when will LED backlight option return?

I am trying to order a t400 from the lenovo website but the option for the LED backlight on the screen is gone. I saw it there last week but now the only option I have is the CCFL screen. Does anyone know IF or WHEN that option will return?

I'll really looking forward to getting the t400 but I don't mind waiting if this option returns.

 

We've heard about stock shortages...but I don't think any of us know for SURE when it will back on CTO. It should presumably return though.

 

My advice would be to wait for the option to return. Prior to it being removed from the option list, it had the notation "Choosing this option could delay shipment for 4 weeks or more".

According to several other NBR users, Lenovo is having a supply chain issue. It has been suggested that they underestimated the take-rate on the LED option. The Australian Lenovo site still offers the LED, but notes a "more than 4 week delay"- LINK

Interestingly, the Aussie site also is offering the High-Nit WXGA LED display that appeared briefly on the U.S. site last month. The upgrade cost in Australian Dollars is $378.29 (about $273 in US Dollars)!!! There was a press release a week or two ago that mentioned a 680-nit display designed for outdoor use. I'm thinking that this must be it???

Back on topic- I'm sure the option will return eventually. It's obviously in Lenovo's best interest to do so. There are customers delaying their purchases, such as yourself, until the LED option is available.

They also risk losing customers to the Dell Latitude and Precision! The Latitude E6400 (14.1") and E6500 (15.4") and the Precision M2400 (14.1) have standard WXGA (1280x800) LED-backlit displays and optional WXGA+ (1440x900) LED. The Precision M4400 offers both of those LED displays as an option.

 

I actually called and asked how long will it take for delivery if I ordered a T400 with LED and the rep said over 2 months, this was 3 weeks ago. At that point I was wondering why they didn't remove the option. Could it be that Dell is buying all the stock for the E6400? I really like the E6400 but its a lot more expensive than the T400 so I went with the XPS 13 instead.

 

wow, 2 months! thats crazy. can anyone else vouch for that?

if thats the case, then I'll just stick with the CCFL screen. I mean the only difference is brightness (how much brightness will I be losing? I mean is it a drastic difference?) and battery power.

 

The difference is only 50 nits (200 vs. 250) this isn't that significant. In my experience 200 nits is more than adequate for every case execpt direct sunlight outdoors.

My x200 Tablet has a 285nit LED display and I tend to run it at 70% brightness or less (except outside).

 

Does the LED screen make the laptop any smaller/lighter? THanks

 

Latitudes have a better warranty and return policy. Those things have value.

 

No it does not.

 

ok, so it would be primarily be affecting outdoors.

does anyone have any pics of a screen with CCFL vs LED?

that would be great, so we can really see a difference. I just feel like I'm not getting the best thing when getting the t400. A laptop is a big investment for me, and I just don't want to be shortcutted.

 

Well remember that the LED screen isn't AMAZING either. We had that whole period of time where everyone wanted the specific LED screen (LG vs Samsung). But I think after the excitement they aren't really THAT much better screens, just brighter. That's my take at least. Screen quality wouldn't be the primary reason for a thinkpad (unless you got an x200t).

 

The most appreciable benefit of the LED for a lot of users is increased energy efficiency (longer battery life).

 

I am one of those guys who has seen both. LED just means brighter. The quality of the screen in the T400 is not good in terms of viewing angle. Period. I got the Samsung screen. I used to think that all LED screens were good, but not anymore. My W500's LG CCFL screen is better than the Samsung LED screen.

 

The LED screen on T400 is perhaps 2 millimeters thinner than the CCFL screen. There are different FRU numbers for the T400 lid with LED and CCFL screens.

 

Oh right forgot about that...pretty important point.

 

Very True. Although the same high marks would go for any of the old FlexView models and possibly the w700 as well.

 

These high-resolution displays also contribute to the thin and light design of ThinkPad T Series notebooks, weighing 70 grams lighter than conventional displays

Thanks. I got what I was loking for.