Screen died on my R50p

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bveghte · #1 Post by **bveghte** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 5:42 am

Hey guys,

The screen just died on my R50p. I love this laptop and from what I've read, none of the currently offerred Thinkpads offers anything close to the quality of my 15" UXGA Flexview display. Most reviews of the T61ps bemoan the poor screen quality.

So I was wondering ...
1. How much do you think it would cost to fix? The screen turned black after a train trip in which it was packed tightly in shoulder bag -- too tightly, apparently. It was in a tight sleeve (which was too small for this laptop), and the pressure apparently damaged the screen. There is no external damage, it must be something internal (perhaps the bulb is broken?). Does anyone know what possible causes of the damage could be and whether it can be fixed or must be replaced entirely? How much would a fix/replacement cost?

2. Also, if I get the screen replaced, should I do it through Lenovo or a third party? Do they even have any original, factory-fresh UXGA Flexviews available? Or would I get a three-year old replacement with its own set of problems?

I'm not cheap, so I'd be prepared to buy a new laptop (the R50p is almost 5 years old), but the new "p" screens seem to be vastly inferior to the Flexviews, so I am now considering just getting this screen fixed or replaced.

Any advice would be welcome! Also concerning the possibility of getting a T61p with a good screen ...

Ben

#2 Post by **Harryc** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 6:07 am

Does it display if hooked to an external monitor?

bveghte · #3 Post by **bveghte** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 6:09 am

Yes, perfectly.

#4 Post by **Harryc** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 7:07 am

I'd check for a loose LCD cable both at the systemboard and also inside the lid at the rear on the LCD. Download a maintenance manual if in doubt on disassembly.

SuperStuff · #5 Post by **SuperStuff** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 6:09 pm

Harryc wrote:I'd check for a loose LCD cable both at the systemboard and also inside the lid at the rear on the LCD. Download a maintenance manual if in doubt on disassembly.

I agree with this. Your video cable could have come loose. Also check the connection to the backlight inverter. I ended up replacing the inverter on a Toshiba A105 laptop once for $20 and my blank screen come back up.

bveghte · #6 Post by **bveghte** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 4:29 am

Thanks to both of you guys! Unfortunately I don't have the skills to do this myself. But I'll pass on the idea to the nearest authorized Thinkpad repair facility.

Screen died on my R50p

Screen died on my R50p

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