Z60m LCD bottom 2 thirds of screen scrambled (photo attached

[craggy]

Dear all

My Thinkpad model Z60m 2529-FBG LCD screen has suddenly developed a fault that makes it impossible to use without an external monitor (yes that displays fine).

I am pretty sure it is not the inverter as the brightness seems fine.

As you will see from photo, the first third of the screeen displays fine, then the second third displays as if the last horizontal row of pixels has just been stretched down (like a fax machine does when paper jams) and the bottom third displays mainly white.

I was not sure if this was the LCD, or possibly a graphics card or connection problem... I have disconnected most of the cables and reconnected with no change.

Any ideas gratefully received.

Cheers

Craggy[img]http://www.surfives.co.uk/CIMG4119.JPG

[ajkula66]

Welcome to the forum!

Several members have reported similar issues on Z series in the past, please use the "search" function and you'll get quite a few answers.

From what I've gathered, the LCD itself is deteriorating under pressure (flexing), and has to be replaced after a while on some of these units.

Good luck.

[rek]

George is exactly correct in what's going on. You may find that twisting and pressing on various spots of the screen bezel will make the screen work again for a short while, but only permanent fix is an LCD panel replacement. (I've got a Z60m with a similar issue, and tore the screen assembly to bits to find out what was happening). If you don't mind replacing the screen yourself (not as difficult as it sounds) a replacement will cost around 200 USD on eBay.

I'd need to double check this with the HMM, but I think there is just one type of Z60m LCD cable and inverter that supports all screen options the system was shipped with -- so if you had a hankering for a higher res screen, you may be able to buy just a WSXGA+ replacement LCD panel and it should just drop in.

I'm not sure of how the WXGA screens compare, but the LG-Philips WSXGA+ screens are incredibly nice. The LG WSXGA+ panel is model LP154W02(TL)(06).

[craggy]

Thank you for all your advice it is much apprectiated.

I would like to improve the screen quality if at all possible as I expect the cost will be the same anyway...
The screen fitted at the moment is labelled P/N 13N7017, FRU 13N7018 - I also have a photo of the labels on the back if needed.

I have had the LCD switched off since it went wrong but I noticed that it does start to flicker about after a while when it is left on.

Cheers

Craig

[craggy]

Dear Rek

Which LCD would you recommend I order to get the best image/screen quality?

Cheers

Craig

[rek]

Which LCD would you recommend I order to get the best image/screen quality?

I only have experience with the WSXGA+ (1680x1050) resolution 15.4" screens; in this case the LG-Philips is markedly superior to the Samsung.

Your machine has a WXGA (1280x800) panel, of which I have no first-hand experiences of -- someone else may be able to chime in with their views on which brand panels seem to have better image quality than others. Also search the T60 forums -- the 15.4" widescreen T60s use the same panels.

Unfortunately not all panels from each manufacturer are the same visual quality; it seems to vary with size and resolution.

If you are thinking an increased resolution would do well for you, it should be able to put a WSXGA+ panel into your Z60 without any fuss. Though keep in mind that with the higher resolution, you'll gain extra real estate, but the text/icons/etc. will be physically smaller.

What are the FRU/PN numbers of the LCD cable and inverter currently installed in your machine?

[craggy]

Couldnt find the cable part number but inverter looks like AS023165054 A3A... I called IBM parts in UK and they confirmed that the 13N7020 1680x1050 screen will be a direct replacement.

Thanks for All your help.. I will go ahead and order.

Cheers

Craig

[craggy]

The supplier has said he can get an LG-phillips panel: LP154W02-TL06 for me. (apparently this is the manufacturers part no for the IBM 13N7020). The suppliers are hesitant to advse fitting a different panel to the standard.
I have tried to get further comparables on this panel and it seems to be widely used but not with the TL06 suffix, so I am not sure what the differences are.
BR
Craig

[rek]

I have a suspicion the suffix is for vendor specific customisations like glossy screen coatings, screw hole mountings, little supports to hold a circuit board on the bottom, that sort of thing. (I don't know for sure)

Here is the TL06 panel I was looking to get if/when my panel conks out:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... :IT&ih=007

[craggy]

Thanks Rek

Just ordered from your link. A lot cheaper than UK prices.
Cant wait to see if it fixes the problem and also to see the higher res.
Cheers
Craig