Question about T420 displays

I have settled on getting a T420 to replace my dying X60s and had a query about the displays. What is the difference btw the HD and HD+ (1600x900) displays? What do ppl recommend. My main concern is that the there isn't likely to be as much vertical space on these new 16:9 displays as I would like. I mainly use my computers for writing and research and some light to medium duty photoshop work. Does anyone have screenshots of the two displays that they would be willing to share? And which one would ppl recommend?

Cheers,

Y

 

I recommend the HD+ 1600x900 panel.

 

Do you have one?

 

From the tabook:

HD (1366x768) color, anti-glare, LED backlight display
200 nits, 16:9 aspect ratio, 300:1 contrast ratio

HD+ (1600x900) color, anti-glare, LED backlight display
250 nits, 16:9 aspect ratio, 300:1 contrast ratio

So apart from the extra pixels the NIT value differs which should mean that the 1600x900 display is a bit brighter (does this affect battery life btw?)

(A NIT is a measurement of light in candelas per meter square (Cd/m2) A NIT is a good basic reference when comparing brightness from monitor to monitor)

 

Looking at one as typing this.

 

I highly recommend the 1600x900 HD+ display. It's a much more suitable resolution for a higher-end 14" laptop like the T420 than 1366x768. For one thing, the 200nit 1366x768 display is rated at the same brightness as some of the old CCFL backlit displays back before we had LED backlights. Not only is the 1600x900 brighter, but the increased resolution benefits almost everything you do. With 1600x900 it's easier to multitask and you won't have to scroll as much. The screen is the most important upgrade in a laptop because you notice the difference a lot more than a processor or RAM upgrade, and since it's only $50 on the T420 you should definitely go for it.

As far as I've seen, most people who buy the T420 get the 1600x900 upgrade even if they don't upgrade anything else.

 

Does anybody know the contrast ratio on the HD+ screen on the t420? I hope it is more than 500:1, the screen on my x120e sucks and if I am spending around 1 grand on a laptop I would want a better screen.

 

@k2001: They're both 300:1

 

What I don't get is why the L series has a better screen than the T series. I am hoping that tabook is wrong on the spec.

 

Have you taken any pics of the screen? I am interested in how teeny tiny the fonts and such are. You running at 100% DPI?

How many thinkpads do you have? Sounds like you have more than I do. I didn't realize you ordered and already received the T420.

 

I have to also recommend that you get the higher resolution

 

Thank you all. These comments were very helpful.