Panasonic CF-C2 Tougbook Screen Info

what is the model number for it's screen? I do have couple of bright white dots in my screen I believe they are dead pixels so I want to replace it but could not find the model number thanks for any help

 

that would be zombie pixels (always on). I was expecting better from such a nice IPS (touch)screen. Isn't that C2 still in warranty ? it's an entirely new series.

also, replacing that panel w/ the touchscreen, probably glued to it, won't be an easy job.

and to try to answer your question, you need to find the EDID info (containing the model number), if that's transmitted by the panel board. Use a hardware info program ( HWiNFO, HWiNFO32 & HWiNFO64 - Hardware Information and Analysis Tools) or in Linux, look for EDID in the X server log file (/var/log/Xorg.0.log).

 

Nice program. I ran it on my cf52 and it just listed monitor as Unknown Model: MS_9003
.......

 

same with Shawn it only tells me ms_9003 yes it should have it's warranty even thought I never registered with panasonic nor do I know how to, I got this on June so is it too late?

system has so far 1050 hours on it with automatic brightness on but most of the time brightness were more than it's half I am not sure if that is the reason why I have about 7 bright white spots

I wanted to fix the screen by my self cus right now I am on a trip and need my laptop is this really glued on? I heard panasonic uses refurbish screens? how's the panasonic support for it's screens? thanks a lot

 

Here is the link Toughbook Support Login Page . You will first have to set up an account (email and password) which is easy.

Just remember if you start taking the screen apart and run into problems Panasonic will not cover you under warranty.

 

I really don't think Panasonic uses refurbished screens - just lower-end ones (spec-wise: resolution, colors, angles) - TN, but with powerful backlight on rugged models; or IPS in the case of C2.
There should be no reason that 7 bright pixels appear so early - even if you use it at maximum brightness non-stop. That's why there are reliability tests, supplier selection, etc.
However, I think this is the first time they've used a 12.5" IPS panel, and also, the C2 is an entire new model, so as history has showed time and again, the first series of a new product is ~always with issues.

We may later find, that they had changed the panel supplier, if there are many cases like yours. That's what the warranty is for, and you should make full use of it. Anyway if you use bright/white backgrounds (word processing, sheets, etc), the white dots are not that annoying, all the time :| .

From the PDF specs:
12.5" HD 1366 x 768 with LED backlighting
– 5-point capacitive multi touch
n 2-500 nit
n IPS display with direct bonding - this sounds like there's some sandwich like structure where the digitizer, lcd panel, touch panel, anti-reflective coating are glued together.
this is just my idea.

However, user Rob(TM) here (a Panasonic T3 Partner) may have more insight into this, as he recently bought a C2.

 

here's the output in Xorg.0.log, from a thinkpad sl510:

and searching the model:
https://www.laptopscreen.com/English/screen-part-number/LP156WH2(TL)(A1)/

 

I don't need no stinkin' warranty........

 

I have had exactly the same problem with my CF-C2. The screen had to be replaced 3 times and the last of these displays had in excess of 2 dozen always on pixels.

Made contact with Toughbook Japan and here is their exact response:

"From my experience, I think your 'white dot' issue with CF-C2 is related to the vibration exposed. We do test our products with our vibration criteria in our test lab. But, as you may know, vibration cannot be described simpliy with its strength level. So, in your case, probably it have been exceeded our criteria for CF-C2 series"

An amazing set of statements, especially given that Panasonic is publishing videos like this on various websites:



Hope this helps in forming your opinion about this company and their after sales service for computers that can cost more than A$5,000.

 

"I have had exactly the same problem with my CF-C2."

was the screen replaced with an OEM type or and after market version ?
some of the *after market* screen suppliers may have cheap prices but the quality has something left to be desired .
i have seen some with dead/on pixels right out of the box even though the advertisement said "100% ... yadda , yadda , yadda" .

how long before the dead/on pixels showed up (in each case) ?

 

I'm not going to get into any heated debate. I am sorry that you are disappointed.
You will find trying a different brand will not give any better quality or reliability. The industry failure rate with other brands is over 15%..Toughbook failure rate is 2.5%
I will say that the C2 is not a rugged laptop. The one in the video is a fully rugged laptop. That is like comparing a Volkswagen to a HumVee military vehicle....Apples and Oranges...

 

As far as I know, each replacement screen was an original and the repairs were conducted by an authorised Panasonic Toughbook service centre, the place from which I had purchased the computer.

The pixels showed up immediately, multiplying like cancer cells within weeks. What really aroused my anger was the attitude of the Australian Toughbook branch. It was suggested that it might have been the software that I was using, which could have caused the problems. Another suggestion was to just live with and get used to this phenomenon. There was never an apology from anyone from this company, just lengthy periods of silence, broken with the odd pathetic remark.

 

I find it hard to believe that Panasonic would say this. They are not like this in the USA or Canada. If you send it in for repairs you get it fixed fast , well under 2 weeks...most of the time in one week. Are you talking to a Panasonic repair central or some company selling there laptops. Some thing does not sound right here. You do not get as big as they are doing stuff like this. I think you need to call Panasonic directly...no middle man.

 

i agree , something stinks .

yeppers ... call "consumer affairs" for panasonic and explain what has been going on ... give them dates and people's names .
raise a stink .
most companies require their *authorized service centers" to adhere to strict rules ...
elsewise the company will yank their status as an "authorized service center"
a service center is a direct representative of the company ... and most companies do not like a bad image .

 

I feel there is more to this story.......

 

.... I could not believe these responses myself at first, however I have documented evidence in the form of Panasonic repair centre assessments and Emails sent to me directly from Panasonic Japan. My CF-C2 was purchased in Europe and now living in Australia, I was told that there is no worldwide warranty and that I would have to send the computer back to the place of purchase. This is what I did and this is where the screens were replaced before I finally asked for a refund. Furthermore the Panasonic Australia representative told me that I was operating the unit illegally in this country, since the WiFi set-up is not in accordance with Australian regulations. The same person also told me that it could have been the software that I am using that caused the always on pixels. Yes, all this might sound absurd, but why would I make all of this up. I so wish that I would have received just a basic customer service, especially since I spent almost A$10,000 for these 2 units fitted with the very highest of specs, including 1TB SSD's, spare batteries and other options.

 

until proved otherwise , i will go with believing your side of the story to date .
yes , the responses seem plausible , however , the "wireless" legality i question ...
laptops and other devices of a portable nature are in use all over the world .
i believe that the ITU has a hand in assuring that all rf devices of a highly mobile nature meet the minimum regulations of all countries .
you can check on this .

as for the software ...
i find it hard to believe that software can cause the dead pixel issue .
thousands of different makes and models of televisions/computers/monitors/screens running a vast array of programs work just fine without creating "dead pixels" .
my personal opinion is that there is something awry with the repair centers and techs .
hypothetically speaking ...
there may have been a "bad batch" of displays that slipped through QC and it takes time (active or sitting in a box) for the problem to show up .
a repair center could have received them and did not know about the issue(s) and are putting these displays into service .
i may be wrong here , but , i base this on about 40 years of experience and i have seen some stranger things happen/go on .

as this forum is not about the issues with panasonic (et al) repair centers , i do not wish to violate any related TOS in place .
i agree , spending 10 kilobucks on two machines would tend to make one believe that there is decent engineering , service and support backing up the products .
keep plugging away at it ...
"the squeaky wheel gets the most grease and attention"
and when there is smoke and fire coming from the hub/bearing people tend to get a wee bit excited .

 

Other posters have told the same story about repair must be at country of sale.
It was a UK poster who was told he would need to send the laptop to USA for repair work. As the USA was the country of original sale.

 

All of the talking point or cause of those white spot where wrong as advised from your sources. Are you really 100% sure they are the right service partner of panasonic toughbook in your area?

Btw, lets go to the topic. The white spot that appear on those model where coz by a pressure mark at the back of LCD. It happened also to most T7, T8, W7, W8 and other light unit. The pressure mark was created due to poor designed on the LID cover, Those cover lid usually has webbing on it or I say like a devider or some sort of structural designed on which on some point make contact/ touches on the back of the LCD itself. Therefor overtime it created a pressure mark on the LCD. To prevent it, don't place the unit on stock file system, store it without any pressure on the LID specially on the backpack or laptop bag. Those unit are not designed like a fully rugged tougbook. So, take care it properly like ordinary laptop.
Sorry, guys! I am not really good on explaining how it really happened but I know, you've got my point.

ohlip

 

Further; I will give you a challenge or an experiment if you do have a working LCD(for scrap). At the back, placed a pointy material and then apply pressure overnight. Then the following day power it up and you will see the white spot will start to appear. So, You learned how it happened. Do they know that? Only here on NBR!, lol...

I do have T7, When I've got it, It has multiple white spot on the area where those WWAN housing located. I open it up and grinded all the edge that I might considered touches the LCD when there is a pressure on the LID cover. I also replaced the LCD itself with a very nice one. Since then, it never have a single white spot appering on the LCD.

Sorry, folks! I am not an expert, or specialist or some sort claimed by others on EBAY. I'm just like the other here on NBR, who love toughbook, lol...

ohlip

 

As you know??? I don't "like" anything, preferring to write but here comes my third "like".

Good report Teo. (ohlip)

Thank you.

J'd

 

yeppers ...
that is a good fix and good information .
heh ... maybe the big boys at panasonic should read this thread ?

it seems to me that the fix or cure for this problem has to have been known by panasonic ...
think about it ... if there was no fix they sure couldn't cover it up (for long) , thanks to the internet .
can we say "class action suit" boys and girls ?

i would hazard that the "authorized repair centers" (or at least some of them) have not got the word .
this is not unheard of ...
i have given out "fixes" for several brands of consumer/industrial electronics to other techs over the years ... the reverse is also true .
i would rather fix *something* than let my foolish pride and ego shine it on .

 

I think that not owning up to something is an Asian trait and I am not being racist here. I am constantly travelling throughout South-East Asia and I no longer ask for directions, as I have been sent the opposite way on many occasions. Rather than saying, "I do not know", it seems to be easier for these individuals to provide a 'positive/yes' response. I have had several exchanges with people from Panasonic about these white spots on my CF-C2 and each time I was told that I was the only customer who has been affected by this phenomenon. I can tolerate not being sent to the place I am looking for, but paying 3 to 4 times the price for an 'ordinary' computer and then being treated like this is beyond my threshold. Unfortunately this also applies to Panasonic Australia. I tried to visit their headquarter here in Sydney to get some advice and they would not even allow me to drive through their boomgate. The receptionist advised me via the speaker phone next to the gate that "everyone was at lunch and that I would have to call first before I would be able to speak to someone". I am totally disgusted with the Toughbook division in this country, they don't even bother creating a website for themselves on this continent, with the New Zealand division being the nearest branch who has established themself on the Toughbook worldwide map http://panasonic.net/avc/pc/. Once again, I am not making any of this up. I have no reason to do so. Just wanted to share my experiences. I have always handled my CF-C2 with great care, never exposing it to extremes, be it pressure or vibrations. This is just an excuse for poor design. To finish this post of some positive comments. PWA, a Panasonic distributor in Germany from which I had purchased my unit was fantastic. Fast service and eager to solve this 'white dots' problem on 3 occasions. They finally refunded the purchase price after I had returned the unit to them from Australia. They even covered the air freight. If it can be established that the CF-54 has a better screen, PWA is my recommendation as a possible place of purchase.

 

My thoughts are that by going through the PROPER channels and chain of command, you were taken care of in a fair and timely matter.
It does not surprise me that going to headquarters to demand satisfaction did not get you anywhere. Most manufacturers insist that you go through the proper chain of command to get anything. I deal with this type of thing everyday. 98% of the time I am referred to the local dealer to solve my problem or even to buy a part. The headquarters is not setup to deal with the end user. Your dealer DID own up to it. He replaced to LCD 3 times and then returned your money..It is then HIS problem to deal with headquarters not yours.
What more was Panasonic supposed to do? Should they fall on a sword for you? A simple admission of a defect will cost them millions or billions. They will admit nothing to anyone. And if they do hear of an issue they will do extensive testing and duplicate that issue in a lab before admitting anything.
This is big business..How many people have DIED due to faulty airbags or tires? It still took huge efforts to get the automakers to admit a problem and issue a recall...
We are just end users and we won't get special treatment. I think poor people understand this much better than higher income people.....Money talks. If you had purchased 1,000 CF-C2's and had problems, it would be a different story.
I am sorry the CFC2 did not work out for you. Every manufacturer has a dud once in a while. Also we as end users sometimes don't get the correct tool for the job.

 

...... I did indeed follow the PROPER channels to get the CF-C2 issue fixed, which eventually led to a refund (thank you PWA, not blaming you at all, you are a great company). Anything from then on related to trying to raise an awareness with Panasonic about these screen defects and to obtain information about a possible alternative screen supplier for the new CF-54. Asking the Panasonic Sydney office for an answer wasn't in my opinion an unreasonable first step, as they would be a good place to make this enquiry. You would not ask an independant car dealership who sells many different brands, if an airbag design issue with a particular model has been fixed, would you? Not receiving a satisfactory reply from Panasonic Australia, other than 'it was the software that I was using on my CF-C2 that caused the white pixels and that I should just live with it', motivated me to advance in the chain of command and indeed to share this case with people like you in this forum. I know that most customers could not be bothered to make similar time consuming efforts, just dispensing of poorly made products and hoping for the best with the next purchase. I congratulate the more motivated consumers who 'force' these companies to make public admissions and to announce subsequent mass product recalls. You yourself might be content not getting the 'correct tool for the job', even though the advertisements made you feel that you would, but I am not.

 

i have been at the repair game for more years than i care to remember .
i have dealt with/had to deal with a lot of complaints from customers .
the scope of these complaints range from not knowing how to put a set of batteries in properly to smoke-n-flame failure of a device .
in the first instance , it is pretty obvious that the *end user* is at fault .
in the case of the latter , it is has to be determined what happened and why ...
this is where technicians at my level came into play ; to filter out the "customer error" and those failures due to product design , QC and a couple of other things .
many is the time that i have kicked a failure up the line and received "we'll look into it" .
much of the time i heard back and it was in favor of the customer ...
was it a major problem in design and QC ? much of the time i did not know , this was not explained ... the important part is that the customer was taken care of .
in those cases where i did know , the problem was very obvious and was with a high percentage of units ... kind of hard to keep that a secret .

it boils down to the service center and the technicians employed and the "local policies" of the owners of that shop .
a big corporation cannot go around and check out one of the "authorized service centers/dealers" unless there are sufficient complaints filed against a particular center .
the only way a corporation knows that something is awry is by the complaints (genuine) made against a particular authorized service center .
it requires more than a single complaint to investigate and possibly shut down such a center/dealer .

bottom line ...
any service center is subject to the influence of "human nature" ...
just because there is a guide book and contract that says "you will act like this ..." does not make it so .
in this case , i see it as the service center and not panasonic that is at fault .
i know of several "service dealers/centers" that have been shut down or had their affiliation revoked because of running afoul of contract guidelines and rules .