Laptop Screen FAQs
The following FAQ page contains questions and answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding laptop LCD screens. The questions have been divided between the following categories:
Technical Issues
What are the different LCD screen sizes for laptop and tablet PC computers?
Laptop and tablet PC screens range in size from 6.1 inches to 20 inches. The size is measured diagonally based on the viewable area of the screen. Laptops may come in the following LCD screen sizes: 10.4", 12.1", 13.3", 14", 14.1", 15", 15.4", 17", and 20" (as well as others).
The best and most fool-proof way to determine the size of the LCD screen is to locate the part number on the back of the LCD screen. The naming convention of part numbers is such that in most cases the size is actually included in the part number. For example, by removing the LCD screen from the plastic display assembly in a Compaq Presario 900 Series 906us, one of the LCD screens that it may use is a Samsung LTN141XC-L01 (Yes, Compaq does not make notebook LCD screens just as most other laptop brands do not either). The "141" in LTN141XC-L01 means it is a 14.1-inch screen. LCDs4Less considers products using LCD screens smaller than 10.4 inches to be PDAs. LCDs4Less does not carry LCD screens for PDAs.
What is LCD screen resolution? And, what are the different LCD screen resolutions for laptop and tablet PC computers?
Laptop and tablet PC computers come in many different resolutions. Resolution is defined as the number of pixels or small dots that make up an LCD screen. The pixel is the smallest unit that makes up an image. Most screens sold today are TFT active matrix LCD screens. TFT active matrix is a technology in which each pixel has a transistor attached to it to control the backlight shining through it. Each pixel is made up of 3 sub-pixels (red, green and blue) with each having its own transistor. Each of these pixels turns on and off and filters light through colored sub-pixels which results in an image. The more pixels or higher the resolution a screen is the crisper the image. In addition, higher resolution screens allow more of an image to be viewable.
The following table shows the LCD screen resolutions available in laptops and tablet PCs.
| Resolution | Pixels | Aspect Ratio | Type of Ratio |
| SVGA | 800 x 600 | 1.33x | Standard |
| XGA | 1024 x 768 | 1.33x | Standard |
| (None) | 1152 x 768 | 1.50x | Wide |
| WXGA | 1280 x 800 | 1.60x | Wide |
| WSXGA | 1280 x 854 | 1.50x | Wide |
| SXGA | 1280 x 1024 | 1.25x | Standard |
| None | 1440 x 900 | 1.60x | Wide |
| SXGA+ | 1400 x 1050 | 1.33x | Standard |
| WSXGA+ | 1680 x 1050 | 1.60x | Wide |
| UXGA | 1600 x 1200 | 1.33x | Standard |
| WUXGA | 1920 x 1200 | 1.60x | Wide |
| QXGA | 2048 x 1536 | 1.33x | Standard |
As can be seen in the table above, LCD screens are considered either standard-aspect or wide-aspect. Wide-aspect ratio screens which have become quite popular recently are LCD screens with a resolution aspect ratio greater than 1.33x (number of horizontal pixels / number of vertical pixels).
What is the relationship between size and resolution?
Basically, the larger the LCD screen the higher the potential resolution. LCD screens are stated at their maximum resolution which may be adjusted downwards should you need to. Each LCD screen size may come in different maximum resolutions. See the table below for screen size and potential resolution combinations.
| Size |
Available Resolutions |
Aspect |
| 800 x 600 |
1024 x 768 |
1152 x 768 |
1280 x 768 |
1280 x 800 |
1280 x 854 |
1280 x 1024 |
1440 x 900 |
1400 x 1050 |
1680 x 1050 |
1600 x 1200 |
1920 x 1200 |
2048 x 1536 |
| 10.4 |
x |
x |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Standard |
| 10.6 |
|
|
|
|
x |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wide |
| 12.1 |
x |
x |
|
x |
|
|
|
|
x |
|
|
|
|
Standard |
| 13.0 |
x |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
Standard |
| 13.3 |
|
x |
|
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|
|
Standard |
| 14.0 |
|
|
|
x |
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|
| 14.1 |
|
x |
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|
x |
|
x |
|
|
Standard |
| 15.0 |
|
x |
|
|
|
|
|
|
x |
|
x |
|
x |
Standard |
| 15.2 |
|
|
x |
|
|
x |
|
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|
Wide |
| 15.4 |
|
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|
|
x |
|
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|
|
x |
|
x |
|
Wide |
| 15.7 |
|
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|
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|
|
x |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Standard |
| 16.0 |
|
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|
x |
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|
Standard |
| 16.1 |
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|
x |
|
x |
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|
Standard |
| 17.1 |
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|
x |
|
x |
|
x |
|
Wide |
Can I upgrade the size or resolution of my laptop LCD screen?
Screen size cannot be upgraded. Your laptop resolution may be upgraded sometimes depending on the type of video card contained in your laptop and if there exists a compatible LCD screen of a higher resolution. We generally discourage against upgrading resolutions as it is not easy to determine a compatible LCD screen between resolutions.
Do I need a new laptop LCD screen if I have lines on my screen?
It is possible that you need a new laptop LCD screen. The presence of lines could indicate a problem with the screen, the video cable or the video card.
Are some laptop LCD screens compatible with other LCD screens?
Yes. Laptop LCD screens may be compatible with other laptop LCD screens. Moreover, laptop makers like Dell, HP Compaq, IBM, Toshiba and Sony may source more than one LCD screen (as distinguished by the LCD screen's part number) even from different brand LCD screen manufacturers to install in the same laptop model. There are many variables to take into consideration like various physical constraints, electronic signaling characteristics and power issues.
Do I need a new laptop LCD screen if my LCD screen is dim?
You may or may not need a new LCD screen if the LCD screen is dim. If your LCD screen is dim it may be as a result of either 1) a faulty backlight or 2) a faulty inverter. The backlight is basically the light bulb in the laptop LCD screen which as one would suspect has an average useful life. The inverter, though, is a separate piece from the LCD screen. The inverter essentially 1) takes the DC power which the laptop runs off of and converts it into AC power and 2) steps-up the voltage to light up the cold cathode fluorescent backlight.
We have found that when a laptop LCD screen is dim the majority of the time it is a result of a faulty inverter. Unfortunately, the best way to determine which is the cause of the dim screen is through process of elimination by trying either a new LCD screen or a new inverter and seeing which solves the problem. We highly recommend you purchase an inverter first as inverters are less expensive than LCD screens. LCDs4Less does not carry inverters, however, we would be more than happy to refer you somewhere.
What are the differences in LCD screen part number suffixes?
A part number suffix is an extension of the LCD screen part number used to identify some minor differences between a laptop screen with a similar part number. See the table below for examples of suffixes for different LCD manufacturers.
| LCD Manufacturer |
LCD Part Number |
LCD Part Number Base |
LCD Part Number Suffix |
| Samsung |
LTN141X8-L00 |
LTN141X8 |
L00 |
| Samsung |
LTN141X8-L02 |
LTN141X8 |
L02 |
| LG Philips |
LP141X14 (A1) |
LP141X14 |
A1 |
| LG Philips |
LP141X14 (B1) |
LP141X14 |
B1 |
| Hitachi |
TX38D85VC1CAA |
TX38D85VC1 |
CAA |
| Hitachi |
TX38D85VC1CAB |
TX38D85VC1 |
CAB |
LCD screens with the same base part number, but different suffix are the same screen. The suffixes distinguish a different manufacturing batch for a particular base part number. A part number with a different suffix commonly denotes superficial and negligible differences between LCD screens. These superficial differences may include differences in inverter cable length or serve as an identification method to distinguish between batches of LCD screens for different laptop brands. For example, the LTN141X8-L00 is installed in an IBM ThinkPad and the LTN141X8-L02 is installed in a Dell Inspiron 4000.
Be aware that there are some exceptions in which the suffixes denote more profound differences between similar part number screens.
Can I call for Technical Support?
Give us a call or send us an email anytime regarding technical support.
Do you have specs sheets / data sheets for laptop LCD screens?
At this time LCDs4Less does not provide manufacturers' data sheets for laptop LCD screens.
Products Offered
For what products do you sell LCD screens? Do you sell LCD screens for products other than laptops?
LCDs4Less sells LCD screens only for notebook and tablet computers and other industrial uses. We do not sell the following products or LCD screens for the following products: flat panel monitors for desktop computers, CRT monitors for desktop computers, PDAs, cellular telephones or DVD players.
Does LCDs4Less sell inverters or video ribbon cables (data cables)?
LCDs4Less does not sell inverters or video cables. We specialize exclusively in notebook LCD screens. Because we specialize exclusively in notebook LCD screens it has enabled us to become the preeminent LCD screen supplier in terms of inventory, knowledge and customer service. Should you be looking for an inverter or video cable, give us a call anyway and we will gladly refer you somewhere.
What is the condition of the notebook LCD screens that LCDs4Less sells?
LCDs4Less sells brand new notebook LCD screens direct from our overseas suppliers in order to ensure the highest quality standards in the market for all brands and model of laptop. LCDs4Less also sells other screens like refurbished and pulls for those customers looking for other alternatives.
Be wary of other vendors claiming to have new quality or even refurbished notebook LCD screens as there are very few vendors that can provide this quality of screen. Most laptop screen vendors get their inventory by breaking down used, overstock or "scratch and dent" laptops, and therefore, is difficult to assess the quality of the LCD screen. See below for industry definitions of quality standards.
| Term |
Definition |
Quality Issues |
| Backlight |
Spots |
Scratches |
| New |
Not previously installed in an application. |
Good |
None |
None |
| New Pull |
LCD screen that has been removed from a new laptop which has never been used or sold. These new laptops are overstock or "scratch and dent" laptops that are being broken down for parts. |
Good |
Potential |
Potential |
| Pull or Used Pull |
LCD screen that has been removed from a previous laptop which may have been used or previously sold. These laptops are being broken down for parts. |
Uncertain life |
Potential |
Potential |
| Refurbished |
Screens that have had the backlight replaced, been repolarized or other video repair to bring quality level close to that of a new screen. Most vendors claiming to have refurbished laptop screens actually do not. Most of these vendors' screensare used and have not undergone a refurbishing process. |
Sometimes replaced |
Generally none |
Generally none |
Do the laptop LCD screens from LCDs4Less include the plastics (also known as the display assembly, bezel or screen housing)?
No. The laptop screens from LCDs4Less do not include the plastics. There are several reasons for this. The majority of our LCD screens are brand new and direct from our overseas suppliers and manufacturers. Because of this, we are actually purchasing our LCD screens prior to them being installed into their plastic display assemblies by the laptop makers. By purchasing them direct we can better ensure quality to you as they have not been previously handled, used or installed (also see question above). Furthermore, if your LCD screen is damaged your plastic display assembly usually is not damaged. Purchasing a screen in the display assembly usually means paying more for a screen because it has the plastics and/or sacrificing quality as you cannot assess whether the screen has been previously used. Why pay more or sacrifice quality just to have the plastics when more than likely you do not need the plastics.
Should you require or purchase a laptop screen already in the plastic display assembly, please be aware that you are usually purchasing a pulled or used LCD screen (see definitions above) for which quality or useful life cannot be determined.
What screen sizes does LCDs4Less sell?
LCDs4Less laptop screens range in size from 10.4 inches to 17.1 inches. Laptops may come in the following LCD screen sizes: 10.4 inches, 10.6 inches, 11.3 inches, 12.1 inches, 13.0 inches, 13.3 inches, 14.1 inches, 15.0 inches, 15.2 inches, 15.4 inches, 15.7 inches, 16.0 inches, 16.1 inches and 17.1 inches.
Does LCDs4Less have LCD screens for Configure-to-Order (CTO) notebook computers?
Yes. LCDs4Less provides LCD screens for CTO notebook computers. You will need to verify the part number of the laptop LCD screen prior to ordering.
Does LCDs4Less have every screen in stock that is shown on this website?
LCDs4Less LCD screen inventory changes daily and so it is imperative that you contact us to verify stock before placing your order.
Does LCDs4Less sell backlights?
No, LCDs4Less does not sell replacement backlights.
Does LCDs4Less sell notebook screens for less common notebook brands (ex. Alienware, ChemBook, ProStar, Sager, etc.)?
Yes. LCDs4Less sells LCD screens for all laptop brands including, but not limited to, ABS, Acer, Alienware, Apple, ASUS, Averatec, Brite, ChemUSA, Compaq, Dell, Electrovaya, eMachines, First International Computer, Fujitsu, Gateway, HP, Hitachi, Hypersonic, IBM, KDS, MicroExpress, Micro Pro, Motion Computing, MPC, M-Tech, NEC, Panasonic (Matsushita), Polywell, ProStar, Sager, Samsung, Sharp, Systemax, Sony, Toshiba, Twinhead, Velocity Micro, ViewSonic, Voodoo and WinBook.
What LCD screen manufacturers does LCDs4Less sell?
LCDs4Less sells laptop LCD screens by all the leading LCD screen manufacturers including: Acer, AU Optronics, boeHydis, Chi Mei, Chung Hwa, HannStar, Hitachi, IBM/IDTech, LG Philips, Matsushita, Mitsubishi, NEC, Quanta, Samsung, Sharp, Sanyo/Torisan, Toshiba and Unipac.
Services Offered
Can LCDs4Less install my screen for me?
Yes, LCDs4Less provides free installation with the purchase of a laptop LCD screen from LCDs4Less (exceptions do apply). The price of a laptop LCD screen includes free installation as well as free domestic (US) 2-day express return shipping. You will, however, have to ship us your laptop computer at your own expense.
Should you want to replace the LCD screen yourself, we have provided simple step-by-step LCD removal instructions with photos.
Does LCDs4Less repolarize scratched LCD screens?
LCDs4Less does provide repolarization services for scratched LCD screens depending on quantity.
Does LCDs4Less provide laptop repair services?
No. LCDs4Less specializes exclusively in notebook LCD displays and only provides screen installation services.
Does LCDs4Less repair cracked notebook screens?
No. Cracked notebook screens in general are not repairable.
Does LCDs4Less replace backlights?
LCDs4Less does provide backlight replacement services depending on quantity.
Will LCDs4Less buy my laptop LCD screen?
We are always looking for new sources of supply for notebook LCD screens. However, we can only purchase large quantities of new, refurbished or pulled screens in good condition. Furthermore, we only purchase notebook LCD screens. We do not purchase flat panel monitors or CRT monitors. If you have laptop screens that you are interested in selling, please email us at purchasing@lcds4less.com or fax (713-741-9603) us a list and include the part number, quantity, condition, asking price and contact information. Make the cover sheet out to the attention of "Purchasing Department". For more information, please click here.
What are high-gloss / enhanced brightness laptop LCD screens and what companies manufacturer these screens?
High-gloss / enhanced brightness screens are a term for bright, high-contrast LCD TFT active matrix laptop LCD screens. These types of LCD screens are manufactured by various LCD screen OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). There is not much documentation as this information is proprietary between the LCD screen manufacturers and the laptop makers. However, despite the lack of publicly available documentation, we have noticed that all enhanced brightness screens have a high luster glossy finish. LCD screens with a high luster glossy finish have a different type of polarizer (the film on top of the glass) than common laptop LCD screens.
Enhanced brightness laptop screens include one or both of the following characteristics:
1) High-gloss polarizer
2) Stronger and/or multiple backlights
LCD screens whose brightness is increased solely by a high-gloss polarizer are compatible with non-high-gloss LCD screens, holding all other things equal. However, for those LCD screens with stronger or multiple backlights, compatibility may be constrained by the number of inverters required to power the multiple backlights or the output required to power a stronger backlight.
LCD screen manufacturers that produce enhanced brightness LCD screens for the laptop makers currently include LG Philips, AU Optronics, Samsung, Sharp and Toshiba-Matsushita. Laptop makers that currently offer laptop models with enhanced brightness LCD screens are the following:
LCDs4Less currently offers enhanced brightness laptop screens.
Pricing
Why is there more than one price listed for the LCD screen for my model laptop?
Many laptop models come with more than one type of LCD screen. This is most obvious for those laptop models that come with LCD screens of different sizes or resolutions. For example, the Dell Inspiron 5100 may have a 14.1" XGA (1024 x 768 pixels) display, a 15.0" XGA (1024 x 768 pixels) display or a 15.0" SXGA+ (1400 x 1050 pixels) display. Moreover, prices of LCD screens commonly vary by size and resolution in addition to other characteristics.
In addition, it is possible that a particular laptop may use two different laptop screens of the same size and resolution that are not compatible with each other (as distinguished by its part number). In these cases, the notebook screens will most likely have the same price unless one is in more demand and relatively short supply.
What's the shipping cost for your LCD screens?
We glady offer free shipping to U.S. destinatinos, arriving in 2-3 days. For an extra $10, we'll send it overnight. International charges depend on the destination, see this page for details.
For shipping we primarily use FedEx. For overnight and international service, the added cost for additional screens is $3 apiece.
Part Numbers available and models we have screens for
Which Part Numbers do you carry?
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