Does Lenovo replace broken IPS Flexview screens?

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bveghte · #1 Post by **bveghte** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 9:08 am

As I mentioned in other threads, I have a R50p (a great, unheralded machine, as most of you surely know). As many of you also know, its screen is identical to that of the T42p -- IPS Flexview, 15", WUXGA (1600x1200).

My screen recently broke, beyond warranty. I am in France. I am considering sending it into Lenovo, but they only speak French here and won't give me any info on the phone (even in French, which I speak fairly well) as to whether or not they can even obtain a replacement screen.

These screens haven't been produced since mid-2006. Does anyone know if Lenovo bought IBM's "warehouse stock" of replacement UXGA Flexviews, and whether they still have
any available to install on my R50p if I send it in for repair? Or am I better off sending it to some third party whom one/some of you trust and can recommend?

Also, do you guys think they could give me a "new" screen (which I would be willing to pay for), or would they only have used screens available?

I've heard that even the UXGA screens on the T61ps are a big dropoff in quality from that of my R50p, so I would rather pay up to $750 to replace it and live another year or two with my R50p (which meets all my needs) than spend $3000 on a new T61p whose screen is inferior to my current one.

Any help is appreciated!

Ben

ajkula66 · #2 Post by **ajkula66** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 12:01 pm

OK, here's the deal: what they (Lenovo) have is NOS (new old stock) which means unused LCDs produced in 2004-2007. What is that going to cost you on an out-of-warranty machine in Europe I don't even want to imagine. You'd likely be better off buying another R50p.

I've just had the LCD on my T43p replaced under warranty here, and there's quite a few NOS LCDs on the open market, so yes, they are available. Cost is likely to be insane where you are right now.

Good luck and let us know how this goes.

andyP · #3 Post by **andyP** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 1:55 pm

I just had a look at the price for a 15" UXGA with IPS screen at Parts Sales here in Germany, a very nice €615,46 + taxes (19% in Germany)

#4 Post by **Johan** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 2:37 pm

New 15" UXGA FlexView/IPS panels for R50p/T42p/T43p's are frequently sold on eBay/USA with prices varying between only $100 (if you are REALLY lucky!) and up to around $280, if you just WANT to win it. See the thread 15" Flexview UXGA screen for sale (the post of Wed Apr 02, 2008 5:21 pm) for various P/N's and FRU's. Also search for 42T0356. Additional useful information is found in the very recent thread R50p and T60/T60p LCD for T41p motherboard. I don't follow www.eBay.de or www.eBay.co.uk very closely, but there may perhaps a chance also there?

Keep an eye at the German ThinkPad's forum at German ThinkPads forum - their Markedplace - and of course also keep an eye at the Marketplace in this forum.

Johan

bveghte · #5 Post by **bveghte** » Tue Jun 10, 2008 3:26 am

Thanks Ajkula66, Andyp and Johan, you have helped me immensely in making an informed decision on this.

After 15 years in good "old Europe" I'll be back in the States on July 3rd for the long-term (I may not kiss the ground, but it will be great to be back!). Based on what you've written I'll wait til then and then try to either acquire a Flexview replacement or perhaps buy a used T42p, 43p or 60p with a Flexview.

If in the meantime any of you hear of such machines becoming available, please let me know. I would jump on it immediately and just have it shipped to a relative's house in the US, then pick it up when I arrive.

Thanks,

Ben

#6 Post by **Johan** » Tue Jun 10, 2008 6:41 am

bveghte wrote:Based on what you've written I'll wait til then and then try to either acquire a Flexview replacement or perhaps buy a used T42p, 43p or 60p with a FlexView.

If in the meantime any of you hear of such machines becoming available, please let me know. I would jump on it immediately and just have it shipped to a relative's house in the US, then pick it up when I arrive.

You're very welcome. As to buying a "new" (= necessarily used, since they are no longer in production!) FlexView/IPS T42/T43/T60 ("p" or not), then there are a lot of threads in this forum about pro et contra etc. I therefore kindly suggest you start searching and reading on this (fantastic!) forum, to investigate what you want - a few threads possibly of interest may be FS: Used T42p 15" 2373-P64 and Thinking of buying a IBM Thinkpad T42p and Report on IBM Certified Used T42p and LCDs on T60/T60p - types, availability and other discussions - just to give you a kick-start!

There are few (very few!) brand-new FlexView/IPS T60/p's for sale in Europe; prices are from approx. EU 1000,- and upwards (check the different eBay's here in Europe, and Google a bit around). I believe however that there are far fewer brand-new, factory sealed around in the USA, but I admit that I don't have a clear picture about this. Anyway, look for yourself on eBay, Google around and watch the Marketplace on this forum - see e.g. T60p 15" UXGA Flxvw 2.16CD 2GB 100GB OnSt Wrty.

Good luck!

Johan

ajkula66 · #7 Post by **ajkula66** » Tue Jun 10, 2008 7:13 am

bveghte,

I've sent you a PM. Please check your messages.

Does Lenovo replace broken IPS Flexview screens?

Does Lenovo replace broken IPS Flexview screens?

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