Install a 13.1'' panel to a 13.3'' bezel?

I decided to start a new thread discussing the possibility of installing a 13.1'' panel on the an ASUS U36SD laptop I just ordered. I have had experience changing the screen panel in my ASUS N53SV to an AUO B156HW01 V7. So this time I am again seeking a way to upgrade the display in the new laptop.

I have read several reviews on the U36SD and seems the display is below average. On the other hand, SONY's VAIO Z series have got the best display in the customer market. However, the Z is just so expensive and that the only thing I want from Z is the screen, since I just don't like the dock station idea.

I have found several sellers on ebay selling the panel that is for VAIO Z. There seem to be two models:

B131HW02 v0 (S) by AUO
LT131EE11000 by TOSHIBA (?)

I would assume that the one by TOSHIBA is the original panel they used on Z. And I looker it up for the one by AUO and found this:
http://www.avidia.com.tw/docs/product/B131HW02 V.0.pdf
At the bottom on page 6, it say "Adobe 96%", so I guess this one is also a wide gamut display.

So now we are clear on the panels. Go to the topics about installation.

I think this could be a big project, since there are several issues we need to consider:

1. The bezel on U36SD bezel is for 13.3'' panel, not 13.1''
2. The LVDS cable may not be compatible. (Thanks H.A.L. 9000 for pointing this out)
3. Even I managed to put it on, perhaps I need to deal with the part of the panel that is exposed to the outside. I guess there could be some gap that would allow dust to get in.

Probably if these issues are clear, I'm ready to go.
Any thoughts?
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I would probably go for an AUO B131HW02 v0. I found it uses a 30 pin LVDS cable (screen cable/harness), but whether it is a universal one or customized for the Z motherboard stays unknown.

 

Hi, were u able to change ur panel to a better one? if so Id like to the part you used or if youv got any leads on a better pannel thanks.

 

The LVDS cable definitely wont be compatible with the higher resolution, and it will be very hard to find a cable that works.

I bought a sony SA 1600x900 screen, I've tried it on the dell e6320 and toshiba r835 without success. I bought a cable from the toshiba r845 only to found out that the connections on the motherboard are different, looks like the r835 has only 20 pins on the motherboard.
The e6320 LOOKs like it uses the same motherboard LCD cable connector as the e6520 but I didn't try it (yet).

Just giving you my experience. You have to know what your doing and might as well buy the cable you think will work ahead of time (unless of course there were some u36 models released with 1600x900 or above).

Another problem is the mounts. The toshibba r835 has NO mounts on the screen, its simply shockmounted in the bezel, while the sony SA screen has mounts, the mounting did fit the e6320.
I suspect the sony Z screen does NOT have mounts because its a VERY compact laptop. While your u36 might need the mounts, this might not be a big problem.

 

Well, I do have some updates recently.

I contact one seller on eBay that sells the screen for VAIO Z, and I got answer that they are not compatible, because Z is not using LVDS cable but something else.

However, ASUS just anounced its new line of ultrabook, and there is a 13.3'' IPS screen with FHD resolution. It is reported that such a screen will cause the cost of the ultrabook to increase by about $160. So now I'll wait and see when it can be available for purchase (also the color performance definitely matters to me)

 

If I'm not mistaken, the Z uses eDP (embedded DisplayPort) for the internal LCD.

 

Does that mean you could wire it to a normal display port?

 

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From past experience with Dell laptops I've learned that not every compatible screen will work as it should with them. To force us buying replacement panels directly from them, Dell seems to lock their BIOS so their laptops work only with the screens they sell. My last experiment with Dell was with a Dell Mini 9. I replaced its screen with a screen from an Asus netbook. The Mini 9 worked with the screen from the Asus but I could no longer adjust the screen brightness. I also remember trying to replace the screen on a D810 a while ago. I used the same screen as the one in the Dell; same make and the same part number, and because it was from another laptop it didn't work as it should. The display was split into 4 parts and I couldn't adjust the brightness. I tried different cables and it still didn't work.


philidengb
Why are you keen in using a 13.1" screen?
If you stick with the 13.3" size you'll save yourself the trouble of modding the following parts: screen supporting brackets, the bezel, and possible the hinges and the lid.