Thinkpads Forum

Woe is me! I just got my brand new T430s and it is IDEAL... except for the blasted screen. I am trying to switch over from a 5-year-old MacBook Pro and I am just horrified by the T430s' screen. It is so washed out I can't believe anyone but a low-end clonemaker still sells screens like this. As I peruse these forums, I see that the Thinkpad's screens are a common complaint.

I hear said that it is difficult to find a really high quality 14" screen, and this is the reason why Lenovo's screens are subpar. That said, how are the screens on the 15" machines? Any better?

I am so bummed because the size, weight, and feature set (ie, upgradeability, keyboard, etc) of this machine are fantastic. But I am on the verge of returning it. Just when I say, "It's not so bad..." I switch over to my MacBook and I break down in tears at the glorious possibilities... and that was 5 years ago...

Is there any way I can get a 1600x900 display (at least), matte display, good brightness/contrast, and reasonably good viewing angles in the Lenovo brand? I'll compromise and go to 15" if I have to.

Thanks.
-Hushpuppy

The screen will get slightly better if you calibrate the screen.

The history of 14" ThinkPads is they've all had average screens that won't hold a candle to a good screen. The X1 Carbon is the best I've seen to date. I would agree calibration can help some, but it won't hold up to a good screen like on the X230. The FHD on the T530/W530 is better and might be worth a look.

The HD+ LCD is available on the T430s.

Return your HD LCD equipped T430s and get an HD+ LCD equipped T430s.

You could also upgrade the LCD yourself. Who wants to do that though on a brand new ThinkPad.

Brad

Hushpuppy, why didn't you get the 1600x900 in the first place? 1366x768 on a 14" screen is absurd and so you should definitely return it. But I have a general tip for you: many TN screens look much better if you turn the gamma level way down.

A new promising baby : E 531
300 NITS FHD screen and 2,5 cm (1") high
HERE(DL the datasheet)

I hear ya OP. Love the form factor of the T430s, but the screen is woeful. I notice the 'screen door' effect on mine, but I came from a T400, so I was use to the subpar TN panels.

I agree with others that you should have gotten the HD+ (1600x900) option and to calibrate the screen using a customized ICC profile. I used a profile off of notebookcheck.net under their T430s review.

Hope this helps!

I got the t430s with the 1600X900 HD +. At first when I realized this was not the full HD, I was going to return it before I even opened the box. ut I opened it, booted it.. and it's actually not bad at all! I had the X1 Carbon, and I could not stand for a moment the screendoor effect. This machine DOES NOT have that. It is actually pretty decent... good even. Not great, coming from an asus zenbook w IPS.. but good. I tweaked the calibration on the color and gamma.. I am happy. I loved the asus IPS display but the usability of the keyboard and trackpad.. sucked. The display carried me for a month, when it got old.. i was done. I am happy to be back on thinkpad line. Feels so comfy working again.