390X 14.1TFT display blank; worth fixing?

[aarontring]

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

I have a 390X 2626-LOU that is an absolute gem, except that the display doesn't work. It has WIN98 AND WIN2000 installed on it, which I would like to fix but haven't worried about thanks to my dilemma: Is REALLY worth fixing? If I follow the manual I found on the Lenovo site, troubleshooting this problem will cost me around $400, minimum. For that, I have found refurbed T-series models from various locations online.

It is essentially a secondary desktop machine, since it only works with an external monitor. Fortunately I have a spare LCD desktop monitor. Is there a source for parts that has a LCD screen for this model (or a compatible alternative) for less than $200?

I am trying to find more "copies" of this computer to use as spare parts, but my wife doesn't have much patience with storing a bunch of "useless" computer parts. I suppose I can think of worse secrets for a husband to keep from his wife.

Again, thank you for taking the time to read this I would appreciate any suggestions, technical or otherwise, that you might offer.

[tfflivemb2]

Welcome to the forum!

Well, it sounds like it is totally dead...you might as well send it my way...just kidding.

Just a quick glance on eBay found this one for $30 shipped. You will need the Hardware Maintenance Manualto remove and replace the actual LCD, though.

[phool@round]

Welcome to the Forum!

Here's a link to one that is inexpensive enough; here.

Hope this works for you.

Edit: took me a couple of minutes longer........

[aarontring]

Dude! I can't thank you enough! I guess I don't think of eBay as a source because I'm fundamentally impatient, but those are worth the wait. I consider myself a fairly savvy researcher, from both parents being academics, but you guys, in rapid succession, made me look like I'm back in grade school.

And on proofreading myself, that sounds sarcastic as @$%#, for which I'm sorry, but I do feel a little stupid for not checking such an obvious source. Thank you for the help and the reality check. I do have a couple of manuals in .pdf form, but I don't know the names, since I didn't rename them from the alpha-numeric strings IBM/Lenovo used. I've had the upper have of the thing completely disassembled on the dining room table three times so far, because my first experience with computers was my Grandfather's Heathkit (and being an ex-Navy electronics technician). After you diagnose the fault, visually inspect the the possible problem components, right? Plus, that Heathkit had to be stripped and cleaned about every six months. It actually worked twice to just strip and reseat the connectors, but now it's been a desktop for about 2 months.

Again, thank you, and, phool, be sure to swing over to Sleder's and smooch the moose, OK? (I'm a Sleder twice removed, but somehow not related, though my great uncle Julius used to own Grand Traverse Auto)

Am I starting from the right place, here? Is it most likely that it's the LCD itself on an 8 year old (or more) machine? It used to me that color LCDs only had about a five year lifespan, but that was when they were first becoming affordable in digital cameras and things like that. Frankly, the "hi-tech" equipment on a nuclear submarine is a bit outdated compared to even this TP.

Thanks.
Aaron

[phool@round]

Yep, blow the horn, kiss the Moose. Never get those two mixed up....... and Grand Traverse Auto is still here in name..... and on nearly every commercial during the 7&4 news.... I'm near the Arbutis Triangle, where people come in but never can find their way out......I'm on Indian Lake, just north of Spider.... my brother lives in Sutton's Bay. Can't forget the (National) Cherry Festival........ population quadruples in one week.

Your starting from the right place, it's probably the CCFL that's gone out that is if you can see an image on screen without the backlight on. Since the screens are inexpensive the inverters are too. I'd buy both...... The screen itself isn't bad, just the bulb.

I'm still in (MI Army NG), Microwave Telecom.

[aarontring]

Thanks for the help, guys. I'm once again relaxing in the living room instead of hunched over the dining room table. Now, on to the upgrades!!! LOL!

[phool@round]

I thought you set sail already? Upgrades Ahoy! Nice to hear you're relaxed, no telling what could have happened.....LOL.