Question: HV121WX4-120 and X220 IPS Comparison

I currently have an X200 with an upgraded HV121WX4-120 matte screen. I'm have been very happy with this computer. The only issue is that the display is CCFL and not very bright compared to the latest LED powered screens out there. I have a 24" LED monitor and the difference in brightness is huge. I have no problem with the color reproduction or contrast level of the AFFS panel, but could any of you out there who have an IPS give me an idea whether upgrading to the IPS-equipped X220 is worth it? In other words, will I see a substantial increase in brightness? Other factors such as CPU speed is noted, but not very important to me at all. Basically, if the X200 had a brighter screen I would be perfectly happy.

 

i've had both and color reproduction is better on the CCFL AFFS panels than the LED IPS.   the biggest difference is that reds are more accurate and actually look red instead of orange.   the HV121WX4-120 is an excellent panel.

if you're concerned about color-critical work then stick with what you have.   if you want an arguably better system with more features and longer runtime on battery then get an X220.

regarding brightness, if the HV121WX4-120 isn't bright enough then perhaps your surrounding environment is too bright.   or, perhaps your 24" display is set too bright.   i keep my NEC on 0% brightness / 50% contrast all day long.   this equates to about 125 nits.   your X200 should be good for 150~200 nits depending on its age.   altering your settings or environment might not work for you or your situation but it's something to consider.

 

Thanks for your input Erik. I am not concerned with color-reproduction at all - the AFFS is already perfectly fine for what I do (browsing and Office mainly). When I use AFFS I feel it's fine. However, at work I have an HP IPS monitor, an HP workstation laptop and a Dell workstation laptop. They all have very nice displays that have great color-reproduction in addition to much brighter panels. It is only after having used those that I feel the AFFS is not as bright relatively speaking. I have a ThinkVision LED monitor and it's very bright at max. I usually keep it at 80%.

So essentially you don't think there will be enough of a difference in brightness between the AFFS and the IPS?

 

the X220's IPS panel is definitely brighter.   it's rated at 300 nits and should give you at least 50% more brightness over what you have now.

given that criteria alone, you might do quite well with an X220.

 

According to different reviews, it's more likely 250 nits at maximum brigthness. But still it's high enough

 

Thanks for the inputs folks! I guess I'll wait a little to see what IB brings the next gen X2xx. Interestingly I haven't seen much discussion anywhere about CES.

 

Just subjectively, as someone going from a BOE AFFS x200t to the IPS x220/t, I'd say on the whole the new panels are superior. I don't really notice any difference in color reproduction (though I don't really do that much color sensitive stuff either), and I do notice a difference in max brightness (though it isn't that much on paper).

If anything, I've noticed a tiny bit more light leakage in the x220/t, but it's not anything noticeable except on solid black.

 

was your X200T LED or CCFL though?   the BOE AFFS+ panel was offered in both.   if you went from LED to LED then i would definitely agree with your statement.   if you went from CCFL to LED then i might question your vision or judgment.   LOL (j/k)

 

my x200t is 400nits, I wish didn't get the outdoor viewable model. It's just too bright for indoor usage even on lowest brightness, and I hardly ever use it outside. I have to use vistashade when all light are off because the screen hurts my eyes. I would definitely not recommend 400 nits screen to anyone.

 

So it seems the verdict is CCFL AFFS to IPS = not so much better and LED AFFS to IPS = win? How come? I would have expected the LED AFFS to be even better than the CCFL AFFS but I am no screen expert. The LED one is WX5, right?

Friend has an X200t, though I don't think it's the outdoor model. At the time I still had the regular X200 screen and thought hers is fantastic. Bright and good contrast, but very grainy, which comes with the tablet territory. What's your current screen inv3stment? How do you like it?

 

CCFL bulbs have a larger color gamut than do WLED backlights.