Thinkpads Forum

Hello All,

Currently have a T60 and I'm thinking about buying a T400 sometime in the coming weeks or months. I like the form factor and I'm pleased I'll be able to keep using my current Advanced Mini dock. However, it seems like there is currently no option available for the WXGA+ panel w/ LED backlight. I did some searching and it sounds like the panel will be available again eventually with the "high nit" option.

Anybody heard any whispers about how long that will be?

General thoughts welcome esp. regarding experience between CCFL & LED backlights.

Thanks,

Dan

So far I see no indication that the WSXGA+ resolution will be offered with an LED backlight option. Thus far the way Lenovo is implementing backlit displays in some of their models seems a bit random. Where the T-series are concerned only WXGA displays are offered with LED lighting on an on and off basis. In checking the web site today I noticed they are back as an option for both T400 & T500 models. However this will only be temporary until they sell out which is typically rather fast. Then typically there is a long wait before they reappear. As to you question about performance there are pros and cons. In some cases they are offered in the same nit rating as CCFL therefore there is no brightness advantage. Then in other cases like the W700 they produce twice the brightness of the CCFL models. Thus once again we notice the random manner in which Lenovo is approaching this technology. Speaking for myself it seems like a rather odd approach. Certainly they have their reasons, but they escape me. Brightness aside there is a lot of discussion regarding the pros and cons. In an effort to keep my post of a reasonable length I might suggest you Google the topic so as to form your own opinion. Based on my practical experience with them on some of my ThinkPads, I find then highly overrated. About the only advantage that appeals to me is their longer life and resistance to dimming over time as CCFL lights do.
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Cheers...
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The X200s comes with a 12.1 WXGA+ LED backlight...maybe that model would fit the bill. Also I see they are offering the High Nit WXGA LED backlight on T400's now. Buyer beware...wear sunglasses . The regular T400 LED backlight is bright as hell, I can't imagine how bright this High Nit model is ...
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I'd take a look into led backlight as a power saving feature. Not for providing super high nits. It is unhealthy for your eyes to look into something very bright: a lamp, the sun, or a notebook high backlight lamp. What you want is contrast. Ever looked at the Kindle from amazon as a digital book reader? It is even better to look at in direct sunshine.

There is a new led technology out which technology can control small parts of your display. So you do not activate "brightness" to all your screen, but only the parts of the screen which should be bright. If you are watching a 16:9 movie on a 4:3 screen there are horizontal black borders. With the new technology, these black borders are not brightened up at all. This saves additional power (improves battery life) and provides better contrast (which is the difference of color white to color black).

Thanks for the feedback!

I'm mostly interested in the LED backlight with regard to power savings and I do want the WXGA+ resolution.

Though I really like my T40 and T60 and the crispness of their screens, I have found the screens a little dark. A brighter screen would be good whether it's CCFL or LED. It looks like the t400 screen is 200 nit while the T60 is 150.

Decisions, decisions.

damorg wrote:<snip>I'm mostly interested in the LED backlight with regard to power savings and I do want the WXGA+ resolution.

I'm very satisfied with the ThinkPad models I have with LED backlight, while they are nice and bright I would not be worried about damage to your eyes. One simply turns down the brightness if it is too high. I just looked at the current availability on Lenovo's site and found these choices for the T-400:

14.1 WXGA TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight
14.1 WXGA TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight, Camera
14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight
14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight, Camera
14.1 WXGA TFT High Nit, w/ LED Backlight
Selecting this option may delay your shipment more than 4 weeks.
14.1 WXGA TFT High Nit, w/ LED Backlight, Camera

Based on my experience recently when ordering my T400, I would suggest if you are ready to buy you do so as soon as possible. Mainly because the LED displays sell out quickly as there is great demand. Also once sold out, the wait time before Lenovo lists them as a choice again, is rather lengthy. I know when I purchased mine, I waited three weeks for them to appear. The very day they did and I placed my order. A friend of mine also wanted one. Although I encouraged him to act he waited just two days, and they were sold out.

Cheers...