Upgrading a 14.1' T42 from 1024x768 to 1440x1050 resolution

[Feierabend]

Is it possible to upgrade a T42 to a new screen, with the same physical size, but another resolution? I would like to buy a spare 14.1' LCD (complete assembly, model LTN141WD-L05, resolution 1440x1050), and I intend to mount it on a T42, which is currently equipped with a 1024x768 screen. Would it work - in the sense that I would be able to use the 1440x1050 resolution after the upgrade - and what should I pay attention to? Thank you for your opinion.

[AlexDBall]

Yes you can upgrade the monitor of the T4x from XGA to SXGA+ by using either the complete LCD Assembly from a T4xp or by changing the LCD Panel and the LCD Ribbon Cable.

I have done this with a T42 i have. I used an LTN141P4-L02 panel and the FRU PN:91P6787 Ribbon Cable.

I'm not sure it the monitor you have will work but chances are that it should.

Just note that you *must* change the ribbon cable also.The existing one will not work.

The existing inverter though should be fine.

Let us know how the upgrade goes!

Regards,
Alex

[Johan]

Welcome to the forum, Feierabend!

What you ask (the way I understand your question) is: Can the native, original IBM ThinkPad 14.1" XGA LCD in a T42 be upgraded to a 14.1" WXGA 1440x1050 LCD? Let's get this straightened out first; are you talking about normal SXGA+ resolution LCD, as those used in T4x ThinkPad's (having 1400x1050 resolution) or are you really talking about 1440x1050?? By the way, the Samsung LCD that you explicitly mention (LTN141WD-L05) is many places on the internet said to be WXGA+ (1440x900)... I didn't look up its detailed specifications directly at Samsung's site (you do that!).

ThinkPad's of the T4x's series are available with 14.1" LCD's having XGA (1024x768) and SXGA+ (1400x1050) resolution - I never, ever heard about any T4x with a 1440x1050 LCD. Also, if you check the detailed specifications for the T42's e.g. in the IBM Announcement Letter --> New IBM ThinkPad T42 notebooks feature new fingerprint and Intel PRO/Wireless technologies you will see that 1440x1050 resolution is not supported. Supported resolutions on the internal LCD in T42's are these:

Code: Select all

             TFT LCD
Resolution      Color depth
 
 640  x  480     256,     64K,     16M
 800  x  600     256,     64K,     16M
1024 x  768     256,     64K,     16M
1280 x 1024     256,     64K,     16M
1400 x 1050     256,     64K,     16M
1600 x 1200     256(14), 64K(14), 16M(14)
2048 x 1536     256(14), 64K(14), 16M(14)

Many T4x users have swapped XGA LCD's to SXGA+ LCD's; see e.g. the following threads: Upgrade t43 xga screen to sxga (or other) and How hard is DIY replace a LCD screen on T42p and T40 LCD Replacement Questions and Bigger resolution screen to T41 and Replacing XGA screen with SXGA+ on T42 with 32mb radeon 7500 and T40 lcd replacement and Using XGA from T40 into T40p? and T42/T43 Samsung, LG, and Hydis SXGA+ comparison (Pictures).

Even is 1440x1050 resolution was supported, you would need to find such an "odd" resolution LCD with exactly the same physical dimensions as the standard IBM 14.1" T4x SXGA+ LCD.

My advice: Get yourself an used T4x 14.1" LCD with cover, hinges, antennas, inverter and cable and swap out your entire XGA LCD incl. cover etc. I would guess that you should be able to find an used, but in fine shape (incl. with a good, clear sharp CCFL!) 14.1" T4x SXGA+ LCD everything included for less than $100 - try e.g. look on ebay.de or in the German Thinkpads forum.

Good luck with your hopefully soon-to-be upgraded T42!

Johan

[AlexDBall]

Sorry for my misreading regarding your post. i did not see the 1440x1050 (thought it was standard SXGA+)

i dont think there is a way/panel that will fit the T4x doing that resolution... (if there is a monitor doing that resolution )

Regards,
Alex

[fasterbybike]

Is it possible to upgrade a T42 to a new screen, with the same physical size, but another resolution? <snip> model LTN141WD-L05, resolution 1440x1050

Short answer no.

Long answer. The screen you have quoted is a different physical size. Although it is labelled a 14.1" screen, measured along the diagonal, it's 16:10 aspect ratio which means it is wider and shorter than the standard 4:3 LCD originally fitted.

However you could fit a 14.1" SXGA+ (1400x1050) LCD.

HTH

[Feierabend]

Thank you for all the useful replies and pointers. My initial question was indeed about installing a 1440x900 (not 1440x1050) LCD screen, which I now understand is impossible because of its physical size.

I had been paying attention to the claims of the seller about compatibility with the T4x, and had not thought enough about it before asking the forum. Sorry about that.

[RealBlackStuff]

Just as well you hadn't bought that LCD yet!