Just got refurb T60p - very disappointed with the display

[o2nexus]

I love the laptop, but the display seems washed out, dull. I'm trying to determine what I should expect. This laptop should have the 15" IPS flexview. I have never seen one until now, but was expecting a very nice display.

My current points of reference are:

a) My Dell monitors from 2005 for my desktop. Not sure the model numbers but they were decent at the time of purchase.
b) My Sony VAIO VGN-FS750p laptop from 2005.
c) My HP EliteBook 6930p laptop.

My problem seems to be that the display is not very bright and the whites are not snow white like the other monitors. The color quality on all the other 3 are better. The Sony and HP are substantially better, the Dell monitors are a good step above.

Should I expect better from the ThinkPad? Its really a step down, and I don't like it.

[DK6400Brian]

Well, that indicates a wornout CCFL.
You'd probably notice that the white is more or less reddish.

In the back of my head, I hear that the CCFL's in the IPS FlexView displays tended to fade quicker than in ordinary TFT's.
Perhaps the CCFL's used in FlexView were brighter because of higher voltages and when they were worn out, then "wham bam", they were really worn out. I'm guessing here.

Learn how to disassemble your machine and replace the CCFL yourself. You'd love it

[o2nexus]

I would not be at all opposed to fixing it myself, but I just took delivery of it today. Its an IBM refurbished machine. I plan to return it, as there is no way that I can live with an inferior display and its under warranty. Since this is the first T60P that I've seen up close, I am trying to determine if this is typical quality for this display. Display quality and resolution is the most important aspect of a laptop to me.

Since I have to return it anyway, I'm wondering if the T500 WSXGA+ would be better quality, brighter and livelier like the display on my HP? I found a good deal on a factory refurb T500 with WSXGA+ at 1680 x 1050 TFT. I prefer the 4:3 ratio, but it looks like a good deal and its newer.

[ZaZ]

its under warranty.

Perhaps Lenovo will replace the display? There's two LCDs for the T500 - an LG, which is an above average display I would say, though though it will never match the ips in terms of the angles and there can be some variance in panel quality, even of the same model. There's also a Samsung, which is fair to middling. Without the machine type and serial number to do the parts look up, it's tough to say which you'll get. Considering your luck, I'm thinking Samsung.

[DK6400Brian]

Display quality and resolution is the most important aspect of a laptop to me.

Me too I'm hooked on the 1920x1200 15.4" displays.

You can never know how much it has been used throughout the years. It could be an unlucky combination of things.
If you can get it replaced, I'd say you're likely to get a display with more light emission.

[o2nexus]

The vendor is going to make it right. I have a prepaid return UPS label. When I ship it out, they will ship a new refurb out to me. He said he'd make sure they make sure the display is nice and bright and expedite the shipping. Hopefully it works out, it only took 10 minutes to fall in love with the laptop (other than the display). I LOVE 4:3.

[DK6400Brian]

Oh, the love for a ThinkPad. I can definately relate to that.
Women, on the other hand

[ArtShapiro]

I hope they can provide one that satisfies you.

If you feel, as I, that 16x10 laptops are an atrocity and 16x9 laptops are a Crime Against Humanity, then you want something that's going to be usable for years and years. I'm pleased with my T60p, although perhaps you have higher standards than I. I use it far more than the widescreen T61.

Art

[ZaZ]

I don't care so much about the shape of the screen, but I want a good screen.