botched gallery upload, first time using imgur on my phone for uploads, probably my last. Photos are big when you open them from the gallery, like WUXGA pixel size.
I recorded the process as well, so there will be a video and better photos hopefully by tonight.

Anyways, the LEDs are spaced very slightly so there isn't an even flow of light, but its only seen at the bottom of the task bar.
Also I had to rotate the LED strip to correctly get the optimal color, if its dark/yellow the strip is the wrong way.
Seems to flip all different sort of ways when it is put in, you can simply slide it thru with the LCD closed, but taking the original backlight is the hardest part.
Also it is missing the white rubber stuff (idk what its called) that holds the backlight in place on the edges.
The kit came with some so that it wouldn't bounce around while shipping, so I cut that and stuff'd it in there to keep it secure.
There was thin tape to keep the backlight secured when applying it, but I didn't bother because I wasn't sure how to put in in there!
Now I know for the next one...
The kit came with a generous amount of foil tape also, no kapton however.

Overall it was a fun project, expect that UXGA T60p to be in the marketplace soon after I fix the problem with the lines.
I'll be applying the mod to my SXGA+ deathVidia T60/1 as well, it too will have the same fate.
Sorry nebol for throwing this topic in a different direction.