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    15.4" LED-backlit WSXGA+ TFT... which Lenovo models?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by bemymonkey, Sep 6, 2009.

  1. bemymonkey

    bemymonkey Notebook Guru

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    I've been looking around because I'm thinking about upgrading to a "real" Thinkpad from my SL500 (mainly because of build quality - the casing creaks a lot, the display housing isn't very stable [flexes], keyboard flexes), and so far I haven't been able to find this screen option.

    I'm really liking the WSXGA+ (1680x1050) screen and WXGA on 15.4" is just not an option any more, but if I'm going to be spending serious money on an R or T series Thinkpad, I'd really like to have an LED backlight... but as far as I can tell, they're all CCFL backlit. Why is that? Am I just looking in the wrong place? Or does Lenovo really only provide CCFL backlights for the WSXGA+ TFTs?

    On a side note - how's the build quality (esp. keyboard and reinforcing around edges) on R500 vs. T500s?
     
    bemymonkey, Sep 6, 2009
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  2. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I don't think there are any WSXGA+ LED screens on the market right now, nor is there a T500s model (I'll assume you meant just the T500).
     
    sgogeta4, Sep 6, 2009
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  3. bemymonkey

    bemymonkey Notebook Guru

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    Hmmm, any idea why there aren't any available? Not enough demand?

    And yeah, I meant the T500 :)
     
    bemymonkey, Sep 6, 2009
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  4. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    LCD suppliers just do not make these panels, for whatever reason. Hence, WSXGA+ LED screens are not available on the T500. Dell and HP offer LED-backlit WXGA+ screens, however, but of course that comes at the cost of screen real estate.

    I'm happy with my WSXGA+ CCFL screen, though (you can read my review for more detailed impressions - link in signature).
     
    MidnightSun, Sep 6, 2009
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  5. jaredy

    jaredy Notebook Virtuoso

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    LED isn't inherently better quality. It is more power efficient though. I am not sure to what extent that affects battery life. However, the Tseries offers very good battery life with the integrated/switchable graphics.

    But unfortunately thinkpads do not have high quality screens in general...
     
    jaredy, Sep 6, 2009
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  6. bemymonkey

    bemymonkey Notebook Guru

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    Actually, in my experience LED backlit TFTs have had more uniform lighting, were extremely bright and consumed a lot less power. With a 15.4" screen, even 5% power savings would be great for battery life... every little bit counts :)
     
    bemymonkey, Sep 7, 2009
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