R40 15" screen compatibility with later models

[j.varkey]

Hi,

I have an R40 type 2722-GCU which has a 15" SXGA+(1400x1050).

Rather than upgrade to the max of 2GB RAM (real max) PC2100/2700 which isn't cheap and which won't be enough anyway, I'd prefer to buy a used later model (like R/T 60/61) and fit my existing screen. Second hand R60/1 especially seem to be going fairly cheap and the upgrade to 4GB is much better performance/economy but the ones I've come across always have low res screens.

I'd ideally like something that will fit in place as a unit by the hinges but I don't mind removing the bezels and rewiring.

Any one have experience with this? Any suggestions/hints?

Thanks,
Jake

[RealBlackStuff]

You can put those R40 LCDs in a 15" R5x model, but not in any 'higher' models such as T6x/R6x

The R40 was not even built by IBM (by Acer...), and nothing from the R40 is compatible with any other IBM/Lenovo-made laptop, apart from standard fare such as RAM, hard disk and wifi cards.
The T60/T60p and R60/R60p were the last models to have a 15" 4:3 ratio LCD.
Anything in that size-range newer than that is widescreen.

So either buy the RAM or sell the machine/part it out and go for something completely different.

[j.varkey]

Let's see if I've understood correctly...

My screen unit (bezel and all) can be screwed in by the hinges to at best an R52 which still has a 2GB limitation making the 'upgrade' for my purposes (more RAM) pointless.

My LCD (even stripping bezel, etc.) can not be replaced into an R60 or R61. (FYI, R61 was the first R model to feature widescreen but also had 4:3 at the same time during transition)

What is it that makes my LCD incompatible with R60/1? I can understand not being able to 'transport' the screen assembly in one but not replacing the LCD (keeping R61 inverter, etc etc) I would have thought would be possible. Or am I just naive?!

[ajkula66]

You'd need to re-flash the EDID on your LCD to be able to "fool" the BIOS into thinking that it's a compatible screen...and no one can guarantee that it will work...

T60 and R60 are very particular about what screens can bew used on them "out of the box"...

[RealBlackStuff]

My screen unit (bezel and all) can be screwed in by the hinges to at best an R52...

No. Only the LCD panel itself, not even the LCD cable or inverter.

My LCD (even stripping bezel, etc.) can not be replaced into an R60 or R61.

Correct.

What is it that makes my LCD incompatible with R60/1? ... Or am I just naive?!

Technology advances, also in LCDs ... Yes.

[richk]

The t60/r60 read a configuration chip in the lcd. (eeid) That info won't be present on your R40 panel. You may well blow a fuse on a T60/r60 motherboard if you try.

[Jah-Buddha]

You can put those R40 LCDs in a 15" R5x model, but not in any 'higher' models such as T6x/R6x

Interesting! Are they backwards compatible, i.e. is it possible to put R50 screen to R40?
I have R40 in near-mint condition, but with bleak XGA screen and dying backlight. If R50's UXGA IPS screen can fit, it would be perfect.

[ajkula66]

I have R40 in near-mint condition, but with bleak XGA screen and dying backlight. If R50's UXGA IPS screen can fit, it would be perfect.

I'm not certain that the LCD cable from R50p would fit the board connector on R40 - which I recall being somewhat weird - but I've never tried it myself...

[Jah-Buddha]

Looks like R40 and R50 cables have completely different shape. Anyway, before screen upgrade I should find 2-channel lvds cable for R40, to change screen to native SXGA+ model, at least.