Argh! White vertical line on screen - TFT failing?

[boffo]

Since last night my X24 has developed a white vertical line down the screen about 2/5 of the way across. It looks like it's a hardware problem with the TFT itself rather than the graphics card or OS because (1) the line appears in the same place regardless of screen resolution, and (2) when I squeeze the screen between my fingers, the line widens a bit.

Anyone seen anything like this? What was the solution? If it's a replacement TFT, is that something that can be done cheaply? Otherwise I'll just have to buy my next Thinkpad sooner than I had planned.

Thanks in advance for any comments or suggestions.

[Thinkpaddict]

Sorry to hear about your problems with your Thinkpad X24. That problem with vertical lines on the LCD is not unheard of. My first advice would be not to press on the bezel anymore, since that might aggravate the problem.

Most likely, the problem that you are describing can only be fixed by replacing the LCD itself, but first this is what I would do: Take the Thinkpad apart, and reseat the LCD cable connection. Here is the XThinkpad X24 Hardware Maintenance Manual. It is not overly difficult to take apart a Thinkpad even if you haven't done it before, but it might require time and patience. And follow standard procedure (avoid touching electronic components directly, and make sure you are not carrying static charge by touching something metallic and grounded before you touch your Thinkpad.)

In the end, if it ends up being the LCD I would suggest getting a dead (but with a functioning LCD) Thinkpad X2x (shouldn't need to be an X24 as long as the displays are compatible, but check that they are by looking up the parts in the Hardware Maintenance Manual based on the Thinkpad model numbers of your computer and of the intended replacement.) Buying it like this, you might be able to get it really cheap, as I have seen dead X2x go in eBay for as little as $50. Just make sure you get a statement from the seller saying that the LCD is in good condition.

Good luck with it.

EDIT: I just read in your other post that you wouldn't want to open your Thinkpad yourself. In that case, you can either learn to put up with the white line, or you could connect instead an external monitor. Whatever you do, don't take it to a shop to have it looked at, since it might not be very cost effective, and you might be better off selling yours and buying another one.

[boffo]

Thank you for your kind reply. To be honest dismantling the Thinkpad is too much for me to take on.

I just checked the warranty and (surprise surprise) it expired just two weeks ago. I think I'm being sent a message that it's time to upgrade to an X60S!

[Thinkpaddict]

Honestly, I would encourage you to give it a try to dismantle the X24. It is just not too difficult, just requires some patience. Thinkpads have to be one of the best computers to work on because of the way they are built, and because there is plenty of information on how to take them apart. You don't even need to make it a 1 day project, just take your time and ask for help in this forum if needed. I forgot to say earlier that if you decide to take it apart, make sure to label all the screws so that you know which goes where. It will save you a headache later on.

On the other hand...upgrading to an X60s seems like an aweful good idea to me!

[boffo]

In case anyone's wondering how this story turned out - I had a ThinkPad expert look at the X24 (for free!). He concluded that the problem was with the TFT not just something simple with the connector.

So I replaced it with an X60S, which arrived today.