Thinkpads Forum

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.

portsample wrote: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.

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%

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.

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...

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.

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.

Binh wrote: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!!!

portsample wrote: 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.