Panel upgrades?

Situation: HP g4-2235dx. 14" screen with 1366x768. There were no other panel options available for this model.

Because of that, the 1st tier customer support reps at the panel shops tell me I don't have any options.

While I would LOVE to find a 1920x1080 panel to put in, I'd settle for a 1600x900 panel.

Does anyone have any insights as to who I can ask as far as substitute panels that share the same size, connections, and mounting points?

 

There are a number of online retailers that specialize in laptop screens. I suppose you could contact one of them to see if they know of a compatible replacement. The resolutions you are willing to settle for are the same aspect ratio, so as long as the dimensions and connection is compatible, you may be able to upgrade.

Laptop Screens search

 

there is a good chance such an upgrade will require a modded vga (LVDS) cable.

 

c-dub, I wasn't aware of that possibility. So for laptops that typically do offer different resolutions by configuration, do they conform to the same connectors/cables?

Prostar, I've already pinged a few of the screen sellers, but the first tier CSRs always tell me they can't help me, as the service manual only lists one part number, for the original resolution panel. And never pass me up the chain.

 

Try lcdparts.net, they may be able to offer some advice, they normally do backlight conversion but worth a try.

 

Resolutions above 768p require a different cable. There are no 1080p 14" screens that I know of.

 

The G4 uses LP140WH1 or equivalent panel, there is another panel LP140WD1 wich is 1600*900 HD+.
LP140WD3 is SLIM type (like in the Alienware m14x) and is not compatible.
.
I don't know if the hp G4 accepts the HD+ panel, but it's worth a try...

You can find LP140WD1 around 70€ on eBay.

 

Thanks, ellalan, I'll try them.
Servxtrem, it looks like the physical dimensions between those two panels don't match. Thank you, though. It gives me some place to start.

 

The question is more about the cable then the panel. If the panel is typical 14", then 900p replacement shouldn't be hard to find, but you need to be sure what kind of cable the machine have now, single or dual channel LVDS.
If the machine never offered screen upgrade, then there is a huge chance no cable will work for higher than 768p.

 

Have you tried the HP web site itself and looked into whether or not they offered a higher resolution lcd? Beyond the calling the support what results of the HP online search did that turn up? To do more search you have to provide specific information from your HP label to find your particular make and model and what hardware it has. Did you try this HP part surfer link to locate any parts you can order?

Ordering HP Certified Replacement Parts HP Pavilion g4-2235dx Notebook PC | HP® Support

But from the looks of it from the HP site they don't seem to offer any lcd other then the one you have currently and mixing and matching lcd is at best a costly option if you go that route. So is there a reason why your current LCD is doing what you want it to do?

 

Let me just say, I have tried to upgrade 2 13.3" laptops from 1366x768 and it was NOT possible. There was a 30 pin single channel connection on the motherboard. As far as modding the actual cable, it may be possible, but you should be prepared for that and know what you're doing if you're going to commit to this.

There is pretty much a .1% chance of it working with the cable you already have.

 

@Stormjumper: reason is because 1366x768 sucks.
@niffcreature: Good to hear from someone who has actually tried. What brand/model were you trying to upgrade?

 

That means you will have to sell that computer and buy a laptop that does come with the option for higher resolution or give you aftermarket options to buy a higher resolution LCD to fit that model. That is your only option at this point in time and trying different LCD it will have to match all the connection with your current cable and chip-set otherwise you risk frying the motherboard or LCD or both and end up with a paper weight. If HP and ebay has no listing for it then most likely there isn't and being a inexpensive laptop that is probably why they built it as such to make it cheap and have no upgrades to it. As anything if you buy a cheap laptop that can't expand the LCD side your stuck with what you have and want higher resolution you will have to pony up the money and get a mid to higher grade laptop to have the higher resolution LCD or LED screen.

 

Well, thanks everyone for the responses. Stormjumper, I didn't have the knowledge going into this that there was that much difference between the lower and higher resolution panels. I assumed that panels behaved more or less like external monitors, and used the same connections. Obviously not the case, so the system as it stands, will do.

 

Thanks for showing me/us the partsurfer.hp.com website! I had no idea it even existed. I'm in a similar situation as the OP, except my 6475b was offered with a 1600x900 display from the factory. By using partsurfer I was able to find the correct Dual Channel LVDS cable and screen. I'll buy the Dual Channel cable but the screen is $193! That is INSANE! I'd rather shop around for a compatible screen elsewhere. What does SVA mean? or FLT?

4 Display panel (For use on all computer models):
14.0-inch, LED, SVA, HD+, AntiGlare display panel 684348-001
14.0-inch, LED, SVA, HD, AntiGlare display panel 684347-001
For use only on HP ProBook 6470b Notebook PC computer models:
14.0-inch, LED, FLT, HD+, AntiGlare display panel 686047-001
14.0-inch, LED, FLT, HD, AntiGlare display panel 686046-001

Does anyone know any high color gamut 14.0" 1600x900 screens? I'm considering going with the best quality (color reproduction, viewing angles, matte finish preferably) screen that would fit in my 6475b. Right now I have an AU Optronics screen. Would a Samsung be a better quality screen? or an LG? I'm looking for specific model numbers as that will help me narrow down some good choices. Also, I am aware there may be different versions or firmware regarding these screens as well as different connector styles. Thanks, and not try to thread jack but didn't want to start a new thread just for the above question(s).

 

B140RTN01.0 -72%, matte, 8ms, but it's listed as 1ch LVDS, I don't know how is this possible, or the side effects that it's going to have (probably different pin arrangement)
N140O6-L02 - 60%, glossy, 3/7ms
LP140WD1-TLA1 - 60%, glossy, 8ms

You can check them, and the rest, here: Global Panel Exchange Center - Panelook.com

 

Wow that's exactly what I was looking for, thanks. This will get me started in the right direction.

 

That's the problem for the amount you would spend on the LCD or LED you could invest in another lappy that would give better display or higher CPU/GPU for your money as well. But I for myself if the laptop itself is good and all still work I would replace the LCD/LED but if the cost to replace it high I have to really think hard about if it is worth it or not. Unless you can find it less then maybe but ~200 or more that would outweight the value of the laptop but that will depend on how old it is.

 

Not to be insulting, but the g4-2235dx is a $350 computer. It comes with a single-link LVDS interface and therefore cannot support a resolution over 1366x768. Trying to upgrade to a higher-res screen will almost definitely be unsuccessful (try talking to the guys who tried to get the 1600x900 display from the previous gen HP Envy 14 into the Sandy Bridge version).

It's not worth sinking a bunch of money into upgrading this even if it would work. It's going to cost at least $100. To be practical, I recommend selling your current notebook and buying one with a better screen. Otherwise you're just wasting your time and money.

 

I guess I'm the exception in this case. I bought my HP ProBook 6475b for $300 (1 month old now), "used" even though it was less than a couple weeks old at the time and was in mint condition (practically new, missing the box). This model, with these specs, retails for $600-700 right now (however, you can find them used for less). It has a 3-year business-class warranty and was one hell of a deal I just couldn't pass up even with just an A6-4400M and the standard 1366x768 display (both of which I will be upgrading myself). I plan on keeping it for at least a year, if not more, and i really like it a lot. Fortunately it was offered with an optional 1600x900 display from the factory. I've gone ahead and ordered the 2 ch, 6-bit LVDS cable for the HD+ display. Now I'm doing my research as to which panel I'll end up using. I'm prepared to spend up to $100 for the display or less if possible. Depends on the cost of the display and when I'm ready to buy. Either way, it'll be worth the time and money for me.

In certain situations its not worth it and may not work due to the hardware.

 

Make sure you know that higher LCD part number so you can match up the correct display if and when you decide to go and buy it. Ebay is a good source to compare that item part number to see what they offer is you can buy from there as well.

 

Quix, I'm fine with sticking with the current 1366x768. Again, not knowing that going to anything higher required a change in connectors.
Yes, it's a $350 machine. I got it for 300, found an A10 on amazon for $90, moved the 8gb i had in my DM1 over to it, and the ssd from my wife's dell that she recently upgraded away from. If I could have dropped 100 on an upgraded panel, I'd have been sitting really pretty with, in my mind, a killer rig, for 500 out of pocket.

What I truly want just doesn't exist, so this is the closest I'm going to get, and I'm okay with that. It would have been nice, but if it can't be done, it can't be done. At least I have a 95% definitive answer.

 

Does anybody know what connector / Cable this is?


View attachment 92873

(Click images for high res)

 

So what laptop did that come? Pictures help but not knowing where it came from is a guessing game and will confuse more then help??? Also that cable should have a part number on it as well that will also be helpful to know.