X41T Backlight/Inverter

[Praxis1452]

I bought a used X41T from ebay for school use, and it died around 3 months later. I can barely see the lcd if there is a bright light source so I believe either the CCFL or inverter died. Now, I'm unsure as to how to take it apart and wonder if anyone has a guide on how to do so and replace the inverter and ccfl? I have downloaded the service manual but the pictures are poorly drawn and it's hard for me to figure out. I've read that it's mainly the inverter that dies not the ccfl, however the x41t is quite old so that is also possible. If it helps, I was sitting at a desk and it was working fine, looked at the prof, then back, and could barely see anything, except for a small amount of color. Hooking it up using the external vga connection I could see everything on another monitory perfectly fine. So any guides on how to fix it if possible would be great. Thanks.

[sjthinkpader]

Trying an inverter is easiest but by my expereience it would be CCFL mostly.

Remove the four black, stick on covers. Remove four screws. Pull the bottom out them pull down to release the sides.

[Harryc]

Just a word of caution on removing the X41T LCD bezel; Beside the screws that sjthinkpader mentioned, the bezel is held down with very sticky double sided tape on all (4) sides, so you have to go VERY slow in peeling the bezel up and away from the LCD or else you will crack it. Use a straight razor blade to cut the tape as you go...it will help. Take your time.

[Praxis1452]

Am I wrong to assume that the ccfl needed for the x41t is the same as the x41? I remember reading that they tablet's monitor is a bit thicker.

Also, are there any pictures or video of someone dissassembling the x41 or x41t. While I don't have very much to lose, I'd just like to know how to do it right. Thanks.

[Harryc]

If you are going to buy just the CCFL, then go to http://www.moniserv.com/ and ask them for what you need. On a personal note, if you are asking to see pictures or a movie of someone disassembling a Thinkpad, then you have no business replacing a CCFL. It's a difficult replacement under the best conditions and done by a professional.

[vladis]

OT: Is there any opinion to replace original backlight with led light ?

[Harryc]

Not on a Thinkpad ...

[Praxis1452]

The main reason I'd like to try to replace it, even if I fail, is because I'm not really sure how it would get fixed any other way. I mean, I can't imagine replacing it would be cheap, and although the tablet functionality is why I bought it, I could just buy a cheap netbook which would suffice for now instead. So really, I don't have too much to lose. It's already broken. But thanks for any info provided.

[sjthinkpader]

It seems a complete Tablet top assembly can be had at fairly reasonable cost.