UL version and retrofitting SXGA+ screen?

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rkuo · #1 Post by **rkuo** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 12:52 am

So...two questions.

The first is that I would like to get the UL version of the X60s with integrated WWAN. Lenovo's site seems to have a gazillion different ways to purchase the X series and I cannot find out how to get the particular mix of features I'm looking for. Basically, I want the LED backlit screen (which is the UL) and the integrated WWAN...and the rest stripped down as much as possible because I'll be upgrading everything else myself. How did you guys purchase the correct model?

And second...

The X60 series is ideal in a lot of ways for me but the resolution of the screen is just too low. So I know it sounds crazy, but I think this might actually be possible to retrofit the LCD.

Take a look at this site. http://www.screentekinc.com/ The FAQ says that it's possible in a lot of cases to upgrade the resolution. If I managed to swap the screen out I'd have something really really close to my idea of the perfect laptop.

The Thinkpad uses a standard Intel chipset so I have no idea why swapping in an SXGA+ screen wouldn't just work given someone who knew what they were doing. It might cost a few bucks but I'd definitely be willing to do it. Has anyone tried it or thought about trying it? Maybe someone could give them a call?

christopher_wolf · #2 Post by **christopher_wolf** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 1:01 am

Welcome to the Thinkpad Forums

First off, find the model you are looking for in the tabook.pdf; it lists all the possible combinations outside of a clienting calling for a CTO build. Next, call them up and see what they can do about the pricing on it and availability.

For the screen? It is going to be *very* tricky. I only know of one person on these forums that got an LCD from something other than a Thinkpad to work on a T23; also, a T23 is way different than an X60.

Upgrade the resolution? You can, but the video adapter has to be able to support it. If, by some crazy chance, the X60 refuses to support the higher resolution, then you are in a good deal of trouble.

If you search the forum awhile, you will find threads where people have tried to upgrade the resolution on their Thinkpad from the previous LCD, which might have been old or starting to go, with a new Thinkpad LCD....Say, from SXGA+ to UXGA; although I think that XGA to UXGA wouldn't work.

rkuo · #3 Post by **rkuo** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 1:11 am

Thanks for the quick response!

I'm certain the video chipset itself can handle it, since both the X60 and the Toshiba M400 use this chipset and the M400 has the SXGA+ screen.

I suppose if no one else here has done it then I may be the first to try it when I end up ordering. The company in that URL is located about a mile down the road from where I work and I currently have a Toshiba M200. In theory I could just drop off the two laptops and have them swap the screens or try whatever screens they have.

christopher_wolf · #4 Post by **christopher_wolf** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 2:34 am

rkuo wrote:Thanks for the quick response!

I'm certain the video chipset itself can handle it, since both the X60 and the Toshiba M400 use this chipset and the M400 has the SXGA+ screen.

I suppose if no one else here has done it then I may be the first to try it when I end up ordering. The company in that URL is located about a mile down the road from where I work and I currently have a Toshiba M200. In theory I could just drop off the two laptops and have them swap the screens or try whatever screens they have.

I would be very interested to see if they actually could get it to work as well. Just be sure that you minimize the risk to your X60.

bold.eagle · #5 Post by **bold.eagle** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 2:38 am

Retrofitting should be no problem with the T-series, but with the X -series?
Even if the video chipset itself can handle it, where would you get the right LCD form factor for the display? That is: Does the M200 LCD really fit in the X-series display? And does your new LCD have the same connectors in the right places?

Be that as it may, it will be interesting to hear about the outcome of your efforts.

rkuo · #6 Post by **rkuo** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 3:05 pm

Got a reply from ScreenTek. He's asking if I know the LCD part number off the physical back of the LCD in the X60s. I assume it's the same as the screens in the X41, which are listed on their site, but I don't have any first hand verification of that. Do any of you happen to know? Sometimes these laptops have software that will show you what panel is in the computer. Of course, if any of you want to look inside the lid, that's cool too. =) Otherwise, I'll have to order, take it to them, and hope for a compatible panel when they look inside it.

trentblase · #7 Post by **trentblase** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 5:09 pm

rkuo wrote:Got a reply from ScreenTek. He's asking if I know the LCD part number off the physical back of the LCD in the X60s. I assume it's the same as the screens in the X41, which are listed on their site, but I don't have any first hand verification of that. Do any of you happen to know? Sometimes these laptops have software that will show you what panel is in the computer. Of course, if any of you want to look inside the lid, that's cool too. =) Otherwise, I'll have to order, take it to them, and hope for a compatible panel when they look inside it.

Unlikely that it's the same part number as the X41 screen. It's not THAT hard to open the laptop, and it's not like just opening it voids your warranty, right?

Antioch · #8 Post by **Antioch** » Wed Jun 28, 2006 8:18 am

Wow! This is just what I wanted, a higher resolution X60s!

Keep us updated! I'm very interested in seeing what happens.

As for the chipset supporting it, it should. I even recall seeing in one or the new BIOS updates a line specifically saying *added support for 1400x1050 resolution*.

I hope ScreenTek can do it, and if so post pictures! Lot of pictures! If they can get it to work I might just ship my X60s over to them and get a little upgrade myself =D

PTzero · #9 Post by **PTzero** » Wed Jun 28, 2006 8:21 am

Keep us updated about getting that SXGA+ screen on your X60. I'd love to get that resolution on mine too.

rkuo · #10 Post by **rkuo** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 1:24 am

Hey, asking a quick favor. Can anyone here who actually owns a X60 or X60s please install Powerstrip (http://www.entechtaiwan.com/util/ps.shtm, http://www.entechtaiwan.com/files/pstrip.exe), and once the util is running, do the following.

1. Right click on the tray icon.
2. Pick Options/Monitor information
3. Look at the data, try changing the "read from" box to get more info. I found "read data from stored EDID" to give the most useful information.

It should report back the manufacturer of your LCD panel and possibly other information as well.

And please report back here afterwards. Thanks!

smvp6459 · #11 Post by **smvp6459** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 12:12 pm

All it says under model is:
PNP09FE

The only other information it lists that might be useful is: Analog: .7v

ssimon · #12 Post by **ssimon** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 8:07 am

Just got my X60 today and I am also very eager to find out if the LCD can be upgraded. It is a great laptop, but after using the T60p with the discrete ATI at 1440x1050 it kills me to look at 1024x760 again!

Is there not a section on the Lenovo site where you can enter the model # and serial of your machine and get the actual SKU's of all the parts??? I just do not recall where it is off hand...

Keep us posted, please!

trentblase · #13 Post by **trentblase** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 1:04 pm

ssimon wrote:Is there not a section on the Lenovo site where you can enter the model # and serial of your machine and get the actual SKU's of all the parts???

Check out the FAQ on this forum... I believe they answer this question.

Antioch · #14 Post by **Antioch** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 10:45 am

No updates?

I guess not, it is 4th of July weekend afterall! =D

Antioch · #15 Post by **Antioch** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 9:06 am

Still nothing?

rkuo · #16 Post by **rkuo** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 2:01 pm

Won't really be able to make progress until I get a X60s in, which is dependent on some job-related stuff I'm doing. Then I'll have to take apart both notebooks and look at whether or not the screens and connectors are compatible.

I'm not sure ScreenTek is interested in taking the time to investigate this just based on my e-mails. I think if other people started e-mailing them, however, they might decide to take a closer look. Otherwise, I'll just have to look at it when I get my X series in.

lucas · #17 Post by **lucas** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 10:55 pm

does this page help at all?

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-62914

nexx · #18 Post by **nexx** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 8:31 pm

Hi, any updates?

UL version and retrofitting SXGA+ screen?

UL version and retrofitting SXGA+ screen?

updates?

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