X230 IPS screen replacement

Hi. I bought my X230 last year for university, and so far its been in absolute pristine condition, except for wear on the spacebar and trackball buttons (nothing I can do about that).

However, back in November, my screen started to develop white spots, basically pressure points, in two parts.
I could not send my computer for service, due to work, but I sent it in December.

They told me that they could not fix it for free, because "who is to say you did not cause the damage?" I suppose that is a valid argument. I asked them how much it would cost them to replace it, and they said $800, which is more than it cost for me to buy the computer!

My question is, since I am still under warranty, would it be possible for a local shop to replace my screen free of charge? I know that lenovo will not do it, but would a authorized service center do it? Does anyone have experience with this?

Thanks!

 

That sucks. I hope this is an isolated case and does not reflect the way Lenovo treats customers in general.

If it comes down to it, panels are often available on Ebay and your local computer technician can usually replace it for you for a fee.

But this would void your warranty. But i don't think you have anther choice. You can try the local service center first but doesn't that depend on your warranty coverage?

 

If you still have warranty and some time, probably contact lenovo again, as there is no freaking way it is user induced damage.

 

A few users have had issues with pressure points appearing on the screen, and I think Lenovo has been pretty consistent about not covering a screen replacement for those symptoms.

If you go to a Lenovo-authorized computer repair shop, I don't believe the warranty is voided (you should probably double-check, though). If they can do the replacement, you should see if you can bring your own part (order off eBay, etc), as that will be much cheaper than what they will charge you. Then, you'd only be paying for labor.

 

Years ago, this stuff would have been covered no questions asked, but as the cost of ThinkPads and all notebooks for that matter have dropped, things that used covered no longer are.

I say if you've got the one year warranty, buy a screen and do it yourself if you feel up to it. If not you're probably stuck with the old screen.

 

It is a covered part. I've never ever had a good experience sending in a machine for repair to Lenovo. You're better off finding a local authorized repair center that can do the work. They'll do it under warranty.

Lenovo Support - Service Provider Locator (US)

I don't think this is a screen issue but rather a problem with the lid. I already had the screen replaced once a year ago for this same problem and there are a couple bright spots in the same area with this one now too.

 

Truth...

I went this route too, dropped it off at a Service Provider and had my screen replaced for free. The new one already has a spot in the upper right. It was replaced free when the computer was under warranty. Had it replaced with about 10 days left on my warranty, lol.

 

Thanks guys for the suggestions.

I called a support center, and will drop off my laptop on Monday. They said they'll have to order the part from lenovo, then get it fixed.
Estimate is 1 business day.

Since they are closed on weekends, no sense in dropping it off Friday.

 

That's good to know. It's a little strange that their drop in centre and mail in centre operate different policies.

 

Depending on how close the service provider is to you can do this to save time. I take the notebook to them so they can verify the problem, one or two days later when the part is in I take it back to have it repaired and get it back the same day. This way the down time is only about 2hrs.

 

Hey, just to update, I dropped it off on Monday, and it was fixed Thur. afternoon.

My screen has been replaced, and there are no problems! I've confirmed that this is an IPS display.

What steps can I take to make sure the white spots don't show up again? My warranty will expire in about a month, and I don't want this to happen a second time.

 

My X220 IPS screen developed a pressure spot a while ago and it was replaced on-site without any trouble.