Thinkpads Forum

My LCD broke on my T61p (6459-CTO). It had the WSXGA+ 1680x1050 15.4'' display (p/n 42T0328).

Can I just get a replacement off e-bay and install it myself? If so, can I get a WUXGA 1920x1200 one so that I get an upgrade in the screen resolution or will it not work as a replacement / require more parts?

I prefer matte so I need to watch out to get that instead of a glossy one. Anything else to watch out for? Specific manufacturers to avoid?

The cable and inverters are the same, so just the panel will need to change. I believe all the panels that originally come with the machines are LG or Samsung. That's what the service manual says and that's all I've seen. Everybody likes different brands. I personally have had good luck with TMD (toshiba) and BOE Hydis.

If you're using a third-party screen, you may have to reflash the EDID ROM to match that of a 1920x1200 panel for a Lenovo machine.

What's regarded as the brightest third party 15.4" WSXGA+, WUXGA or better that could be flashed and fit in a T61?

Thank you for your responses.

How difficult is reflashing the EDID ROM? What does it involve?

Also, if I get a third party WSXGA+ LCD (the same resolution as I had before) would I have to reflash too?

Yes, you would have to reflash for a third-party WSXGA+ panel.

It involves the following:

1. Taking an old 30-pin ThinkPad LCD connector, and soldering four wires to it, in this pattern: http://users.cybercity.dk/~dsl35822/edidconnection.jpg
2. Connecting it to this circuit (note, it may be +3.3 VDC, not +5 VDC) - note that everything past the SDA and SCL on that diagram is already taken care of on the LCD's controller: http://www.lancos.com/e2p/easyI2Cbus.gif
3. Obtaining the EDID for your current display (for WSXGA+, which PonyProg can read out, or from your registry using Phoenix EDID Designer) or someone's WUXGA panel (which someone can obtain from their machine using Phoenix EDID Designer)
4. Flashing the display using PonyProg, with the new ROM.

Those of us that are doing the T60/p QXGA mod have to do this, but with a custom EDID that someone on here made, as there never was a Lenovo EDID for 2048x1536. Unfortunately, I'm failing at #1, because I suck at soldering. (At least I've got the circuit made, it's just the last bit I'm failing at.)

Thanks again for your help.

I ordered an LG WSXGA+ 42T0423 from eBay for $70 + $45 shipping. Fingers crossed I can install it OK.

Even though this is a rather old post, are there any news on the upgrade ?

That's what I have found recently:
http://en.gentoo-wiki.com/wiki/Lenovo_Thinkpad_T61p

I am waiting for my panel to arrive in order to try it.