Thinkpads Forum

Recently I noticed some stains on my T61 14" WSXGA screen as well as an horizontal gray line appearing when pressure is applied on the left side.
I suspect some recent accidental abuse might have caused some minor damage to the screen's background and internal flex cable, but no big deal.

I considered buying a new screen, but the WSXGA T61 screen kinda sucks in terms of brightness and I was considering buying a T400 LED screen.
Can it be done? And can it be done with the T61 lcd cable, or does the lcd only work with the T400 cable?

I believe if you want to use a LED Screen on your Thinkpad you would need a converter from CCFL backlight to LED, as the T61 was not designed to use LED panels, I do not remember a link somewhere around here that addressed what you're trying to do, but I'd say is quite possible buying the adaptador too

If your TP is still under warranty, it's a lot cheaper to have the screen replaced by Lenovo.

The LED technology is too new yet. You have to check the T400 pin-compatibility of the connector that goes to the motherboard of the T61.
If they are identical (and only then), it should work if you buy LED panel/LED cable/LED inverter from the T400.

Thanks for the input.

I believe that the connectors are the same, but I'm not sure.
Either way, after a little digging, I've found that at the very least I'd have to replace the lcd, lcd cable and inverter. But even then I'm not sure it would fit since there are different part numbers for the lcd cover and bezel for screens with LED backlight.

@agarza - Yes, you're right, I believe this was the link. It does seem a little expensive and I'm also not sure the inverter would fit. But it's a possibility, and it would certainly be cheaper that switching to a T400 LED screen.

@RealBlackStuff - I'm pretty sure I've voided my warranty by now and I suspect at least some of the damage might be due to misuse, even if accidental. But even then, the problem would be begin without a laptop for some weeks.

I guess I'll hold on to this screen for a while, maybe other solutions will appear.

Also, is the T400 CCFL screen any better than the T61's?