[Random Question] Can the Precision M6500's RGB+ LED Matte LCD Panel fit in a Elitebook 8740w?

I would love to upgrade my precious Elitebook's stock 1050p screen to something higher resolution and a 1200p boost could give me loads of screen space. I know easily how to get the 8740w's non-DC 2 WUXGA+ LCD panel from various 3rd Party Vendors at a decent price, however they are just your semi-better run-of-the-mill Matte LCD panel.

I am wearing-out college student who has barely enough to get around, so the DreamColor 2 IPS option is definitely out of the question. However, I was able to stumble upon a crazy thought. When I was looking around in the Precision M6500 threads, I realized that the non RGB+ LED panels Dell uses on them are the same panels that HP uses for the Elitebooks with the non-DC 2 WUXGA+. The only difference between the two panel models is the last two characters. The Dell ones end with a D1 and the HP ones end with a B1.

However, if the connector position of both panels are in the right area (I think on the upper right corner of the panel, facing the inverter side), then is it possible that an Elitebook can take a RGB+ LED panel from the Precision?

I am pretty sure I am able to acquire enough funds to source a RGB+ LED panel some way if it is possible. That means, I can get the best TN Panel as the best substitute to the DreamColor 2 IPS.

Any ideas or thoughts?

Reference:

HP Elitebook 8740w uses this panel for their non-DC2:

LG LP171WU7(TL)(B1)

Dell Precision M6500 uses this panel for their non-RGB+ LED:

LG LP171WU7(TL)(D1)

 

Well both are LED so no inverter, but LVDS connector maybe different?

I'm assuming you don't want to pony up for a Dream Color 2 screen?

 

I meant LVDS Connector yes, mah bad!

As much as I WANT a DC2, I don't have $1,205 USD that HP is asking me to shell out for one!

More information or pointers from people on both the HP Team and the Dell Team that can assist?

 

Their both the same, and should be compatible with one another. The LP171WU7 for the Dell uses a 50 pin connector for the LCD, for the RGB or WLED. Yes the connectors are on the right hand side when viewing the panel from the back.
Here's the break down
LP171WU7= Panel model
(TL)= This dictates whether it has a matte or glossy finish.
The last bit is for the manufacturer. It is strictly a manufacturer identification tag and does not serve to differential the panels in any other way (they are identical, or at least should be if my experience so far with hundreds of panels is correct).
B1=HP
D1=Dell

There is also a Samung WLED non RGB panel that Dell uses for WUXGA, I will post the model once I get home (I have one spare XD- which I need to sell for cheap- perhaps you are interested?). The panel is not as good as the LP171WU7 in terms of good use of blacks, but it is brighter then the LP171WU7. Oh yes and I do believe the LG has slightly worse input lag, however it's moot point to be honest since both are good for gaming.

 

Might be interested if the price is right. I could probably live with the Samsung for the time being until I can ultra-verify that Dell hasn't done any black magic on their RGB+ panels that makes them proprietary with Precisions only. However, so far it sounds like this kind of witchcraft is possible.

More informations from anyone else?

 

I have seen the RGB screen before it has an identical connector on the back (50 pin), and it uses the same cable for video as the non RGB.
There should be no issues with the RGB screen, maybe if anything the screw holes but that's unlikely.

I'd be willing to sell the Samsung for $95 shipped, this is the cheapest I have seen any replacement screen for the M6500. Don't get me wrong, the difference really isn't that vast, and it is a nice panel only reason I am picky with it is out of principal, I'd be able to live with it if I had to.
An added bonus is:
Since the Samsung panel is under warranty with Dell for Complete Care, I should be able to get that Samsung panel replaced if anything happens to it (you break it or whatever). You just pay shipping to me, and I will get that taken care of.

 

If the LG-Sourced models are identical in manufacturing except that the ID codes in the end just says what OEM it goes to, then I might risk getting a RGB+ LED from Dell and installing it on this. You got a part code or specific model for the RGB+ LED Panel used in the M6500?

Also, depending on how it goes, I am still open with your offer of the Samsung unit, for now.

PS: $95 with Dell CompleteCare, that DOES sound TEMPTING! Let me decide now... Cheapest LG panel I found was like $135...

 

Well I have no exact models however I know there are two RGB panels used for the M6500, one is an LG and one is a Samsung. From what I have read from the m6500 thread the Samsung one is the best out of the two, for the RGB.

I can't find anything thus far, I have been trying to search but nothing.

 

Okay here's the LG RGB LED:
LG LTN170CT
The SEC5443 are hardware ID tags found in windows, I wouldn't recommend using it since it only determines the panel's base model, and could be CCFL or LED and could also vary with quality.

 

Ah, I guess it is alright. I might take up your offer on your existing Samsung panel. I can worry about getting a RGB later in time. The key for me is to acquire more resolution space right now without sacrificing my existing panel's good features of wide viewing angles and matte.

 

But the whole point of IPS screens the better viewing angles and gamut? I thought Dell only has TN panels, though they might consider IPS with the new Precisions?

 

Yes, and the ability to funnel in one billion colors over the TN's limitations of just a couple million. However, my current W-LED TN panel has already above-average viewing angles (it is really good for a TN panel), but the contrast and brightness ratios as well as gamut is not as good as what a RGB-LED TN panel can produce. That is why I got interested in doing a cross-brand modification of taking the Dell's.

The RGB-LED TN from Dell is still superior to the W-LED options in color gamut for sure, but it won't beat the IPS. The key with IPS is really the color palette above everything else. The Precision and Elitebook standard W-LED TN panels already has exceptional viewing angles as standard. The RGB just enhances the gamut to TN maximum limits and the IPS is really in the league of its very own.

 

Horizontal viewing angles on both panels are pretty good, vertical viewing angles are not so much then again that's with any TN panel.

Personally I prefer IPS but the price far too steep.

 

Yeah, DreamColor 2 is like really an $1,205 upgrade. That's like the price I paid for my Elitebook in the first place. Heh...