How interchangable are 15.4" screens in laptops (Dell m1530 vs VAIO FZ)?

Hi all,

I returned a Dell XPS m1530 for the crappy Samsung screen issue and general dislike for the shiny "truelife" finish. I attempted to remedy the screen situation with a replacement done by a dell tech and figured I could swap a screen myself, it wasn't that hard when he did it.

There's deep discounts on the UK website for a m1530 and I figure I can get one for £590 with good-enough specs.

At the same time, I've seen retailers online selling replacement screens for the VAIO FZ series (the xblack-tech screens), the kind everyone is raving about, for about £120.

Together, that would be a great price for the m1530 power and form factor with a really good screen. So my question is: Are these interchangable?

I saw the m1530 screens have brackets on the side to attach to the LCD itself and get it in the right position. So would a screen designed for a VAIO FZ series be the right width/height/depth and have compatable connectors for the video and power inputs? Do they take the same input voltage?

I just don't know how standard the connectors are for laptop screens these days. Any input from those in the know would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

Screens currently don't quite have a standard with connectors, which include the power invertor header as well as the input/dvi/vga ribbon cable that routes from the motherboard to the back of the LCD. There are a few LCD manufacturers that utilize the same connectors, however, some notebook manufacturers like Apple or Dell may not use the same standard just for incompatibility sake. It's best to figure out the m1530 panel manufacturer and go from there to see if you can get a different model or a different manufacturer altogether.

As to switching from the VAIO FZ to the Dell, I wouldn't have my hopes up however, if someone could provide detailed pictures and LCD panel comparisons it would probably lead to a conclusion. It would require an entire notebook disassembly for some units (and from first hand experience, Sony's are quite difficult to disassemble without a diagram). Knowing this forum though, it's definitely not very technical and most topiccs like these get buried within a few days as there is likely not enough information from the community or users.

 

Actually, if it does fit, did you see this: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=237481

I don't have a problem with memory or even an HD upgrade, but I will not be tackling that one!

 

Nice find Bubbatex!

 

Hey, I have wasted *many* hours scouring many of the mfg'ers forums trying to decide what to freakin' laptop to buy. Glad to see all of this time can be of assistance to someone!

 

You know, this has got me thinking that it's possible to change my screens. Never was too fond of my W3, perhaps an LG 1440x900 would work? Time to disassemble it and verify the connectors..

 

Bubbatex, I checked the link but it appears that is for swapping out one screen designed for an m1530 for another (Samsung to the more-approved LG), but I was interested more if the Sony VAIO type screens could be wedged in and work in the m1530.

Thanks for the input D3X. If by chance the topic doesn't get buried and more people chime in, a lot of unhappy m1530 owners could be very pleased if some sort of cross-compatability is discovered. Screen dissatisfaction with the Dells is a hot-button topic--just check the Dell forums. Heh.

 

nebber - yes, was sure that was not all you needed, but it was a good illustration of what you had to go through to do it!

And I am one of those dissatisfied ex-Dell customers - just returned a 1720 for this very reason.

 

As far as I know, Sony screens are not manufactured by Sony either, so as long as you can identify those screens and model, you can probably get something quite close to it from screen resellers like www.lcds4less.com.

The discovery of actually changing manufacturers from Samsung to LG is already a "cross-compatibility".

 

Changing the LCD wouldn't be a problem for me--I watched the tech do it. Plus when my wife's Acer fried last month I dissassembled the bugger down to the motherboard and had the power jack swapped. So I don't mind getting my hands dirty in the electronics.

I just dream of a compact laptop with the matte screen and above average video card. If I can make it so by frankensteining it together... I'm game. Just want to know if the connectors are the same.