Interest in upgrade your T420/T420s/T430/T430s to FHD 1080p

[lightproof]

The screen is working beautifully. What I did notice though is that battery life is terrible after the IPS screen was installed, and I'm using two batteries in my T420s.

It's a known fact that IPS displays uses more power than TN, but I'm sure it's a sacrifice we are all more than willing to make :)

Guess from the next batch onwards I might have to assign certain seller for the source of screens.

I think it's actually a good idea. As long as the seller ships internationally of course.


I'm still not getting the difference between particular screen models. Here is the comparison and they are almost the same except some being glossy (panels B140HAN1.0, B140HAN1.3) or being marked as discontinued (B140HAN1.0, B140HAN1.2).
http://www.panelook.com/modelcompare.ph ... 8920,23640

Is there any reason in getting specifically either B140HAN1.1 or B140HAN1.2 panel for a matte screen?

[ji2o0k]

For what it's worth, I bought my screen from here: hxxp://www.aliexpress.com/item/Original-new-B1 ... 92594.html

I made sure to tell them that I want an exact model with no defects, dead/stuck pixels, white spots or scratches.

The screen is working beautifully. What I did notice though is that battery life is terrible after the IPS screen was installed, and I'm using two batteries in my T420s. I don't mind though because I use the laptop plugged in most of the time but this may be a problem for more mobile users.

hey there...NVM....got the link to work...needed to change the URL to http:///

Is this the real screen or a compatible version?

RMSMajestic - if you can provide a reputable seller of the screen - that would be awesome....

I actually have the -s kit from RMSMajestic but haven't had a chance to buy the screen yet....looking on ebay, I have no idea who is the seller selling the real deal screen vs. a compatible one...

Also, I always thought the screen to buy was the AUO B140HAN01.3 panel.....?

[kk99]

Hi,
I would like to buy one kit for 420s.

[billbradford]

RMSMajestic, I've sent you a PM. I'd like to buy a board for a 420s if any are still available in the last upcoming batch.

[valberti]

I am using T420 (without S) i5-2520m with integrated Intel 3000 grafics, would like to know if flickering problem is solved or could be solved soon? If non-S kits will be available at April? Thanks!!

[bit_twiddler]

As far as power goes, I'm not seeing any increase in usage with my T420 (non-s) with HD3000 IGP.
The IPS screen might burn a half a watt more than the 1600x900 that I had before, and I wouldn't
know.

Just for sake of comparison, I have a T420 with 1 hard drive and 2 SSDs, an MX-200 and a Toshiba Q-Pro,
16GB ram, running Kubuntu 14.04 (Ubuntu with the KDE desktop), and it idles at about 9.5-10 W with
the screen dimmed and Chrome and wifi up with a few tabs. When Chrome is actually doing something
and the screen at a reasonable brightness, the power varies between about 12-16W or so.

If someone is seeing a big difference in power usage, then probably the problem lies elsewhere.

[thinkpadawan]

I'd also like to express my interest in this mod, I recently got my first thinkpad and opted for the T420s specifically with getting this mod in mind.

How many mods will be in this batch BTW?

[Frobe70]

As I've mentioned in the listing please be aware of the chinese sellers (including those from HK) selling refurbished screen or EDID modified screens.... :/
It really cost a little for those sellers to print a B140HAN01.2 label, and most laptops will work regradless of the true screen model as long as the screen is 30 pin edp, however unfortunately this kit doesn't support that many screens.

And yesterday I purchased a B140HAN01.2 (******From a USA seller********), but received a LP140WF3-SPL1 as compatible screen instead.

Guess from the next batch onwards I might have to assign certain seller for the source of screens.

Do you have a suggestion for how we can spot if displays we have bought is genuine?

I have received a display with a sticker B140HAN01.2 H/W:0A F/W:1 Manufactured 14/8.
It has stainless steel frame, not spotted (zinc plated?) as I hace seen in some pictures when I google it.
On the green PCB visible through cutouts in the black plastic foil there are some component identifications, may this be used as verification?
I have R254 located over the center of the LCD connector.


Edit: According to photos online it looks like I have received a BOE NV140FHM-N41 with a fake sticker. Seems like the M16830NEEDCDB**** sticker in lower left part of frame is original from manufacturer, and the frame design look identical to BOE: http://www.panelook.com/NV140FHM-N41_BO ... 26179.html

It was purchased from this seller, claiming it to be "Exact / Original Model B140HAN01.2 Matte 14.0" LED Screen 1920*1080 iPS Panel":
http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_odkw=&L ... t&_sacat=0

[Kasm279]

I'd be super interested in one of these kits, but for use in a Latitude E6430. From what I can tell this board goes between the standard LVDS connector and the eDP connector on the new panel, both of which are standard. Is this correct? If so, it'd definitely work on the E6430.

[ji2o0k]

For a screen, I finally bit the bullet and purchased a used Grade A 14" B140HAN01.3 from a Dell Latitude E7440.

I believe a few pages back, a user confirmed that this screen worked well on their modded T420...

This is from a US ebay seller - so hoping what I get is the real deal! Keep everyone posted...

[RMSMajestic]

Do you have a suggestion for how we can spot if displays we have bought is genuine?

I have received a display with a sticker B140HAN01.2 H/W:0A F/W:1 Manufactured 14/8.
It has stainless steel frame, not spotted (zinc plated?) as I hace seen in some pictures when I google it.
On the green PCB visible through cutouts in the black plastic foil there are some component identifications, may this be used as verification?
I have R254 located over the center of the LCD connector.


Edit: According to photos online it looks like I have received a BOE NV140FHM-N41 with a fake sticker. Seems like the M16830NEEDCDB**** sticker in lower left part of frame is original from manufacturer, and the frame design look identical to BOE: http://www.panelook.com/NV140FHM-N41_BO ... 26179.html

It was purchased from this seller, claiming it to be "Exact / Original Model B140HAN01.2 Matte 14.0" LED Screen 1920*1080 iPS Panel":
http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_odkw=&L ... t&_sacat=0

That's exactly the seller which another buyer got a counterfeit screen from.....
Better return it straight away and leave a negative feedback to warn others.

I'll look into the this matter and post some recommended souce next batch

[Tasurinchi]

This is really bad, if the vendors manipulate the EDID it means that Hardware Information Software will still detect the "fake" model, right?

[Lockheed]

I read some posts about IPS eating into battery life. Since I have a t420s which already has a limited battery life, I am considering giving up on IPS and instead going for X1 carbon screen, as per this wiki post: http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Replacing ... better_one

Does anyone know how much of battery life would I be giving up if I went with IPS instead of X1 screen?

[brchan]

IPS screens use around 15% more power than TN screens. For most, this is a minor drawback compared to the huge benefits of a solid IPS display. The only solid TN screen from Lenovo was the FHD display in W/T510 - W/T530 models. Still, the viewing angles couldn't match IPS ones. Stick with IPS when you can.

[Lockheed]

IPS screens use around 15% more power than TN screens. For most, this is a minor drawback compared to the huge benefits of a solid IPS display. The only solid TN screen from Lenovo was the FHD display in W/T510 - W/T530 models. Still, the viewing angles couldn't match IPS ones. Stick with IPS when you can.

I don't know. IPS option is more than twice the cost of the TN option, requires sourcing part from the other end of the earth (US) and eats into battery and is very hi-res (IMO bit too high for such a small display).
TN X1 option is 45% price of the IPS, is locally available and fairs pretty good when compared to IPS according to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOkNKaKqzYg

In light of this, I struggle to justify IPS option.

[lightproof]

...fairs pretty good when compared to IPS according to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOkNKaKqzYg

In light of this, I struggle to justify IPS option.

A TN, no matter how good, can never even start to fair well compared to an IPS. Viewing angles and color gamut are simply superior in a sense that I can't tell two color tones apart on TN when they are clearly different on my external IPS display. And my X-Rite colorimeter agrees with me on that. TN just uses a bit less energy, and is much much cheaper to manufacture, but that's all.
Go for IPS and your eyes will thank you later. Better to experience full range of beautiful midtones from any angle than some half-a$$ed color palette from one :)

I agree that ppi is a bit too high, but it's better that and sourcing a part from other end of Earth than a TN display!

[Lockheed]

What you say about TN fits my current stock t420s rubbish TN, but I don't feel like you are giving X1's TN justice. Of course picture quality will always be better on IPS, but is the difference worth it when compared to one of the best TNs available?

[lightproof]

Short answer: yes, the difference is worth it.

Look, a TN is a TN, no matter how hard manufacturers try. I too have considered X1 display in my T430s for some time, but scrapped the idea the minute I learned about the possibility of installing an IPS. As far as my research got me, X1 display is on par with MacBook Air, which is considered one of the best TN screens. And this "one of the best" still looks crappy next to my 9 years old middle class desktop IPS. It's got vertical color shift, color inversion, poor side to side angles, black not being even nearly black -- all of the typical TN issues. These are simply technological shortcomings and you can improve them only up to a certain point. Remember slow early TNs with mouse pointer traces and smudging? There is no more of that, but some things you can't overcome within the same technology. And with TNs it's viewing angles and, most importantly -- colors. The actual color range a TN display can reproduce is much less than that of an IPS, with the most problematic being rich and vivid, and also dark saturated colors. If you use your thinkpad as a typewriter only, then go for X1 display, it will be sufficent. Otherwise, investing in an IPS screen will dramatically increase your laptop experience, be it movies, photos, web browsing or anything else.

If you happen to have never seen a TN and IPS side by side I strongly advise you to go to nearest computer store and see the difference for yourself.

[bit_twiddler]

AFAIK, the X1 TN to T420 (or T420s) swap is mechanically not straightforward. I don't believe that the mounting holes
are in the right place, a special cable adapter is needed, etc.

Whereas, the IPS to T420s is mechanically pretty simple, according to what I have heard.
(I haven't actually done the swap to a T420s yet, only a T420, and that was mechanically simple.)

Being lazy, I would do the easier swap rather than wind up with a bucket full of nuts and bolts.

[MaksVal]

Hi!

How I can buy a upgrade kit?
Can I install to T4X0s versions?

Thanks!!!

[billbradford]

I inquired to RMSMajestic about sending Paypal for a board for a t420s, but was told "just monitor the thread for availability".

I guess they're no longer orderable?

[turomini]

I inquired to RMSMajestic about sending Paypal for a board for a t420s, but was told "just monitor the thread for availability".

I guess they're no longer orderable?

Their sold out at the moment, but he is working on acquiring more.

[evertonfc]

Hi guys, first time poster here.

Looking to upgrade the screen on my T430s to the 1080p FHD IPS. The LCD panel is broken; so I figured I might as well go and get a top notch panel to replace it.

Looking forward to the next batch of upgrade kits being made available. Very keen to start making this happen!



PS: Does anyone know if rmsmajestic posts to Australia?

[Lockheed]

Rather than submitting requests in the thread, perhaps keeping track of people who order the kit would be easier and more reliable with some kind of Google Doc spreadsheet to which anyone could add him/herself?

[ji2o0k]

AFAIK, the X1 TN to T420 (or T420s) swap is mechanically not straightforward. I don't believe that the mounting holes
are in the right place, a special cable adapter is needed, etc.

Whereas, the IPS to T420s is mechanically pretty simple, according to what I have heard.
(I haven't actually done the swap to a T420s yet, only a T420, and that was mechanically simple.)

Being lazy, I would do the easier swap rather than wind up with a bucket full of nuts and bolts.

This is true...if you read the wiki on installing the X1 Carbon screen on a T420/T430 (or -s) version...it isn't straightforward at all.

The x1 Carbon tn panel lcd cable connector is on the wrong side, so you need to order a lcd connector that is long enough to reach to the other side. So far, sellers that sell this cable the cable isn't the best quality and requires you to fold the cable.

Also, the mounting holes don't mount properly and requires you to use double sided tape to hold it in place...

I was thinking of the X1 tn screen but it isn't cheap either....plus the extender cable..which might give u problems down the road..

So I decided to stick with the mod kit

[Lockheed]

The x1 Carbon tn panel lcd cable connector is on the wrong side, so you need to order a lcd connector that is long enough to reach to the other side. So far, sellers that sell this cable the cable isn't the best quality and requires you to fold the cable.

You are forgetting that for IPS you need a whole device, not just a cable, imported from another end of the world. And with TN you can get a cable for 3 USD (not 50 USD), locally.

On top of that, the screen is cheaper, too. It isn't that clear cut. If I had easy access to the converter, then it would be easier to make such a decision. But as it stands now - I don't know.

plus the extender cable..which might give u problems down the road..

While in the IPS kit there is an extender cable + a whole device. Seems like more points of failure to me.

[lightproof]

Lockheed, I think you are mixing things up a bit here. Both solutions require you to do some relatevely advanced stuff -- one with additional converter and another with some cable. Thinkwiki has an article about the X1 mod and none of the options described there are really straightforward. In both cases you need more skills than required to replace a HDD or add some RAM. On the other hand, I can't see how hard can it be to follow a detailed guide with photos - all you really need is to know how to use a screwdriver, steady hands, some confidence and common sense.

While in the IPS kit there is an extender cable + a whole device. Seems like more points of failure to me.

As far as I understand, RMSMajestic tests every one of the boards he sells, plus there is a history of successfully performed mods from the community, so the chance of falure is really slim. And I can't see a problem getting something from around the globe - I order stuff from China, USA and Europe all the time.

It seems that the price plays a major role in your considerations. Installing an IPS panel with this mod is an investment, like getting a good SSD or 16GB of RAM. In fact, I consider a ThinkPad itself an investment, as do most people as they buy them for ruggedness, durability, performance and long life. You already have a great laptop with great hardware and even BIOS upgrade, so investing in an IPS makes sense. But if you expect to switch to a different laptop in a year, it would probably be reasonable to skip the upgrades altogether.

I already said about image quality before - сolor depth, viewing angles, etc. I don't know from what computer backgrond do you come from, so here is a very good side by side comparison of an IPS display and probably one of the best desktop TNs out there - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79r5rxS276Y

In any case, if you prefer X1 mod, go for it, it's not so expensive and still better than stock display. But if you have resources to do an IPS mod, I'd rather use this quite unique opportunity and get it.


On a side note: when I perform the mod myself, I will calibrate the display and post the ICC profile here. It will be for either B140HAN01.1 or B140HAN01.2, depending on which one I get.

[bit_twiddler]

Lockheed, I'm looking at a review of the X1C Gen 2:

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Upd ... 315.0.html

and it looks like a fairly decent TN screen. But, you haven't told us why you want to upgrade.
Are you going to be doing digital photography or proofing web pages? Play games?
Hack some code?

Or, are you simply upgrading from an HD screen and want HD+ or FHD?

If you just want HD+, you could just get an HD+ screen from someone on this
forum who is upgrading to FHD. (You would also need a new cable.) It would be a lot easier
than messing around with a conversion from an X1C. Really, the X1C to T420/T430 conversion process
looks half-baked to me, especially when it comes to extending the cable.

I am playing with a T420s that I picked up on ebay for about $100. It has an HD+ screen,
and, while it is nowhere near good enough for an pictorial work, it's good enough for working
with text. It's certainly better than most of the crappy monitors that I had during my
programming career.

[Lockheed]

Lockheed, I think you are mixing things up a bit here. Both solutions require you to do some relatevely advanced stuff -- one with additional converter and another with some cable. Thinkwiki has an article about the X1 mod and none of the options described there are really straightforward. In both cases you need more skills than required to replace a HDD or add some RAM. On the other hand, I can't see how hard can it be to follow a detailed guide with photos - all you really need is to know how to use a screwdriver, steady hands, some confidence and common sense.

That in no way disagrees with what I wrote. Someone wrote that IPS is less work/failure potential than TN. I argued that both cable mod and IPS mod require some advanced work. And if anything, the IPS mod requiring cable+converter seems more work than just the cable for the TN. And thus, more points of failure.

As far as I understand, RMSMajestic tests every one of the boards he sells, plus there is a history of successfully performed mods from the community, so the chance of falure is really slim. And I can't see a problem getting something from around the globe - I order stuff from China, USA and Europe all the time.

The potential point of failure is not the supply chain, but post-assembly. Even if the assembly is successful, there are two parts (cable + converter) as opposed to one part (cable) in X1 TN mod, thus two fail points vs one with TN panel. Plus, IPS mod costs twice as much, and sourcing the converter takes long time vs getting a TN cable locally for 3 USD in one day.

It seems that the price plays a major role in your considerations. Installing an IPS panel with this mod is an investment, like getting a good SSD or 16GB of RAM. In fact, I consider a ThinkPad itself an investment, as do most people as they buy them for ruggedness, durability, performance and long life. You already have a great laptop with great hardware and even BIOS upgrade, so investing in an IPS makes sense. But if you expect to switch to a different laptop in a year, it would probably be reasonable to skip the upgrades altogether.

The price is a factor, but not the main one. The main factor is availability. To source the converter, it needs to travel lots of space and time before I receive it. Battery life is a secondary factor. Price is third on that list. If I had both options readily available, I would probably not think twice and just get IPS. But that option is not just more expensive, but also less attainable.

I already said about image quality before - сolor depth, viewing angles, etc. I don't know from what computer backgrond do you come from, so here is a very good side by side comparison of an IPS display and probably one of the best desktop TNs out there - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79r5rxS276Y

Don’t get me wrong - I understand IPS produces better picture. I am just trying to gauge if the difference between IPS and that particular X1 TN panel is significant enough for it to justify the extra trouble/time/money.


A note about me:
I don’t think I ever saw an IPS in person. I come from a W500 which had pretty decent TN panel. Certainly better than what I have now in T420s. It is HD+, and I am fine with the resolution. I think 1080 might be an overkill for such a small display, but it probably won't be much different. I occasionally do woth with Photoshop and graphics processing, but mainly watch movies, surf, write and work on it. Main reason I want to change is terrible viewing angles of that [censored] TN panel. I am also slightly worried of ghosting on IPS screen.

PS
Now, If there was a way to get an 16:10 IPS into t420s (even with filing off the bottom bezel), I would not waste any more time on deciding

[ji2o0k]

Lockheed - not sure where you are sourcing the X1 Carbon TN panel but for me (located in Canada) - the price of a new X1 Carbon TN panel vs a AUO panel is pretty close.

Maybe because of the weak CDN $$.

In any case, I agree that both mods are not simple but given that there hasn't been a reputable seller of the LCD extender cable for the X1 TN mod (and on the Thinkwiki page - someone did have success with folding the extender cable but only to have the stability of the screen degrade within 1 yr due to the cable being folded). Sure, the extender cable isn't too expensive but if I need to order at least 3 cables just as back up and also wait at least 1 month for them...might as well stock up in case you run into any future problems.

While some here have outlined some issues with the mod kit - seems like for the most part - as long as you get a real AUO panel you are good to go.

In addition, I have been a little spoiled with the IPS panel coming from a ASUS UX31A Primebook - the screen was absolutely gorgeous to watch movies but the lack of upgradability (RAM was soldered - 4GB max AND proprietary SSD) made me decide to sell it and grab a Thinkpad.

My T430s has 16GB of ram - 500GB SSD and if I can get this IPS panel on - I am good to go!! Only other thing I am thinking of is the AC wireless card and maybe a mSata drive down the road....

In any case, really depends on what you are looking to do and if you do get the X1 Carbon TN panel mod done - I would be interested in finding out where you got the LCD extender cable....my buddy was thinking of the X1 Carbon TN panel mod as well...gluck!