LCD Replacement. How'z it work? New inverter? Or just panel?

[DiagonalArg]

Hi all!

I've never replaced a screen before, so excuse the newbie question. I have a T61p with a 42x4641 (Samsung LTN154P2-L05, 15.4" 1680x1050). I need to replace it. I see that the 42T0423 (LG LP154W02-TL10) is considered the best option. Can I just replace the panel with the LG? Or do I need a new inverter? Anything else I might need to change?

I also noticed that I could opt for a 1920x1200 screen. Choices are:
42T0408, Samsung LTN154U2-L05
42T0361, LG LP154WU1-TLB1

and also a Sharp LQ0DZA0043 as described here: http://thinkpad-forum.de/threads/147154 ... ight=sharp

Is the LG also considered better than the Samsung at this resolution? If I go for one of these higher res screens, is there any question of changing anything other than the panel?

Thanks!
/DA

[Tasurinchi]

Those models will work out of the box, and you'll just need to swap the panels (provided the rest of your components are not defective). LG is better than the Samsung, and some people claim the Sharp is even better than the LG.

I would also check what's the manufacturing date of your T61p, since it's one of the models with the (in)famous Nvidia bug. You'll see it at the bottom of the laptop after the model number and S/N. If the date is before 08/08 I would then buy cheapest panel you can find

[DiagonalArg]

Thanks, Tasurinchi. I am aware of the GPU problem, but I'm not clear on the probability of immanent death. The 1680x1050 LG's are going for $40.

As for mobo's, they are also about $40 on ebay; but thought I'm clear on the 08/08 date, I'm not clear which mobo FRU's might be ok. Do you know? If it's really just $40, I wouldn't mind replacing it.

(One of the reasons for my having the T61p was the nvidia, since they have Linux drivers. Too bad it turned out to be a dud.)

[Tasurinchi]

I think it is safe to say that all Mobos prior to 08/08 are going to die sooner or later. You may contact forum member TuuS, he's the T61 Guru around here

40 for a panel seems reasonable for me. The WUXGA resolution is great on 15.4" so you could give it a try if you have budget or you can find a good offer. You could eventually use it in a T500/W500 if you want to upgrade later.

My 2 cents...