T430s screen swap/upgrade?

[enginerd]

Just breaking in my T430s and I have to say its a really great machine. Coming back to PC from Mac I am very happy with build quality, weight, and form factor. My one and only grom is the screen. I have read a long list of complaints but nobody has seemed to address the question of fixing/improving an otherwise great machine.

I've read there are not currently any 14.0" IPS displays manufactured. However I see that AO is coming out with a 1920x1080 screen that might fit. Being that this is my first Thinkpad I figured it's best to ask you all for your wisdom. So....

1. Is there a screen with better color and contrast that will fit my machine?

2. If not can someone recommend a good protocol/program for color calibration. I've played around with the nVidea settings with minimal improvement.

3. How do I check the screen part number in my machine? Im running off a clean install and it just says Generic PnP Monitor within Device Manger...

On a last note I have the ability to CNC the screen bezel/panel frame if necessary (don't want to ignore any crazy ideas....they just might work!)

Thanks for any advice you might have

[jayton4]

I got question #3:
Try using a free download called Moninfo.

The slim and light T series models typically have non standard parts with not a lot of options available. Custom CNC work would take away the advantage of having such a thin and lightweight laptop. My vote is to leave it alone and get used to is. You are driving a Rolls Royce, get an Asus if you want to hack it up like a Honda, IMHO of course!

[enginerd]

Thanks for the reply jayton....is this the program your referring to http://www.rarst.net/software/moninfo/?

In terms of the Rolls Royce I absolutely agree for the most part.....and I will not ditch the machine for this reason.

I am still curious if anyone is aware of a better quality 14" screen out there that might possibly be adapted...

[jayton4]

Thanks for the reply jayton....is this the program your referring to http://www.rarst.net/software/moninfo/?

Yes that is the program, but that is not the website for it. That appears to be a review site or something. They link to the actual site in there: http://www.entechtaiwan.com/util/moninfo.shtm

I am still curious if anyone is aware of a better quality 14" screen out there that might possibly be adapted...

Hopefully better options come some day, but I think the T430s is still too new for anyone to try a custom screen. I have still yet to find anyone that ever successfully replaced a screen in a T410s or T420s with a different model. The T410s screens were very problematic and VERY expensive ($250 & up).

[enginerd]

Thanks for the follow up....I'm amazed by the lack of quality 14" screens out there. Guess Ill hang tight for the time being until AUO releases that 1080...but like I said above, happy with the res...just looking for better contrast ratio and viewing angles...

[ZaZ]

I believe the HP Spectre 14 uses an IPS LCD, but because it's touch, it's covered in Gorilla Glass, which is highly annoying.

I thought the X1 Carbon screen was fairly decent. It's not IPS, but has nice contrast, if a bit blue, and a good sweet spot for a TN panel.

[enginerd]

Yes I would like to avoid anything glossy....

Is anybody aware of compatibility between the two screens? I know sometime an adapter is needed...also, anybody know the part number for the X1 screens? Ill do some google-ing in the mean time

[farmall]

CNC modding or making replacement notebook components makes plenty of sense if you have the equipment and inclination!

A proper job wouldn't be "ricing" and there is nothing sacred about modding a piece of equipment to suit your preferences. Almost everything which made the notebook itself was done on CNC machining centers.

No ideas on a replacement screen however.

[stepon]

Have same screen on my T430s, using Spyder4Pro calibration on default settings, makes screen match my IPS HP 27" desktop screen though I'm still working on best settings at the moment. Maybe you should look into finding a friend that can calibrate for you. I've helped anyone who've asked to calibrate their screens within my sphere and they all seem pretty happy with the results.

I also have a T60p 15" that I DIY upgraded to an Thinkpad OEM IPS UXGA panel, too bad that machine's discreet video is obsolete and not supported in Windows 7...now relegated to media server. A waste of such a gorgeous screen.

Hope you find a more efficient way to tide you over until better options surface.

[ajkula66]

I also have a T60p 15" that I DIY upgraded to an Thinkpad OEM IPS UXGA panel, too bad that machine's discreet video is obsolete and not supported in Windows 7...now relegated to media server. A waste of such a gorgeous screen.

The ATi cards seen in T60/p are supported by W7 when a Vista driver is used, and actually work rather well given their vintage.

[stepon]

Vintage is right. Any 3D package using GL tech crashes the driver and thus the software, good machine but worthless as a mobile 3D workstation. The T430s is silly for that purpose but since I only use it to come up for air and in a pinch it in the least has driver support on Win 7 and 8. I tell yah, when they stopped driver support I was about to leave the Thinkpad fold and jump to Apples loving unibody. But found this little gem on sale, swapped the good bits from my poor T60p and the T430s now had a 6.6 experience index...for what that's worth.

[emeraldgirl08]

@enginerd

I gave this a try based this on the recommendation of a forum member last year and it succeeded in getting rid of a somewhat annoying blue-cast on the LED screen of my X200T. The file size of the program is small ~1.4 mb and is freeware. If you decide to give it a try and it does not improve your sitch (or even if you do not give it a try) you might want to keep checking here as someone may share a properly calibrated ICC monitor file. YMMV but I would not expect a result akin to a TN-to-IPS but you never know- you may find some sort of happy medium. Good luck

[davidd]

Just breaking in my T430s and I have to say its a really great machine. Coming back to PC from Mac I am very happy with build quality, weight, and form factor. My one and only grom is the screen. I have read a long list of complaints but nobody has seemed to address the question of fixing/improving an otherwise great machine.

I've read there are not currently any 14.0" IPS displays manufactured. However I see that AO is coming out with a 1920x1080 screen that might fit. Being that this is my first Thinkpad I figured it's best to ask you all for your wisdom. So....

1. Is there a screen with better color and contrast that will fit my machine?

2. If not can someone recommend a good protocol/program for color calibration. I've played around with the nVidea settings with minimal improvement.

3. How do I check the screen part number in my machine? Im running off a clean install and it just says Generic PnP Monitor within Device Manger...

On a last note I have the ability to CNC the screen bezel/panel frame if necessary (don't want to ignore any crazy ideas....they just might work!)

Thanks for any advice you might have

Turns out the HD++ screen on the T430s is not bad at all, once you get it dialed in. For some reason, the stock settings are way off, and the thing is bluish with way too little contrast -- I think I recall reading that that was because Lenovo switched its screen design after they had set the defaults in the adjusting software, so the default settings are wrong. Something like that. Easily remedied with the screen controls though. You'll never solve the directionality issue, and that does suck, but the color/contrast issue can be sorted out for sure.

Even so, one reason the colors look a bit washed out is simply that Thinkpads have matte screens. They are essentially computers designed to be usable in well-lit areas. If you're a real stickler for vibrant, clear color and don't need the matte finish, you can easily buy a glossy replacement that will drop right in. No doubt about it, a glossy screen will be sharper and more vibrant. But the reflections are a total downer, and that's why for the T seriies -- very much office computers -- you don't have gloss screens. But it's no huge bet to check it out: a glossy 1600x900 screen replacement is about $70, and it's really not hard to replace the screen -- there are tons of good instructional videos online. Try it, and sell the one you don't use on Ebay for $40 or so.

A lot of folks claim that the X1 screens are better. Sure, they are a little bit better -- less directional anyway -- but they're still just TN screens so it's only going to be a small improvement. (Plus, it's a real kludge to install one. First of all, the ribbon cable's in the wrong place, and you need an extender. Second, there are no screw holes in an X1 panel so you have to more or less shim it into place. It's also a little thinner than what we 430 folks have. It will definitely work, but it's hardly an elegant way to go.) I think your best bet is just to play with the stock screen controls, and if you can't get to a point of contentedness, swap out for the glossy screen and enjoy the color and clarity, as long as you can stand the reflections.

All that being said, Lenovo needs to start cracking some skulls and get someone to produce high quality 14" IPS panels. They're never going to solve the directionality issues otherwise. Perhaps they could also offer a matte/glossy option too, so that graphic artists and the like don't have to deal with too much compromise. I personally prefer the matte ones but for sure some folks would be happier with the glossy type. Its crazy that they produce such great computers with such mediocre screens.

[eep2378]

Just breaking in my T430s and I have to say its a really great machine. Coming back to PC from Mac I am very happy with build quality, weight, and form factor. My one and only grom is the screen. I have read a long list of complaints but nobody has seemed to address the question of fixing/improving an otherwise great machine.

I've read there are not currently any 14.0" IPS displays manufactured. However I see that AO is coming out with a 1920x1080 screen that might fit. Being that this is my first Thinkpad I figured it's best to ask you all for your wisdom. So....

1. Is there a screen with better color and contrast that will fit my machine?

2. If not can someone recommend a good protocol/program for color calibration. I've played around with the nVidea settings with minimal improvement.

3. How do I check the screen part number in my machine? Im running off a clean install and it just says Generic PnP Monitor within Device Manger...

On a last note I have the ability to CNC the screen bezel/panel frame if necessary (don't want to ignore any crazy ideas....they just might work!)

Thanks for any advice you might have

Turns out the HD++ screen on the T430s is not bad at all, once you get it dialed in. For some reason, the stock settings are way off, and the thing is bluish with way too little contrast -- I think I recall reading that that was because Lenovo switched its screen design after they had set the defaults in the adjusting software, so the default settings are wrong. Something like that. Easily remedied with the screen controls though. You'll never solve the directionality issue, and that does suck, but the color/contrast issue can be sorted out for sure.

Even so, one reason the colors look a bit washed out is simply that Thinkpads have matte screens. They are essentially computers designed to be usable in well-lit areas. If you're a real stickler for vibrant, clear color and don't need the matte finish, you can easily buy a glossy replacement that will drop right in. No doubt about it, a glossy screen will be sharper and more vibrant. But the reflections are a total downer, and that's why for the T seriies -- very much office computers -- you don't have gloss screens. But it's no huge bet to check it out: a glossy 1600x900 screen replacement is about $70, and it's really not hard to replace the screen -- there are tons of good instructional videos online. Try it, and sell the one you don't use on Ebay for $40 or so.

A lot of folks claim that the X1 screens are better. Sure, they are a little bit better -- less directional anyway -- but they're still just TN screens so it's only going to be a small improvement. (Plus, it's a real kludge to install one. First of all, the ribbon cable's in the wrong place, and you need an extender. Second, there are no screw holes in an X1 panel so you have to more or less shim it into place. It's also a little thinner than what we 430 folks have. It will definitely work, but it's hardly an elegant way to go.) I think your best bet is just to play with the stock screen controls, and if you can't get to a point of contentedness, swap out for the glossy screen and enjoy the color and clarity, as long as you can stand the reflections.

All that being said, Lenovo needs to start cracking some skulls and get someone to produce high quality 14" IPS panels. They're never going to solve the directionality issues otherwise. Perhaps they could also offer a matte/glossy option too, so that graphic artists and the like don't have to deal with too much compromise. I personally prefer the matte ones but for sure some folks would be happier with the glossy type. Its crazy that they produce such great computers with such mediocre screens.

Good info here. Thanks. I just picked up a T430s used on ebay(lightly used for 2 months, excellent condition). It's a great laptop but my only niggle is the screen. Unfortunately, my particular model is without the HD+ screen(its only 1366x768). Can I simply, as you say, just buy 1600x900 screen replacement? Is it really that easy to replace the screen? Or is there a higher res screen that can replace my current one?

[Wisp100]

There is a new t440s coming out and it will have an IPS screen:
http://shop.lenovo.com/fi/en/laptops/th ... ies/t440s/

Comparing my t430s with this new t440s, I like the t430s A LOT more. Sooo I was thinking if anyone here knows if it would be possible to buy a replacement screen from the t440s to put it in the t430s??

[starlite]

I am also wondering if it is possible to upgrade the T430s display to the IPS display used in the T440s.

Dimensionally they seem very close. An LED 40 pin to 30 pin converter cable (compatible with a 14.0 inch Display) will definitely be needed.

I would greatly appreciate some help in directing me to finding the the right cable converter to use (model number), as well as some help to determine if upgrading the display to the one used in the T440s is going to fry the T430s motherboard or motherboard components. Basically, I am asking the experts out there if it is going to work? ... and if it is, then what exactly do I need to make it work?

Here is what I have found pooling together info from several websites, and it should be known that there is some variability in dimensions listed between websites ie panelook.com, OEMs and sub tier suppliers.

Specification for both LED Display Panel are below:

T430s Display Specs:
LP140WD2-TLD2
14 inch 1600*900
GLOSSY MATTE
Display size: 320.4*204.6*3.6
Active Display: 309.12*173.88
Panel Type: TFT
Blacklight: LED
Interface Type: LVDS
Connector: 40 Pin
Signal Class: LVDS (2 ch, 6-bit)
Total Power Consumption: 4.9W (Typ.)
Lamp Driver Board: 7.0/12.0/20.0V (Min./Typ./Max.)
Lamp Driver Board: 308/354mA (Typ./Max.)
Lamp Driver Board: 3.7/4.25W (Typ./Max.)
Input Voltage for Panel: 3.3V (Typ.)
Input Current for Panel: 360/414mA (Typ./Max.)
Panel Power Consumption: 1.2/1.37W (Typ./Max.)
Interface Brand: LS Mtron
Interface Model: GT05Q-40S-H10



T440s Display Specs:
B140HAN01.1
14.0 inch 1920* 1080
Full HD Matte
Display size: 320.9*205.6*3.2
Active Display: 309.14*173.89
Panel Type: TFT
Backlight: LED
Interface Type: HDMI
Connector: 30 Pin
Signal Interface Class: eDP (2 Lane)
Input Voltage of Lamp Driver: 5.0/12.0/21.0V (Min./Typ./Max.)
BLU Power Consumption: 4.0W (Max.)
Input Voltage for Panel: 3.3V (Typ.)
Input Current for Panel: 433mA (Max.)
Signal Interface Brand: I-PEX
Signal Interface Model: 20455-030E-12

Any help from the experts out there would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.