[ltp] T41p lcd ghost images

[VaibhaV Sharma]

On Wed, 2004-04-21 at 19:35, Jon wrote:

> I had the exact same problem. It was only noticeable with a black
> background. For example, if I dragged the My Computer icon (in Windows) up
> to the top-right, then dragged it away after a few seconds, I could still
> read the words 'My Computer' etched in stuck red pixels. After 10-15 seconds
> the pixels would fade to black. Just like your mouse cursor.


Exactly!


> > I called up IBM, they said this is not a normal behavior. They asked me
> > to talk to the reseller (Euclid computers, OH) and ask them to replace
> > the laptop.
> 
> IBM also told me that. I bought it from IBM so was able to send it back to
> them. Unfortunately when they got it they apparently couldn't find the
> problem I was talking about, despite me getting on the phone to them to

I didn't buy it from IBM but a reseller who claims to be an authorized
IBM partner - Euclid computers. Over that, I bought a 3 yr. onsite
warranty package (directly from IBM) on last saturday but IBM wont send
a technician until next week because their records have not been updated
as it takes 7 to 10 days. Thats stupid of IBM because the order has
already been invoiced.

> describe it, twice. In the end they offered to replace the LCD anyway. I
> haven't had the problem since, but wasn't happy with the solution. I thought
> it may be heat related (since I'd recently swapped my R50 fan for a quieter
> T41p fan inside - thought I may have installed it wrong), but they ran it
> for days continuously without seeing any stuck pixels or cooling problem. So
> I'm not sure why it occured.

I think I will get the same thing done. I am not happy with this but
then the rest of the machine is absolutely fine and if I have any
problems in the future, I can use the warranty again.

Interestingly, I run gnome, freebsd and WinXP on the machine. The
problem is most prominent with Windows. I dont think this is a driver
problem because the ghost images are visible when the machine boots with
the Pentium M logo with the same effect.

> > My question is, is this LCD behavior normal or is this just a "slightly"
> > faulty piece I got? Just need to confirm before I go through the risky
> > exchange procedure.
> 
> It might be a bit risky, yeah. Check if it happens when you first turn it on
> (cold). And out of interest, does it happen when you plug in a CRT monitor?
> If it doesn't I guess you'd assume the LCD or connection to the LCD is the
> problem.

Yup even with cold boot, same results. I dont think plugging in an
external monitor will help as this seems to be the LCD retaining the red
pixels.


> Either way I'd get it replaced. Take some pictures, or demonstrate it at the
> store you bought it from (if possible).

I thought about that but the pixel band on the top is so light that it
is visible only in dim conditions and I dont think my old camera would
be able to capture it. I bought it over the phone from OH and I am in
NJ, so cant demonstrate it to the store in person.

Thanks for the reply,

VaibhaV
http://vsharma.net