Thinkpads Forum

As the title says, one of my screens on the 600E comes on pink at startup for a few seconds before clearing up to normal color. After searching, it seems obvious its the backlight. But what I couldn't find is how long do I have before the backlight needs changing? Is it a sign if imminent failure, or can I live with it indefinately? It doesn't bother me since its only while the unit is going through post. But if I don't have a lot of time left, I want to order a new backlight soon so I can do the transplant as soon as it does go to avoid any downtime.

Thanks.

At least a year, given that's how long it's been with the T23 I'm using . Seriously, it's hard to say exactly how much time it will be before the backlight totally gives out. This T23 has shown the red tint at startup since I got it back in Sept. 2006. I use this system EVERY day, turning it on multiple times during the weekday as it goes from home, to work and back home again. Each time it's put into hibernate mode. Has it gotten any worse? I don't think so. It seems just as bright as when I received it and as long as the backlight is at the brightest setting, the red tint is only slightly noticeable in the bottom corners.

If you are concerned about it, I'd order the backlight since prices are fairly stable on them and keep it around until the day it finally goes out (if it ever does). I had planned to get a couple of backlights for the three or four panels that I have which are red or totally dead but right now it's not a high priority item on my projects list.

Thanks for the info Ray. The LCD is nice and bright, so I'm not too worried about it, for now. I'll check out E-bay and see if I can get a deal on a new backlight tube.

The 600E my dad is using, has had the pinkish tint going for 2 years! I think it is just luck though. As far as usage, he turns it off and powers back on maybe every other day except on the weekends. He is glued to it.