X61T regular XGA --> SXGA possible?

[uddinf]

I've searched all over and have found many discussions on replacing the lcd screen in the x60 and x61s but I could not find anything on changing a regular XGA panel to the SXGA one.

I am assuming that it is possible but I have a few questions.
-Is a modified BIOS needed? Is it just plug and play (ie: are the lcd connectors the same?)
-What parts are needed? (will this item work?: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0126608471

Thanks for any help!


mod edit: fixed broken URL

[erik]

yes, this is possible.   you would need to replace the LCD and LCD bezel at a minimum.   without knowing how your current X61T is configured, it's difficult to say what parts you'd need.

the best place to start is with the X61T hardware maintenance manual and comparing the parts you have against the parts you'll need.

on a side note, the panel you linked above is the panel for an X60T.   if you buy this panel, be sure to get X60T bezel parts and not ones for an X61T as they are slightly different.

[rek]

I have done this myself with an X60T (Multitouch XGA, to SXGA+). All things considered it was a fairly easy modification. The "hardest" thing was me leaving the Multitouch drivers installed by accident, which led me into a wild goose chase swapping digitiser layers over. Cable harnesses, bezels, etc. were all plug and play.

It's documented in this thread: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=60897

BTW: your linked auction is a trustworthy seller. After completing the swap I bought a second spare SXGA+ panel from him, which arrived via FedEx promptly and in perfect condition. I have also seen him carry the X61T version of the panel (-101 model number) in the past.

[uddinf]

Thanks for the info erik and rek.

I have the most basic x61t config (no fingerprint reader, no WWAN, etc, basic XGA screen). So I think I will only need the LCD and a bezel without the fingerprint reader opening.

Can someone please help me verify these part numbers:
SXGA LCD:
13N7235 or 93P5609

Bezel:
42W3398

The bezel part number I could not find in the Hardware manual. But I got it from this link: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-68984

Thanks again!

[Kentor]

has anybody else done it on an x61t XGA? x61 w/ SXGA+ are getting ever more rare

[rek]

I'm not sure of the exact Lenovo FRU number, but the SXGA+ panel in the X61t is a BOE-Hydis HV121P01-101. When I did my swap, I found the existing bezel fit perfectly, and the XGA LCD cable worked fine (even with the Multitouch connector left loose, if you have that -- just be sure to uninstall the Multitouch drivers otherwise the cursor will go crazy)

This URL will have info of all the FRUs that come shipped with each configuration.

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 67024.html

Note the X61 series use the "G5" digitiser assembly. I don't know if you can connect a "G4" digitiser from an X60t into an X61t.

[uddinf]

I'm not sure of the exact Lenovo FRU number, but the SXGA+ panel in the X61t is a BOE-Hydis HV121P01-101. When I did my swap, I found the existing bezel fit perfectly, and the XGA LCD cable worked fine (even with the Multitouch connector left loose, if you have that -- just be sure to uninstall the Multitouch drivers otherwise the cursor will go crazy)

This URL will have info of all the FRUs that come shipped with each configuration.

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 67024.html

Note the X61 series use the "G5" digitiser assembly. I don't know if you can connect a "G4" digitiser from an X60t into an X61t.

Thanks for this info rek!
I have the vanilla XGA (no multitouch) so I don't think I will need to worry about the drivers issue.

My main concern right now is that the sellers I am finding on ebay sell just the X61T SXGA LCD (without any digitizer). I'm still not sure if I can simply plug the SXGA LCD into my existing digitizer assembly. According to the IBM link you posted I have the G5 digitzer assembly already (I have a 7764-CTO with basic XGA).

My other question is will I need a modified BIOS to enable SXGA. Since I am going from x61t XGA to x61t SXGA I assume that I will not need a special BIOS but I am still not 100% sure.

Thanks!

[erik]

digitizers aren't supposed to be removed from LCDs.   any seller advertising that the digitizer has been removed should be avoided.

no BIOS mods are necessary.   the X61T BIOS already contains the SXGA+ microcode whether you use it or not.   seperate tablet BIOSes for XGA and SXGA+ models don't even exist.

[uddinf]

In case anyone is interested I completed this modification recently and successfully converted my XGA X61T to SXGA.

I decided to use the LCD with the G4 digitizer assembly (FRU 93P5607). I read reports that this LCD is actually more stiff than the G5 version (93P5609). I purchased it from ebay brand new sealed for $215

Because I used the G4 LCD, it is mandatory to use the proper LCD cable (FRU 93P4361). Cost was $20 from a local supplier.

Although you can use the existing bezel I decided to get a new one with fresh tape so I could get the best bonding possible (FRU 42W3399 with wingerprint reader OR 42W3398 without fingerprint reader). This is the updated bezel so there are no separation issues. Cost was $25 + $10 shipping from IBM.

Overall this wasn't a difficult modification. The hardest part was finding the proper part numbers and finding sellers that had the LCD AND digitizer attached. Most ebay sellers sell the proper LCD but do not have the digitizer attached. SXGA is definitely worth it.

[kadir]

I was wanting to change my screen to SXGA+ also. The brightness is just tooo low for the Multitouch.. It is fancy to show people that you have a touch screen, but it dont use it most of the time..

So, how should I know what to get? assembly G4 or G5? Which one will fit?

My Laptop is the X61T-7764CTO, with XGA MT screen.

So from what I got from the messages above was , G4 is for the X60T and G5 for the X61T?

I was planning to buy it from either of these areas:
1. http://www.247laptoplcd.com/servlet/the ... top/Detail
2. http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-LENOVO-X60-X61- ... 1614wt_958