So you have replaced your laptop screen and now the new and old screen will not light up, what gives?

There can be several reasons for a replacement screen not to backlight and stay very dark, these include of course the possibility that you have received a faulty or incompatible screen, but what do you do if the replacement screen is not faulty? Usually a quick test would be to put the old screen back into the laptop again, even if it is cracked it should still light up. 

If the old screen is now refusing to backlight and the new screen is refusing to backlight, you need to test the laptop's graphic's controller. This can be done by simply connecting the laptop to any external monitor or TV. Once connected there is usually a key combination that you can press that will allow you to switch the display output to the external screen.

If the laptop works on an external screen then you can be sure that the graphics controller is working.

So why won't my new screen or my old screen backlight now?

Although the screen's video output is delivered by the video controller, the backlight in the screen is not. The backlight in your screen is controlled by the systems management controller which is part of your power management chipset. The power management chipset controls things like 

- The screen backlight powering off after a period of inactivity

- The screen backlight powering off when the lid is closed

A fault with the power management chipset can result in the LCD screen not receiving power through the signal cable (LVDS/VGA) from the motherboard.

On Intel based Apple computers, the SMC controller is not a physical part of the machine, but rather software, and problems with the power management chipset can be resolved by simply resetting the SMC controller. For more information on how to do this on an Apple computer please see this website http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3964

With PC based computers, this is trickier as the SMC controller is an integral part of the power management system and is usually soldered directly onto the motherboard of the laptop. Replacing the motherboard will resolve the issue, but can be costly.

How can I replace my SMC chip if it has failed?

If the SMC chip on your PC based comuter has failed, it will need to be replaced. First you will need to identify the chip on the motherboard of the laptop, usually it is marked as SMC. The chip often looks similar to this image http://i01.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v0/545791877/IC-chip-Original-SMC-SMC34C60QF--New-parts-best-price-and-short-lead-time.jpg

Replacing chips on a motherboard will involve the heating of the contacts to loosen the solder, the solder will need to be removed and the chip can be lifted out of place and replaced. Some repair outlets use specialist equipment for this, if you do not have specialist equipment or knowledge you can refer to these instructions from the WCL project. http://www.hhhh.org/~joeboy/past_projects/wcl_project_oxcart/wcl_project_oxcart.html

The instructions are for a different kind of chip on a Firewire controller, but the principle is the same and can be applied to your failed SMC chip.

Why has my SMC chip failed?

There are many reasons why an SMC chip can fail, however if this has happened during the replacement of your screen it is likely that the battery and / or power were not properly removed before the replacement took place, or during the fitting there was power on the motherboard and something was shorted. The good news is, once you find a supplier for the SMC chips, the replacement should be failry straightforward.

Finding somebody to replace the SMC chip for you

You'll need to find a laptop repair outlet that will repair down to component level on the motherboard. The kind of guys that advertise components on their websites, along with photographs of engineers soldering chips on the boards. These kind of repairers will be able to change the chip, less experienced repair outlets will tell you that the motherboard needs to be replaced (hopefully!)

Where can I buy an SMC chip?

The best thing to do here, is first identify the SMC chip on your motherboard and then perform a Google search for the part code printed on the chip. The part code may be on the underside, so you may have to remove the chip first.

Usefull links

How to reset the SMC controller on an Apple Mac

What does an SMC controller look like?

How do you remove and replace an IC controller?

Retina Displays are coming to mainstream laptops, but what is a retina display?

The display found in Apple’s iphones and ipads is formally referred to as a “retina display,” due to the fact that they are composed of pixels so tightly packed together that it is impossible for the human eye to distinguish between them.

The displays used in laptops are altogether different however, with not nearly as high a pixel quality: to illustrate, 1366 x 768 pixel resoulution displays are only just starting to gain precedent above their 1024 x 768 pixel predecessors. Despite this though, the company Intel have predicted that, in the near future, laptops could be being equipped with the very same retina style pixel density now found in phones, a prediction that could bear the fruits of fruition as soon as next year!

figure1 above left shows a non Retina display pixel density, which looks blocky, the right hand side shows the same image on a Retina display. You can see the same image is finer as it is composed of finer pixels than the image left.

 In detail, Intel anticipate the following developments in the computing world-Laptops with 15 inch screens and 3840 x 2160 pixel displays, Tablets with 10 inchscreens and 2560 x1440 pixel displays and Ultrabooks with 13 inch screens and 2800 x 1800 pixel displays.

This drastic shift in pixel quality will be made possible, it is forecast, by alterations in the manner in which Windows and other operating systems manage pixel density. Whilst previous systems have allowed users to change their dots per inch setting, the results are rarely adequate. This problem, however, is avoided somewhat by iOS and Google Android as they are equipped to resize images to suit higher resolution displays.

It is thought Windows 8 will operate in a similar manner. Despite this though, until the balance between supply and demand reaches its economic equilibrium, one can expect these new retina displays to be significantly more expensive than laptop screens at present.

This, coupled with the fact that standard 1366 x 768 pixel displays are only just rising in mainstream popularity, may serve to indicate that it could be a significant amount of time before retina style laptop screens become commonplaces of the computing world.

Is It Easy To Change A Laptop Screen?

 

You bet!

 

So the time has come for you to attempt a replacement of your laptop lcd screen inside your machine, but you're not entirely sure of yourself. You've heard plenty of blog posters trumpeting their views on how easy this was for them, you've probably seen a whole plethora of replacement screen specialists out there offering ever cheaper replacement panels; but can you really do it yourself?

 

To answer this question you'll first need to understand a few things about the whole replacement process. The important stuff inside your laptop unit is mostly crammed under the keyboard, ever miniaturised and downsized and squeezed into smaller and smaller spaces in the base part of the machine. The top part, or the lid assembly as it's referred to, does contain some other items such as the webcam and the antennae for the wireless function of the machine, however most of the inside of the lid is empty space once the laptop screen is removed. There's nothing complicated going on inside the lid.

 

I remember many years ago when I first decided to attempt a replacement of a screen on a DELL Inspiron laptop, thinking that as i took out the last screw around the front bezel, and removed the plastic surround that a thousand springs would launch themselves into the air space around me and i'd never piece back together the delicate insides of my laptop lid. Well that was a fantasy, and in fact once i'd changed one screen the whole process was really just very logical and simple and proved to be the same on literally every other laptop I was ever then confronted with.

 

Essentially, unlike an old fashioned television, which has many components in the back end of it, some often dangerous, a laptop screen is all contained in one plastic and glass unit. The screen lifts out of the lid assembly as one whole piece and has a power and signal cable that comes from the base of the laptop, through the laptop hinges and into the lid to simply plug into the back of the laptop screen.

 

Figure 1  - A typical rear view of a laptop screen with the single conenctor at the bottom left.

 

Although you may have heard terms LCD and LED and TruBrite, X-Brite / X-Black, Briteview and PixelBrite, the screens are all essentially manufactured in the same way. There are no delicate parts to deal with, and no handling of technical equipment like soldering irons or other electronic devices. Believe it or not, for the entire job you'll only need a simple screwdriver!

 

So, what next? The first thing to understand is the lid assembly. In 99% of cases you won't need to do anything complicated here, there are usually screws around the bezel (the plastic frame around the LCD screen glass) that can be simply removed. Often there are rubber washers stuck over the screw holes to make it look nice and clean, these are removable by just using a sharp knife, sliding the blade under them and lifting them away.

 

Once you've removed the screws you're left with a screen that has a plastic frame around it that can simply be removed. That's great I hear you say, but it won't come away!

 

The bezel is like a Kinder Egg toy or one of those cheap chinese Christmas cracker toys that "snap" together. If you put your fingernails on the LCD screen glass and under the plastic bezel and gently lift you'll feel a popping sensation as the bezel comes away from the back lid. If you work your way around the inside of the bezel lifting gently, you'll find that you can, in no time at all pull the bezel away from the back lid all the way around. Now the whole bezel just comes away in your hand and you're left with a Frankenstein type laptop lid in which you should be able to see the entire workings of the screen and some other wires such as the WiFi antennae and webcam system.

 

Put the bezel in a safe place, it's delicate!

 

Do not be concerned about the webcam assembly, WiFi cabling and antennae or other things inside the lid as these are all separate from the actual LCD screen itself and usually mounted to the back lid. When you remove the laptop screen you will find that these parts stay stuck to the back lid part of the laptop, and therefore do not need any special care or attention.

 

The screen itself is usually screwed into a frame which is attached to the hinges of the laptop lid and then the frame is screwed into the back lid. The first thing you'll need to do here, is simply unscrew the screen frame from the back lid. It should be pretty obvious when inspecting the frame where it's screwed into the back lid of the laptop screen assembly, usually in the four corners.

 

The most important thing to remember here is not to worry, there's nothing delicate inside here that you will easily break, no springs to launch themselves into oblivion never to be seen again, like my nightmares prior to actually performing this simple task. You'll use the same screwdriver that you've been using the whole time, it's just a simple philips head small gauge screwdriver, we've included some links below to purchase these in advance, however most households already have the tools required. Dig out that old DIY draw you haven't visited for a decade :)

 

By now you should be unscrewing the last of the screws that hold the screen frame and screen into the back lid of the laptop, as the last is removed the back lid should fall backwards and you'll be enlightened. The screen should be sitting upright in it's normal position with one or two cables from the base of the laptop plugged into the back of it. The rest of the lid and webcam and other associated wires will be lying flat on the table behind the laptop. Cool.

 

Figure 2 - A Typical Laptop Screen Removal Procedure

 

Remove the cables plugged into the back of the screen by simply pulling them out of their sockets, often you'll find there is just one cable that pulls off the back of the screen. Don't force anything if you feel it's stuck but you can use reasonable tension to simply pull it off or downwards. A little inspection is what's needed. Don't worry too much here, as if you do use too much force you're more likely to damage the connector on the screen than the cable itself, and your screen is already being replaced anyway.

 

If you do by chance damage the cable, it's not the end of the world. Replacement cables can be found easily for most major brands of laptops online, we've included that information below as well for you. The other end of the cable just fits underneath the keyboard, which is easily removed by unscrewing the screws int he base of the laptop that are directly under the keyboard.

 

Next unscrew the laptop lcd screen from the frame, there are usually 6 screws holding it into the frame, 3 on each side. We're going to use the same screwdriver that we used for all the other screws. How cool is that, they've made it easy for us! Once these 6 screws are removed, the LCD screen will simply fall into your hands like a piece of glass or a mirror. All associated electronic components are fixed permanently to the back of the screen and sealed in a protective plastic, so the whole thing is like handling a mirror. Usually about 1/2 cm thick, you'll simply take it to your local electronic components disposal depot (usually part of your local council). It's best not to put this in your standard rubbish bin as there are sometimes items inside the screen that need to be disposed of properly, like you're energy saving lightbulbs.

 

Now you can pour yourself a large drink and give yourself a pat on the back, you're a screen replacement expert. Don't pour the large drink whilst standing near the dis assembled laptop! All you need now is the parts and tools.
 

 

A. Tools:

 

You'll probably already have all the tools you need for this job in your home buried deep inside that old DIY draw, however if you don't, or you feel like splashing out on some shiny new tools for this special job, then you'll need a philips head screwdriver and a sharp knife.

 

A full range of screwdrivers can be found here http://www.maplin.co.uk/home-and-diy/hand-tools/screwdrivers

Something like this is what you are looking for, for most purposes the laptop screws will be small guage philips head style and you'll just need this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-40803-General-Purpose-Cross-Point-Screwdriver/dp/B000PJCERS/ref=dp_cp_ob_diy_title_1

 

Some kind of sharp knife to remove the plastic washers over the screw holes is also required, something like this will be fine http://www.tools4trade.com/d-10358001-silverline-456928-scalpel-25-blades-25-blades.aspx

 

I don't need to tell you how sharp that is and to handle it with care, do I?

 

B. Instruction Video Tutorial

 

Okay, we've given you all the help you need in this article but actions speak louder than words. It's always best to see something practical demonstrated visually that it is to try and read about it and visualise it. There are many videos on youtube you can watch, just put [make of your laptop] and screen replacement into the YouTube search. 

 

We've picked one of the best generic screen replacement videos for you to watch, this video covers the basic principle for almost every type of laptop and is narrated excellently in a way that is easy to understand. The authors give some great tips during the 6 minute presentation as well.

 

http://www.laptop-lcd-screen.co.uk/laptopparts/video.asp

 

C. Getting a replacement screen:

 

With so many offerings online of screen replacement parts, it's hard to decide where to go. Choose a company that is professional and offers a lot of technical information to help you choose the correct screen. Some companies offer photographs of the products you can inspect before purchasing. Don't go for the cheapest, and don't go for sellers that have high prices, the screens are all essentially the same, what you're looking for is someone reliable, that will send the right product with a fast despatch and good customer service and support if you need technical advise pre and post purchase.

 

Lets start with the popular brands first, the most popular selling being the Acer's. You can find, in order of popularity:

 

1. Acer Aspire Screens, screens for replacement purposes in the Aspire range and Aspire One range. Acers big entry into the tiny market.

2. Acer Extensa Screens, lesser of a seller the specialised Extensa range replacement LCDs can be found at the link in this sentence. The Extensa range has always been popular with users who want a solid work laptop with extended features.

3. Acer Travelmate Screens, for those that travel, guess that was kind of obvious from the name huh? Replacement travel mate screens. Unfortunately, if you travel with equipment, it's going to get broken at some point, but nevertheless these panels are easy to find if you know where to look.

 

4. Love them or hate them, they are considered the cream of the crop and you can find Apple screens at the link in this text. Some of Apple's screens are licensed for sale only through their Apple Stores and Authorised dealers, but you can still find many of the Macbook Pro, Powerbook, iMac and even the Air panels for sale at hugely reduced prices.

 

5. The next most popular models are the Dell machines and in order of popularity you can find replacement LCDs for Dell Inspiron Screens, the high powered and super charged Dell XPS screens and Dell Studio Screens, the ever popular budget range of Dell Vostro Screens and of course the reliable trusted businessman's favourite Dell Latitude Screens.

 

6. ASUS of course have been becoming more and more popular in recent years with their EEEPC range and the new Transformer units that look like Macbook airs with removal screens that turn into tablet devices. Cool. You can find Asus Screens easily as well.

 

7. Although we've already covered Acer, who have acquired e-Machines recently, there were many years when popular machines were simply sold under the e-Machine brand. You can get your hands on eMachines Screens easily.

 

8. Fujitsu (and later Fujitsu Siemens, through merger) have always been popular in two ends of the market, in the budget end they've released stunning technology at unbelievable prices with the Amilo range, and they've also made pioneering innovation with their range of Lifebook machines that have always been a step ahead of the rest. Take a moment to browse the range of available replacement Fujitsu Screens.

 

9. Serious business, IBM later bought out by Lenovo have been making rock solid machines for many years. I remember myself the first Thinkpad machines, were extremely tough. You paid for the premium build but to businesses it was worth it and this quality hasn't changed with Lenovo's takeover of the laptop production unit. The new Ideapad machines are as good as the old Thinkpads. Still, no matter how tough they make 'em, we all know how to break 'em, but luckily you can easily find IBM Lenovo Screens when you need them. Interestingly IBM developed the first laptop computer with a built in track pad, if you're interested you can get sidetracked into the history of the laptop computer.

 

10. If you've ever been to any Currys, PC World or Dixons store you'll have seen the vast array of Packard Bell machines such as the Easynote series. They are the Dixon's group's own brand of laptops and they're made in China, like most laptops. PC World will most likely want a premium for the screen and fitting and you can save yourself a packet by getting the replacement Packard Bell Screens yourself.

 

11. Medion. How could we not mention Medion? Like Packard Bell, Medion are a rebrander of chinese models and they're essentially the same thing as the Packard Bells. Aimed at the budget market the Medion Akoya range has been hugely successful as an excellent low cost budget laptop. As with Packard Bell Medion Screens are easy to find as well.

 

12. Finally, the cream of the Windows crop so to speak. Sony. Sony have a long history of pioneering and there's some debate online as to whether the Macbook Air was actually a rip off of a Sony machine that was released many years before, but unpopular due to it's rather harsh 3000£ price tag. Anyway, we digress, Sony make nice machines, nobody can argue with that, since their older Sony PCG range, through the VGN series and into the Sony VPC range now, their machines have always been on a par with the Apple machines. Kind of a Windows version of an Apple computer. The good news is, you can find Sony Screens for almost all of their current and previous range still on sale.
 

 

D. Disposal of your old laptop screen:

 

Yes, you can throw it in the trash, but you'll be a punished later as nature reaps it's karma upon you. We're just kidding, but if you want to be kind to the environment, seek out the correct way of disposing of the old screen. Usually the same way you would dispose of your energy saving lightbulbs that contain small traces of mercury.

 

Although there are many private businesses that offer equipment recycling services, and you'll find them on Goole, the best place for a proper disposal is your local council. Try a Google Search for [your city name] + equipment disposal local council, like this http://www.google.co.uk/#hl=en&biw=1175&bih=594&sclient=psy-ab&q=equipment+disposal+local+council&oq=equipment+disposal+local+council&aq=f&aqi=q-w1&aql=&gs_sm=3&gs_upl=7785l12625l1l12752l32l20l0l1l1l2l559l5021l2-9.2.2.2l16l0&gs_l=hp.3..33i21.7785l12625l1l12753l32l20l0l1l1l2l559l5021l2-9j2j2j2l16l0&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=866bdf31d601e3a0

IZGO Laptop Screens, a new lease of life for the LCD industry?

"The iPad 3 will be based on this new technology"

The marketable success of a product rests on two age old factors: supply and demand. When both experience steady and equal growth, a product is likely to perform well. However, given the current period of general economic hardship the supply of flat-panel screens for both laptops and televisions has vastly outweighed consumer demand.

Despite this, the production of screens, driven by company competition, is at its zenith. This disparity between supply and demand has forced down product prices to such an extent that they no longer cover production costs. In a bid to ease losses, companies have curbed their overheads in expectance of a financially difficult 2012. 

However, there are signs that 2013 may be more promising thanks to a material called IGZO and a new brand of ultra high resolution screens.  IGZO is the abbreviated name for Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide which is a semi-conducting material that is currently being used to fashion transparent thin-film transistors, the key component of LCD and OLED screens.

Unlike the silicon found in most trasnsaparent-thin film transistors, IGZO possess a greater capacity for electron mobility, thus making it 40% more efficient than silicon based transistors. This increased efficiency means that IGZO screens are able to contain smaller pixels capable of shifting states more quickly and efficiently than silicon models.

Equally, smaller pixel sizes means a greater number can be fitted into any given area, helping lay the ground for the production of ultra-high resolution screens in the same vein as Apple’s anticipated 2048x1536 iPad 3.

Furthermore, the use of smaller pixels allows more light to pass through the screens, meaning backlights need not be so fierce and the models don’t consume vast amounts of energy.  In terms of production it is not particularly difficult to modify an LCD line so that it produces IGZO screens, as point evidenced by Sharps’ swift alteration of their production line to produce such screens in the closing quarter of 2011.  The world of television may not absorb this technology as quickly as computing companies however, as content providers in that field are only just getting to grips with the demands of HD viewing (which requires resolutions well within the scope of the old silicon based screens.)

In the computing world though, Apple have been formulating resolution independent graphics in an anticipatory bid to cope with the ultra high resolution technology materials such as IGZO produce. If this is an early indicator of Apple embracing these new screens, we can expect their competitors to do the same, in a move which “Displaysearch” believes will inflate demand, gradually in 2012 and vastly in 2013.

When married with the  limited IGZO supply in relation to older LCD models, inflation in demand would help restore both the economic equilibrium and LCD manufacturer margins. 

Understanding Laptop Screen Part Numbers

Contrary to popular belief, most of the time, the laptop screen that is fitted inside your laptop is not made by the laptop manufacturer. If you take a popular brand like Sony for example, and dis assemble the laptop, you'll find that the screen inside it will most likely be made by Sharp, Chunghwa or Chi Mei, the hard disk drives usually by Toshiba, Seagate or Western Digital and so on and so forth.

The main reasons for this, is that these components, such as LCD screens and hard disk drives are complicated to manufacture and require extensive investment and specialist knowledge and conditions to manufacture. Because of this, there are only around 11 main manufacturers of laptop screens worldwide, mostly in Asia and of these around 5 or 6 are used in most laptops.

Whilst it is true to say a few laptop makers do also produce laptop screens, such as Toshiba and Samsung, they often do not fit their own screens to their own laptops, usually because the laptop manufacturing side of their business is completely separate to the screen manufacturing side of their business and ironically it's often cheaper for them to buy screens from others.

AU Optronics is one of the most widely used brands inside all major laptop models, alongside LG Philips and Chunghwa. Samsung, Toshiba and Sharp screens are used alongside Chi Mei, however less often.

Why are you telling us this?

The trend for self repair has risen in recent years, mainly due to the provision of DIY instruction manuals and videos online, and the demystifying of technical information. Users are finding that laptop screen replacement is actually a very simple task and have been going off to buy a replacement screen themselves rather than sending their laptop back to the manufacturer for repair which has risks, expenses and long repair times.

As users have become more technically Savvy, they have change in trend from searching for a replacement screen for their laptop by laptop make and model and started to box clever and search for the laptop screen's model number instead. You know the old story of a little information being dangerous :)

There is a common mis conception that the screens are made by the laptop makers, and so people armed with this incorrect information are searching for the wrong thing, and of course finding nothing.

The reason we want you to understand this, is that we collect internet search data and analyse it, and recently there has been a large amount of searches for incorrect products, and users are failing to find what they need, so we would like to help with this situation.

Common mistakes include buyers searching for incorrect products:

ACER LTN160AT01 (Samsung Brand Screen, obsolete now)

ACER B133XW01 (AU Optronics Brand Screen)

SONY CLAA133WA01A (Chunghwa Brand Screen)

DELL LTN133AT17 (Samsung Brand Screen)

And so on.

These searches yield no results as they are incorrect, the user has mixed up the laptop manufacturer's name with the screen model number, made by somebody else.

What they should do is either search by screen model number, without the laptop make included or search for the laptop make and model, like this:

Search type 1: By laptop make and model, search for:

Acer Aspire 3810t

Sony Vaio VPCS12X9E

Dell Latitude E4310

Search type 2: By laptop make and model, search for;

AU Optronics B133XW01

Chunghwa CLAA133WA01A

Samsung LTN133AT17

How to determine your laptop screen make:

On the rear of the LCD you'll find stickers, the largest sticker usually has the model number in bold. It's often the most prominent set of digits on the back of the LCD display that contains the model information.

 

Laptop Screen Maker Model Starts with Examples

AU OPTRONICS	B	B156XW02 V.1
BOEHYDIS / HYUNDAI BOE	HT	HT156WXB 101
CHI MEI	N	N156I2 - L01
CHUNGHWA	CLAA	CLAA173UA01A
HANNSTAR	HSD	HSD100IFW1
HITACHI	TX	TX38D85VC1CAB
ID TECH	IT / IA	IAXG02S
INNOLUX	BT	BT156GW01 V.4
IVO	MT	MT01DP01 R1
LG PHILIPS / LG DISPLAY	LP	LP170WP4 (TL) (A4)
QUANTA	QD	QD15XL01
SAMSUNG	LT / LTN	LTN141AT12
SHARP	LQ / LM	LQ164D1LA4A
TOPPOLY	TD	TD141TFCD1
TOSHIBA / MATSUSHITA	LTN /LTD	LTN184HT01

Making life easy

This innovative company have an excellent laptop panel search facility that has been simplified, all you need to do is choose "laptop screen part number" from their search, and enter the 8-12 digit part number (similar to the examples above right 3rd column) and the website will do the rest. These kind of intelligent websites make searching for awkward model numbers a breeze.

 

7 Reasons To Repair/Replace Your Own Broken Laptop Screen

Often, when your laptop screen breaks or cracks you may worry that it is beyond repair, or that such repairs will cost a great deal in time, money and professional help. However, changing a broken laptop screen is much easier than many people initially realize. It need not be a daunting or intimidating task. Below we list the 5 key benefits of choosing to change your laptop screen yourself:

1

            It saves money: In these difficult times replacing your broken screen yourself is much more cost effective than taking your laptop to a specialist shop or purchasing a replacement model. The repair shops, authorised service centres and the laptop manufacturers use the same laptop screens that replacement screen suppliers are selling.

   2

            It is simple and easy: Changing your laptop screen is much simpler than is often initially thought. After using this informative screen replacement video for guidance, thousands of peoples have stated that, whilst initially reluctant, they couldn’t believe how easy the process was. Here are some genuine screen replacement testimonials from other people who have changed their own laptop screen using an online screen supplier.

   3

            It saves valuable time: Having a broken laptop screen of course means that you can easily fall behind on work/college/or university deadlines. Taking your laptop to a repair shop means it could be out of service for days or even weeks. However, our delivery service ensures that products ordered before 3pm (within the UK,) will be with you the next day. Using the guidelines we provide, it should only take 15-20 minutes to replace the old screen with the new, and have your laptop running smoothly again. And remember using an online screen expert means you are more likely to recieve the correct replacement screen, first time.

   4

            No risk of your laptop being lost: It happens, items can go missing by post or courier. If you send off your laptop to a repair specialist, or they collect the laptop from you - there is always a small risk of the laptop going missing, even if the item is trackable. The companies insurance *should* cover this (if they are a real company and have insurance), however there is no insurance for your data or personalisations.

   5

            (on a lighter note,) It may earn you respect amongst friends or family members in awe of your newly acquired technical abilities-until they discover for themselves how simple the process can be too. Maybe you can make some extra cash for yourself and change your friends and collegues screens in the workplace, or anybody else you know. Why not put an advert in your local paper?

   6

            It can guarantee quality and reassurance: You may not trust the local repair shop with your computer. There have been many reported cases of data privacy infringment and the theft of confidential details such as financial information. Whilst this is no way a generalization of the conduct of repair shops en masse, several stories do exist of laptops being sent in to rectify a minor fault, (such as a routine screen change,) and being returned to the customer with their entre hard drive wiped. If you change your screen yourself, you can be assured the process will always be carried out with the appropriate quality and care.

   7

             Quality Screen Assurance: You will always be guaranteed to recieve a brand new, non reconditioned part from any reputable online laptop screen supplier, and you will see the item and it's quality before fitting.

 
What next?

       You will need to find a reputable online supplier of laptop screens, we recommend a google search. Here is some more information on how to choose a reputable laptop screen supplier.

As pupils move to laptop screens in the classroom, how do teachers continue to monitor their students?

 

Some of us may remember the time when schools introduced the calculator for students, and pupils no longer had to think for themselves. The calculators would perform all kinds of mathematical functions, including complex scientific calculations at the push of a button.

Well, times have moved on again and you may not be aware, that now, in the United Kingdom at least and probably many other European countries, students are required to attend class with a laptop computer.

The laptop computer replaces many of the older text book and fountain pen curriculum styles, in favour of a more dynamic, less paper orientated and more exciting ways of learning. Whilst there are many obvious benefits to such a way of learning, including environmental, there are some obvious downsides to the approach.

Traditionally a teacher could walk along an aisle and with a quick glance, see what many students were currently working on, simply by looking down at the table tops and glancing an eye across paper. With up to 40 laptop computers in a classroom, it is clear to see why it is not possible to monitor the contents of all the students’ laptop screens. For this reason, the con to using laptop computers in the classroom is that it is hard for the lecturer to evaluate the students work and co ordinate the class.

Cue Student Manager

Student Manager is based on a wireless network design by Aerohive and includes comprehensive student monitoring tools, lesson planning and extensive reporting systems for schools and universities, to allow them to better plan, deploy and monitor the progress of individual students.

Those of you who are familiar with remote control systems such as VNC and Windows Remote Desktop will already be familiar with some of the features of this product, however there are many more extensive features that lecturers' can use such as "TeacherView" which provides a powerful classroom monitoring and management system, requiring no software to be loaded onto the pupils laptops.

This system of classroom monitoring paves the way for teachers to handle larger classrooms of students and still offer a traditional approach to teaching by allowing the lecturers to maintain a personal approach to individual students from one central location. This type of system may also pave the way for future students to learn from their own homes rather than travelling into a school every morning, this does of course open a new argument as to what social implications this may have on future generations.

 

Innovations in laptop display technology - 3D Laptop Screens

One of the many new and innovative steps in screen design is no doubt the foray by several well known brands, (Acer, Sony, and Sharp,) into 3D technology. However, before we discuss the innovative models designed by each of these companies, let us pause to consider how the 3D technology itself operates.  A 3D effect is achieved through the manipulation of light, which in turn exploits the brain’s rational perceptions. When a person is looking at an object in front of them, ordinarily, the left eye sees the object to its right, whilst the right eye sees the object to its left.  It is through the assimilation of this and an array of other information, that the brain is able to judge the distance of the aforementioned object. Now, let us consider that two identical objects, perhaps two triangles, are presented on a screen. In an ordinary setting, each eye would be able to fully see and ascertain the 2D qualities of both triangles. In order then to create the 3D illusion that the triangle possesses a dimension which can extend beyond the confines of the screen, one must devise a way in which each eye sees only a single object. This effect can be achieved through the use of polarizing light, or, more familiarly, through the use of 3D polarizer glasses. 3D glasses contain polarizing material which obstructs each eyes view of certain portions of the screen. In eliminating the crucial lines of light necessary to the brain in order to help it judge distance, depth and shape, it creates the illusion that the viewed object, for our purposes the triangle, exists in reality.  

Let us now then consider some of the new innovations produced by the leading brands which utilize this technology:

Firstly, the new F series models from Sony come equipped with screens (and 240 Hz active shutter glasses to polarize the light,) which allow you to watch crisp, uninterrupted 3D films and videos. Unlike earlier 3D models, The F series screens allow you to watch vivid visuals in relative comfort. However, despite this innovative step in 3D technology, the models exhibit a notable design flaw in that they don’t come complete with a gaming grade graphics card. Equally, whilst the models offer an optimum 3D viewing experience, there is in fact a limited amount of material available to watch. For example, Youtube’s 3D channel offers just 6000 clips and, without a Sky 3D or Virgin box there is only a limited range of appropriate Blu-ray discs to choose from. 

More recently, Sony displayed prototypes of a new Vaio model which comes equipped with a 3D button, and, as in the previous example, active shutter glasses, at the IFA electronics show. The prototypes utilised “frame sequential” technology in which images are rapidly produced to appeal individually to the right eye and then the left. These frames are also interspersed with blank screens which help eliminate the ordinary circumstances necessary to help the eyes and brain perceive and judge accurately, thus creating the 3D effect. In order to display 3D material in this manner, the prototypes must display video at 240 frames per second in order to keep up with the 3D rate of 60 frames per second. As the IFA show indicated, whilst many are still dubious about the application of 3D technology, it is a mode of design which is sweeping gradually across the entire electronics industry.

Similarly, Acer has also recently released their first 3D model, the 5738DZG. Here, Acer achieve the desired effect by superimposing a transparent polarizing filter upon the laptop screen which helps divide the visual information into images which appeal solely to the experiences of each eye, thus creating the 3D effect earlier described. However, if one looks at the screen straight on or the angle at which you are viewing the display is too wide, the 3D effect disappears. The models, as with the Sony laptops, also come equipped with active shutter glasses. However, when viewing 3D material through them, the results vary widely depending on the quality and type of material viewed. For example, the trailers and animations (some ready saved on the machine hard drives, others available for download,) specifically suited to this form of technology can be viewed in stunning quality due to the operation of TriDef 3D software. Such quality however is impaired if you wish to view ordinary video. Whilst TriDef 3D software is able to add a three dimensional effect to both ordinary videos and games, the overall effect achieved is fairly minimal and is not greatly improved by the use of the active shutter glasses which tend to dim out light and eliminate significant screen colour. Despite these designs flaws however, we must remember that this is one of the first models of its kind and no doubt, the innovative features it possesses will improve greatly with the assistance of time.  

Some time ago, Sharp released the Actius RD3D notebook which possessed a screen which could alternate between the standard 2D display and a stereoscopic 3D effect. This ability to alternate between different viewing modes lead Sharp to claim that the model and technology they had created was unique. Whilst models from other brands tend to require subtle changes to the screen surface, or the superimposing of extra material over the screen in order to produce the 3D effect, screens on Sharp machines are identical to those found on ordinary models. Instead of achieving the 3D effect externally, Sharp achieves it through the use of an internal LCD filter behind the screen which bends the angles of light used to illuminate the display. In this respect then, it is the machine that inwardly polarizes the material, the light on the right hand side of the screen moving through pixels to appeal to the right eye, and the light on the left hand side being bent to appeal to the left eye. The best 3D effects are achieved with the viewer seated approximately 21 inches from their screen. Movement from left to right however, is less effective. 

As is highlighted by the range of models described, 3D technology is, at present, an innovative design step which is spreading rapidly throughout the entire electronics market. Whilst the models here discussed exhibit individual design flaws and faults, they represent only the beginnings of an entirely new technological movement, the forerunners of the future.

More Reading

Sharp released a 3D laptop all the way back in 2003
http://www.pcworld.com/article/112887/sharp_ships_notebook_with_3d_screen.html

Sony Offer a new line of 3D laptops for 2011
http://news.cnet.com/8301-30685_3-20015335-264.html

Toshiba Dynabook offers 3D without the need for Glasses
http://gizmodo.com/5660740/a-glasses+less-3d-laptop-from-toshiba-with-selectable-3d-screen-areas

3D Showdown, 8 new 3D laptops go head to head in the test lab
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/3d_showdown_8_3d_notebooks_and_monitors_reviewed

Update: Can any laptop display 3D?

 

Now, the 3D effect is not simply limited to computer screens specifically designed to suit that purpose. A Japanese company called, “Global Wave” has developed a new type of thin film, called Pic3D sheet, which can produce a 3D effect by being applied to a 2D display. The sheet utilities a a lenticular lens system which employs the use of several magnifying lenses, designed to display screen images from a variety of angles, thus producing the illusion of the 3D extension of viewed objects. Unlike the effect produced by parallax barrier slits which tend to obscure the images and light produced by the original 2D screen, Global wave assert that their Pic3D sheet, (and its associated technology,) aids the preservation of  90% of the screen’s original light and provides an optimum viewing experience, achievable at a variety of viewing angles. Global Wave intends to make such technology available for both standard laptops and iphones and ipads in the late summer. 

Brighter, Sharper, Clearer.

We all know that different types of screen display different laptop screen resolutions. The higher the resolution, the crisper the and sharper the images will appear on the display. Of course, the higher the resolution of the laptop screen, the more pixels or "dots" are needed to create the finer image. On smaller laptop screens around 15" or less, high resolution screens can seem unusable. Those suffering from impaired eyesight for example want to avoid high resolutions on smaller screens.

* Note that some high resolution screens can display grainy or pixelated text if you try to run them at lower resolutions.

Can I Buy A Screen With Different Connectors?

You must replace the old screen with another that has the same connector positon and type, or the signal cable will not fit, and you'll end up paying to send the replacement screen back.

Can I Upgrade My Screen to LED?

CCFL and LED screens use different lighting technology and cannot be interchanged, you must always replace a CCFL screen with another CCFL and vice versa.

Can I Upgrade My Single Lamp Screen to a Dual Lamp?

CCFL dual lamp screens have extra cables and cannot replace single lamp CCFL screens. If your exisiting laptop is a single lamp CCFL screen, you must replace it with another single lamp screen.

Can I Upgrade My Screen Resolution?

The short answer here is "maybe", we don't reccomend it, often the replacement screen will not work.

You may have seen that your particular model of laptop comes supplied, or is upgradeable at the time of purchase with a higher definition laptop screen. Here are some of the main reasons why we recommend you do not try to attempt this without a valid upgrade screen model number.

"My laptop is upgradeable at the time of purchase, so I know it takes a high res screen"

- When you select the upgrade option, you may not be sent the same model of laptop. Differences in the graphics controller or cabling inside the machine can prevent an upgrade screen from working. Different service tags and serial numbers on the same model of laptop denote these kind of differences.

"My laptop says FULL HD playback, so I know I can upgrade my screen"

- Many laptop manufacturers mislead consumers by stating that the laptop is FULL HD or high resolution capable. This is true, however only with an external screen attached, the internal screen will most often only operate at a lower resolution.

"I've been told by XXX that my machine will take a FULL HD screen"

- In our experience, most of the time this advice is incorrect. We've even noticed that many of the major manufacturers when contacted will give incorrect information about your machine.

Dangers:

1) Fitting an incorrect screen can damage the motherboard or other components inside the laptop, especially with LED laptop screens. This can leave the laptop unusable.

2) You also risk damaging the laptop screen itself and therefore losing your statutory right to return the product as unused.

What else can happen?

Most of the time, the upgraded screens light up white when fitted, in worst case scenarios the screen will burn out components on the motherboard of the machine and render the computer totally unusable. Other users with Acer Aspire laptops that tried to upgrade to the high resolution screen reported a frosting effect, as though they were looking at the desktop through a window that was iced over.

But I Know I Can Upgrade!

If you are still serious about wanting to try and change the type of screen fitted to your machine you will need to:

1) Contact the manufacturer of your laptop, request the part number of the upgraded screen for your machine.

* Note that mostly they will give you their own part numbers, these are no use, you need the LCD laptop screen model number (they didn't make the screen fitted inside the machine.)

2) Contact a reputable laptop screen supplier for availability of that exact part number.

Why can't I just buy a HIGH RESOLUTION screen?

Because there are millions of screen models out there fitted to machines, with many screen models now obsolete, laptop screen suppliers have to use "compatible" screens. The suppliers work by laptop screen compatibility databases and know that for a DELL Inspiron 1545 machine they can send part numbers LP156WH2 by LG Philips, B156XW02 by AU Optronics and LTN156AT07 by Samsung. These three are all the same thing, 15.6" HD with a resolution of 1366x768. Other types/models of screen may damage this laptop. 

For this reason, you will need the compatibility information, or model numbers of the upgraded screens that can be fitted to your machine. Usually the LCD suppliers do not have this information.

Bottom line:

We do not recommend trying to upgrade your laptop screen to a higher resolution.

Bendable and Rollable displays

The basic notion of flexible screens has in fact existed for several years. In February 2008, an offshoot company of Phillips called Polymer Vision created a prototype eReader called Readius, which had a diagonal rolling screen. It consisted of an electrophoretic front plane over an organic thin film transistor backplane. Though small and light, the product was never officially released for general sale to the public.

Since then both LG and Samsung have presented models with similar capacities. Focused practical work on bendable screens is being done at the Flexible Display Centre at Arizona State University under Nicholas Colaneri.

LG Philips demonstrate their bendable e-Paper display.
 

Constructing the thin film for the display is not where the problem lies when creating such technology. In order to allow the screens to bend, the “substrate,” or the material the liquid crystals are set on, needs to be plastic or thin stainless steel. Thus a whole new mode of flexible ancillary electronics and circuitry must be devised.

You may wonder when you can expect to see such products in your local shops-Nicholas Colaneri expects larger screens will be developed before smaller ones given the interest in size compression. However, we can expect to see bendable screens on every day, electronic gadgets, and at similar prices to current products, in the next three to five years (around 2015).

The notion of a bendable screen may also bear out a wealth of new and exciting possibilities. For example, future innovation may allow you to transform an entire wall into a bendable screen, or to construct personalized clothing out of similar material. Whilst the bendable screen alone will not usher in an entirely new computing revolution, it will surely be an exciting and influential contributor.

Speaking of wholly new innovations and designs utilising this technology, Tommaso Gecchelin has designed a new bendable touch screen laptop which will no doubt be released soon. The new screen technology has been dubbed ispine by its creator in a bid to compare the bendability of the product to the flexibility of the human spine.  The product, when fully opened, would be approximately the size of a sheet of paper, and would come complete with a stand upon which it could be fully extended, and a full computer built. Gecchelin’s design will no doubt widen the scope of what one can hope to expect from the computing world.

The FENO. One of the newsest and most exciting folding laptop designs.

Fujitsu demonstrate a concept for a folding laptop design below, dubbed the "flexbook" however this technology is still a long way from production at the time of writing (2011).