T61 Screen Replaceable?

[flypenfly]

Just ordered a new T61 because I didn't find the T500 compelling enough to pay $400 more for with a slower CPU.

The only upgraded screen option was WSXGA+, I kind of want a WUXGA screen though. Is this something that could be user upgradeable?

[agarza]

Could be, but guess it would void your new machine warranty, not to mention the screen compatibility, there are only 15.4" WUXGA LCD panels available, did you bought a 15.4 incher in first place?

[flypenfly]

Yup, T61 15.4" in WSXGA+ 1680x1050.

I thought maybe it was something straightforward that other people have attempted before?

The WUXGA screens do seem to be available for $250.

[msb0b]

WUXGA display was only offered on T61p, but the model was discontinued just days before the new model introduction. It is certainly less expensive to get the right display when you are ordering, in both in term of material cost and the warranty cost. Changing the display will certainly void the warranty of your ThinkPad.

If you still want to undertake the endeavor, the HMM is your guide. It contains detailed instructions on how to disassemble and reassemble the parts.

[ajkula66]

You will need a new LCD and cable for this venture, possibly an inverter as well.

Keep the original LCD and slip it in if you ever have a warranty claim.

Good luck.

[flypenfly]

Ok so I guess nobody has done this before?

[ajkula66]

That's a fairly unlikely upgrade for most people, especially given the fact that WUXGA screens were widely available for the longest time, and that people who wanted one ordered them in the first place...myself included.

[rakov]

how are WSXGA+ and WUXGA different? Please enlighten

[Brad]

I thought that if you ordered by telephone there were some options that were not available on the web. One being the WUXGA display. Something about stock on hand left that item off the web because it could have slowed down shipment.

Maybe you could return it and get the WUXGA you wanted.

Brad

[sarbin]

how are WSXGA+ and WUXGA different? Please enlighten

1680x1050 vs 1920x1200 resolution, i believe.

[flypenfly]

I thought that if you ordered by telephone there were some options that were not available on the web. One being the WUXGA display. Something about stock on hand left that item off the web because it could have slowed down shipment.

Maybe you could return it and get the WUXGA you wanted.

Brad

Did call, unfortunately only available now on the T61p which has been discontinued.

I suspect the motherboards are probably different between the T61p and T61 because of the GPU and I have a suspicion that the regular T61 with the NV140 may not be compatible with the WUXGA.

[Brad]

I picked up a T61 that was made in March with the 128mb GPU and WUXGA so this LCD will work with that GPU.

Brad

[Pascal_TTH]

I swap the bs Samsung WUXGA from my T61p with an LG/Phillips one. You don't need any stuff except a scredrive and hmm. CCFL connector is standardised as well as the LVDS connector. I buy a generic LG/Philips LP154WU1 for 280 €. It tooks me half an hour to swap the panels.

Take care when you order. Low price panel are glossy. There are no specific ref to know if the panel is matte or glossy.

PS : All screw size and positions are standardised.


I already switch other screen including WSXGA+ to WUXGA and one dowgrade from WSXGA+ to 1440x900.

[flypenfly]

Awesome. Were there any guides to help you?

What was the procedure?

[Pascal_TTH]

Just download the hardware manual maintenance for T61p from lenovo webside. It tells how to do it.

[flypenfly]

The instructions seem pretty straight forward. It seems the LCD bezel is partially attached by adhesives? I wonder where I can get the same type or is it reusable?