Thinkpads Forum

Hi guys! Im new to the forum. Found it while researching a display issue that i need more information on. I have limited experience with laptop displays and would like to get some other opinions about what the problem might be. I was going to replace the LCD but decided against it as I have heard a few other ideas it could be. When connected to an external display, it does not replicate the issue. Only affects the actual laptop display. The problem does happen when booting the computer and in safemode.

The ThinkPad in question is an x201s that worked perfectly before I loaned to my parents for about a year to plug into a external monitor. The laptop set next to a dell 19" external monitor maybe 8"-12" away from the laptop itself. (possible magnet issue?)

The laptop works fine otherwise, no hard drive issue.

The screen displays funny color shading. The mouse disappears when you enter the bottom left 1/8 of the screen. I've attached pictures using IMGUR free/junk free image uploading service.

Additionally, now that I'm typing this, the mouse is now view able all over the screen. Previously, it would disappear when entering the lower portion. Now the bottom 1/8 section kind of flickers with a light spot in the middle. See attached pictures.

Any idea what could cause this, or how to repair it? This is still a fairly desirable laptop, and I would hate to lose it. Ive been looking at the new x260's but for some reason, I have a hard time parting with my x201s. Parts are hard to find for this laptop too

Thanks in advance for all your help. I greatly appreciate it.

The link for the pictures: http://imgur.com/gallery/Xkp5H

The last picture is the improved view of the screen after about 20 minutes of being turned on.

Does the same garbage pattern persist when switching to lowest possible resolution?

I do not know what causes such picture artefact anomaly. Maybe it was physical shock, maybe storage temperature gradually damaged flexible printed circuits (FPC), maybe a burst of electro-magnetic emission fried screen circuitry (either main formatter board, or row driving chip, or both).

If you want to know what modular replaceable part (FRU) failed, then I can tell you: it is screen, panel, LCD assembly. Almost certainly, it is not graphics subsystem in computer main board, it is not lid/display cable. It looks like a malfunction located in integrated in-display electronics, and rest of computer is probably okay.