[T400] screen problems, and possible screen upgrade

[Borchy]

Hello all!

I'd like to pose a question about a screen upgrade, but first I have to vent out my anger at lenovo
(for the question, just skip the next paragraph)

I have a T400 2768 BN3 (P8600, 1280x800 CCFL, etc...) for a bit over a year now.
With the exception of some loose plastic (palmrest near the HDD, some parts of the screen bezel), everything worked like clockwork.
I've even managed to pull about 8h of battery life with the big 9-cell that I have.
About a month ago, a darker area started appearing on the screen before it would "warm up", or if I used it outside it would remain constantly (outside temps about 10°C/50°F). The area grew larger each day, and I phoned up the company which sold me the machine, and they pre-ordered a replacement LCD panel, and would phone me once it would arrive.
To my surprise it only took 4 days for the panel to arrive, and they replaced it today in about an hour.
The new screen, however, is an utter failure.
The vertical viewing angle is practically non-existent, as true colors only ever appear on about 1/4 of the height of the screen. Contrast is also "a bit lackluster" - there is no black color, only dark gray. Everything either immediately goes into negative or it becomes VERY washed out. The colors, even on the part that is "OK" are also completely blueish, and my OS's (ArchLinux) gamma correction utility didn't solve this problem. A side "problem" is also that it is extremely bright, which makes me think that the battery will last a lot less, and I need my laptop on the field every day. Now I've read stories about a panel lottery and how some of them suck in the way that mine does.
Since I'd like to reliably fix this issue, I'd like to upgrade my LCD panel on my own, as I'm unsure about the warranty covering this (I do have warranty for 2 more years though).

Now, the question.
I currently have an unidentified CCFL 1280x800 panel. Computer model is 2768 BN3 as stated above.
Which P/N should I look for? I'm gunning for a 1440x900 if possible, or a good 1280x800 if not.
Suggestions?

Assembly shouldn't be a problem, since I've successfully taken apart (and back of course) quite a decent amount of different laptops, including a couple of IBM T series.

Cheers,
B from Slovenia

[ryan1212]

Can you please post the FRU numbers for the screen you have?

[Borchy]

The current screen is an LG unit, PN 42T0495, FRU 42T0496
(could also be a 495 - but it doesn't seem to exist - as I didn't take the panel out completely, but just made a quick peek at the back side).
It is strange though, as most people who complained about the panels had Samsung made items, and LG was lauded as being way better.

[Colonel O'Neill]

I have a Samsung panel and it is just fine. However, I chose the WXGA+ LED panel, and most of the complaints I hear are about the CCFL variants.

[ryan1212]

Which FRU did your machine ship with? You can look this up on lenovos website on the same page as warranty lookup.

I have a CCFL WGXA+ AU Opteronics screen... and it is not that great. It is duller than my roomates 3 year old dell inspiron which I consider pathetic. I would like to upgrade it to an LED screen in the future. I am guessing if I swap the whole lid I should be okay.

[Borchy]

Thanks for the tip about warranty lookup ryan, wouldn't have found it otherwise I guess.

Well, my machine was originally shipped with FRU 42T0595, produced by AU Optronics.
That screen was quite perfect for my needs . It was a little dimmer than most, but had quite good viewing angles and solid contrast.

So Samsung WXGA+ LED is ok?
Now, LED is definitely an option, especially as it costs the same as the CCFL counterpart.
The only drawback I see is that the whole lid has to be replaced, as the flat cable is different.
So if anyone knows a respectable dealer on ebay that will ship such an item internationally, I'd be extremely thankful.
Also the FRU for such an assembly or just the screen would be great. I can't locate it on ebay sadly.
(this seems what I want, but it's not LED and it's by Chi Mei(?))

In case I can't procure such a panel, I'm interested with what would you suggest as second best.

Cheers,
B

[ryan1212]

I think it may be a few years until we can get our wish. These are relatively new machines and not many have been parted out so it may be awhile until we can procure parts like system lids, etc at reasonable prices.

I am satisfied mostly with the AU Opteronics screen, mine is FRU 42T0597. It is dull, but has decent contrast. It is about the same as the screen on my old T40, just a much better resolution.

This screen combined with the warranty\outlet policy change and the size of a 14" Wide does make me wish I would have purchased a used T60 instead though. The T400 is still a really solid machine though.