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    Thinkpad with Samsung screen = bad?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by Oskare100, Nov 10, 2007.

  1. Oskare100

    Oskare100 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hello,
    I've got a Thinkpad r61i with a Samsung LCD screen but I still can return it to the store for a small fee. Are the Samsung LCD screen worse than the LG screens? Do you think I should return it to the store and try to get another with a LG LCD?

    Best Regards
    Oskar R
     
  2. John B

    John B Notebook Prophet

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    Are you happy with it?
     
  3. Oskare100

    Oskare100 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hello,
    I can't unpack the computer and start it, I can only return it in the unopen/sealed package it came in. If I unpack it I must keep it.

    Best Regards
    Oskar R
     
  4. rxblitzrx

    rxblitzrx Notebook Evangelist

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    I just got my T61 and I've heard mixed reviews about both the LG and the Samsung. It seems like there is no clear winner, just if you're happy with your screen. I personally didn't like the WXGA+ lcd on mine because of poor viewing angles. I had a modification done through a company called Screentek to make it glossy (cost: $100). This is the same technology that Dell and Sony use on their "TrueLife and XBRITE" screens.

    The results were amazing (if you can live with the reflections of a glossy screen). Vertical viewing angles improved by about 25 degrees and the contrast is higher. Very pretty.

    LG or Samsung, it seems like they all need calibration out of the box. I've heard that both are too blue, and I experienced this with mine. I used the free calibration software floating around here to adjust my LCD.

    These two mods make for an impressive LCD. Thinkpad durability with a Dell TrueLife LCD. A match made in Heaven if you ask me. :)
     
  5. Cherude

    Cherude Notebook Evangelist

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    Yep, Samsung here and too blue.
    In my life i had two toshibas and this T61 now. Although the Thinkpad is more solid and well built, i need to recognize that my old toshibas had much better lcd displays.
     
  6. rxblitzrx

    rxblitzrx Notebook Evangelist

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    My next laptop purchase will be decided by whoever makes the best LCD and keyboard. Thinkpads are losing their reputation for build quality, which was their key selling point (IMO). The keyboards aren't the same either, which was their second biggest selling point (IMO).
     
  7. Oskare100

    Oskare100 Notebook Enthusiast

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    OK, thanks, so, how do you think I should do? Is it worth it to return the notebook becuase of the Samsung LCD or is it as good as the LG LCD?
     
  8. KnightUnit

    KnightUnit Notebook Evangelist

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    Do you like the Samsung screen or not, whats your opinion Oskare?
     
  9. KnightUnit

    KnightUnit Notebook Evangelist

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  10. Shamoke

    Shamoke Notebook Consultant

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    I thought Samsung was the good screen.
     
  11. rxblitzrx

    rxblitzrx Notebook Evangelist

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    What makes Samsung better?
     
  12. BaldwinHillsTrojan

    BaldwinHillsTrojan Notebook Evangelist

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    If you want the glossy screen there is a sheet you can put over it. I have seen a T61 sold in an emerging market country and thought wow they have glossy LCD models but it is a clear sheet that protects the screen. Doesnt look cheap at all and does not distort viewing. ITs supposed to protect the screen but it looks like a glossy screen. You cannot tell because the sheet is cut perfectly.
     
  13. rxblitzrx

    rxblitzrx Notebook Evangelist

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    Or you could do what I did and call ScreenTek. Have them "repolarize" your LCD for $100. Same technology that Dell uses in their TrueLife LCD's and Sony's XBRITE.
     
  14. chrisroman

    chrisroman Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have the T61p with Samsung screen.

    Out of the box, uncalibrated, it is really very bad - nearly unusable. But updating the Nvidia drivers to the latest and adjusting the brightness, contrast and color made all the difference. The screen now looks very good; bright, excellent colors and contrast.

    However, the viewing angles are still poor. During normal usage this is not as issue for me personally, since the way I use a laptop doesnt require me to be viewing the screen at odd angles. It may even have an unintended benefit of adding a little privacy since others sitting next to you wont have a very clear view of your screen.

    Overall, with calibration, the Samsung screen looks very good. Viewing angles are poor, but tend not to be an problem on a laptop.