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    Replacing the screen on a Lenovo Thinkpad T500

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by ARom, Jun 13, 2009.

  1. ARom

    ARom -

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    I would like to purchase a T500, and then replace the WXGA screen with the Lenovo T500 TFT LCD LCD SCREEN 15.4" WSXGA+ MATTE.

    I simply want to know how difficult it is with this machine. If it's like any other notebook then I shouldn't have a problem but I know thinkpads are finicky when you take them apart.

    Thanks
     
    ARom, Jun 13, 2009
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  2. ortegaluis

    ortegaluis Notebook Consultant

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    It shouldn't be too complicated. Just follow the steps detailed in the HMM.
    As a matter of fact, I disassembled the top lid of my T400 this morning. It's not a T500 but I'm sure it's not complicated. Just be patient and gentle so as to not break anything.

    P.S. Don't try to convert to from CCFL to LED backlit or vice versa. It's not possible without the proper LCD cable and LED inverter board.
     
    ortegaluis, Jun 13, 2009
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  3. ARom

    ARom -

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    HMM? 10 char
     
    ARom, Jun 13, 2009
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  4. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    Hardware maintenence manual, found here. It gives quite detailed instructions on how to tear down the T500 and put it back together.
     
    MidnightSun, Jun 13, 2009
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  5. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    I'll ask the obvious question, why not just get a T500 with the WSXGA+ screen?
     
    ZaZ, Jun 14, 2009
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  6. ARom

    ARom -

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    haha, it's much more expensive for me that way for me. I'll break it down:

    If I buy from Lenovo Canada:

    T500, WSXGA+, 3650 = $1500 Canadian or $1340 US Dollars

    -------------

    Instead I'll buy from an eBay power seller who purchased from the Lenovo Outlet which does not ship to Canada. I have yet to find WSXGA+ & 3650 at a price I'm willing to pay for, but:

    eBay T500 WXGA, 3650 is $779 USD.

    The WSXGA+ screen is $90.

    ------

    I can sell the WXGA screen after I pop in the WSXGA+ one.

    So in conclusion:

    [$1340 USD(Cost direct from Lenovo Canada)] - [$779USD(WXGA, 3650)+ $90USD (WSXGA+) - WXGA] = :)
     
    ARom, Jun 14, 2009
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  7. useroflaptops

    useroflaptops Notebook Evangelist

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    not directed at you and being rhetorical: but 1500 dollars for a screen?! why not buy a new laptop?
     
    useroflaptops, Jun 14, 2009
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  8. ARom

    ARom -

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    no no, for the laptop.
     
    ARom, Jun 14, 2009
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  9. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    You'll also be losing your warranty. You got to factor that in too.
     
    ZaZ, Jun 14, 2009
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  10. LoneWolf15

    LoneWolf15 The Chairman

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    Do you have a friend in the US?

    I'm pretty sure ThinkPads have an international warranty. Maybe you want to arrange with someone to buy it in the U.S., and when they receive it, have them ship the unit to you (that is, assuming it costs less).

    P.S. Have you tried going through any of Lenovo's special (CPP/EPP/SPP) discount purchase programs, or is this just the regular Lenovo Canada website?
     
    LoneWolf15, Jun 14, 2009
    #10