Replace TN screen for IPS on ASUS ROG G501VW

Hello people!
I just bought an asus ROG G501VW with FHD screen but I was told by the online shop that it was IPS. It turned out to be clearly a TN panel, but I was offered the chance to return the laptop. It turns out that the 1080 IPS model for the G501VW probably doesn’t exist in my country.

The problem is, I can’t find any similarly priced laptop like this one (lightweight/thin, powerful, decent gpu, metal chasis). This laptop is for my sister, who does some digital artwork but told me the main must-haves were the weight and performance rather than a “pro screen”, but should have IPS screen at the very least. The thing is that, all the alternative laptops I show to her are dismissed by her for their external appearance, and the only ones she likes are way above her budget.


I’m left with 3 choices.

1.) I could buy the 4-K version of the G501VW, which I know for sure is available as IPS. The 4-K panel is not great (according to notebookcheck.net) and she doesn’t need that resolution, and it will put significant stress on the not-so-great GPU. But it’s an option.

2.) I could convince her of spending significantly more money to buy other good lightweight laptops, which they all seem to be on a price range way above her budget.

3.) Buy the FHD IPS compatible panel for the G501VW (samsung LTN156HL01-104, or even the LTN156HL06-C01) and DIY the hell out of it. I know it’s not the best idea to void the warranty this soon, but I’m THAT desperate.

I have had enough experience repairing dozens of laptops and smartphones to be confident in my skills repairing stuff, however I haven’t replaced screens this thin very often. I guess it’s similar to the zenbook series in that regard, but who knows.

The thing is, is replacing a working screen ill-advised and unsensible? Or is it something more common and mundane than I thought? Should I do it straight away, or just return the laptop and save money for another one later?

I would be incredibly thankful if you could give me any advice.

 

Replace it for the UX501VW - it's the exact same design but with a much better screen

 

It's a good option and I really like it. However it lacks secondary storage for games and media and it's €500 ($530 USD) more expensive than the G501VW here (€1,050 for the G501VW and €1,550 for the UX501VW base model).
It's still a sensible option nonetheless.

 

The default config should be a 256 or 512GB NVMe SSD (Usually a Samsung SM951) - additionally, it has a 96Wh battery (vs 60Wh on the one you mentioned) giving you 3 or so hours more on battery.

 

I know what you're saying. But still, she doesn't want anything less than 1TB. Otherwise, we could save a little bit and get the 512Gb model, which IMO should be good, but don't think she will fall for that.

Sorry for involving you in my sister's nitpickiness.

 

No problems, though do try to make her understand that 1TB SSDs are expensive and 1TB laptop HDDs are very slow. A 512GB SSD is a lot of space and thanks to the Thunderbolt 3 port, you can easily use external drives - it's silly to neglect a machine that meets your needs because it lacks a drive slot when you can easily use externals.

Alternatively, you can try for an XPS 15