Thinkpads Forum

what is the difference b/w:

12.1" UltraLight XGA TFT

and

XGA TMD Ultralight ?

The latter is only available with the L7700 processor.

Is one better than the other?

the ultralight is brighter by 30 nits (180 cd/m^2 versus 150 cd/m^2), thinner by (i believe) 1.25mm, and lighter weight by an ounce or two.   the ultralight panel reduces the X61s' thickness and weight slightly with the benefit of added brightness.

most users prefer the ultralight panel.

erik wrote:the ultralight is brighter by 30 nits (180 cd/m^2 versus 150 cd/m^2), thinner by (i believe) 1.25mm, and lighter weight by an ounce or two. the ultralight panel reduces the X61s' thickness and weight slightly with the benefit of added brightness.

most users prefer the ultralight panel.

thank you. but both are listed as ultralight. one says TMD another says TFT. Since the TMD (Mitsubishi make) is actually a TFT, then who is making the TFT one listed as TFT? And if we are talking about two different ultralight panels, which I can't confirm, what is the difference.

it looks like the L7700 option is only available with the ultralight panel.

the UL panel is typically $50 more so this is a great deal.   the L7500 + UL configures with the same price as the L7700 + UL.

you're 100% correct; they're all TFT panels.   afaik, all of the UL panels are manufactured by TMD.

erik wrote:
the UL panel is typically $50 more so this is a great deal. the L7500 + UL configures with the same price as the L7700 + UL.

yup, i was able to upgrade an in-process order, so I'm psyched.

excellent.   the X61s is a great machine.

Having used Thinkpad X61s with and without UltraLight, I have found little to no difference in brightness. No doubt it's an innovative technology but IMHO merely a marketing gimmick. By no means I'm discouraging anyone not to buy UltraLight, I'm just stating my own experience.

ryengineer wrote:Having used Thinkpad X61s with and without UltraLight, I have found little to no difference in brightness. No doubt it's an innovative technology but IMHO merely a marketing gimmick. By no means I'm discouraging anyone not to buy UltraLight, I'm just stating my own experience.

well brightness aside, it is supposedly lighter in weight and consumes less power than the usual TFT-LCDs they offer, but I haven't read anything to back this better use of battery claim.

Battery life and power consumption is almost same.

ryengineer wrote:Battery life and power consumption is almost same.

yes, i intended them to be read as synonymous in that passage : )

with my X60s (no ultralight) and X61s (ultralight) side-by-side, there is a significant difference. The whitespace (for example when browsing this forum) is especially noticeable on the ultralight - it appears white compared to the x60s which has a more yellow tinge. The non-ultralight screen looks dim in comparison. The ultralight screen is definitely preferable IMO.

Jackboot wrote:with my X60s (no ultralight) and X61s (ultralight) side-by-side, there is a significant difference. The whitespace (for example when browsing this forum) is especially noticeable on the ultralight - it appears white compared to the x60s which has a more yellow tinge. The non-ultralight screen looks dim in comparison. The ultralight screen is definitely preferable IMO.

jack would you fancy a battery test, since you have both and all; ]

is the UL laptop noticeablely heavier? noticeably thinner at the lcd?

Jackboot wrote:[Brightness]...with my X60s (no ultralight) and X61s (ultralight) side-by-side, there is a significant difference.

Absolutely!

apbudha wrote:is the UL laptop noticeablely heavier? noticeably thinner at the lcd?

Imperceptible on both accounts. One can measure the weight difference on a very accurate scale; the thickness difference comes from the X61 vs. X61s bottom cases, not the LCD.

EOMtp wrote: the thickness difference comes from the X61 vs. X61s bottom cases, not the LCD.

just to clarify thickness between x61s UL vs. x61s standard TFT (or in this case, x60s) given UL is advertised as "thinner", unless you meant imperceptible on both counts. I thought I read the weight is .2 lb less in the overall laptop with the UL.

Specs and lab measurements aside, there is no reason whatsoever to prefer the non-UL screen over the UL screen: not for brightness, not for weight, not for thickness, not for durability ... nothing. If the UL screen is available, then get it without hesitation. No one who sees the screens side-by-side would consider the choice an "option".

Unfortunately, it does not seem to be able to get the UL screen if one wants the built-in Verizon WWAN. Does anyone have info that demonstrates I'm wrong? TIA

dfumento wrote:Unfortunately, it does not seem to be able to get the UL screen if one wants the built-in Verizon WWAN. Does anyone have info that demonstrates I'm wrong? TIA

the thinkpad reserve edition is configured with the UL display and either at&t or verizon WWAN so i know that this combination can be done.   if the website doesn't offer it then place your order directly through a sales rep at 800-96-THINK as they can build configurations which aren't always shown online.