Possible to replace Ideapad Y550/P screen with an aftermarket higher resolution screen?

I've read of end users replacing the LCD in their notebook with an aftermarket screen for either higher resolution, brighter screen, or both. I found the Ideapad Y550P on the Lenovo site. It has most EVERYTHING I want EXCEPT a high resolution panel (only has 1366x768...yuck!). My question: Where would I begin searching for such a replacement panel? Since this is a 16:9 aspect screen, I would be looking for a 1600x900 or 1920x1080 replacement. Is this possible?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

From what I know, something must be there for you to buy.

If Lenovo is not offering anything better LCD on Y550 series, your probably can't get it.

Again, my knowledge is very limited. My answer is not definite.

 

It's very unlikely you'll find what you need, since it isn't offered as a stock configuration. You'd need to find a panel with matching connector position and voltage, so unless you've found someone who already did this, I wouldn't try it.

Perhaps the ThinkPad T500 or W500 would do what you're looking for.

 

I've had the privilege to purchase a replacement LCD before (ok I admit, I actually cracked the panel). I learned quite a bit about them in this process.

LCD screens for laptops are VERY model specific. You have the LCD panel itself, connected to an inverter (eg, taped underneath), wired to board with a very specific, proprietary connector cable. If the Y550, only has one screen size, at best you are going to have look up detailed specs on OEM'ed LCD panels and try to mate and retrofit it with the inverter you already have on your's.

In short, I'd say very unlikely.

If you are gunning for Core i7 models (I'm not sure of your processor horsepower needs, but keep in mind the current mobile quad cores, don't make for a portable laptop, with any decent battery life). Perhaps you are looking for the next/current gen Nehalem processors? Do you have to have quad core (and if you think so, can you honestly say why) ? You may want to consider until Q1 2010, as I hear Intel is going to release a lot more offerings then (probably CES '10). That means the laptop manufacturers will follow in suit.

 

not to mention very very pricey.

 

Definitely. The going price for a replacement brand-new LCD built specifically for the Dell that I have the privilege of replacing ran upwards of $300 from a reputable parts store. Not to mention the scarcity of finding it. You don't get the luxury of a part look up if you are retrofitting a panel yourself.

Sure you could buy a used one on eBay, but you'd run the risk of getting a B-grade or below used unit (so dead pixels, bad spots, etc).

 

The risk/reward ration is not good. Void warranty to gain what?
We sent a man to the moon, dropped an atom bomb on Japan, and elected a black President so anything is possible but in your case to swap out the high ticket item on your NB is simply not suggested and not advised. BTW, its also dangerous. You might get elctrocuted. Even if the swap is successful, what if it blows up on you?

 

Eventually Lenovo (and Dell) should come up with a Consumer laptop with Core i7 and a decent resolution screen just like HP Envy 15. There is no other product in Dell/Lenovo/Asus/Sony lineups that matches the HP as of now.

Even I am in the market for something with Core i7 and WUXGA but I think I will have to be patient as I cannot afford the HP Envy

 

"You might get elctrocuted."

I doubt it on 5 volts? He'd have to be trying really, really hard.

Renee

 

Studio XPS16? i7, hi-res screen, decent graphics and somewhat cheaper than an Envy. You get an optical drive too.

According to Dell, in the US.

$1574 compared to $1875 for the HP (with optical drive). You just have to deal with only an ATI 4670.

Also, the Studio 15 is available with a 1080p screen and an i7 for a smidge over a grand, but comes with a noticeably inferior ATI 4570.

 

For the HP
1) Sexy and Slim and lighter with Aluminium Unibody - Portability can be a major decision factor.
2) Battery Slice which improves battery run time for upto 4-5 hours - Same goes for battery life.
3) Chicklet keyboard
4) 2 Hard drive option, its a big deal for many.