Is it normal for an R61 15.4" LCD to be so pathetically dim?

[glossywhite]

Hello

As you have no doubt gathered, I have a ThinkPad R61 8930-A41 (15.4") which is mint - barely used, but why oh why is the LCD so pathetic with regards to brightness? It is not faulty, it is just nowhere *near* as bright as almost every other laptop I've ever owned (and that is a **lot**) - yes, I have been into BIOS and set the screen to maximum brightness, but to no avail. Is it common for the 15.4" to have such a feeble backlight? I want the kind of brightness that gives you a sun tan when it is up to maximum (not that I'd leave it that high )

Please, is someone able to help me? I'm planning to upgrade from 1280x800 --> 1680x1050 in the next 7 days - will that make it any better? For the meantime, I need a solution if possible - working outside in our beautiful England in this beautiful weather is not so easy with this situation.

So many thanks, even if it isn't solved

God bless you all, Matt.

[ajkula66]

Any CCFL-lit ThinkPad LCD will be next-to-useless outdoors...

[glossywhite]

Any CCFL-lit ThinkPad LCD will be next-to-useless outdoors...

Even a 300cd/m one? That doesn't solve my issue or answer my question, with respect.

[ajkula66]

I don't recall seeing a 300-nit CCFL panel on a ThinkPad. The so-called "ultra-brite" was 250 if I remember correctly and these were 14.1 WS only...

Your screen was rated at 200 when new...

Short of switching to a machine with a LED panel, or another brand, you're not likely to be happy with the outcome if you're intent on using the laptop outdoors on regular basis. ThinkPads of that era were designed for office environment and very little else.

[glossywhite]

I don't recall seeing a 300-nit CCFL panel on a ThinkPad. The so-called "ultra-brite" was 250 if I remember correctly and these were 14.1 WS only...

Your screen was rated at 200 when new...

Short of switching to a machine with a LED panel, or another brand, you're not likely to be happy with the outcome if you're intent on using the laptop outdoors on regular basis. ThinkPads of that era were designed for office environment and very little else.

Ah okay - I appreciate your replies and expertise on this

I suppose I have to buy a WSXA+ cable too, when getting the panel? It is a good job I just found that out - it wasn't mentioned in most posts or online shops :-/

Thank you

[ajkula66]

No need for a new LCD cable on anything post T43/R52 when going to a higher resolution, your cable will work just fine.

[glossywhite]

No need for a new LCD cable on anything post T43/R52 when going to a higher resolution, your cable will work just fine.

Are you sure? I've just been reading pages and pages of a thread, on this forum (Chrome history sync not working, so cannot find URL) that says that a WSXGA+ cable is needed... :/


~~ [EDIT] ~~

Here is the source of much confusion to me:

http://www.thinkpads.com/forum/viewtopi ... w=previous

[ajkula66]

I forgot all about that thread, it was so long ago...

I'd try the existing cable first anyway. If you buy a proper LCD with a FRU # you won't blow anything, and I'd tend to believe that it will work as expected.

Your ThinkPad - your call.

[glossywhite]

I forgot all about that thread, it was so long ago...

I'd try the existing cable first anyway. If you buy a proper LCD with a FRU # you won't blow anything, and I'd tend to believe that it will work as expected.

Your ThinkPad - your call.

Hang on - first you tell me it will work, and now you're not sure? Yes, I know it's my ThinkPad and my call, but with respect, the very point of me asking these questions is because you guys have immense ThinkPad service knowledge, and I don't - if I wanted to risk it, I wouldn't have asked :p

I want this to be a quick job; I'm a very competent and long-serving electronics and digital appliance technician - I don't want to go to the hassle of ordering a *new* LCD, based upon the fact that this is all I'll need, and then find out, once it arrives, that no - I now need a cable, and one coming from the US or China - that will be more time and expense, hence me requesting your kind help


Thanks

[ajkula66]

OK let's try this:

If it were my machine I'd put the new LCD in expecting it to fully work with the "old" cable.

I've swapped numerous screens on *60/*61 generation and have no recollection that a different LCD cable is required when switching resolutions.

That's the best I have, without ripping different machines apart to check the respective FRU numbers.

[glossywhite]

OK let's try this:

If it were my machine I'd put the new LCD in expecting it to fully work with the "old" cable.

I've swapped numerous screens on *60/*61 generation and have no recollection that a different LCD cable is required when switching resolutions.

That's the best I have, without ripping different machines apart to check the respective FRU numbers.

Hello

Ah okay - thank you - I feel more reassured now, and I am very sorry if I came across as snotty; this is just a confusing process for a ThinkPad n00b, due to endless LCDs, resolutions, backlight brightnesses, compatible parts, cables, FRU numbers... it's enough to send you silly! ^_^

I found this, which seems to align with what you are saying:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo/ ... eries.html


I appreciate the imparting of knowledge - very valuable, and much appreciated - thank you again my friend

God bless, Matt.

[glossywhite]

Thank you for all your kind help and guidance

I've just bought a "grade A" LG screen for £25 + £3 shipping, on eBay; not too expensive to have a go

Take care,

Matt.

[glossywhite]

Okay, so my LCD came, and the cable in my R61 8930-A41 is "93P4446", and the display only seems to be displaying every other vertical line :/

Ideas?

Thanks

[ajkula66]

Did you receive a proper LCD with a FRU number?

[glossywhite]

Did you receive a proper LCD with a FRU number?

Yes : "42T0423"

Could this need a BIOS mod? I've seen this mentioned around the 'net. So frustrating.

Thank you

[ajkula66]

No BIOS mod required.

I have an Intel-based R61i that is running the exact same LCD...

[glossywhite]

No BIOS mod required.

I have an Intel-based R61i that is running the exact same LCD...

With the same *cable*? 93P4544 / 93P4446

Maybe it needs the latest BIOS - do you think?

EDID issue? Flashing EDID? Any advice most gratefully received

Thank you

[ajkula66]

I've got Middleton's BIOS on mine, can check the FRU of the cable when I get home tonight...

EDID has the correct info for that screen, no need to touch that part of the equation.

[glossywhite]

I've got Middleton's BIOS on mine, can check the FRU of the cable when I get home tonight...

EDID has the correct info for that screen, no need to touch that part of the equation.

You are most kind, thank you for all the help you're giving me

God bless you!

[glossywhite]

I've put the original 1280x800 (read: brand new, as the machine had only 8 days on the clock ) LCD back in, until such time as I can get a cable, as there's no logic in *not* using the machine, after all

[ajkula66]

OK, I owe you an apology.

Against my own beliefs and judgment, a WSXGA+ panel on these machines - unlike T60/p, T61/p, Z60m and Z61m - does require a different LCD cable from a WXGA one.

FRU numbers are 93P4548 (no bluetooth/camera), 93P4549 (w/BT), 93P4550 (w/camera) and 93P4551 (w/ BT and camera).

Once again, my apologies.

[glossywhite]

OK, I owe you an apology.

Against my own beliefs and judgment, a WSXGA+ panel on these machines - unlike T60/p, T61/p, Z60m and Z61m - does require a different LCD cable from a WXGA one.

FRU numbers are 93P4548 (no bluetooth/camera), 93P4549 (w/BT), 93P4550 (w/camera) and 93P4551 (w/ BT and camera).

Once again, my apologies.

Hey!

No apology is needed - I can still use the machine, and we all make mistakes - we're human hey! I'll look into buying the correct cable, when money is better, unless you know of anyone in the UK who'd take £10 + shipping for one?

God bless you, thank you for all you've done to help


[EDIT]

Wow! Cheaper than a USED eBay cable: