LCD Upgrade: Possible?

Message

akao · #1 Post by **akao** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 2:54 pm

Hi,

Does anyone know if it's possible to swap out the LCD for another that is higher resolution? Specifically, I have a X40, and find the 1024x768 frustratingly insufficient.

Thanks.

wolfman · #2 Post by **wolfman** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 2:58 pm

I've read here about folks swapping a 14.1 inch 1024x768 for a 1400x1050, but I'm not aware of a higher res panel that you can swap in for your 12.1 inch 1024x768 unfortunately...

pianowizard · #3 Post by **pianowizard** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 3:05 pm

For the X40, 1024x768 is the only option; you need to buy another laptop for higher res. If you want 1400x1050 on a 12.1" screen, you can get the X60 tablet or one of those Toshiba tablets (M200 and M400?). But they are arond 4 lbs. If you want an ultraportable laptop with 1400x1050, get the amazing Panasonic Y series (Y2, Y4 or Y5), which is a 3.3-lb 14" laptop with a built-in optical drive.

Terrahawk · #4 Post by **Terrahawk** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 7:05 pm

On a related topic, is it possible to swap from a SVGA LCD to a XGA one on an X20?

tokyo_x40 · #5 Post by **tokyo_x40** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 5:43 pm

Thought there were higher res x40 screens on the market, because I purposely shopped for 1024x768. For a 12" screen I'm happy with that.

==> Instead of the LCD screen, how about the backlight? I'm no expert, but I assume they fade with time. Is that true? Has anyone replaced the CCFL inverter backlight tube and kept the screen?

boon · #6 Post by **boon** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 12:59 am

I am interest in knowing if this is possible too, because I am kind of close to know it is possible. Ever since I dropped my toshiba m55 laptop and broke the screen, I realize that the serial number of the lcd is actually made to be in other brands notebook too!

This can't mean that it is possible to upgrade, but getting to know something more.

One fact I know is most video card nowadays does
support up to 1600x1200, especially the x40. It's just that the lcd limits it and cannot run more than that.

The 14.1 inch, such as the t42, some model is SXGA so that's why it is possible to upgrade.

the x series have only been made with XGA screen, I can't be sure if the laptop would be able to handle SXGA. There are probably more factors involve in just what I said.

jkahng · #7 Post by **jkahng** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 3:06 pm

Has anybody tried this?
i'm interested in swaping the x31's xga with a 12inch ips sxga+ (1400x1050)from the tablet. in theory, it should be possible.

i know the ati m6 can generate the sxga+ resolution as i owned a compaq with such setup.

this would be a very temping upgrade for me.

this is the only thing holding me back from buying the x31

any insight on this would be appreciated.

John

mazzinia · #8 Post by **mazzinia** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 5:53 pm

This is becaming interesting (X31 related)... I'm curious too about this possibility.

#9 Post by **tomh009** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 6:01 pm

Terrahawk wrote:On a related topic, is it possible to swap from a SVGA LCD to a XGA one on an X20?

I recall seeing people do this one successfully, as the X20 was offered with both SVGA and XGA options.

jkahng · #10 Post by **jkahng** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 10:45 am

Thanks for the replies everyone.
I would really appreciate sharing experiences with the xga to sxga+ swap in the x series.

would using the parts from the x61 tablet's sxga+ work? (lcd, cable and inverter)

regards,
John

ragefury32 · #11 Post by **ragefury32** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 8:53 pm

In theory, yes. LCDs should all use HDMI signaling. The issue is that the Video BIOS in your machine might have to be hacked to do the proper signal alignment at that resolution for that particular panel. My recommendation is to get a guy inside one of the ex-IBM EZServ shops to flip the LCD unit over so he can read you the model/make of the panel so you can TRY and hunt down the specs on it (reference a datasheet), and maybe hook you up with one. Although...those IPS screens are very likely to be anything but reasonable in terms of cost, and also very likely to be anything but mountable on your X3x/4x bezels.

That being said, keep in mind that the X31 only have 16MBytes of VRAM, which is not really enough to support multimonitor setups if you toss a 1450x1050 screen inside. Frankly, even that Radeon M6 have limits.

jkahng · #12 Post by **jkahng** » Sat Jun 09, 2007 7:23 am

hmm, i did some searching and the only sxga+ 12" lcds made are for tablets (includes touch screen)

as for multimonitor setups, worst case, use a dock and external pci graphics. this doesn't bother me.

the x series is good for it's portability. i don't see myself having a problem with this.

this would be a project for me once i get a x31. (still lurking the market place and saving up...)

codek · #13 Post by **codek** » Wed Jul 04, 2007 10:14 pm

somebody just come up with an aftermarket screen for the thinkpads please... you will make a fortune.

the worst and only fatal flaw on the thinkpads is the screens.. All major manufacturers have better screens.

also thinkpad should go back to the rubberized palmrests instead of the plastic ones.

mazzinia · #14 Post by **mazzinia** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 5:09 am

There are a couple of shops specialized in parts that I know of, with a huge choice , especially lcds.
One of the 2 have a little higher prices, but all the lcs (by example) are classified stating any kind of flaw they can have (if they have).

BUT both shops are in Akihabara, Tokyo.

I think one of the members of this forum is for sure in Japan, so he may be able to set up a business

I'm unfortunately not in Japan anymore

... there are a lot of very good prices for Thinkpads, there... very very good.

[OT] sigh... I miss japan and it's food...[/OT]

LCD Upgrade: Possible?

LCD Upgrade: Possible?

Who is online