Thinkpads Forum

Hello,
I know this is my first post here. I wanted to ask how much better, if any, is the T430's LP140WD2-TLD2 screen vs my old R61 14.1" 1440x900 screen in terms of quality etc. Is there a noticable difference? I found a used T430 in great condition with everything I need, and most importantly, good price. But I read so much about inferior screen quality of that notebook that I have to ask.
Thanks in advance.

I don't have a T430, but I do have an R61 with a CMO screen and a T420 with an LG screen.
I suspect (but do not know) that the screens for the T430 and T420 are probably either the same part or very similar.
I don't remember what the part numbers are, you'll have to look that up in the HMM.

Anyway, my R61 has a better screen with respect to contrast and "griddyness."
However, for working with text, the T420 is actually quite acceptable to my
eyes, although I had to fool around with the gamma to get it to look right.

I would not use it for graphics applications, such as Photoshop, etc. But, you can always
plug in an external display if you want to do that.

Well... there's variation between screen manufacturers, but in general I'd say that both laptops will have low-mid-range TN panels. i.e. OK for office work, etc. but useless for serious graphics work.

The R61 has CCFL and a 1440x900 16:10 screen ratio while the T430 has LED and a wider 1600x900 16:9 screen ratio.
Not comparable really.

Also remember that the T430's WXGA++ LED screen is brighter than the R61's WXGA+ CCFL screen (250 vs 200 nits). The LED screen will also last longer (dim slower over time) and be more durable (no CCFL tubes to crack). This also makes the T430 better suited for outdoor use.