Talking serious repair here.

Hi all. Sorry up front about the long post but I have a lot to say… Last week my T61, (t9300, 3gb, 160gb 7200, wxga+) screen just stopped working. This came as quite a surprise to me as the unit is exactly 14 months old and has worked very well until now. The only other problem I have experienced is occasional overheating/shutdown when multi tasking, however I was able to get this under control with thinkfan, a nice little utility that I would engage at the first sign of raising temperature. Anyway, I do not know if it is related or not, but now the screen is dead and I am without a primary working laptop. The warranty expired 2 months ago and Lenovo is quoting 575.00 for the repair. <ouch>

After some consideration I thought I might just purchase a new t400 from the cpp site, currently looks like a good deal for a nicely configured t400 for ~700.00. I think I would enjoy the lower powered P8600 processor, (compared to my t9300), and also would appreciate switchable video when unplugged. But, there is no wxga+ LED screen available. I then considered if the standard wxga LED screen would be ok for my needs and came to the conclusion that I really need the extra resolution. I know that I could just order the t400 with the wxga+ CCFL screen, but this is the exact screen that just broke on my t61, so I’m not feeling so good about that choice. Besides, isn’t one of the big deal advantages of the t400 the LED screen and all the benefits? Brighter, longer life, instant start, green friendly, less power consumption and all. Seems a shame to get the updated machine with the same old CCFL screen.

I must also admit that it is mighty unsettling to read all of the T400 screen complaints here in the forum. It seems that it is a total crapshoot as to weather or not a new screen will be nice or not. So, as good as the deal is, I have decided NOT to purchase a new T400 because the screen I want is not available and the chatter about the ever increasing tolerance range of Lenovo screens in general. My instincts are telling me here that Lenovo has been successful in lowering the price but is now suffering with product quality issues of the once fabulous T series.

Still, I am not at all interested in paying 575.00, (80% of a new t400), to repair my t61. So I have decided to attempt my own repair and here is where I could use some help. I would love to hear from someone who has some experience with this exact repair and get your opinion on any pitfalls and degree of difficulty. I have downloaded the t61 hardware manual and it looks like something I could do, (at least I am not reaching for medication ☺ . I have changed many apple screens, but never a ThinkPad. I have determined that my screen is a FPU 42T0426/42T0427 that I believe is an LG 141wp1. A few searches reviled that they sell for anywhere as high as $425.00, (screentek), and as low as $99.00, (the guy from Hong Kong on eBay), and several USA shippers offer it in the $150 to $225.00 range. My question here is there any difference? I would assume that an LG 141wlp would be the same from anywhere, as long as the seller is reputable. Any insight here would be appreciated.

And as long as I am inside the unit, I figured I would update the wireless card and antenna. I have always thought I purchased the wrong wireless configuration with this t61. I got the ThinkPad ABG card because I heard that wireless n didn’t matter and the ThinkPad card may have better range. I have since found that the Intel 4965 card may have been a better choice for me. I am reminded of this every time I go to a meeting and see my friend’s t61 with the Intel card pull in more networks and with stronger signals. I realize there may be other factors, but the fact is that he can access abg networks that I cannot. A little research here has told me that I need an Intel card that is Lenovo compatible. I understand that I may be able to get any Intel card to work, but it may involve hacking the bios so it pays to just pay the premium and get one that is Lenovo blessed.

And that brings me to the confusing part, the antenna. When I purchased this t61, I called Lenovo in Atlanta and they told me that all t61’s had the 3 antenna connections even if only 2 were being used. However, I doubt this because I only see 2 wires running from the wireless card to the screen. I am not sure, because I have not taken the screen out yet, but I was wondering if I should just buy the antenna just in case. I would hate to get it all apart and then be halted because I need the antenna to complete the repair/update. So, I was really wondering if anyone has actually done this. Any real information would be most useful.

Ok, one more thing, and I realize this may be a fantasy. But, I did briefly consider trying to not only replace the screen, but also update it to an LED. It looks quite possible, but complicated, and maybe expensive. From what I can see on the parts guide, It would not only require the screen, ( fbu 42T0498), but also an inverter, LED sub card, LED cable, assemble, cover kit and maybe even a Bezel. Again, I do not think I will attempt this, but I would love to know if anyone has done this successfully. With a little encouragement, I could be tempted to give it a shot. Although if all those parts are needed, it may become a problem of availability and at what cost. Just seems like it would be kinda cool to have a t61 with a wxga+ LED.

 

What was Lenovo's prescribed cure?

 

I had a t61p and I bought the antennas and installed them myself so I am the best the also the worst one to respond to this.

Sometimes I really wonder about Lenovo because I've heard both stories. I do know from personal experince that the t61p had 5 (1,2,3,4,5) antennas. It was written up about this time a year ago and I installed mine along with an australian. One thing we know from this is that there are t61p's sold by lenovo that have NO antennas installed and you are talking to a lady who knows. I would recommend that you treat yours as two different problems to be fixed on different weekends. Reconoiter the antenna problem the first weekend you are there, so youll know what you need and order for the second weekend, if one is needed. Believe it or not, I had been inside my t61 alot.

Putting in the antennas was quite a job and I didn't get finished before mid-night.

-Renee

 

Than you Renee for all the info. I had no idea the antenna thing was so... lets say, non-standard. You have convinced me that my wireless card is just fine for the time being and maybe I should just leave it alone for now.