T43 screen coating problem

[unimorpheus]

While cleaning the screen on my T43 I noticed an inch long abrasion on the surface of the laptop screen. I had been looking at this spot for a while and just never got around to cleaning the screen until know as I thought it was just a smudge. I have always noticed a slight track point/keyboard impression on the screen from time to time but this abrasion looks like the keys on the keyboard are starting to rub the antiglare coating off of the display. The abrasion is just to the left of where the trackpoint would touch the screen. Is the display surface a separate panel or is it incorporated into the LCD display? I am wondering how difficult it would be to replace if it continues to worsen. Is this something that is common or am I seeing an excessive amount of screen/lid flex or movement? Any thoughts would be welcome. I have the 14.1" 1400x1050 display.

[JHaislet]

You need to pick up one of these.

http://www.radtech.us/Products/Notebook ... vRzPC.aspx

I've had one since day one with my T43 and the screen looks as good the first day I got it (a year ago this weekend).
I place it on the keyboard whenever I fold the screen down, and my laptop gets carried around every day. This clothe is very smooth and keeps the keys & trackpoint from touching/rubbing/getting oil on the screen.

[JHaislet]

BTW, the (14"-17" std. screen 4:3) fits my 14" T43 screen/keyboard perfectly. It's just the right size...completely covers the keyboard, but nothing hangs out the sides.

[unimorpheus]

Thanks JHaislet.

You would think there would be a millimeter or two of clearance between the LCD and the keyboard. I understand everyone wants the thinnest notebook possible but an interference fit is a bit two close in my opinion. What would you rather have a thin notebook w/ a damaged LCD or a notebook that is 2mm thicker and undamaged?

[JHaislet]

Yeah, unfortunately IBM didn't get the "memo" regarding screen design and key rub. Dell and most other laptop makers put these small rubber bumpers all around the screen, and their screen casing is strong enough so it doesn't flex. If I push on the back of my screen, it flexes in, and I imagine it flexes all the way into the keys when mine is put in the laptop bag and other stuff squeezes against it.

I almost purchased some of those small rubber bumpers from Radtech, but didn't want to put any more pressure on the screen or case, as it was designed to be rather snug when snapped closed, and I didn't want to stretch that out further.

The fabric screensaver thingy has worked excellent for me. One "plus" about it, is its specifically made to clean the screen as well. I frequently wire down my screen with it (sometimes get it damp and use that as well). Also, it's a good idea to wash it every once and awhile with a mild soap (just handwash it at the sink). As it picks up all kinds of oil and dirt from your keyboard if you use the laptop keyboard a lot. For $15, it's probably the best accessory I've purchased for my laptop.

BTW, if you want a cheap solution for the interum, my brother has had good luck using a simple peice of 8.5x11 computer paper. He places it on top the keyboard before folding down the screen. However, he's got a Dell and it has more space between the keyboard and screen. I'd be a little more worried about long-term paper usage with the Thinkpad, as paper too can be a corse and wear off the coating over time.

[christopher_wolf]

Thanks JHaislet.

You would think there would be a millimeter or two of clearance between the LCD and the keyboard. I understand everyone wants the thinnest notebook possible but an interference fit is a bit two close in my opinion. What would you rather have a thin notebook w/ a damaged LCD or a notebook that is 2mm thicker and undamaged?

I have looked at my T43 and there is a significant amount of clearance between the screen and the keyboard when closed. The ony way I can get marks on the screen is if I close it and then press on it for awhile; this is not something I am going to do on a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly basis.

Although I will say that small, sharp, and irregular debris that can stick to the keyboard and around the edges is a far more dangerous threat and is probably what happened. A little crumb of dry bread, which is pretty hard and sharp on the edges, can get lodged in a little crevice and then abrade/scratch the screen when it closes. Worse yet, a little crumb can fall into the keyboard and then, once the Thinkpad is in transit with the screen closed, slip out, jam and then abrade the screen with every jostling movement.

[JHaislet]

@Chris,

I've actually never thought about little crumbs and particles coming back out from under the keyboard and rubbing against the screen. Makes sense though. The Screensaver cloth I've got completely covers the keyboard and seems like it does a good job of keeping the junk inside the keyboard from making contract with the screen.

I cringe when I think what would happen if a small crumb or something hard some how made its way onto the palm rests and then was ground between that and the screen. The only thing worse would be closing your screen on a pen.

Luckly I've trained myself to NEVER put anything on the laptop/keyboard area when working, regardless of what it is. So far, so good!

[davidspalding]

The only impression I've ever had was from a TrackPoint cover.

I would just get a lint-free lcd or sunglass cleaning cloth, available anywhere, and use that then you put your laptop in a bag or something. I have a 3M microfiber cloth that I like very much.

I only get a little "trackpoint footprint" on my screen when the TP has been carried in one of my bags. If you have more than just a light impression, take a look at how you're carrying your TP. Extreme pressure on the lid is not recommended....

[unimorpheus]

Well I said this would probably be a disposable system when I purchased it. Nothing electronic survives for very long in the desert. As far as how it is carried, it get dropped into a neoprene sleeve and then into a Targus laptop bag along with every thing else I have to carry around. I will admit this environment is not well suited for laptops. This is one of the reasons I purchased a ‘T’ series. Just did not feel like dropping $5000.00 on a hardened laptop. I run two harddrives so if the T43 does take a major dump I can drop harddrive two in a new unit and keep going.

[davidspalding]

That's probably excellent packing, even for your environment (I have compadres working over there). Be aware that if you put plenty of other stuff into the Targus, then pressure on the lid may *squeeze* the lid down against the keyboard.

Didn't notice your locale before. If cleaning clothes aren't easy to come by, a piece of laser printer paper will do. I've also used a 3M precise mouse pad when taking my lappie to a café.