LCD/bulb or inverter? Or both?

[thinktank]

Hello Everyone,

So here I am going through another round of keeping my 6-year old T60 (2007C4U) running. This time it's the screen that looks like is finally giving in after years of great service and lots of use.

Symptoms: this morning it was just black but hadn't hibernated or shut the screen off. When I closed the lid and opened it up again it fired up but was rather dim at first and started out with a reddish/magenta tint to it.

My guess is it's the bulb, but I'm not sure. I did some reading and found that the screen assemblies including the bulb (14", 1400x1050) are affordable, but that it could also be the inverter. I could of course just get both and swap it all while I'm at it since the inverters seem to go for around 15 bucks or so.

Still, is there any way to diagnose this problem further to see if I need a new screen (about $80) or the inverter or both?

Thanks a lot!

[TuuS]

You have classic symptoms of a failing backlight. If your screen is otherwise perfect, then you might consider replacing the bulb, but to do it properly you need a "cleanroom", as they act like dust magnets when opened and once you get dust in one, cleaning it out without smears and streaks is next to impossible. Also some screens are harder to open then others, depending on the manufacturer.

There are cheap generic screens available, but they usually aren't very good quality. The original screens equipped in these are far more expensive and it's rare to find NOS (new old stock), as they haven't been manufactured in years. I've seen some brand new generic screens that look "yellowish" like many 5 year old screens do. There are also chinese sellers that are offering what appears to be new genuine screens, but I believe they are likely screens made by the same manufacturer that someone has reflashed with T60 firmware and printed a Lenovo/ibm FRU label to make them look like originals. If they are first quality screens this shouldn't be a problem, but it's very possible they aren't.

Good Luck

ps. I suspect your inverter is fine

[thinktank]

You have classic symptoms of a failing backlight. If your screen is otherwise perfect, then you might consider replacing the bulb, but to do it properly you need a "cleanroom", as they act like dust magnets when opened and once you get dust in one, cleaning it out without smears and streaks is next to impossible. Also some screens are harder to open then others, depending on the manufacturer.

There are cheap generic screens available, but they usually aren't very good quality. The original screens equipped in these are far more expensive and it's rare to find NOS (new old stock), as they haven't been manufactured in years. I've seen some brand new generic screens that look "yellowish" like many 5 year old screens do. There are also chinese sellers that are offering what appears to be new genuine screens, but I believe they are likely screens made by the same manufacturer that someone has reflashed with T60 firmware and printed a Lenovo/ibm FRU label to make them look like originals. If they are first quality screens this shouldn't be a problem, but it's very possible they aren't.

Good Luck

ps. I suspect your inverter is fine

Thanks a lot for your insight. Any recommendation for sellers who may have original or good non-original screens?

[thinktank]

Does anyone here have experience with these folks for example?

http://www.screentekinc.com/ibm__ThinkP ... eens.shtml

[RealBlackStuff]

I've heard good things about these guys: http://www.laptopscreen.com/

[thinktank]

So here are more symptoms:

When I turned the laptop back on tonight everything was very reddish again before it slowly got better. Then there was a high pitched noise coming from within or below the panel. The frequency dropped off and then the back light shut off. It comes back on when I close and open the lid but only for a few minutes before the high pitch noise/frequency drop-off/lights out happens again.

Any thoughts on what the main culprit is? I'm sure the backlight should be replaced no matter what. Not sure about the inverter (is that making that noise?). So the three options are:

1. Buy a screen assembly replacement for cheap and a new inverter and hope that the quality is ok
2. Sent it to the person in Illinois who swaps bulbs for $170
3. Put the money towards a new computer

This couldn't come at a worse time since I need a new desktop as well soon...

[rkawakami]

Yes, the high frequency noise is coming from the inverter board. The failing CCFL (backlight bulb) is causing the inverter to try to keep it lit. Replacing the screen should take care of the problem; that is, providing the inverter with a good CCFL will make the noise go away. I doubt that the inverter is the primary reason you're having problems but continued operation of the failing screen might cause damage to the inverter.

[RealBlackStuff]

For about half the price that jamiphar charges for just a CCFL-swap, you can buy a whole new LCD!
Or even a complete lid: http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Lenovo-T60- ... 1023450408
Also check in our Marketplace forum (place a WTB if you like).

[thinktank]

For about half the price that jamiphar charges for just a CCFL-swap, you can buy a whole new LCD!
Or even a complete lid: http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Lenovo-T60- ... 1023450408
Also check in our Marketplace forum (place a WTB if you like).

Thanks a lot for your help. I noticed that too of course. My concern is that I end up with an inferior LCD or one that has not much life left either. The folks from the link you provided don't have my 14" hi res screen anylonger.

But in any case: what is easier to swap, the whole lid or the screen?

[Neil]

The whole lid is a little easier to swap than the LCD panel alone.

[RealBlackStuff]

That eBay link I gave you is for a 14.1" SXGA+ lid, the same as what you have now!

T60 (2007-C4U)
T2500(2GHz), 512MB RAM, 80GB 5400rpm HD, 14.1in 1400x1050, 64MB ATI Radeon X1300, CDRW/DVDRW, Intel 802.11abg wireless, Bluetooth/Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure chip, Fingerprint reader, 6c Li-Ion batt, WinXP Pro