T21 LCD issues

[Ultraviolet]

I'm a longtime lurker, and sadly, I finally have a dilemma worth posting about...

I have a T21 (2647-9AU) that's off warranty, and has a "dead" LCD. For the last year or so, it would go pink on startup, and then normal as it warmed up. Finally a couple of weeks ago, it went dead to the point where it looks like the backlight is burnt out, because you can still see a faint image at certain angles, in good light.

I opened it up to make sure the connections were all seated, just in case, and they are fine. (Darn.) My gut tells me I could replace the backlight in it, as I'm pretty handy hardware-wise, but other people here have mentioned how difficult a job it is, so I don't know if I should risk it. Of course, it's already broken, so how much worse could I make it?? I've been trying to figure out where the backlight exactly is, and how it's assembled, without causing irreparable damage (to myself, or the machine.) Is there an illustration of it anywhere?

We're talking enormous difference in cost though: A small backlight purchase, and a few hours of time, vs. a new LCD.

Should I even bother trying to replace the inverter first, or if the backlight is burnt out, is the inverter what is allowing me to still see an image? Should I bother trying to change the cable? Again, another relatively inexpensive and easy to change piece...

The LCD in my machine is an SXGA (46L2493) and they seem to be like hen's teeth to find. (Yes, I've been scouring eBay for weeks.) Can I subsitute other brand 14.1" SXGA lcds? Can I replace the SXGA screen with an XGA and inverter? (I know the quality would not be the same but it would be better than NO laptop.) How would I know what's compatible?

Or is the cost of all this (+aggravation) going to be more than just getting a new (used) machine? (It also requires a new battery, a new keyboard bezel, and a new power adapter...) Should I part it out, and start over? As you can probably tell, I'm on a limited budget. But I do really like this machine, and I'd hate to part with it...

Sorry for so many questions, but it gives you an idea on what I've been researching for weeks now... Advice from the experts is MUCH appreciated!

[cwestwater]

I am in exactly the same position with my T22. The day after I heard my T43 was delayed, my backlight went out. Disassembled machine and everything is seated ok.

Just now have the laptop hooked up to my KVM switch. Pain but better than no laptop.

Will be interested to hear what others think

[Ultraviolet]

Lots of views, no advice.

Credit will be given for partial answers!

It seems I'm not the only one out there with this problem...

[JHEM]

If you're comfortable working under the hood of a Thinkpad and have excellent soldering skills, then get a new backlight and a new inverter for your T21 and change them both.

Both widely available on eBay as well as from several members of the Forums.

Regards,

James

[AbsoluteRaleigh]

Lots of views, no advice.

Credit will be given for partial answers!

It seems I'm not the only one out there with this problem...

A new backlight is the best shot.

The SXGAs are an expensive LCD.