Thinkpads Forum

Good morning all,

I turn to you with an unusual problem. One of my employees noticed on his display small (approx. 2mm x 3mm) glittering speck interfering in his work. In my opinion it is difficult to see, however, that user comfort is very important for the company. From what I know, this man puts great emphasis on taking care of equipment and says that there could be no physical damage to the screen. The stain can be seen in the pictures attached. Is there any possibility to remove it without replacing the screen? Is replacing operation complicated? What is the availability of spare parts for THINKPAD laptops in function of time?

I will be extremely grateful for the help.
Have a nice day, Thinkers!

Welcome to the forum.

I cannot be 100% sure from the picture, but if it's internal, then this may be a pressure / wear mark in the LCD. These things tend to develop even under normal use. In my experience, Lenovo always replaced these screens under warranty, for free, if the spots were small and there was no visible external damage otherwise. However, it is known that sometimes they refuse, and you have to argue with them about it. Usually, in the end they would give up. At least up until a few years ago. I have no idea what would happen now.

If it's external, it may be that a part of the exterior coating of the LCD came off / was scratched off. I've seen these happen, but less frequently than the internal ones. I never tried to replace a screen due to these.

In either case, I know of no way to fix it short of replacing the screen. If the comfort of the user is very important to the company, get the screen replaced by a certified Lenovo technician, whether under warranty or at the company's cost. It's small money compared to the happiness of an important employee.

That is smudge mark from the dirty trackpoint. I had one and then totally gone with few swipes of alcohol dampened tissue or rag, then clean as usual. I would do the cleaning on the trackpoint rubber nub as well.

Cheers, thinkpadcollection

If the mark is in the center of the screen, then it is very likely from the trackpoint cap hitting the screen. Isopropyl alchohol will work, just make sure to use 50% concentration or less.

You can prevent this in the future by removing the cap if the user doesn't use the trackpoint. Other than that, avoid putting preassure on the top of the lid.

Good morning!

Thank you very much for all the answers. Looking at this stain and the computer I come to the conclusion that its location corresponds to the trackpoint position. In connection with the above, I will try the first clean it up - is the isoprop. safe for this type of screen? If this does not help, I'll try to submit the defect under warranty. Certainly, I will report on the progress of the case.

Thank you for your interest in my problem

Have a nice day!

macienty wrote: In connection with the above, I will try the first clean it up - is the isoprop. safe for this type of screen? If this does not help, I'll try to submit the defect under warranty. Certainly, I will report on the progress of the case.

Using 50% concentration or less is safe and some dilute it even more by adding water. Just apply to a damp cloth and gently wipe, side to side. Then use a dry cloth to remove any residue.

Good morning everyone,

Unfortunately, isopropanol did not help. It seems that the trackpoint has left a permanent mark on the matrix (may defect factory / assembly defect?). I contacted one of the Polish authorized service and received the answer that "Despite the best intentions, we can not repair the said mark on the matrix. This involves the replacement of the matrix and in this case the damage is classified as a chargeable repair." Does that answer is in line with the policy of Lenovo on business products? Really disappointing.

That tech support person is being so heavy headed (vague), what is meant to said is LCD panel needs to be replaced.
I think too gentle force is done, use full concentration alcohol or tea tree oil then followed with eye glass cleaner.

Cheers, thinkpadcollection

On the official forum, one user stated that permanent marks on the screen are normal and I could protect that computer sticking some material between the cover and the keyboard. I think that the formation of marks on the matrix after 3 months of use is not normal, even in low-cost consumer laptops. Are you sure that using concentrated alcohol does not damage the screen?

Is that spot lines up with the trackpoint vertically?

Also could change the trackpoint for low profile.

Cheers, thinkpadcollection