Shopping for computer bits

[stephbg]

I *believe* my current laptop has a TFT WXGA+ screen with a max resolution of 1440 x 900 at 262,144 colours.

I have found a potential replacement on ebay but it's WXGA 1280x800: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320480312053&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

So, as far as I can tell the lower res screen is compatible. Since I never use the highest resolution I shouldn't notice the difference. I'd like to buy the WXGA. Anyone see any problems here?

Comments

Shopping for computer bits

[paulgeek.livejournal.com]

I found no problem with this Screen. I would say just check it well, before you buy it.
HP Laptop Keyboard Replacement (http://service.ztronics.com/hp-laptop-keyboard-repair.html)

[talmor.livejournal.com]

I'm assuming the screen you are thinking of buying is one that's come out of a laptop that's identical to yours? If it's the entire screen/backlight/top-case/hinge assembly, it'll need to come from the same model as yours, but the resolution probably won't matter.

If it's just the screen/backlight unit that needs to fit into your top-case and hinge assembly, you'll need to check the exact dimensions, not just match the laptop model number - often they use one model number, but have several screen size options, with more or less plastic frame around the screen. I've even seem laptops with a top-case assembly that sticks out further than the bottom case (by about 1cm) on all sides...

Either way, I'm not sure how 'plug and play' the adaptor to screen interface is in laptops - the graphics hardware might not detect a lower resolution screen. That might mean it doesn't work at all, or it could just mean it offers the higher resolution as an option.

BTW, running an LCD screen at less than it's real (physical) resolution looks really crappy - why were you deliberately running at a lower resolution with nasty jagged scaling artefacts?

[stephbg.livejournal.com]

In theory (i.e. according to the manual) the Dell Inspiron 640m 14.1" supports both WXGA and WXGA+. I now have it in writing from the seller that it's compatible, so we'll just go from there. If it's not... I'll cross that bridge if I get to it.

Re scaling artifacts, it's a long story and yes it can be unpleasant, but it's good enough for what I use it for. Right now I'm operating on 600 x 800 for dual monitor mode, but the laptop screen has decided to work for a while. Whatever doesn't make me blind I can deal with.

[anysia.livejournal.com]

I don't see any problem with it whatsoever. It comes with 12 month warranty, and is an excellent price.

I even checked out sellers ratings on EbayNegs. Seems the one Negative feedback was due to impatience on the buyers part.

[stephbg.livejournal.com]

The first one I found (that I trusted) was $299 cut down from $399 and I nearly had a fit. For that kind of expense I couldn't justify the repair, but I've gone ahead with $165 (inc S&H) on this.