How good are ThinkPad regular (not Flexview) 1400x1050 screens ?

I'm now contemplating over either Dell D620 and ThinkPad T60, both 14.1" of course.
People are very rave about ThinkPad's new Flexview screen (only available on 15" models), however to preserve better portability (and apparently battery life), I'm leaning towards 14" models. So, is ThinkPad's T60 SXGA+ (1400x1050) non-Flexview screen as good as any of its counterparts (among matte screens of course) ? Isn't it worse of Dell's D620 screen ?

 

Well I have used both and I believe that the t60 is better. More just because of the resolution options and the actual dimensions of how the screen is oreinted. You will find light leakage on the dell, and both arent the same as using a good CRT or LCD TV. The view angle for the T60 is probably a bit less. But I would recomended anyday over the d620, that laptop is dells attempt to break into Lenovo's/IBM's market share. If you look closely you will see dell mimiced many of the features that have been availible on IBM's for years. Plus you get the thinklight, thinkvantage and security software.

 

I like the widescreen of the D620, but the screen quality and evenness of lighting is better on the T60 14". Furthermore, the Dell D620 has the much talked about "sparkle" effect going on, see the Dell forum and search on "sparkle" if you want to see what this is, or look at the Dell e1505 review we have on this site to have a picture of this.

 

Abaxster,

Do you think you will be reviewing an X60s Ultrascreen any time soon? I think it will be an interesting test.
I just got mine and must say its bright, almost too bright like over 200 nits, almost too brite to look at over a long period. And further the difference between the highest bright setting and the next brightest is something huge like 30% to the point where the next setting is too dim. Its all kind of strange. I think this is a new gen Samsung screen, and I think Samsung probably delievered more than Lenovo even specified. I wonder if there is any why to customize the screen setting- in other words creating an entirely new screen brightness some-where between Ultra-brite and dim? JL

 

Hey Abaxter,
Thanks for the complete non-response. JL

 

We usually only review one model of a particular line. By the way there is no call to be snotty.

 

"We usually only review one model of a particular line." Thats unfortunate that Notereview has decided to probably not review the only major screen upgrade to IBM's ultraportable thinkpad line in years. Theres really no excuse not to. JL

 

That's very sad

I tought Ultra light TFT woulda have been a big step for lenovo screen but it seems that no one really cares about.

In fact, I think jl123 was the only one talking about it and giving some info about it. I really hope someone can deeply review it with pictures and compare it to normal screen.

 

We get what Lenovo gives us. Why don't you write a review for yours and then we will have one.

 

Yes, it's not always easy to get a very specific Thinkpad model for a review from Lenovo at all, so the point zazon gave is correct.

All in all it would be better and more welcome for the community, if users who own a specific Thinkpad model would write a review. So people who own a Thinkpad X60s with an Ultralight-TFT should hopefully jump in here and write down some nice review of their higher luminance baby.

 

I was also hesitant about the screen for the 14.1 T60.

I have looked at it, and it is a nice screen SXGA+. The viewing angle is better than my powerbook. IPS might be nice, but the 14.1 really is sufficient.

Two people can easily watch a movie...

 

At htis time I am exceptionally busy and also I do not have a camera. But I will write up a few comments about the screen.

1. One needs to go into the intel graphics driver settings in order to correct the poor settings of the factory color/contrast. After which time the colors and contrast seem very good.

2. The screen in side to side pictures I have seem on the thinkpad forums seems about 50% brighter as the regular X60's. I would say that this screen puts out higher than 200nits. I think it is a new generation (I forget the acronym) thin Samsung.

3. Viewing angles side to side are very good, but so so good if looking from to high above.- though I'm not sure if this is an issue with other screens as well.

4. I think leaving the screen in max brite mode erodes battery life by about 15% though I will have to test that using a watch and not what the meter says.

 

Well, Personally15" flexview are better than 14" SXGA+ but again its individual choice that matters! Why Lenovo does not planning to have 14” flexview?

 

Because there is no such thing as a 14.1 inch ISP (FlexView) screen produced.

 

Is the IPS screen that much better?

I found a place where the difference is only about 140USD for the larger and heavier 15" model. The higher resolution is appealing and would consider getting the model if much better....

 

It is whiter on whites, what else can you want.

 

The question is the quality, brightness, colors so much better that it warrants an upgrade (not about the cost) about the quality/weight size. It doesn't seem like it is a slam dunk for the IPS screen. Probably not a question you can answer. But I guess I will have to go look at one in person somewhere.