T500/W500 WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050) LCD quality

How good/bad are the 15.4" 1680x1050 panels used on the T500 and W500?

Dell has had problems with spectacularly awful (grainy, dull, poor color quality) 1680x1050 Samsung panels and I'm wondering if Lenovo has higher standards or is selling the same junk as part of their LG vs. Samsung panel lottery.

 

Lottery? that's a good word
Yep, chances are the same for Lenovo, unfortunately they don't use AUO screens.

 

I can't take credit for 'lottery;' it's the standard term used in desktop hardware circles to describe monitors that ship with different panel types at the whim of the vendor. Panel lotteries are a huge scam in the desktop monitor market--one well known vendor has a habit of launching monitors to market with S-IPS panels (very high quality) then silently switching to much lower quality PVA panels after a few months. The result is the vendor gets to ride off glowing reviews for the S-IPS display to sell much cheaper PVA hardware instead. At least in the laptop market, most people know they're going to get a poor display before they fork over any money.

 

Most people in my opinion don't care much about screen quality. You certainly see people here who care, but I'd say they are in the minority. In the world of FatWallet and SlickDeals, most people aren't willing to pay the premium for a good screen. The one's they're using now are good enough. Yes, Lenovo's using the same screens as everyone else. If you want a good screen, pick up a T60 with a FlexView screen. The screen can't be beat quality wise and the performance difference between a Core 2 Duo and a Penryn will be very small unless you have a specific need.

 

That may be right for I guess 2/3rd of the customers. However, a lot of people really and especially busniess people (so the txxx customers) do care about screen quality and it is certainly one of the killer features why people change to the Apple camp. A thinkpad is still not what I'd call a "cheap" notebook.

I WOULD pay a "reasonable" premium to get the best screen, say up to 250€! I look at the screen all day and I have to work with it. So, that's why it's worth it for me.

How about a W500e where the "e" stands for eye candy?

 

For a very good screen, HP is charging $400 for their Dreamcolor screen (their 17" laptop will probably go for $3000). If you want a good product you're going to have to pay a lot more than what a Lenovo Tx00 costs. Lenovo T series has declined over time and I would consider it a fairly cheap notebook as you can get one for less than $1000.

 

in my opinion, honestly i was freaking out that i didnt get the led backlight screen. but after i recieved my T500 i have to say that there isnt anything you should worry about. the screen is just fine.

if the screen is the only thing holding you back dont worry about it and make the purchase. im sure you will be satisfied.

 

I think you're wrong. You definitely see people here who are, but they're a small minority.

 

So anyone else who has the WSXGA+ screens 1680x1050 care to comment on the quality? I am concerned that the screen will be incredibly dim like the last thinkpad I had.

 

I think it is just luck of the draw. I really like my screen for my T61p, but I have personally seen horrible ones.