T23 Screen Issues

[69_rs_ss]

I was given a T23 from a friend that was sitting around in a closet for at least a year, maybe even 2. It runs great and the battery is still in very good condition, but I do have an issue with the screen. At very random times, especially after I move the computer the screen will go black. The backlight is still on but the screen is black and I will have to move the screen a hair for it to go back to normal. Has anyone seen this issue? Could it hopefully be something small such as a bad cable connection?

[rkawakami]

I'd say that's a pretty good guess. If a tiny movement of the lid (screen) is the only thing which causes the display to work or not, then that's the likely problem. If, however, you are talking about moving the base of the system, then that might point to the motherboard. You may also try gently flexing the lid back and forth with both hands (right hand pull forward, left hand push back and then the opposite; limit movement to only about 1mm of travel) and see if that also makes the display flicker off and on.

There's TWO points to consider with the cable connection: the connector which plugs into the motherboard and the one on the opposite end of the ribbon cable that slides into the back of the LCD panel. Most of the time if you simply re-seat the connector(s) that can make the problem go away.

[69_rs_ss]

It really only happens when slightly moving the screen, not the base. The other thing I am thinking of is would it just be better to grab a new SXGA screen on ebay or the marketplace since this screen is just the normal 14.1 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD? I will definately try the connectors for now though as it gets annoying after a while having to constantly shift the screen when a tiny bump knocks it black.

[rkawakami]

You can upgrade to an SXGA+ (1400x1050) screen as long as you also change the ribbon cable. The XGA cable is FRU 27L0640; the SXGA+ cable is FRU 27L0590.