CF51 Display Differences

I'm on my second CF-51 MK3 the first was sold as a MK3 but was actually a MK2.
Anyway I like the displays on both of these but knowing that it is a semi
rugged computer I got into the bad habit of picking it up by the lid and
first the bezzel cracked, and finally these is a horizontal line across the
display, then recently a vertical one. These are thin lines and they go
away if I flex the lid just right.

I've learned how to tell a MK2 from a MK3 from pictures AND looking up the
detailed model number, prices are good on ebay so I bought another MK3.
This one is very clean, low hours, and I just transferred the drive, battery, and
memory over. It runs perfectly ... BUT, while the display is bright and native
1200 X 1600 it seems different. It is grainy in light blue areas, it does not seem
to be as vibrant, and is not as good off axis. At least got a good bezzel with it, LOL!
There are only two display types offered for the CF51 with different resolutions as I
understand it, so this should be the better display type. Is there anyway to tell from
the model number if a system has the more vibrant, with good off axis performance
type of display? Luckily I didn't pay much for it. Might buy another they are so
inexpensive.

 

post the full model numbers and we can tell you more.

 

There are subtle differences between all same and similar models. I have several CF-30 in stock now. Some screens are little more white, some are a little more yellow. All of them look yellow when compared to the LED display in my CF-31.

Depending on hours and other factors... Your CFL tube in your LCD screen may look different.

 

Thanks men, the first 2 CF51s have displays that both look fantastic.
This new one that I don't like has only about 1000 hrs on it, my other one has 3000 hrs.
The display I don't like is a CF-51PF4EEBM
The one that I do like is a: CF-51PFVDEBM
Anything that can be determined would help thanks!

 

Model Number:
CF-51PF4EEBM Status:
DISCONTINUED MSRP:
$3,516
Description: Intel Core Duo T2500 2.0GHz (Centrino), 15" UXGA, 1GB, 80GB, 128MB VRAM, 56K, 1 Gb Ethernet, Intel 802.11a+b+g, DVD-Multi drive, FDD, WIN XP SP2, TPM1.2, SmartCard

Model Number:
CF-51PFVDEBM Status:
DISCONTINUED MSRP:
$2,866
Description: Intel Core Duo T2500 2.0GHz (Centrino), 15" UXGA, 512MB, 80GB, 128MB VRAM, 56K, 1 Gb Ethernet, Intel 802.11a+b+g, COMBO drive, FDD, WIN XP SP2, TPM1.2

No differences that would make a difference on the screen there. Looks like RAM and the DVD.

Could have been how they were used... Maybe one was subject to higher temps over its life... Maybe one was used with a port replicator and the screen was never used. There are just too many variables.

 

Thanks, is there a site where you do a look up for that info? Nice that it gives MSRP.

 

Model Number : CF-51PF4EEBM
Status : DISCONTINUED
MSRP : $3,516
Description: Intel Core Duo T2500 2.0GHz (Centrino), 15" UXGA, 1GB, 80GB, 128MB VRAM, 56K, 1 Gb Ethernet, Intel 802.11a+b+g, DVD-Multi drive, FDD, WIN XP SP2, TPM1.2, SmartCard

Model Number : CF-51PFVDEBM
Status : DISCONTINUED
MSRP : $2,866
Description: Intel Core Duo T2500 2.0GHz (Centrino), 15" UXGA, 512MB, 80GB, 128MB VRAM, 56K, 1 Gb Ethernet, Intel 802.11a+b+g, COMBO drive, FDD, WIN XP SP2, TPM1.2

I can not see any big difference in the 2 really. Did you use the restore disk when you loaded the OS...just wondering.

http://www.panasonic.com/business/Toughbook/order-toughbook-computers.asp

 

You can Google "Panasonic Configurator"

 

Thanks!
I loaded Win 7 Pro 32 Bit from a Dell install disk, but I just moved the drive from my old
system to this new one so it is the exact same image.
I seem to remember that there is a way to find out details about the display exact model
and manufacturer, but I don't remember exactly how. I could look on each system and
see if that is the difference.

 

If I recall correctly....The CF51 did use 2 different displays. One was XGA and the other was UXGA. They are interchangeable. The LCD cable is specific to the mb. The L version uses a different cable than the higher class version.
The XGA is the same as the display in the 15" CF50. I have an extra display or 2 here somewhere. I can get model numbers off of them if you want.
The slow or L version had the XGA and the other had the UXGA. example CF51 mk2L had the XGA. There is also a CF51 mk2 that had the UXGA.
Your model numbers indicate that they "should " be identical. Now Panasonic did use different vendors for the LCD. That would explain slight differences. Also hours in use or someone repaired one of your units with the alternate display.
Sure way to tell is just gently remove the bezel and look at the sticker on the rear of the LCD.

 

Thanks, it doesn't look like it has ever been worked on but I'll try to figure out what is
going on.

 

Or...

HWiNFO, HWiNFO32 & HWiNFO64 - Hardware Information and Analysis Tools

EnTech Taiwan | Utilities | Monitor Asset Manager

 

That is the type of program I was thinking of but it reports essentially nothing about
this newest CF-51's display. Does that mean that it is a generic no name replacement?
I'll have to swap everything back to the other computer.

 

Not in the least.

The screen might just not have the EDID chip that the program would read from, which is not all that uncommon for older LCDs.

 

Thanks, yes makes sense.
Tried the good one and it is the same no info.

Just to be sure, can I hot swap the battery? It is on AC booted up.