Flexview LCDs - inside dust and dark spots problem

[thinkpadlover07]

Hi everyone,

I see that some forum members are big fans of the Flexview Thinkpads. Partially based on this enthusiasm (and because I wanted to upgrade), I recently bought a 15" UXGA T42p from another forum member. However, I must say I've been somewhat disappointed by the screen so far, as I've noticed that there are several spots about dead-center caused by dust BEHIND the screen.

Troels, posted on this topic about a month ago with very good pictures:
"LCD issue appearing out of the blue"
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=51613

I have the same exact problem, but now I'm even getting one or two dark spots on the LCD (most likely not pressure marks, but probably unrelated to the dust). The screen is clean, trust me, and I don't work/live in a desert.

I followed up with the two forum members in that thread, Troels and erik, and erik confirmed that dust getting inside (somehow) happens again just several months after LCD replacement by IBM. It's almost as if the LCD is not properly sealed against dust.

I've read a lot here on the forum about the darker edges of the Flexview screen (mine sure does, at the bottom right corner). However, I'm disappointed to see that this particular flaw concerning dust inside the LCD and dark spots, of (at least) the 15" UXGA panels, has never been fully addressed by forum members.

I'm definitely keeping my T42p, but I think we should also be cautious regarding selling/buying of Flexview Thinkpads, instead of giving/receiving blind enthusiasm. Before I made my purchase, it would have been nice to have been informed about this problem endemic to the Flexview. So, that's why I'm posting here, to let a possible truth be known.

I'm making this a poll question to see how many other Flexview owners have had the same or similar problem.

Thanks,

-Robert

[thinkpadlover07]

thread is ok.

[ajkula66]

I've had this issue (dirt, dark spots, both) on quite a few machines, and after finding it annoying/confusing initially, decided that the FlexViews are worth being annoyed by, since nothing is perfect anyway...

I don't think that this is necessarily just the atribute of IPS screens, because I've had it on other machines as well, notably on couple of T23s that I can remember at the moment, but am sure there were others. It's just that the high-resolution and quality of FlexView LCDs make it more visible, especially on somewhat lighter backgrounds.

Would I like to see a cure for this? Most certainly. However, that will have to come from someone else, because I've stopped playing with LCDs a long time ago...

[underclocker]

I'm not sure if I've seen black spots or dust spots, but I've definitely seen medium gray colored splotches. I'd say the size varied from a pin head to several pin heads in width and length. The patterns have been irregular, not like pressure marks or hot spots.

Generally, not too bothersome, but not great either.

However, I have also seen some absolutely perfect FlexView displays. These are stunning. My current T42 (2379-DXU) is perfect, it is a recent under warranty replacement due to a very weak backlight on the original unit.

I'd say a slightly imperfect FlexView is still better than most other LCD's.

[Troels]

I think it's an annoying defect - to me, the problem seems rather random. At the various XGA 15" LCDs i see, i wouldn't be able to notice dust particles due to the pixel pitch size.
On the other hand i've seen a Z60m with a 15.4" WXGA with dust problems too. I have an SXGA+ Flexview in my T42 (which is does not belong to me any longer), which is flawless when it comes to dust particles.
Coincidentially, it's the same exact T42 model as Underclocker's.

A UXGA screen i bought used which came from a T42p had several dust particles in the middle of the screen.

I have not tried to look for any issues with other laptops, but i'm afraid it can happen on any screen.
Most people don't talk about it because they don't care... they can even ignore pressure marks as if they were never there. It would drive me nuts.