Thinkpads Forum

So I've googled left and right to find an alternative to the not-so-reliable and not-the-most-financially-feasible IPS upgrade, and found info on potential alienware m14x r2 panels to be reused on T420s and T430s. Found it's part number being LP140WD2-TLG1. Ordered one on eBay, specifically stating that I would not accept any "compatible" panels, only the one in the listing. The seller played stupid and sent me N140FGE-LA2 panel instead. So I decided to give it a shot anyway and share it with the community. Will add some comparison pictures tomorrow.

N140FGE-LA2 looks like a very slight improvement over the stock 1600x900 panel that was in my T420s - slightly brighter, no visible grain on white/gray backgrounds, slightly more contrast, and colors are a bit more warm. If there's any improvement in viewing angles, it is again only minimal. The laptop still looks like the cheapest Acer out there, compared to my X220's IPS screen, or even MacBook Pro of the same year.

So adding to the knowledge base - two panels are possible budget improvements over your stock screens:
N140FGE-LA2 and
LP140WD2-TLG1

I know it's been said many times, but the stock panel is insanely insulting to anyone who bought their T420s or T430s straight from Lenovo. They should issue a public apology for that one IMO

iganas wrote:So I've googled left and right to find an alternative to the not-so-reliable and not-the-most-financially-feasible IPS upgrade

Not most financially feasible - maybe, but why do you think it's not reliable? My understanding is that it's pretty reliable when you talk about the "slim" versions. It's the standard T420/T430 kit that has issues at this point.

iganas wrote:Will add some comparison pictures tomorrow.

N140FGE-LA2 looks like a very slight improvement over the stock 1600x900 panel that was in my T420s - slightly brighter, no visible grain on white/gray backgrounds, slightly more contrast, and colors are a bit more warm. If there's any improvement in viewing angles, it is again only minimal. The laptop still looks like the cheapest Acer out there, compared to my X220's IPS screen, or even MacBook Pro of the same year.

It would be good to see those pictures. But paying money for a panel that's the same resolution and "a very slight" quality improvement over the existing one? Is that really more financially feasible than the IPS upgrade?

I also found out about the Innolux N140FGE-LA2, before the FHD IPS upgrade was available.
My wife was very dissatisfied with the original panel of her T420s, so I bought the Innolux panel.
While the contrast and colors were really better, the viewing angles were really bad.
Also the colors could not be calibrated to give photos a natural looking way.

So I bought the FHD Mod afterwards...

This is good info...thx OP

I was actually looking into doing either the X1 carbon screen upgrade or T440s upgrade on my T430s but wasn't sure if the X1 carbon would be a worthwhile improvement and there is a risk with the T440s IPs panel install and the long EDp cable.

Ended up doing the FHD IPS upgrade with mod kit (RMSMajestic).....been working solidly with no issues for close to a year now....key is to get an authentic AUO panel...

Cost is a bit more but well worth it....colours are rich, screen is crisp and viewing angles are great!

I loved the FHD ips screen and mod kit I ended up buying another for a T420s....and just got another one in the second round.....