UXGA Flexview - dark spots?

[thinkpadlover07]

I've had some terrible luck with my T42p and its UXGA Flexview screen. Since December 2007, I have sent it back to Lenovo Executive Support two times due to dark spots and dust specs problems. Each time, it has taken a month for the LCD to be replaced, but the dark spots and dust specs keep coming back!

I asked the technician at Lenovo Executive Support what causes the dark spots, and he literally told me that he did not know. He agreed with me that they look to be pressure marks.

Right now, my LCD has one circular dark spot smack dab where the Trackpoint would contact the screen, even though I use a Radtech Screensaverz cloth to cover the keyboard and a Waterfield sleeve when I transport it. There is also another small dark spot toward the upper left.

I'm suggesting that a perfect UXGA Flexview (NO dark spots or dust specs) is not possible or extremely hard to maintain, unless it sits on a desktop forever.

How many of you have a UXGA Flexview screen that has dark spots (look like clear spots when you tilt the LCD to an extreme angle) or dust specs? How many of you have a perfect UXGA Flexview?

If it is perfect, please let us know whether it is a T4xp, R5xp or a T6xp?

Thanks. Please vote in the poll.

-Robert

[ajkula66]

I don't think that dark spots, and especially not dust specs or hairs (yep, had these too) have much to do with keeping your machine as a desktop, in one spot all of its life.

Having owned a three-digit number of FlexView-equipped ThinkPads I have yet to understand how these things happen. My assumption that some of it (dust, hair) has to be within the initial production stage...and I've seen these issues on absolutely all FlexView machines, regardless of model or LCD manufacturer.

Now let's see what I presently have around me...

a) 2x A31p (2653-R4U and R5U) - perfect LCDs, no dust, hair, pressure marks...beautiful.
b) R50p (1832-22U) same as above.
c) T42p (2378-EZU) same as above
d) T43p (2687-D5U) bad dark spots, some dust specs.
e) 2x T60 (2007-55U) one dust spec on #1, perfect LCD on #2

Hope this helps.

[goofyGAguy]

Well, I have an R51 with an SXGA+ FlexView, not a UXGA, with no spots or dust specks whatsoever. Just wish it was brighter.

[thinkpadlover07]

Thanks for the replies and votes so far. George, I guess you can understand my frustration because my T42p came back from Executive Support this past February with a PERFECT screen. However, the dust specs and dark spots developed within a month of getting it back. I keep it in a Waterfield sleeve whenever I transport it in my messenger bag. Argh, thanks though. It's reassuring to hear that the problem is very common, but it doesn't make it acceptable.

Let's try to keep this thread alive. Anyone else?

[KristianJ]

There's a very minor darkish/smudgish spot on my T42p's LCD about a third of the way down from the top and a third of the way in from the left. Other than that, on a white background I can't distinguish any other imperfections.

[Johan]

Well, I have an R51 with an SXGA+ FlexView, not a UXGA, with no spots or dust specks whatsoever. Just wish it was brighter.

If your LCD has become more dull (= less bright) over time - as compared to new - then the explanation might be that the CCFL is getting a bit worn out; ask jamiphar if he think a new CCFL would restore your brightness; see the thread LCD CCFL Backlight Repair/GPU Rework - I'll fix it for you!. Note James' first-class customer feedback, even from many picky ThinkPad enthusiasts!

Johan

[kajencik]

I have the R50p, the screen is perfect as far as I can say at normal brightness levels, no pressure marks or dark spots, but I've seen some red tint already when on battery and at lowest brightness level, for now, I switched the LCD to not go darker when on battery and it's fine, but I know there will be no other way than to change the backlight in the future, or a get new LCD... But never mind, I'm 100% happy with the LCD and I'm carrying the R50p quite around, taking it often by the bus when going to work and it works flawlessly, including the LCD, in any situation.

[Jesper Juul]

I have the exact same problem with a couple of T43P's and it driving me nuts. One of them have been "repaired" 3 times, and this time it's been to the repair shop for more than 4 months, and it seems they have trouble getting new Flexview screens, perhaps in general or just without any errors on them. But it's a nice excuse to upgrade to a T61P even though it definitely has a much worse screen that the Flexview screens.

[jimmy274]

T60, 15" SXGA+ FlexView, absolutely PERFECT, no dark spots...

[ajkula66]

I'm so glad that you've joined the FlexView Owners club, jimmy274...now you understand what I've been talking about all along...

[jimmy274]

It's a shock George - I couldn't believe it was that different... The downside is that I'll probably start to hate standard TNs... which could be a problem once this T60 becomes older

[thinkpadlover07]

jimmy and jesper, great to hear from people halfway around the world. thanks for your input.

again, i'd like to keep this thread focused on UXGA Flexviews. it has become very clear that SXGA Flexview screens are largely immune to dark spot and dust specs.

thanks! (or for jesper, mange tak!)

[ajkula66]

thinkpadlover07 wrote:

again, i'd like to keep this thread focused on UXGAFlexviews. it has become very clear that SXGA Flexview screens are largely immune to dark spot and dust specs.

Since you've started this poll, you have the right to direct the course of the thread associated with it. The statement above, however, is very far from being accurate.

Some of the absolutely worst dark spots and dust specs I've seen were associated with T42 and T43 SXGA+ 15" IPS units.

[thinkpadlover07]

darn George, I guess we can't win... unless you have a pristine Flexview that has been perfect from Day 1. Thanks for that. Cheers to the flawed but beautiful!

[dr_st]

Some of the absolutely worst dark spots and dust specs I've seen were associated with T42 and T43 SXGA+ 15" IPS units.

I agree. I never saw a "dark spot" but I've had two IPS SXGA+ LCDs on my T42, and both had dust specs. My first screen had quite a few of them. Eventually the screen was replaced due to another defect which was more like a "bright spot". Maybe it's the same type of defect that you describe as "dark spot", but on my screen it was never dark, and was only only visible from certain angles .

The new screen I got had a very nasty black dust spec. I finally decided to go and have this spec removed under warranty, and surprise, surprise, it disappeared by itself.

[KristianJ]

I third the SXGA+ and it being just as prone. My former T42 (which is still in the family) has a couple of noticeable ares where specks and imperfections can be noted. They don't distract too much, but it does mean that the LCD ain't pristine

[thinkpadlover07]

just me bumping my own thread. would anyone else like to contribute their 2 cents?

is anyone else able to live with the dark spots/dust specs, since most panels are mediocre TN ones?

[madboyv1]

My 15" UXGA screen (which is by far one of the best and sharpest screens I've ever used I might add) has one good sized dark spot, and multiple specs in one relative area.

[GoofyG28]

I just posted a new thread because I can never find info on this. But thanks to Gator, I found this thread.

I'm sending in my T60 tomorrow when the shipping box arrives at my office. Here are my photos from today:

http://www.gavenue.com/misc/t60/stain.jpg
http://www.gavenue.com/misc/t60/stain_a.jpg
http://www.gavenue.com/misc/t60/stain_b.jpg

[lophiomys]

I have 5x 15.0inch IPS/Flexviews in operation.

1.T42p - with a big fat dark spot at the left border, and 4x small spots in the center
2. R51 SXGA+ - no dark spot, but the White is on the yellow side
3. T42p - bought used in USA, but immaculate
4. UXGA bought from Pianowizard, despite build date in 2003 and long travel it is immaculate.
5. T42p - was immaculate when bought used, but after only 3 hours driving home from the sellers place, a few grey spots and pixel defects (red, green, black, white) where emerging at the bottom border. No idea what caused it.
This one is currently in warranty repair but IBM/Lenovo is not delivering the replacement LCD

[Izzyzx]

I have a T42 with stress marks call "Gap Mura". If you push on the back of your cover you will be able to distort your view. This is because the back cover is too flexible. I think the OEM corrected this problem in the newer machine. But this problem is considered a “customer induct defect” or a CID which is not covered by the warranty. If you carry your TP in a soft case you’re going to get these stress marks. My recommendation is to place hard sheet of plastic on the back cover when transporting it. And remove your Track Point mouse as this too causes Mura.

Izzyzx

[fasterbybike]

The Flexview om my A31P is almost perfect - no marks or spots. I just wish it were a bit brighter.
(The machine is mainly desk bound but I do travel about twice a month with it.)

[consumeraficionado]

I'm new here and wondering if someone can direct me to info on replacing my X61 screen with a Flexview screen. I just love my X61, but the kids spilled an oily substance on it now I have all of these weird streaks behind the screen. It will be great if I can upgrade to a better screen at a reasonable cost.

[RealBlackStuff]

You're in the wrong forum.
Check this X6x forum out, plenty info there: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewforum.php?f=30