Lines on my screen...

[newyorkpaulie]

Can anyone explain the following?
My screen has a few very narrow lines (look about 1 pixel wide) across the screen.
When the background is white they disappear, but with a dark background they are visible.
It's an SXGA (1400 x 1050) on a T23.

[richk]

The problem can be either the panel or the motherboard. My experience is that it is the panel about 3/4 of the time.

[newyorkpaulie]

The problem can be either the panel or the motherboard. My experience is that it is the panel about 3/4 of the time.

So I'm thinking I should try to replace it (the panel). I would attempt it myself unless you think it's not that easy. I have a PDF of the hardware map and used it to swap out keyboards so I'm game to try working on the panel unless I hear it's not for the novice. I know I can post an "LF" in the marketplace, but can you suggest another source? It's a T23 by the way. Thanks!

[RealBlackStuff]

Replacement SXGA+ screens for T23 on eBay cost from ca. $90.- upwards.
Try reseating the LCD cable, just take the keyboard out, loosen the 2 screws of the LCD cable clamp, pop it up and reseat, and put it all back again.
Or try to replace the LCD cable. A lot cheaper than an LCD.
Please note that you require the SXGA+ LCD cable, the XGA cable will NOT work!
If that sorts your problem, so much the better.
Either operation (Replace LCD or LCD-cable) requires a fair bit of disassembly, but it's all described in the HMM.

[newyorkpaulie]

Replacement SXGA+ screens for T23 on eBay cost from ca. $90.- upwards.
Try reseating the LCD cable, just take the keyboard out, loosen the 2 screws of the LCD cable clamp, pop it up and reseat, and put it all back again.
Or try to replace the LCD cable. A lot cheaper than an LCD.
Please note that you require the SXGA+ LCD cable, the XGA cable will NOT work!
If that sorts your problem, so much the better.
Either operation (Replace LCD or LCD-cable) requires a fair bit of disassembly, but it's all described in the HMM.

I popped out the keyboard and unplugged/reseated the LCD cable but the lines are still there. Is there any way to test the cable other than replacing it?

[RealBlackStuff]

Before you start, take the AC adapter and the battery out.
Take the LCD bezel off.
Remove the upper and lower screw covers on either short side of the lid, and take those 4 screws out.
(the middle ones are only "decoration").
Gently lift up the LCD and check if the LCD-cable on the back is plugged in properly.
Check if the inverter is connected properly.
If you have another SXGA screen, try that.
DON'T PRESS ON THE LCD itself!

To check the LCD cable for wear and tear, remove keyboard and KB palmrest.
More work: take the whole lid off and try it on any other T23.

With standard electronic equipment (e.g. multimeter) you can hardly test the cable.

Finally, place a WTB or LF in the Market forum or start hunting on fleabay.
Good luck.

[newyorkpaulie]

Thanks for your great help. Looks like I have some work ahead. Pity though, the lines are almost ignorable (real word?). But I'm such a stickler, and geeky enough to not be happy until I do something. At least I admit it. Thanks again.
I realized I didn't try using a CRT monitor so I just did that and the picture is fine, so I guess I can rule out the motherboard. I have another T23 w/SXGA so I may try lid-swapping next.

[emeraldgirl08]

Paulie. I had a similar problem on my PDA. It started out with two narrow gray lines across the middle of the screen. They started out small but as the day went on they started getting longer. There were some tips such as displaying a white screen to wake up pixels. I was also asked to massage the screen (out of the question for T30s).

I also took a screenshot to see whether or not the lines would be there. They were not.

I have a pretty good feeling it is your LCD. You'll need a replacement.

Let us know how it goes!