Have T61 w/4:3 14.1 damaged screen: upgrade options?

[portsample]

Hey all-

I had an accident with a latte several months ago that has resulted in a permanent diffuse streak in the lower 20% of my 1400x1050 screen. I still use this unit as my daily driver, but I would like to swap to an unblemished screen. My understanding is that the 14.1 standard 4:3 units only came with SXGA+ monitors, therefore I assume that my only "upgrade" would be to a better brand of SXGA+ than what was stock, correct? What brand would that be? Area there any other mods that are doable using components from other models that make sense?

TIA for useful information.

[ZaZ]

My understanding is that the 14.1 standard 4:3 units only came with SXGA+ monitors

That would be incorrect. The T61 was offered with XGA LCDs as well. All the T61 4:3 screens are fair. I don't know that one's significantly better than the others. The part numbers are:

Samsung - 42T0369

Toshiba - 42T0373

Perhaps a SSD would be the best upgrade you could make at this point.

[Binh]

I compared a Samsung screen on T60 and Toshiba (i.e. TMD) on T61. Both are SXGA+.
The Samsung one is the way better than TMD: better white color (though a bit blueish), better contrast, and MUCH BETTER vertical viewing angle (what I don't expect: before this comparison, I always hate Samsung LCDs on thinkpads because of their vertical viewing angle).
My subjective assessment on quality of TP screens:
- UXGA Flexview Boe-Hydis on my T60p: 100%
- UXGA Flexview IDTech on my T42p: 90%
- Samsung SXGA+ on T60: 70%
- TMD SXGA+ on my T61: 40%
- Samsung SXGA+ on my T41: 30%
- Very old Sanyo XGA on my TP 390e (manufactured in 1999): 60%

[portsample]

Thanks for the information Binh regarding your experience with the different screens manufacturers. I'll likely go this route and try a Samsung.

Fred- roger that on your suggestion of downgrading to an LCD or adding a SSD to correct the issue w/my screen.

[ThinkRob]

I wouldn't worry too much about the brand.

Personally, I disagree with this:

Samsung SXGA+ on T60: 70%
- TMD SXGA+ on my T61: 40%

When I've tried various panels on the T60s I've re-built, I'd say the difference wasn't anywhere near as pronounced. The TMD display isn't bad by any means, and while the Samsung is certainly brighter, I wouldn't say it's *that* much better. Maybe 55/50 in favor of the Samsung (using Binh's scoring system.).

Obviously all of this is subjective though, so YMMV...

[dr_st]

I've had a Samsung T60 SXGA+ exchanged for what apparently is a TMD one, and noticed that the latter was more pinkish compared to the Samsung which was more bluish. Other than that, they are both fine for a matte TN panel.

[Binh]

May be I am unlucky that I got a bad TMD on my T61 and see a very good Samsung one on my cousin's T60.
The viewing angle on my TMD is so bad that in normal position, the 1/3 upper part is a bit blueish, while the 1/2 lower part is annoying yelowish/pinkish.

It is funny that part look-up for my cousin's T60 shows TMD LCD, but Everest show model name LTN... (not LTD... as in my T61), which means a Samsung one.

I place of portsample, since he has 4:3 T61, I would prefer to do the followings:
- Buy a 15" 4:3 T60 /T60p with FlexView panel (or without flexview and a new UXGA IPS panel + inverter from our / ebay member cgsplcd)
- Exchange mainboards from T60 and T61 (if T60 one has working mainboard).
- Use T61 with T60 mobo with external monitor as a desktop, and T60 with T61 mobo for daily use.

[portsample]

I place of portsample, since he has 4:3 T61, I would prefer to do the followings:
- Buy a 15" 4:3 T60 /T60p with FlexView panel (or without flexview and a new UXGA IPS panel + inverter from our / ebay member cgsplcd)
- Exchange mainboards from T60 and T61 (if T60 one has working mainboard).
- Use T61 with T60 mobo with external monitor as a desktop, and T60 with T61 mobo for daily use.

Whoa Baby, that is a whole lotta swapping around!!!

[Binh]

Whoa Baby, that is a whole lotta swapping around!!!

It is not very difficult as it can be seen. You can do all of these swap for 3-4 hours
The result is that you will get the best laptop in 4:3 format.
If you can sell T61 with T60 mobo, you will have to pay only a little.