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WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

X200/X201/X220 (including equivalent tablet models) and X300/X301 Series
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phage
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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#61 Post by phage » Sat Jul 29, 2017 6:56 pm

That's just being gloriously absurd. At some point, you just buy a T420 and mod it with a fhd screen.

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#62 Post by Thinkpad4by3 » Sat Jul 29, 2017 7:44 pm

They have this thing:
Image

Why not build something like this with the X220. 3D Printing? Yeah, that's never happening. Ever.
Thinkpad4by3's Law of the Universe.

The efficiency of two screens equally sized with equal numbers if pixels are equal. The time spent by a 4:3 user complaining about 16:9 is proportional to the inefficiency working with a 16:9 display, therefore the amount of useful work extracted is equal.

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#63 Post by phage » Sat Jul 29, 2017 9:50 pm

So, on battery, whadya get, five minutes?

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#64 Post by boutch55555 » Sun Jul 30, 2017 5:33 am

phage wrote:
Sat Jul 29, 2017 6:56 pm
That's just being gloriously absurd. At some point, you just buy a T420 and mod it with a fhd screen.
Well, I checked it out the other day and looks like fitting a 15.x" in one of those would be even harder. I should be getting a x200, a t520 and t530 pretty soon and dirt cheap from my job for future projects. But for now I'll just finish the sata3 bypass on the dock to the msata slot. Going slow, I'm still learning pcb design.
Thinkpad4by3 wrote:
Sat Jul 29, 2017 7:44 pm
Why not build something like this with the X220. 3D Printing? Yeah, that's never happening. Ever.
Would it surprise you if I said I thought about it for a while ? Just shorten the plastic part at the top of the lid, losing the webcam and antennas. This is needed to get rid of the curve part in the bezel. It would be like adding a "screen slice" instead of the battery slice :lol:. The sliders would be the hard part to source / build, as they would need to be ~5mm wide at top / bottom, with hinges at the end.

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#65 Post by boutch55555 » Sun Jul 30, 2017 5:42 am

And 3 screens would require a Ivy cpu swap, stealing the laptop's DP port in addition to the 2 dock ones, a custom dual fhd modchip + coreboot patch to enable brightness without dummy display. Still "technically" possible.

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#66 Post by boutch55555 » Sun Jul 30, 2017 6:03 am

While we're at it, why not take the electronics from the battery slice, fit them in the case + 6 x 10280 cells in the 2.5" enclosure to enable hot swapping the main one ? With some minor mod to the hdd cage it could probably all fit in a 11mm ssd enclosure with repurposed sata connector to connect.

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#67 Post by boutch55555 » Sun Jul 30, 2017 8:39 am

So, here is the tape I put in the lid
And the final fitted panel, on and off
I will have to cheat the bezel a bit since sides are not equal. Covering most of the black area on the left matches covering almost none on the right. I'll probably do it this afternoon.

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#68 Post by phage » Sun Jul 30, 2017 9:55 am

Oh man, yours has much more room than mine does. I removed that white plastic and it's still glass on magnesium for the test fit. I had to remove all the clips to the bezel, and as a result, it no longer clips in on the sides. I'll find a hack to make it work, but it's not pretty.

Nice progress

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#69 Post by boutch55555 » Sun Jul 30, 2017 7:19 pm

Not much more room on my side, had to cut lots of bezel clips as well, carefully file everything on both sides of the lid. I'll to put thin double sided tape to hold the sides of the bezel down.

I wanted to know how it was by hand, I only used x-acto + metal ruler + file. Overall I found it to be quite easy. Being used to plexiglas cutting, this plastic is a joy to work with. Takes 10-24 strokes depending on the force applied. Hint : go slow !

I have the bottom cut done minus rounding, but then problems started on the left. I have like ~4mm until the display area and the middle rubber feet goes up to 5mm. I'll have to relocate it and find a way to make the old "hole" look somewhat nice. I'll try round / slope the edge aggressively all around to level it up. Shortest on the right is right around 4mm. That should leave me with a 2mm black bar on the right. Better that than unequal bezel I guess.

Adafruit ruler for anyone wondering, I like that thing.

Enough for today, I might try more cuts tomorrow.

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#70 Post by TankPad » Sun Jul 30, 2017 10:07 pm

Not sure how useful it is to you, but I was given an ideaPad 710i the other day with a 1080p IPS screen that was quite nice. The screen is really thin and flexible so it might lend itself better to being shoehorned into an X330. I haven't looked in great detail at the specs but it seems to be a 30pin edp and it's 13.3in.
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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#71 Post by Thinkpad4by3 » Sun Jul 30, 2017 10:12 pm

TankPad wrote:
Sun Jul 30, 2017 10:07 pm
Not sure how useful it is to you, but I was given an ideaPad 710i the other day with a 1080p IPS screen that was quite nice. The screen is really thin and flexible so it might lend itself better to being shoehorned into an X330. I haven't looked in great detail at the specs but it seems to be a 30pin edp and it's 13.3in.
The only problem I see with the IdeaPad LCD is that consumer laptops like to enclose the LCD like it's in a nuclear bomb shelter. Get that sucker out, and you may have your self a nice LCD to put in there. Also, is the location of the eDP port in a good location or will it need a longer cable?
Thinkpad4by3's Law of the Universe.

The efficiency of two screens equally sized with equal numbers if pixels are equal. The time spent by a 4:3 user complaining about 16:9 is proportional to the inefficiency working with a 16:9 display, therefore the amount of useful work extracted is equal.

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#72 Post by boutch55555 » Mon Jul 31, 2017 5:56 am

I prefer just browsing panelook to compare the outlines than searching for a panel from a specific laptop. The best candidate I found so far is a LP133WF1 SPA1, 297.3mm wide. Port is on the correct side, the only problem is to know if it's possible to relocate the controller board at the back of the panel to save ~13mm vertically. If someone wants to get one to figure it out, go ahead, I'm out of cash to throw out the window :roll:

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#73 Post by Thinkpad4by3 » Mon Jul 31, 2017 6:00 am

boutch55555 wrote:I prefer just browsing panelook to compare the outlines than searching for a panel from a specific laptop. The best candidate I found so far is a LP133WF1 SPA1, 297.3mm wide. Port is on the correct side, the only problem is to know if it's possible to relocate the controller board at the back of the panel to save ~13mm vertically. If someone wants to get one to figure it out, go ahead, I'm out of cash to throw out the window :roll:
Ah Panelook, the greatest website ever made that isnt run by corporate just to get your information or spy on you!
Thinkpad4by3's Law of the Universe.

The efficiency of two screens equally sized with equal numbers if pixels are equal. The time spent by a 4:3 user complaining about 16:9 is proportional to the inefficiency working with a 16:9 display, therefore the amount of useful work extracted is equal.

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#74 Post by RealBlackStuff » Mon Jul 31, 2017 7:53 am

This might be of interest if you like QHD+ (3200x1800) : http://forums.bestbuy.com/t5/Computers- ... -p/1013436

and this: http://www.zdnet.com/article/three-thin ... hd-screen/
ZDNet wrote:Dell has been able to fit a 13.3in screen into a chassis that's not much bigger than laptops with 11.6in screens. In fact, the dimensions of 304 x 200mm are much smaller than a 13.3in MacBook Air (325 x 227mm), and very close to the 11.6in MacBook Air (300 x 192mm).

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#75 Post by boutch55555 » Mon Jul 31, 2017 9:16 am

RealBlackStuff wrote:
Mon Jul 31, 2017 7:53 am
This might be of interest if you like QHD+ (3200x1800) : http://forums.bestbuy.com/t5/Computers- ... -p/1013436
When nitro announced the mod I wanted a 1440p version so bad, but having used my 13" screen @ 100% scaling, I doubt I'll need a higher resolution.
RealBlackStuff wrote:
Mon Jul 31, 2017 7:53 am
and this: http://www.zdnet.com/article/three-thin ... hd-screen/
ZDNet wrote:Dell has been able to fit a 13.3in screen into a chassis that's not much bigger than laptops with 11.6in screens. In fact, the dimensions of 304 x 200mm are much smaller than a 13.3in MacBook Air (325 x 227mm), and very close to the 11.6in MacBook Air (300 x 192mm).
Might be a LQ133M1JW08 @ 301.96, but this variant lacks backlight + diffusing material, we would need to source compatible ones elsewhere.

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#76 Post by nitrocaster » Mon Jul 31, 2017 9:24 am

The only problem with QHD is that it won't work with 3rd gen Intel, unless you tune down refresh rate in the firmware.
Want to buy X220/X230 FHD mod kit? Read this before sending me a PM!
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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#77 Post by Thinkpad4by3 » Mon Jul 31, 2017 9:31 am

Probably be better on an X270 with the faster intergrated graphics and direct compaibility.
Thinkpad4by3's Law of the Universe.

The efficiency of two screens equally sized with equal numbers if pixels are equal. The time spent by a 4:3 user complaining about 16:9 is proportional to the inefficiency working with a 16:9 display, therefore the amount of useful work extracted is equal.

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#78 Post by boutch55555 » Mon Jul 31, 2017 11:23 am

By the way, I just found out it's been done with a N133HSE-EA1 (quite unequal bezel) and this unidentified panel. Anyone better than me to identify that last one ?

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#79 Post by phage » Mon Jul 31, 2017 12:26 pm

I'm pretty sure that's the one that kingkonglue used in the original x320, which is the one you used: LQ133M1JW03.

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#80 Post by boutch55555 » Mon Jul 31, 2017 12:32 pm

Nope, board at bottom doesn't match and that panel doesn't have those holes at the back.

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#81 Post by phage » Mon Jul 31, 2017 3:11 pm

https://forum.51nb.com/thread-1699046-1-1.html

The same panel makes an appearance on the thread where he discusses the x320, so they used the mystery panel, at least. Still not sure what it is, though

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#82 Post by boutch55555 » Mon Jul 31, 2017 4:33 pm

Got it, it's a LQ133M1JW11. Not even listed on panelook. Found it by luck on google images while checking the LQ133M1JW07 and was able to figure out the model. Ordered one, here we go again I guess...

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#83 Post by Thinkpad4by3 » Mon Jul 31, 2017 4:37 pm

boutch55555 wrote:Got it, it's a LQ133M1JW11. Not even listed on panelook. Found it by luck on google images while checking the LQ133M1JW07 and was able to figure out the model. Ordered one, here we go again I guess...
What! Not listed on Panelook. Impossible.

JK, even the most accurate databases miss one or two :) . Good luck on round 2.
Thinkpad4by3's Law of the Universe.

The efficiency of two screens equally sized with equal numbers if pixels are equal. The time spent by a 4:3 user complaining about 16:9 is proportional to the inefficiency working with a 16:9 display, therefore the amount of useful work extracted is equal.

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#84 Post by phage » Mon Jul 31, 2017 4:48 pm

I may have missed something, why did you decide on this new panel? Something wrong with the *-03?

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#85 Post by boutch55555 » Mon Jul 31, 2017 5:02 pm

Thinkpad4by3 wrote:
Mon Jul 31, 2017 4:37 pm
What! Not listed on Panelook. Impossible.
Yeah, I'm so used to them having everything I need. I didn't think about looking elsewhere before manually checking their ~80 models of 13.3 1080p for ones with smaller outlines (or none specified), then checking against google images.

But it matches the pictures of the disassembled one from the German forums. I especially like how so many people were so confident about it being a 03, even as I said multiple times that all those pictures didn't match what I had. See, you were wrong all along ;) At least I'll get to have both to compare the results.
phage wrote:
Mon Jul 31, 2017 4:48 pm
I may have missed something, why did you decide on this new panel? Something wrong with the *-03?
I'm doing both, had the spare display assembly anyway.

Look at phange's Edit your lol ! last link. That panel is 6mm narrower than a LQ133T1JW01, the 1440p equivalent of the 03. Can be fitted WITHOUT panel mod, just lid trimming and possibly room for the bezel side clips !

Edit : Don't quote me on that last one yet, as I can't find official specs for the size. Pretty confident though.

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#86 Post by boutch55555 » Sat Aug 05, 2017 7:58 am

So, it's mostly done. Another one.

Have I said to go slow ? Yeah, I did. Now do what I said and not what I did. The top cut is about 1.5mm too high, but not off the black area. I might have been distracted by a puppy licking my ear while marking the line :lol:

Still missing the rubber feet on the left, I'll just try to move it to the left.

Waiting for the hardware store to open so I can finish it with 600 and 1200 sandpaper. I'm also missing ~.1mm on the left that I need to sand down.

I'll try to do better with the other panel & build a holding rig for the bezel to do it on the cnc. Next weekend if the panel is arrived by then.

I mentioned in the past I might build / sell some. I still might if the W11 fits like I think it will, but I won't for W03's. It doesn't feel sturdy enough for me to be able to offer any form of warranty on those.

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#87 Post by TankPad » Sat Aug 05, 2017 1:59 pm

Lovely work. Well done. :)
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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#88 Post by fourthree » Sun Aug 06, 2017 5:05 am

Fantastic work! So how difficult would this be to replicate? I'm still hoping for my 16:10 *20/*30. Any good panels for that anyway?
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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#89 Post by boutch55555 » Sun Aug 06, 2017 6:27 am

That W03 panel modding and fitting is nightmare stuff. And the unequal bezel really annoys me. If the W11 fits without modding the panel, it won't be that hard. Lid takes some time, but since it will be hidden you can go fast with a dremmel and leave small imperfections. Bezel would then become the hardest part. First cut with x-acto is pretty straightforward, as long as your measure correctly. :roll: You can keep ~.5mm over to be sanded later to make sure you don't overcut. Sides are really narrow at that point, I'd suggest clamping them in an vise. Use some wood to extend it to the full length of the side. Then it can be sanded / finished with whatever sanding block you got. Keeping the length of the block to around 75% of the length of the side will keeping the sanding straight.

I didn't really look at 16:10 before now, but a quick search told me there aren't much panels available if you want 1920x1200. The HSD122BUW1-A00 would be too small to fill the bezel. If you're the crazy type, a LP129QE1-SPA1 could probably be fitted with the board relocated at the back, but losing the webcam. This one falls short of filling the bezel as well. And you'd need a nb51 board at that resolution. If you get one of those boards you can checkout what's available for 13.3" 2540x1600. They don't have much info on outline size, but I don't think we can make it narrow enough to fit. You could probably guess by looking at pictures and comparing to the active area ( 286.08 × 178.8 ).

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Re: WIP DIY x320, what I learned so far

#90 Post by Thinkpad4by3 » Sun Aug 06, 2017 6:48 am

What are the dimensions it needs to fit in. How about a LTN133YL01-F01?
Thinkpad4by3's Law of the Universe.

The efficiency of two screens equally sized with equal numbers if pixels are equal. The time spent by a 4:3 user complaining about 16:9 is proportional to the inefficiency working with a 16:9 display, therefore the amount of useful work extracted is equal.

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