Screen quality difference between of T420 and T520 (HD+)

Hey guys, there is a T420 that I can get for a good price. It comes with the 1600x900 HD+ screen and seems to be in good shape. I am just wondering how is the screen quality. I have used the HD+ on the T520 and found it to be good. It's not as good as the FHD screen that I use on the T530 but it is easy on the eyes with the cool colors. So I'm just wondering how the HD+ screen on the T420 will be since I haven't used it. If it's not too much worse than the HD+ on the T520 then I might get it.

Thank you.

 

Well, none of the HD+ screens seen on T420 were anything to write home about to begin with.

With that said, there is a screen lottery involved. Some LCDs are passable and the others are utter junk.

If you have access to the machine's serial, do the parts lookup on Lenovo's website and check what panel exactly is in the machine.

Good luck.

 

Thank you ajkula,

I understand that the screens on the T420 were not considered to be among the better ones. I'm just wondering how do most of these screens compare with the HD+ screen offered in the T520. I can get a good deal on a T420 and I am considering it as I have a T530 right now. That laptop is great but a bit bulky. I want to use the T420 maybe in a slightly more portable role but just don't want the screen on the level of the X301, which was hard to use. So if the T420 HD+ and the T520 HD+ are not too far apart in terms of quality, then it may be good.

Appreciate it.

 

Well, if you can see the actual machine that would be the best thing to do.

If not, try to get the serial and check the panel as described above. Some of the LCDs seen on T420 had a really nasty "screen door" effect, while the others were passable.

Good luck.

 

Ok, I'm probably going to buy this laptop since its in good shape and the deal seems good. We will find out about the screen

It'll be good to use on a bed and other areas since it'll be under 5 lbs. A nice portable machine with good power. Maybe I may even use it as a desktop replacement. I'm sure the screen won't be anywhere near my T530 but the keyboard will make up for it. After using the T520, the chiclet style keyboards are definitely a major step down compared with the traditional Thinkpad keyboards.

So I'm going for that keyboard feel more than anything else. I was trying to find a good T520 but I can't right now. Plus the T420 has better mobility.

Thank you for the help, Akjula. I wouldn't mind if others offer their feedback as well.

 

I use a T420 at work. I was lucky because mine has the Samsung panel, which is the "best" one available. (it doesn't have the screen door effect) Nevertheless, I'd still call it mediocre at best. It works, but that's about it. Colors, contrast and viewing angles all leave much to be desired. Since you already mentioned your X301, they are both pretty similar, I'd almost say the X301 screen is better/more comfortable to view as it offers 16:10. (but that's just my personal opinion)

The T520 on the other hand is actually pretty neat if you choose the HD+ option. Colors are pretty good (sRGB) and the contrast and viewing angles are above average as well. The FHD panel is even better, though mostly in terms of colors. (95% AdobeRGB)

I still wouldn't call the HD+ good. IMHO it's slightly above average, most 15" notebooks have slightly better displays anyway, so what the T520 offers is actually the bare minimum that I expect from such a notebook.

The T520 and T530 have the same or similar screen. However, since the "good" version of the FHD screen is no longer being produced, lenovo had to switch to a different model. I don't have any model numbers but according to some users, the new FHD panel isn't as good as the old one. Since this only happened recently (a few months ago or something like that) I would expect that only the T530's are affected. But I wouldn't take my word for it.

 

If the screen is similar to the X301, then I think I will not get it. I used the X301 for a little bit and that screen was not good. Everything else was great.

I want is a reasonably portable Thinkpad with the traditional keyboard at a good price. I have the T530 but after using the T520's keyboard, I find that style keyboard better to use. Even the trackpoint buttons are different. The ones on the T530 are flatter while the older generations had a curve to them. So I will see if I can get a T520. The HD+ offered in it is pretty good. But I'm not in a hurry so when something good comes up, I'll try to get it. I'm very happy with my T530 so to be fair, I don't need another laptop at all. It's just that the traditional keyboard is very nice Maybe I should just give it up and be happy with what I have. I don't need two 15" laptops.

I do appreciate your response. Thank you.