Lo-res screen for T430/T430s: Any info?

I ordered a T430s 2355-AA6 by mistake, thinking it had the 1600x900 screen but found out this Core i7 machine actually has the lo-res panel. I ordered from a retailer, antonline.com which had a product description that was missing the usual details.

There seem to be no opinions or data on the lo-res screen on these or the Lenovo forums, but having read about all the dissatisfaction over the hi-res screen I wonder if I should stay with the lo-res screen which might have a better overall appearance and less strain on the eyes.

Should I keep the Thinkpad with the lo-res screen, or return it for a model with HD+?

 

If you read the NBR review on the T430 the low resolution panel was criticised by the reviewer for poor color reproduction and viewing angles (as well as real estate). The HD+ panels are a little better over the HD panels but not by much, if you really have to have a T430(s) then you should really insist on having the HD+ panel.

 

A clear and strong argument... Much appreciated! I suppose if color/contrast/angles on the HD are also worse than on the HD+ then I shouldn't settle for using the former.

Anyone else have experience with the HD screen on the T420/T430(s)?

 

You may read my review here. I'd agree that the T430 HD and HD+ screen leave something to be desired when compared to the better screens now coming to market in greater numbers. You have to understand ThinkPads are designed primarily for large institutional buyers who by and large are most concerned about cost, not screen quality. To some degree it depends on how picky you are. The screens are fine for office and internet type stuff, but anything where color and viewing angles are important, their weaknesses will be apparent.

 

Thanks,

I've seen the HD+ screen on the T420s which I think is the same as the HD+ in the T430s. The max brightness was somewhat less than what I would have liked, so I think the dimmer HD screen would be unacceptable in that respect also.

 

It looks like I will either have to eat the 15% restocking fee, resell the laptop myself, or somehow replace the screen (which seems iffy from what I've read-- correct me if I'm wrong).

 

All items offered for sale at NBR must be posted in the Marketplace forum and adhere to the Marketplace rules, one if which is you have to have three months of membership and 100 post to sell items here.

You can of course replace the screen, but doing so will have consequences for your warranty.

 

If you are polite but firm with the retailer's support line, often they will waive the 15% restocking fee if you explain that you will be purchasing a new, more expensive machine (which you will, since the HD+ display will cost more). This is at least the case with Lenovo; not sure if it'll work for you with your retailer.