Questions/Suggestions on T60p LCD Problems

[whakojacko]

Hi All,
Recently my T60p LCD (the IPS+ UXGA model) has been having problems. It is now to the point that only the top quarter of the display works, and the rest is pretty much dead. If I open the screen all the way up and quickly close it I can basically get the bottom 3/4s to refresh whatever it should be showing, where it then gets stuck. Obviously this is a bit of an issue . I am no longer under warranty, so am looking for help.
1. Any chance this is just a connection issue (as evidenced by the situation mentioned above?) I highly doubt it, but I figured I would ask
2. How easy/hard would replacing the monitor be? Ive only taken apart the machine until the keyboard. I saw an IBM tech replace this monitor when it broke last time, but that was well over a year ago.
3. There seem to be quite a few places online that will sell me this monitor, some more questionable than others. Ive seen prices for a replacement unit range anywhere from ~$80 for a used screen to almost $500. Suggestions for where to buy a new unit?
4. Any chance it might be an inverter issue? Id would hate to buy a monitor only to find out I needed to replace the inverter instead.
Alternatively, I may just buy a new machine. I was planning to do this within the next 4 months or so, but if I could see this one running as well it would be quite helpful.
Thanks in advance

[sjthinkpader]

If you are lucky, it could be the LCD row driver board FPC connector having a poor connection.

[whakojacko]

If you are lucky, it could be the LCD row driver board FPC connector having a poor connection.

If this was the case, how could I tell by popping off the LCD bezel? Thanks

[richk]

For most people (including many/most repair shops) a poor row driver connection is functionally the same as a busted screen.

[sjthinkpader]

Many 15 inch UXGA screens use a small FPC connector between the row driver board/FPC and main board. If your panel has that connector (some don't), you may want to try reseating it.

If there are no connector, like Harry said, the screen is a goner.