X201i cracked display

When I was travelling by train with open notebook on my knees passanger's back pack fell down and cracked my display (from the front side). After connecting to external monitor everything else seems to be fine. So according to black and white (and sometimes coloured) "spider web" I guess only display is cracked. Service provider told me that 30 pin LCD cable is damaged as well. But this is not covered by warranty I have. Luckily for me the passanger has insurance which will cover the reparation (but probably not the whole sum of money). What would you do? Would you repair it by yourself or let a service provider to do it? Do you think it is time to consider AFFS swap? Any other suggestions?
Thank you.

(Thinkpad X201i 3249-CTO, Display MFG: 42T0708 & FRU: 42T0709)
Covered by NBD on site warranty up to 2012-09-11.

(Maybe the service provider was wrong, but he told me, that 30 pin connector was usually connect to CCFL screens but according to model type I think I have LED screen - so which one do you think I have? He also told me, that the new displays had only 3 months warranty - any way how to prolong it?)
PS: What is the difference between MFG and FRU? Which is significant for purchasing the right part? Thanks

 

I'd ask, why haven't you done it already?

 

Heh (afraid of loosing warranty)
I log in here only occasionally, but I think there is very comprehensive thread about this topic - it is possible to sum it up into few sentences or would you suggest me to read it from cover to cover to get the whole "picture"? Is it something extraordinary - something what service provider will not be willing to do it instead of me? (A am asking because insurrance company will probably need a bill for it.)

 

Sum up the benefits of the AFFS? Two things - a high contrast ratio and wide viewing angles. The downside would be if you want the matte version it's hard to find and expensive if you can. Glare on the glossy versions may be an issue if you're using it in well lit areas.

Extraordinary? I didn't find it that tough. I don't know if you can find someone to do it for you, but Lenovo will definitely not do it. You can probably get all the parts for less than $200. I would think the insurance company would be happy paying that amount. Laptop screen replacements through official channels tend to be expensive.

More than likely doing the AFFS mod will void your warranty. If you've got a nice long warranty and want to keep it, it's something to consider. If it's done right you may send it in and they may never notice as long as it's not the screen of course, but it's not a risk free proposition. If they want to make an issue of it and deny you warranty service because of the mod, they can and there's nothing you can do about it.

The way I looked at it when I did my X200 is most parts on my X200 were pretty cheaply replaced doing it myself. About the only thing that might be expensive would be the if the board dies. The chance that the board would die is pretty small, though not zero. Since I only had the one year warranty I was willing to risk it. I probably wouldn't do such a thing on my tablet because it's got the three year warranty and it's already got a great screen.

 

Is my X201i (3249-CTO, Display FRU 42T0709) with LED backlight capable of AFFS swith? If so, is there anything else what do you need to buy except the right display - what you should know about it before purchase, etc.
Thanks

 

You need the cable and inverter from the CFFL X200 LCD.

 

Can you go wrong with this one? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-BOE-HYDIS...Computing_LaptopAccess_RL&hash=item2a0daa6b97

 

It says it's an equivalent, which means it's probably not the Hydis screen. I'd go with this one unless you're really on a tight budget. It already has the touch surface and digitizer removed.

 

Thanks. So if I don't get it wrong - there is no need of jumper harness or st. like that. Just replacing the 3 parts. Ok?

 

Yes, it's a straight swap.

 

Thanks for the link.
Strange, why the seller wrote that answer in "Questions and answers about this item" section.

Q: Hi i have a x201, does it works for it? Or is better HV121WX4-120 Do you send instructions to install it? thanks.
A: Hello,you need check your X201 is lcd-backlight not LED-backlight one.this lcd panel only fit LCD-backlight one. thanks.

(funny sb. else is looking for the same, in the same time, for the similar thinkpad, hope his/her display has not been broken when travelling by train as well)

PS: Exactly this one I think I have:
http://www.screencountry.com/index.php?section=products&part_number=B121EW09 V.3
I am a little bit disappointed with warranty of LCD panel on web, this one is a rarity.

 

I would not buy from screen country.