Can I upgrade a laptop screen?

[ByteMe]

So my laptop took quite a fall a couple of weeks ago and the screen has a bad connection inside. I've tried reseating the connector, but that didn't fix it. Now I have to be VEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRYYYYYYYYY careful when opening my screen, otherwise it goes funky.

I've written down the serial number and it's an AU optronics B140XTN02.3. It has a 40 pin connector and supports HD resolution(1366*768). Now I'm wondering: I've found a screen that also has 40 pin connector like the LG , could I use this full HD screen as a replacement?

I've found these two datasheets: http://www.yslcd.com.tw/docs/product/B140XTN02.3.pdf http://www.panelook.com/LP140WD2-TLB1_LG%20Display_14.0_LCM_parameter_5224.html . Worth to note is that parts people lists the LG panel as compatible with my inspiron 14Z 5423.

Anyway: I'm still a bit hesitant to switch the LCD, because I'm worried my graphics card(intel 4000 integrated graphics, I really don't use my dedicated amd gpu like EVER) won't support it, especially because my main OS is Debian testing. I might be a bit paranoid: but is it plausible that drivers might become an issue?

And finally: is it a good idea to switch to a higher resolution? Am I trading of for contrast, viewing angle, ... ?

[tautech]

ByteMe put a country flag in your profilr for local recommendations.

Get the correct replacement from eBay is my advice.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/14-0-LED-LCD-Slim-Screen-DELL-Inspiron-14z-5423-/361028757770?pt=AU_Components&hash=item540efda90a

[wraper]

ByteMe put a country flag in your profilr for local recommendations.

Get the correct replacement from eBay is my advice.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/14-0-LED-LCD-Slim-Screen-DELL-Inspiron-14z-5423-/361028757770?pt=AU_Components&hash=item540efda90a

That can barely be called correct replacement, as you will get whatever fits there, not original panel. It is cheaper if you just search for the compatible or same model LCD panel, not by laptop model. If the laptop model have variants with full HD screen, then you can order such screen relatively safely. The real upgrade would be to fit IPS screen, not crappy TN though. I remember that few old DELL models might refuse to work with a new screen because they required some specific data in EDID eeprom (can be easily reprogrammed, it's just 24Cxx EEPROM), don't know anything about newer models.

[GreyWoolfe]

You don't mention the laptop brand.  I echo wraper.  When I was repairing Dell computers from 1999-2004, you would see several different LCD screens in the same laptop model.  Tier 2 tech support was able to tell by the service tag number.  Sometimes the connector, cable layout and connection to the system board were completely different.  Don't try to substitute, it probably won't be worth the aggravation. 

[Rasz]

So my laptop took quite a fall a couple of weeks ago and the screen has a bad connection inside. I've tried reseating the connector, but that didn't fix it. Now I have to be VEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRYYYYYYYYY careful when opening my screen, otherwise it goes funky.

so it only goes bad when moving the hinge? does it matter if you push hinge on particular corner?

dropped laptop means everything was stressed mechanically, cracked solder joints under big chips/connectors
it doesnt sound like you have a broken lcd, more like a broken connector/cable

[Richard Crowley]

If you have tine time and money to write-off in the event of failure, then go ahead and do the experiment.
But if you just want to fix a computer that you actually need to use, substituting a notebook PC display is foolhardy.
The display is tightly coupled and designed with the complete system. It is not a standalone component.

If you were a service bureau with lots of insider information from the manufacturer, that is one thing.
But if you are just a handy end-user with nothing but Google results as documentation, I wouldn't risk it.
NOT RECOMMENDED.

[Rasz]

If you have tine time and money to write-off in the event of failure, then go ahead and do the experiment.
But if you just want to fix a computer that you actually need to use, substituting a notebook PC display is foolhardy.
The display is tightly coupled and designed with the complete system. It is not a standalone component.

If you were a service bureau with lots of insider information from the manufacturer, that is one thing.
But if you are just a handy end-user with nothing but Google results as documentation, I wouldn't risk it.
NOT RECOMMENDED.

naah, lcd modules are standardised and almost trivial to replace
but like I said earlier issue is not how to replace, its about knowing what went wrong and what else could go wrong - otherwise you end up with US style car service centres where clueless mechanics swap modules according to computer error codes instead of finding real cause of the defect.

even visibly cracked screen is the least of problems when investigating laptop that fell on hard floor, and this is why its often better to just buy new one

[Stonent]

You can use a site like 247laptoplcd or blisscomputers.net to look up replacement screens for your laptop and see if other part numbers are listed.  Sometimes the different LCDs require a different harness, but now it is more likely they don't especially if the manufacturer is the same.

[amyk]

Start by comparing the datasheets.

1. Physical dimensions should be identical. Otherwise, it won't physically fit. It looks like the LG panel is very slightly larger, so this could be a problem. (The drawing in the LG datasheet is basically impossible to read the dimensions on...)

2. Pinouts and connector should be identical. This is the biggest difference - your original panel uses only 1-port LVDS whereas the LG one uses 2-port LVDS. If the chipset supports 2-port LVDS and the necessary signals are brought out to the connector, then there shouldn't be a problem here.

3. Timing  - it looks like this is a panel with EDID so there's a chance that the GPU can use that data to configure itself, but this is dependent on the BIOS having the code to do that. Given this model of laptop came with several different display options, I think it's likely.