Thinkpads Forum

I am looking to replace my Z60t with a new T400 (or possibly an R400). I plan to primarily use this computer for photo editing and management, and I mostly edit my images with Adobe Lightroom. I do have a color calibrated NEC IPS-panel monitor at my desk when I am doing any image editing there, but I do use the laptop away from the desk a lot, and I would still like to get a screen that best meets my needs. Recently, Lenovo has been offering four options in the 14 inch widescreen display: its standard CCFL backlight screen; an LED backlight screen; a high resolution CCFL backlight screen; or, a high nit screen. Initially I would have been drawn to either the high resolution (more real estate) or LED backlighting (supposedly better color display). But, there are a number of mixed comments posted on various forums from people who do, and do not, like the LED screen. And, others have raved about the quality of the high nit screen, even though its primary purpose is for use in bright light - a situation that I do not often find myself in when using my laptop. So, any suggestions as to what I should consider? Its certainly not easy or cheap to replace a screen so I would like to get this choice right the first time. I am wondering if I should just go with the high resolution screen and give up on the LED backlight and its power savings. Any thoughts?

--Ken

All T400/T400s screens are TN. I absolutely love my T400s, but the screen is so bad... You are stuck with a very narrow vertical angle and slight movement up/down results in washed out colors. Keep in mind T400s comes with only one screen option. I think out of all T400x screens, high nit supposed to be the best out of the worst, but with that option you will loose WXGA+ resolution and still have TN screen. In addition, there are 2 vendors for T400 screen. You will be lucky to get LG, otherwise you're stuck with Samsung. Screen in T400/T400s is a huge let down after I used T42/T60 with IPS screen for so many years. Other than that, they are terrific laptops

twister6 wrote:...I think out of all T400x screens, high nit supposed to be the best out of the worst, but with that option you will loose WXGA+ resolution and still have TN screen. In addition, there are 2 vendors for T400 screen. You will be lucky to get LG, otherwise you're stuck with Samsung. Screen in T400/T400s is a huge let down after I used T42/T60 with IPS screen for so many years. Other than that, they are terrific laptops

This seems to be the case. And, IIRC, the R series machines use the same screens as the T series. If I could tolerate glossy screens, I might be tempted to go budget and get a G530 for $400+, its mediocre at half the price but with reasonable build quality for its price point. Its really a shame that Lenovo is not able to find some screen choices that are affordable to manufacture and are not offensive to those who appreciate a good image.

--Ken

Let me ask this question in a slightly different manner. Are there any Lenovo laptops at an equal or lesser price point than the T400 that have noteworthy screens?

--Ken

The only two Thinkpads with good screens are X200 tablet and W700. Work either one of these into your budget.
If you're considering other brands, then take a look at Sony Vaio's. Their screens are quite decent. Apple laptops' screens are quite decent as well.

Well, I decided that since I was able to snag a second NEC IPS monitor for an exceptionally good price, no 6-bit laptop display was going to come close, so I ended up ordering a T400 with an LED display. I am not sure if it is high-nit or not, but I will adapt since the price for the machine (7417-PCU) was quite affordable.

--Ken