Bad 15" display...

[ablem]

Have had several T-series notebooks before and have really appreciated the quality and portability of Thinkpads but received a 2373-3XU with 15" SXGA+ screen this week and the screen does not have the brightness and contrast I would expect from all the positive comments I've heard and read about it.

Most recently I tried a Compaq R3000z with 1280x800 display which has significantly brighter whites with similarly dark blacks giving a higher contrast overall. I don't think it is a case of overdriven brightness on the R3000z.

Have adjusted the keyboard brightness control on the 2373-3XU from lowest to highest brightness and viewed the screen on and off AC power. The viewing angle characteristics of the display are wide and exceptional but whites do not show as bright and clear as expected. Pure RG or B color rendition are fine and there is no color shift.

Appreciate any help concerning possible adjustments (also set the LCD brightness on MaxMiser software to level 7). This unit was delayed because of IBM's 15" screen supply tightness recently and I wonder if it was shipped with a below spec screen and would appreciate any helpful hints on dealing with IBM to address a problem like this (would like the quickest turnaround, least hassle).

Thanks,

Mike

[K. Eng]

Here's what you can do:

(1) Go to IBM Parts lookup: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... sLookup.vm and you can see exactly what was put into your ThinkPad by entering machine type and serial #.

(2) Consult the IBM website about the LCD part #, or ask members here what LCD part # they have and any comments. Also, check the Hardware Maintenence Manual (linked off the ThinkPads.com site) for the part manufacturer.

[ablem]

The P/N I got was 92P6680, LCD panel, 15.0 SXGA+ (ID TECH).

Appears to be common on the 1400x1050 15" Thinkpads.

Appreciate any comments from others on the quality.

Mike