X200 WXGA+ Screens?

Where would I get the panel to upgrade the X200?
Lenovo doesn't have them as an option for the X200 right now.

 

Not possible. X200 and X200s with WXGA screen uses CCFL-backlit screen. The connector is completely different from the LED-backlit screens. Also, the WXGA+ panel used in X200s is a super slim version with no metal bracket around the panel.

 

I thought WXGA+ used to be an option when they were in stock so how would it NOT be possible to add one aftermarket?
Although if it's not, maybe I'll add the FLEXVIEW like you did.

 

it is possible.   to clarify why zephir said what he did, the problem is that by the time you replace the LCD panel, LCD cover, LCD bezel, hinges, MIMO antennas, inverter, and LVDS cable, you will be spending enough money that you'll wished you simply bought a new system.

in fact, if you really wanted an X200 with an LED WXGA+ panel, it would be more cost-effective to buy both an X200 and X200s, swap the upper halves, and sell the remaining system as-is.   just be forewarned that neither system will have a valid warranty at that point.

 

Except the lenovo site doesn't have the wxga+ screens for the x200s either...
We will just deal with it because it still beats 1024x768 on our X61

 

you just need to find an X200s preconfigured or topseller model at a reseller.   all of them have WXGA+ panels.

download the latest thinkpad personal systems reference guide below, find a system that closely matches what you want, and search for the MTM number online.

http://www.lenovo.com/psref/pdf/tabook.pdf

 

Actually, erik, I've put two models on top of each other, and the physical locations, as well as sizes, of the hinges are not identical between the X200 and X200s. The hinges themselves are attached to the base, so unless you do a full swap with the base as well, then it is not possible to just swap the upper assembly between the X200 and X200s. Believe me, I entertained the possibility as well, and was quite disappointed when finding out that it wouldn't work.

 

interesting.   i'm not finding a separate FRU number in the system for WXGA hinges specific to an X200s chassis.   they may exist -- i just don't see them listed in any of my resources.

it's very possible that the X200s with WXGA gets a different base.   that would mean that a WXGA+ X200s couldn't be downgraded with an upper swap without swapping chassis.

if the WXGA+ hinges don't work on an X200 base then that, too, would make sense given the above.   i haven't had both systems in front of me simultaneously to try and play "legos" with them.

good info.   thanks.

 

The high-res LED display was the primary feature that differentiated the X200s from the X200. I was (am) baffled over the decision to drop it in favor of the X200's less impressive (but still very good) display. Some have speculated that there were production/supply issues that caused a shortage of the X200s display.

Supply issues may be part of the reason for the change, but current economic conditions were also a factor, IMO. From its introduction, the X200s was priced at least 40% higher than the X200...at least the sales price was, if not the retail (MSRP). The X200, like most other ThinkPad models, was 'sale priced' significantly lower than the retail price (for example, it currently is sale priced at $999 but the MSRP is shown as $1285- a 22% discount). But the X200s was NOT discounted at all until very recently (and it has been on the market for a full year). I'm sure the X200s was a hard sell at $1600+ when a $1000 X200 would suffice for many users!

The X200s appeared to be a less expensive alternative to the X301, but the X301 included a standard SSD in addition to an even more impressive high-res LED display. Upgrading the X200s to a 64GB SSD raised the price to within $50 of the X301! Based on many conversations here on NBR, a lot of buyers who were initially interested in the X200s ended up choosing the cheaper X200 or stretching the budget a bit for the X301!

Lenovo responded to market conditions (declining sales, flood of sub-$1k CULV notebooks) with a "de-contented" X200s- making the base processor the 1.2GHz Celeron M 723 (single-core) in place of the C2D SU9400 and replacing the WXGA+ (1440x900) 250-nit LED display with the WXGA (1280x800) 200-nit CCFL display from the X200. While I can understand the logic behind offering this lower-priced entry-level model with fewer features, I still don't see the wisdom in downgrading the display in the entire X200s line and not offering an upgrade for those who want it???

For anyone wanting an X200s with the original WXGA+ LED display, the Lenovo Outlet usually has at least a few in stock and they're a great deal! The Outlet also has great deals on the X301, which shares most of the X200s virtues, and it has a slighty larger 13.3" LED display with an even brighter 300-nit rating than the 250-nit unit on the X200s. It also has a touchpad and opitical drive bay not found ont the X200/X200s. Just a thought...