Succeed to install a 12.1" SXGA+ LCD for thinkpad x40 / x41

[.nox]

So I'm gathering from this thread that a SXGA mod is possible for a X41T ?

[charles.atcher]

Did the install tonight, and man, what a difference. This is how these laptops should have come. LOVE IT! Now my X31/X32 Frankenpad is even more evil, .

[Mooseifer]

Did the install tonight, and man, what a difference. This is how these laptops should have come. LOVE IT! Now my X31/X32 Frankenpad is even more evil, .

Glad you're enjoying the Frankenpad!

Yep, it is amazing how much better the sxga+ Flexview is compared to the standard panel. When I look at the X32 with this display it amazes me that is was never offered as an option. I always liked my X32, but it's seeing even more use now. My next goal is to perform the same mod on the X61s; fabricating the jumper harness is going to be a challenge, but then I like a challenge!

[Terrahawk]

Message for fasterbybike - I've got one of those 12in SXGA+ panels on the way, and could I please have a copy of the modded X31 BIOS?

I'd send it by PM but I'm not sure if they're going through at the moment.

I'm looking forward to installing this thing. One day I'll be brave enough to attempt to reflow an ATI 7500 onto an X31. It would appear that removing the BGA from the board is easy enough but I'm not sure if I'm skilled enough, or have the right equipment to pop another one on.

[Terrahawk]

Just got my panel this morning and I'm testing it out on my spare X31 now. I look forward to getting SXGA+ going. So far, it works well but I'm working on getting the BIOS updated...

[Terrahawk]

I've just managed to shoehorn the actual active LCD part of the SXGA LCD into the old XGA LCD assembly... but there's a bit of dirt inside... bah. I'll disassemble it carefully tomorrow morning and get it out. At least now I'll be able to put the panel in as if it were an original X31 panel. Yay.

[Terrahawk]

...and done. Works, but there's a light patch at the top left of the screen. Oh well. I have so far managed to minimise it by the judicious use of tiny pieces of foam tape inside the LCD assembly.

I love this resolution.

[rek]

Am I reading you right? You actually disassembled both LCD panels and swapped the guts (as in the transistor films etc.) over?

Incredible!

EDIT: hmm just playing around with a broken panel I have here.. wow the panel pieces come apart (and go back together again) easier than I thought..!

[Terrahawk]

Yep, that's what I did. It works well apart from a small bit of light leakage at the top left corner which is not noticeable under general use. It would go away but I had to fold the LCD ribbon cable and add an extension so things are a little crowded under there and there is a tiny amount of strain on the panel when I screw in all the mounts.

If I run the panel free (i.e. not mounted in the X31), it's pretty much perfect.

[re404]

Wow that's a VERY interesting upgrade for my X41 tablet !

Are there many people who managed to put a SXGA+ ( 1400 x 1050 ) panel in the X41 tablet ?

And is the BIOS mod necessary ?

And how much should I pay (on eBay?) for such a part ?

Any other tips / advise ?

Thanks a lot!


Remko

[re404]

hmmmmzzz... they seem to be hard to find, right?
This is one, right? http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-LENOVO-13N7204- ... 952wt_1091
Pretty expensive. For that amout I might be able to find a broken X60/61 with a non-broken SXGA+ screen ...

Any other suggestions?

Thanks so much.

Remko

[re404]

I found one for $180
http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-93P5609-LAPTOP- ... 2a0bbac3d3

Chinese replicas anyone?

Oh, this is more like it: http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-MOTION-COMPUTIN ... 1c1702c089
30 pin. Is that right?

Bye,
Remko

[force]

The mounting on the 2nd one is different than the original screen. You should check the pinout on those panels to avoid destroying the panel due to reversed voltages or things like that.

[plympton]

The mounting on the 2nd one is different than the original screen. You should check the pinout on those panels to avoid destroying the panel due to reversed voltages or things like that.

I'll second this advice! The IPS XGA panel I got from an X41 Tablet had its connector reversed - completely! What this meant was the connector would fit, but not work. I actually had to shave off the lock-out on the cable, and flip it, plug & tape it to the LCD connector to ensure a solid connection. Fortunately, you can do this without a new cable, so it works awesome.

But check those pinouts - I didn't fry mine when I plugged it in the right (physical) / wrong (electrical) way, but YMMV.

-Dan

[force]

I forgot that the SXGA+ panels like the ones I used also have the different mounting screws which must be cut off (metal tab with plastic underneath molded around metal screw threads) in order to fit.

[re404]

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-MOTION-COMPUTIN ... 1c1702c089

I don't mind cutting, grinding and sanding at all .

Cut may I assume from your comments that the panel above WOULD fit after the necessary mods?

Thanks//R

[ReCreate]

Wow that's a VERY interesting upgrade for my X41 tablet !

Are there many people who managed to put a SXGA+ ( 1400 x 1050 ) panel in the X41 tablet ?

And is the BIOS mod necessary ?

And how much should I pay (on eBay?) for such a part ?

Any other tips / advise ?

Thanks a lot!


Remko

Nobody ever answered these questions, i'd really like to know the answer to them too.

[re404]

re404 and ReCreate are waiting for reply ...

[lailai]

re404, ReCreate and lailai are waiting for reply

[force]

I've only half-way done the mod for a X32 (the LCD pinout was exactly the reverse) and succeeded with the X61s. I believe a modified bios was required for both, although Ubuntu was able to correctly detect and use 1400x1050. The Thinkpad boot screen was tiled and the hsync was out of whack.

I've seen the SXGA+ displays from anywhere from 100 to 200 US dollars, but keep in mind that they are IPS displays. I would obtain a datasheet of the part you want to use and see if it is compatible before attempting to undertake this project.

Other thoughts:
For the X61, the pinout of the panel and the connector was different and required rewiring.
I've not done modifications to tablets before, but I'd be concerned about the digitizer compatibility. Re-use the existing one, if possible (it was a separate component on mine, attached with adhesive on the back- pretty easy to pull off).

[Digitalhorizons]

I too am very curious if someone got this to work with a x41 tablet.

[aureage]

I am so late for these bios(es). all links are invalid.
when you post this, I was so young that I cant do this alone
and now, I want to do thest things which you have done.
I want my x41 have sxga+ LCD, but I can't reach the bios. are thre anyone here can help me ??

my e-mail : liyijun08ic@126.com

thanks a lot, best wishes!

[whitelabel]

Hi!

I know I'm a waaay too late on this topic, but still want to give it a try.
I'm looking for a X41 SXGA bios. Do someone happen to have it?
Tried to find it on my own, but no luck.

Would love to have a X41 with SXGA panel.

Thanks!

[Sunshine701c]

Here we go, reviving this again
I've got an x41 tablet that i'd love to get a higher resolution screen in, but from the look of this thread I need a bios mod, as well as modifying the cable for the lcd itself.
I don't suppose any progress has been made on an x41 tablet bios?