Thinkpads Forum

Hello All,

I am extremely happy with my x61 that I aquired last month. (7674WHL) with Win8 RP.
The only item that I think I would like to upgrade is the display. The 1024x768 is really not that good.

What are my options? x200 (1280x800)? or is there another resolution I am not aware of?

Thanks in advance

You can put in a 1400x1050 SXGA+ screen in your X61.
It's a fair bit of DIY but has been done several times.
Check the forum for details.

Wow, for the cost of one of those screens I can land a sweet x200. Maybe I'll shoot for a 1280x800

thanks RBS

The X200s and X201s all are 1440x900 screens in a 12.1" form factor. CRAZY GOOD. the contrast and viewing angles are a huge buzzkill, but the computers are perfect otherwise. The x200s uses these low voltage C2D's that rarely heats up, even under load, and the X201s is the best balance between power and portability. all run linux without a hitch, couldn't recommend them more!

Not true. Some X200s came with WXGA(1280x800) LCDs when Lenovo started to have difficulty securing WXGA+(1440x900) LCDs for the X200s. The X201s is a rare notebook. If you can find one, it'll likely be expensive, though all as far as I know came with WXGA+ LCDs.

The X61 SXGA+ LCD is a highly skilled endeavor, that produces a beautiful result, but involves making a LCD cable and jumper harness.

If you're looking for a machine to upgrade the screen the X200 is better candidate. You can upgrade the screen to the AFFS Hydis LCD and it's far easier.

yep Zaz is totally right, my bad on that one. the 1280x800 x20Xs machines also have a stronger lid, the same as on the vanilla x200 and x201. The x20Xs have a carbon fiber lid, which is lighter but feels a little less "rock solid". if you want a good screen, the AFFS mod on an x200 or 1280x800 x200s is perfect. If you want resolution, the 1440x900 x200s is great.

x61 sxga+ is the best of course...

OK, so I have done body off frame replacements on Jeeps and Troopers. So the mechanical aspect I'm good with but Electrical does not seem to be my forte. I screwed up a DYI Altoids tin battery charger for my iPhone.
That being said per eBay the sxga+ screens are cost prohibitive for me and the installation is definitely out of my comfort zone. The xga screens are about $70. Are they a drop in replacement? If not then I foresee me selling the x61 and picking up a X200 for the roughly the same cost my purchase of my x61 + $70 for a screen. I'm only into my x61 for $150 and x200's with 1280x800 seem to sell for $250'ish.

Also are the x200's any cooler? I am thinking of changing the wifi card out also to keep the heat down so if they are cooler I'll just jump up a model.

Thank again

Does anyone know if an 1280 upgrade is a direct swap into the x61?

As a side question, what is the difference between an x61 and a x61s?

Thanks

The "s" model of the X60 and X61 is for slim...they are slightly thinner than the standard model.

What are you asking about a 1280 being a drop in replacement for?

I am wanting to upgrade the resolution of my x61 from 1080 to 1280 unless it's more economical to step up to a x200 or there a bouts.

The only upgrade option for an X61 is the one RBS posted in the first reply above. There is no SXGA (1280x1024) that will fit. And most certainly no WSXGA (1280x800) that would fit.