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    Is this a problem? Or should I buy a new one?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by Budvus, Mar 10, 2008.

  1. Budvus

    Budvus Newbie

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    I have a T43 that is about 2 and a half years old. Over the last month or so, I've noticed that the screen has been flickering periodically. Nothing consistent, but frequently enough to notice and it has also happened under a variety of conditions -- running on battery, plugged in, and on a docking station. It is no longer under warranty. I use it for work, surfing the internet and some gaming. Also, recently the graphics in the gaming seem to be less effective (they were never great to begin with, but now are positively meh). I am wondering what the possible causes could be but also if it is something I should be terribly worried about.

    Then I look at the pricing that Lenovo has right now on the T61P and think that maybe I should just bite the bullet and buy one while the prices are good. I don't want to buy a new computer if I don't really have to, but I would hate to get stuck with a problem on the T43 and have to 1) wait to get a new machine, and 2) get stuck paying a premium.

    So, I would appreciate your opinions:

    Should I assume that the screen flickering isn't too big of a problem and that the T43 will keep going for a while? Or, Should I hedge my bets and take advantage of the current pricing and buy a T61p?
     
    Budvus, Mar 10, 2008
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  2. aiiee

    aiiee Notebook Geek

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    replacement LCD runs around $90 on ebay? :)
     
    aiiee, Mar 10, 2008
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  3. Budvus

    Budvus Newbie

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    Thanks! But I've also wondered what if it wasn't just the LCD? Could it be something with the integrated graphics?
     
    Budvus, Mar 10, 2008
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  4. techboydino

    techboydino Notebook Evangelist

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    could definetely the cable or the inverter. can you recreate the problem when you flex the screen?
     
    techboydino, Mar 10, 2008
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  5. Budvus

    Budvus Newbie

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    It doesn't appear flicker when I flex the screen.
     
    Budvus, Mar 10, 2008
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  6. LoneWolf15

    LoneWolf15 The Chairman

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    I agree. I'd look at the inverter as the problem first --they are the cheapest of any replacement part in this scenario, and worth trying.

    When the display flickers, try this: hold the laptop LCD up to a bright light source and look at the screen closely. Can you see what is on the laptop display (albeit very dimly)? If so, it's either the display inverter or the LCD backlight, and inverters usually go bad sooner.

    If you cannot see any picture on the display when it flickers off, it could be the display's flex cable. This is also relatively inexpensive, and worth trying.
     
    LoneWolf15, Mar 10, 2008
    #6