x200s AFFS+ screen mod

[iwishiwasinwhistler]

I've seen Zephir's modded x200 over at Notebookreview and it looks perfect so it got me thinking..... Oh, and apologies if someone's already asked this. I did search but I couldn't find anything......

Lenovo have been struggling to fulfill my order for an x301 with intel 160gb ssd I'd ordered way back in May. I've the option to order another model in their range instead at a slight discount because of the delay and am keen to get an x200s and try the AFFS+ wxga screen mod with the BOE-Hydis HV121WX4-110. Now before I get a deluge of "you can't do that with with an x200s wxga+ only an x200" answers I was hoping you'd hear me out on this....

As I'm sure many of you are aware the European x200s can be configured slightly differently to the American x200s. A euro x200s can be configured with WWAN and webcam if one also chooses the basic 12.1 WXGA, 2x2 UltraConnect II antenna type screen. As we all know, that screen is pretty shocking. However, I have my suspicions that the poorer screen also comes with the basic lid, like the x200 (and not the fancy carbon rollcage) and this would allow me to retrofit an AFFS+ panel because it's deep enough to accommodate it!

So any comments welcome!!!! Please help me before I go ordering and tearing apart a new x200s!!!!!

I'm guessing I may get an answer from erik, archer6, jonlumpkin or zephir (is he on thinkpads.com?) and any help would be greatly appreciated! I didn't want to PM anyone as I thought other forum members may also be interested in this mod.

My reasons for trying with an x200s are for the slightly longer battery life and (slightly) smaller form factor and lower weight - hey, it all helps when you're mobile! I had been searching about for a 2.13ghz sl9600 but these seem to be rarer than hens teeth at the moment so I'll happily settle for a 1.86ghz sl9400.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[AvalonXIII]

I've seen Zephir's modded x200 over at Notebookreview and it looks perfect so it got me thinking..... Oh, and apologies if someone's already asked this. I did search but I couldn't find anything......

Lenovo have been struggling to fulfill my order for an x301 with intel 160gb ssd I'd ordered way back in May. I've the option to order another model in their range instead at a slight discount because of the delay and am keen to get an x200s and try the AFFS+ wxga screen mod with the BOE-Hydis HV121WX4-110. Now before I get a deluge of "you can't do that with with an x200s wxga+ only an x200" answers I was hoping you'd hear me out on this....

As I'm sure many of you are aware the European x200s can be configured slightly differently to the American x200s. A euro x200s can be configured with WWAN and webcam if one also chooses the basic 12.1 WXGA, 2x2 UltraConnect II antenna type screen. As we all know, that screen is pretty shocking. However, I have my suspicions that the poorer screen also comes with the basic lid, like the x200 (and not the fancy carbon rollcage) and this would allow me to retrofit an AFFS+ panel because it's deep enough to accommodate it!

So any comments welcome!!!! Please help me before I go ordering and tearing apart a new x200s!!!!!

I'm guessing I may get an answer from erik, archer6, jonlumpkin or zephir (is he on thinkpads.com?) and any help would be greatly appreciated! I didn't want to PM anyone as I thought other forum members may also be interested in this mod.

My reasons for trying with an x200s are for the slightly longer battery life and (slightly) smaller form factor and lower weight - hey, it all helps when you're mobile! I had been searching about for a 2.13ghz sl9600 but these seem to be rarer than hens teeth at the moment so I'll happily settle for a 1.86ghz sl9400.

Thanks in advance for any help.

This is zephir from notebookreview.com
You MOST LIKELY can perform the mod on an X200s, as long as you're making sure that the screen used in such X200s is a CCFL-backlit screen. The reason why I said "most likely" is because I don't know whether the LCD cable used by an EU X200s is identical to the one used in an US X200. I know for a fact that the LCD cable used for the LED-variant of X200s is not your typical LCD cable. A typical LCD cable bends upward, as the connector of the screen is on the top portion of the screen. This is not the case with the X200s LED screen. The cable bends downward, because the connector of the screen is at the bottom portion of the screen. All BOE-Hydis screen has the connector at the top, so if the cable bends downward, you can't perform the swap.
With that said, I don't think Lenovo would add a whole new part number just to distinguish between the LCD cable for the CCFL-variant of both X200 and X200s.
My recommendation to you is once you get the X200s, open it up and make sure that the LCD cable is facing upward. IF that is the case, then order a BOE-Hydis screen and perform the swap.
Another FYI, the reason why you can't swap the CCFL-backlit FLexview screen into the X200s LED-variant is because the connector of the CCFL-backlit screen and LED-backlit screen are not physically compatible to each other. Furthermore, LED-backlit screen used in X200s is actually a stripped-down lite screen. There's not even a metal hinge you typically see in an LCD. A CCFL-backlit BOE-Hydis screen won't physically fit in there.
Let me know if you have any other question

[iwishiwasinwhistler]

Thanks zephir!

I'm pretty sure you're right and this mod does look very "likely". It also looks well worth the effort! I found a few more photos of an x200 with the flexview mod on a Chinese site that people may not have seen yet!....scroll down, there's quite a few pictures.....

http://www.shuihuoibm.com/viewthread.php?tid=15561

.....and I found what looks to be a MATTE OPTION on another site!!!....

http://bbs.pcpop.com/090415/5226072.html

......using google translate (my Chinese isn't too hot) it clearly describes it as a "X200 AFFS matte screen test". Now this is just guess work but does anyone know if the 120 on the BOE-Hydis HV121WX4-120 CCFL signifies matte??? Surely that would be the best of both worlds!

Anyway, I've been checking out the manuals on the lenovo support site and it looks like all wxga (1280x800) models regardless of x200 or x200s use the same LCD cable assembly for CCFL screens, part no FRU-44C5392. Looking at the diagrams I can see what you're describing with the cable going up into the top part of a CCFL screen and conversely attaching downwards at the bottom of the LED type.

I've cross referenced a whole pile of topseller and CTO codes to check this and they all appear to confirm that this is going to be possible.

I think I'm going to take the plunge and get a new x200s wxga ordered up today! Really hoping I don't end up tearing my hair trying this.

[AvalonXIII]

Thanks zephir!

I'm pretty sure you're right and this mod does look very "likely". It also looks well worth the effort! I found a few more photos of an x200 with the flexview mod on a Chinese site that people may not have seen yet!....scroll down, there's quite a few pictures.....

http://www.shuihuoibm.com/viewthread.php?tid=15561

.....and I found what looks to be a MATTE OPTION on another site!!!....

http://bbs.pcpop.com/090415/5226072.html

......using google translate (my Chinese isn't too hot) it clearly describes it as a "X200 AFFS matte screen test". Now this is just guess work but does anyone know if the 120 on the BOE-Hydis HV121WX4-120 CCFL signifies matte??? Surely that would be the best of both worlds!

Anyway, I've been checking out the manuals on the lenovo support site and it looks like all wxga (1280x800) models regardless of x200 or x200s use the same LCD cable assembly for CCFL screens, part no FRU-44C5392. Looking at the diagrams I can see what you're describing with the cable going up into the top part of a CCFL screen and conversely attaching downwards at the bottom of the LED type.

I've cross referenced a whole pile of topseller and CTO codes to check this and they all appear to confirm that this is going to be possible.

I think I'm going to take the plunge and get a new x200s wxga ordered up today! Really hoping I don't end up tearing my hair trying this.

I have only seen 100 and 110 panels in existence, so I really don't have any idea about 120 panel existing. 100 and 110 panels are indeed glossy, so you may be right, 120 panels are matte. It would be great if you can confirm that
And I can assure you that if you following the instruction available on the Lenovo website closely, you won't have any problem. It's a very straightforward swap.

[emconuk]

Thanks zephir!
I think I'm going to take the plunge and get a new x200s wxga ordered up today! Really hoping I don't end up tearing my hair trying this.

Are you going to try and find the HV121WX4-120 ?
I've done some googling and can only find vague references to it (mostly in Chinese).
I like the sound of this mod and would appreciate any updates in your progress if you don't mind...

thanks. emconuk.

[iwishiwasinwhistler]

Hi emconuk,

Yeah, no worries, I'm quite happy to paste my results (or lack of ) on the forum.

My x200s is being shipped at the moment so I've been looking for the screens while I've been waiting for it to be delivered.

You're right on the HV121WX4-120. Information is sketchy and mostly in Chinese. Most of the suppliers I've spoken to have a hard enough time supplying the 110 and none of them know anything about a 120. I'm starting to doubt whether it exists. I'll keep looking though and post it up if I can find it.

Even if I can't get hold of a 120 I'll still do the mod with a 110. The whole point of this for me was to buy (or modify myself) a really portable notebook with WWAN, good battery life, that runs cool and quiet, with a decent keyboard and screen. After the mod I'm hoping it'll fit that brief.

[emconuk]

My x200s is being shipped at the moment so I've been looking for the screens while I've been waiting for it to be delivered

Are you buying new or used x200s ?

Even if I can't get hold of a 120 I'll still do the mod with a 110. The whole point of this for me was to buy (or modify myself) a really portable notebook with WWAN, good battery life, that runs cool and quiet, with a decent keyboard and screen. After the mod I'm hoping it'll fit that brief.

I am looking for a very similar type of machine for some Linux coding. It absolutely has to run cool and quiet as my T60p does not run cool and quiet. The downside of moving away from the T60p is the fantastic Flexview UXGA screen. The only downside I can see on this mod is the 110 is glossy ! I am not a fan of glossy screens while coding.

[iwishiwasinwhistler]

I'm buying a new x200s. I had an x301 on order (inc intel 160gb) with lenovo which was delayed for months and months - long story, but lenovo graciously did the right thing and offered me a discount on another model and that along with the epp price swung it for me.

I see buying a laptop as all about compromises - especially ultraportables. I just had to work out what was important for me. I always had my doubts about the display and fan noise on the x301 but couldn't find an alternative that fitted my needs better. It's a beautifully made machine it's just a shame that the display isn't as stellar as the rest. In some ways the delay has been a blessing because in that time I found out about the x200 screen swapability.

The bits I didn't really want to compromise on were, keyboard, screen, battery options, portability, wwan and general quality. The only thing I feel I'm compromising on now (although only slightly!) is that the screen will be glossy (couldn't find the mythical 120 so ordered a HV121wx4-110 yesterday). As long as it's not a MacMirror then I feel I can accept this. In every other way the screen looks perfect for me.

So finally I'm feeling very positive about my decision. I run Arch, but don't code much, and was drawn to thinkpads for their Linux compatibility. I reckon (hope) it'll be a really good all day comfortable little machine.

[emconuk]

(couldn't find the mythical 120 so ordered a HV121wx4-110 yesterday). As long as it's not a MacMirror then I feel I can accept this. In every other way the screen looks perfect for me.

Sounds like a good plan. Out of interest, who did you talk to about the HV121WX4-120 ?
I don't want to bother the same people with my quest. Those Chinese pix of the HV121WX4-120 look amazing.

[iwishiwasinwhistler]

Without going back over my emails I think I can still give you a few ideas. I spoke to many UK suppliers including LCDs4Less, laptop-lcd-screen.co.uk, and all the google ones that come up when you search for replacement screens.

A specialist company, Displaze, who usually only supply in bulk, couldn't help but did point me towards a german company (www.beck-oled-lcd-tft-display.de) who looked promising. In fact I'm still awaiting a reply from them as the guy I emailed is away for a little while. I'll let you know if anything comes up from beck.

My x200s arrived this morning but I can't use it and wont be getting involved in the mod until September as I'm currently away from home. I'm looking forward to it. Should be fun.

[AvalonXIII]

Couple of things:
1) If it makes you feel any easier, I'm rather picky with screens (why else would I try the mod ) and prefer my screens to be matte. But the glossy screen in my X200 doesn't bother me that much. In normal usage, it's not that reflective at all.
2) There are computer stores that specialize in polarizing display to go from glossy to matte and vice versa. You might look into them. I can't give you a specific store because I don't know any in UK.
3) I think that I may know a source of Hv121wx4-120 screens. The 120 suffix indicates the latest revision, so why not look into what laptop still uses that screen today? One I know of is Lenovo X200 tablet CCFL-variant. If you can find somebody who supplies screen for this model, ask him about the model number on the back.

Hope this helps.

[emconuk]

Couple of things:
1) If it makes you feel any easier, I'm rather picky with screens (why else would I try the mod ) and prefer my screens to be matte. But the glossy screen in my X200 doesn't bother me that much. In normal usage, it's not that reflective at all.
2) There are computer stores that specialize in polarizing display to go from glossy to matte and vice versa. You might look into them. I can't give you a specific store because I don't know any in UK.
3) I think that I may know a source of Hv121wx4-120 screens. The 120 suffix indicates the latest revision, so why not look into what laptop still uses that screen today? One I know of is Lenovo X200 tablet CCFL-variant. If you can find somebody who supplies screen for this model, ask him about the model number on the back.

Hope this helps.

That helps a lot - thanks.
I have spoken with one supplier who said he really prefers matte screens also but the HV121WX4-110 is so nice he decided not to put a protective film over it and uses it glossy. I hope iwishiwasinwhistler will find the screen nowhere near as bad as a Macmirror.

[AvalonXIII]

That helps a lot - thanks.
I have spoken with one supplier who said he really prefers matte screens also but the HV121WX4-110 is so nice he decided not to put a protective film over it and uses it glossy. I hope iwishiwasinwhistler will find the screen nowhere near as bad as a Macmirror.

That's one other thing I forgot to mention, you can purchase a matte screen protector, and put it over the glossy display, which work just as well.
The problem with the new Macbook Pro is that they actually put a glass layer on the front of the screen. The super reflective surface you see is not the screen itself, but that glass layer. In reality I don't think any glossy screen is that reflective

[emconuk]

The SL9600 is now an option on the Elite ThinkPad X200s with integrated graphics on the UK website.

[iwishiwasinwhistler]

Yeah, I noticed! Isn't it always the way. I've just taken delivery of my 1.86ghz x200s - ah, the relentless march of technology, don't you just love it.

[emconuk]

I think I've just sourced a bargain x200s 1280x800 from ebay. I've punted the cash using Paypal but given the price I am 50/50 on wether it's actually going to turn up. But hey - that's what Paypal buyer protection is for !

I also found a source of AFFS screens on the ebay and the seller is offering to remove the tablet stuff for me before shipping.

Where did you get your screen from ?

[iwishiwasinwhistler]

Great news! I hope your TP turns up.

I noticed that you're near Bristol and I was going to offer you a look at the mod once I'd done my x200s but it looks like you may have yours done first!

I checked out a few options but ended up ordering my screen through these guys because of their decent feedback rating.... http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/HV121WX4-110-AFF ... 19b53edd7e ....and they sent the screen out really quick but UK customs refused it for some reason and it ended back up in Hong Kong (that confused me when I looked at the online tracking )

Derrick has been great and sent another one out immediately with a different shipping method and I'm hoping that one arrives soon.

[emconuk]

I am near Yeovil in Somerset so not far from Bristol. We could always meet up somewhere in Bristol if I complete mine first and we can compare notes.

That is exactly the supplier I was looking to use. He offered to take the wacom stuff off before shipping - did you take him up on that ?
I am gonna place an order with him once (if) the TP turns up.

I'll be sure to ask about the alternative shipping method.

[ssd_thinkpad]

I am gonna place an order with him once (if) the TP turns up.

After you've done it, please report back here how your x200s is performing in real life compared to your T60 IPS. Thanks

[jcvjcvjcvjcv]

@iwishiwasinwhistler: Does your X200s indeed have the bigger lid of the X200?

A X200s with a AFFS panel would be even better for battery life. It seems the premium above the X200 has been higher in the past. But then again the most basic X200 in Europe costs more than the most geared up X200s in the USA. Would be a shame if that X200s with the bigger lid is only available in Europe.

[iwishiwasinwhistler]

I'm pretty sure it does but I can't tell you definitely yet because I'm working away from home and my x200s was delivered to my home address. I'm back this weekend so I'll have a look then.

[positive]

Just installed the AFFS screen on my X200s. I ordered the X200s with the WXGA screen and Ultraconnect 2x2 antenna. Installed the WWAN card also. Extremely nice laptop!

[jcvjcvjcvjcv]

That means you have the 5100 wifi card?

Any X200s with the 5300 is per definition disqualified from the AFFS upgrade option?

[iwishiwasinwhistler]

Great news!

I was hoping somebody would post before I took my x200s apart this weekend. Thanks "positive". Enjoy your new ThinkPad.

[AvalonXIII]

That means you have the 5100 wifi card?

Any X200s with the 5300 is per definition disqualified from the AFFS upgrade option?

No, he simply takes the option of 2x2 antenna so he can have WWAN cables already installed in the machine. If you select 3x3 antenna, which means three cables available to 5300 then there won't be any WWAN cables available. The 5300 can run just fine with two cables by the way, so there's no definite answer that's he's using the 5100 wifi card.

[spabwe]

Amazing news. And I am Chinese, the article about succeed replace the AFFS+ to X200S was located in forum.51nb.com. welcome everyone to browse this web site.

[emconuk]

Just installed the AFFS screen on my X200s. I ordered the X200s with the WXGA screen and Ultraconnect 2x2 antenna. Installed the WWAN card also. Extremely nice laptop!

Hi Positive. Good job. My TP x200s has been shipped so I am well up for this mod now.
Any chance of some pictures and comments ?
Is it a glossy now and if so - how glossy ?

cheers. emconuk

[jcvjcvjcvjcv]

That means you have the 5100 wifi card?

Any X200s with the 5300 is per definition disqualified from the AFFS upgrade option?

No, he simply takes the option of 2x2 antenna so he can have WWAN cables already installed in the machine. If you select 3x3 antenna, which means three cables available to 5300 then there won't be any WWAN cables available. The 5300 can run just fine with two cables by the way, so there's no definite answer that's he's using the 5100 wifi card.

Huh, the 3x3 has a lower total of antennas installed compared to the 2x2?

[positive]

I purchased the ultraconnect 2x2 wxga screen for two reasons:

1.) It already has the WWAN antennas installed

2.) It is upgradable to the AFFS screen.

These are two totally separate issues.

If you purchase the ultraconnect 3x3 wxga screen, you CAN install the AFFS screen, but the antennas for the WWAN will not be preinstalled. So, if you only care about the screen, you have two choices from Lenovo (the 2x2 and 3x3). The 2x2 screen has four wires preinstalled, 2 for WLAN, and 2 for WWAN. I am using the 5300 WLAN card, which can accept three antennas, but it works perfectly fine with two. The third antenna is to enhance wireless "n", I believe.

The WXGA+ LED screen cannot be upgraded to the AFFS screen, as far as I know.

Lenovo is still out of the WXGA+ LED screens. Keep in mind that these are LED backlit TN screens. The AFFS screen is a different technology, and much nicer in my opinion, with better viewing angles.

I have very little computer hardware experience, and I found it fairly simple to do.

Although the screen is glossy (after the glass is removed), it is not the typical glossy that I have seen on other laptops. It is very high quality, and has minimal reflections. I thought I would prefer matte, as all of my screens are matte, but I like this screen better. The contrast is higher, and the colors are much more vivid.

Lenovo has videos on their website, which are extremely helpful.

[emconuk]

Amazing news. And I am Chinese, the article about succeed replace the AFFS+ to X200S was located in forum.51nb.com. welcome everyone to browse this web site.

Hello Spabwe
Out of interest would you be willing to post to http://bbs.pcpop.com/090415/5226072.html a message in Chinese asking where they got the HV121WX4-120 please?
No pressure to do so.