Thinkpads Forum

Hi,

My T61 shipped with a LG Matte 15.4" WSXGA+ LCD (42T0416/7) with 1 CCFL and a max res of 1680x1050. The resolution is nice (higher is always better, though), and the matte finish has been something I've been able to live with. However, the brightness has been difficult to deal with over time.

I was wondering which screen upgrades were possible for my T61, in general, but especially for increased brightness. Is there a list of LCDs that would be compatible? (I have the Intel X3100)

Any 15.4" panel will fit from 1280x800 to 1920x1200. Fixation screw holes are standardised and aslo connectors.

BTW, there are a lot of files about.

Is there no EDID problem (like in T60) when using generic, non-ThinkPad displays?

yak wrote:Is there no EDID problem (like in T60) when using generic, non-ThinkPad displays?

These are the kind of things I worry about. I'd like to know what better compatible displays are available in general, but especially the ones that were used on subsequent ThinkPads. I'm assuming that there would be less of an issue with those. (BIOS, Converter etc)

Also, is the lamp integrated into the display, or seated behind it? I ask, because if separate, my situation wouldn't improve that much if it's just as bright. Come to think of it, is there a way to add another CCFL to my current LG display?

Nope, my LG/Philips is not a Lenovopart. It seems it was for a Dell according the inverter screwed at the bottom.

OK, is the lamp separate, or part of the display? Also, in my situation, which would be the brightest I could choose with the same or higher resolution? (Type, if not model)

With increased brightness, I'm assuming increased power drain. Is there a voltage limit I need to know about?

EDIT: I see your post to another thread which almost seems in reply to my question. Is WUXGA the best type I could do?

Radioguy wrote:EDIT: I see your post to another thread which almost seems in reply to my question. Is WUXGA the best type I could do?

From everything I heard, the WUXGA is noticeably less bright than the WSXGA+.

Ouch. I don't want to downgrade. I'd like to have the same, or better resolution, but brightness is the main issue.

dr_st wrote:

Radioguy wrote:EDIT: I see your post to another thread which almost seems in reply to my question. Is WUXGA the best type I could do?

From everything I heard, the WUXGA is noticeably less bright than the WSXGA+.

Witch brands ? You can't tell one resolution is brighter than an other one without telling about a specific panel. My R61 WSXGA+ (i foreget the drand) was about so dark than my BS Samunsung WUXGA+. Any one who wants the best panel have to read a lot to know with is the best according to size and resolution.

I'am sure the best WUXGA is the LG/Philips. For WSXGA+, it seems that Samsung is as good as the LG/Philips. There are many files in notebook forum and a great one with two T61p side by side : one LG/Philips and one Samnsung. A lot of picts... Great to read about.

I think there is also a file with T61p WSXGA+ side by side with WUXGA LG.

Files? What do you mean by files? I'm not as up to date on screen technologies.

Although, as I've googled a bit, I see that WXSGA+ is inferior to WUXGA for resolution. However, I'm not sure that WUXGA is that practical for a 15.4" screen compared to a 17".

Of course, the core issue for me is brightness. So, I ask again, is the lamp assembly part of the display, or separate? (I remember reading that some VAIO laptops came with either 1 or 2 lamps) If it's integrated, then I have to upgrade the LCD.

I currently have an LG, and I'm not happy with how dark it is. While staying in WSXGA+, which brand/model would be the ideal upgrade? If I did go to WUXGA, is the LG model(s) just as dark as this one?

Maybe he meant threads when saying files?

That does seem to fit.

Make no mistake, these are all crappy panels and if you don't like the brightness on your current WSXGA+ you're not going to like it on WUXGA, be it LG (barely tolerable) or Samsung (downright horrible). None of these have any real brightness or contrast to speak thereof, not to mention colour reproduction which is...well, I don't want to be banned from this forum for using inappropriate language...

And yes, CCFL is the integral part of the LCD. No, you can't add another one to the existing screen.

Most 17" LCDs have 2 CCFLs, and almost none of the 15.4" do. No 15.4" ThinkPad has two.

Hope this helps.

Thanks ajkula66. It looks like I'm SOL with a POS.

Seriously, I am disappointed, but not at the resolution. Yet, it's truly frustrating when I use another laptop, like one with an XBRITE screen. I had hoped I could get an increased brightness without downgrading.

I take it there's no XBRITE WSXGA(+) panels?

HP has one for the dv5 series, but I don't know if it's compatible.

Any info you can point me at on those?

Radioguy wrote:Any info you can point me at on those?

There is one DV5 model from HP that has the "infinite border" (glass to the borders) which is 15.4" WSXGA+, non-glare and uses two CCFLs with 300nits.

HP and Dell will bring out the same panel with real RGB-LEDs backlights in Jan/Feb 2009.
So I would rather wait a few months and get these new displays. I am sure that by end of next year even Lenovo would have realized that there is something new on the market.

Is the LED backlit WXGA from the T500 retrofit-able?

Nice. Then maybe there's hope after all. I'll subscribe to this thread in case anyone posts specifics when those come out.

Does someone already try to upgrade a CCFL panel with a LED one ?

I'd be interested in that as well. Although, the original poster did state he wanted more resolution.

Well...where do I stand today? I still have that original panel, albeit with a couple dings now. I might have to live with it out of necessity for a bit longer, but the desire to swap it out takes hold more and more often. As of now, I would love to know what my options are for a an equal or superior compatible replacement with the priority being brightness > resolution > necessity of modification. Can I get an update from those in the know? Thanks in advance.

Maybe the Sharp panel discussed here? http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=107696

The guys at the German forum were happy with the Sharp.

On the other hand, I'm very happy with my last LG WUXGA Panel as well . I find it much brighter than the other LG WUXGA panel I have. I should take a couple of pictures one of these days...

I can't view the images there without logging in, and I haven't logged in at tp-f.de for several years, so it seems they struck me from the membership rolls!

I probably regged there for a similar purpose, so I don't blame them. I'm just waiting for the new mod approval. I see some reasonable prices on eBay for that model, though.

Thanks, guys.

Pics were also uploaded in the German Wiki, no need to register: http://thinkwiki.de/Besseres_Display_f% ... _ThinkPads

My LG WUXGA panel (used) works nicely, and I found that wiping it (spray on a paper towel) with some "Awesome" spray cleaner removed a fair amount up subtle discoloration that wasn't otherwise visible.

I'm going to build another T61 to use another WUXGA panel. Lesser resolutions make me sad.

Anyone know if an LED mod kit would fit, and which kits are good? I've never done one but was an Avionics troop for four years and "ain't skeered" of trying if it will be an improvement.

Thanks Tasurinchi! That does cast a yellow hue from the angles they say. Dead on it's nice. I just wish they identified the comparison panels and resolutions. Even if WSXGA+, are they Samsung or LG? Still going over that thread too.

so i order the Sharp LCD screen of this ebay guy, of course I got shafted
http://www.ebay.com/itm/370226863490

- doesn't say compatible screen anywhere
- got shipped a dell part, yeah i know what dell part looks like..
- got shipped a "compatible" samsung screen
- so it'll cost me money to ship it back and probably have to file a paypal dispute to get my money..

So should I or shouldn't I send it back or just use the samsung crap

His eBay ad says:
- The customer is responsible for all return shipping charges in all cases.
It depends on how you ordered it. If you specifically ordered the Sharp P/N and have it mentioned in your correspondence, and then seller sends you something different, a PayPal or eBay complaint "not as described" should let HIM pay this.
Or just polite correspondence back and forth may achieve the same.

It also says:
- The Shipping charges are non-refundable.
As per eBay policy shipping charges ARE refundable.
Just sign out/sign in on eBay again to see that policy mentioned!