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 notebook screen sizes for notebook and tablet PC computers?
LCDs4Less.co.uk stocks notebook screens that range in size from 0 inches to 9.6 inches. The size is measured diagonally based on the viewable area of the screen. Laptops may come in the following LCD screen sizes: 0", 12.1", 13.3", 14", 14.1", 15", 15.4", 17", and 9.6" (as well as others).
The best and most fool-proof way to determine the size of the notebook screen is to locate the part number on the back of the notebook screen. In most cases the size is actually included in the notebook screen part number. For example, if a screen’s part number is LTN141XC-L01, the "141" in LTN141XC-L01 means it is a 14.1-inch screen.
What is LCD screen resolution? And, what are the different LCD screen resolutions for notebook and tablet PC computers?
Notebook 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 on an LCD screen the higher the resolution a screen is. In addition, higher resolution screens allow more of an image to be viewable.
The following table shows the common LCD screen resolutions available in notebooks.
| 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. 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 |
|
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|
Standard |
| 10.6 |
|
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|
x |
|
|
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|
Wide |
| 12.1 |
x |
x |
|
x |
|
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|
|
x |
|
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|
Standard |
| 13.0 |
x |
|
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|
Standard |
| 13.3 |
|
x |
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|
Standard |
| 14.0 |
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|
x |
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| 14.1 |
|
x |
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|
x |
|
x |
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|
Standard |
| 15.0 |
|
x |
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|
x |
|
x |
|
x |
Standard |
| 15.2 |
|
|
x |
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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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|
x |
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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 notebook screen?
Screen size cannot be upgraded. It may be possible to upgrade your resolution depending on what type of video card is in the notebook. Sometimes the screen’s resolution does not match the video card’s resolution. We generally discourage upgrading resolution, as it is difficult to determine a compatible screen.
Do I need a new notebook screen if I have lines on my screen?
It is possible that you need a new notebook screen. The presence of lines could indicate a problem with the screen, the video cable or the video card.
Are some notebook screens compatible with other notebook screens?
Yes. Notebook screens may be compatible with other notebook screens. Moreover, notebook makers like Dell, HP Compaq, IBM, Toshiba and Sony may source more than one notebook screen (as distinguished by the notebook screen's part number) even from different brand notebook screen manufacturers to install in the same notebook model. There are many variables to take into consideration like various physical constraints, electronic signaling characteristics and power issues.
Do I need a new notebook screen if my notebook screen is dim?
You may or may not need a new notebook screen if the screen is dim. If your notebook 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 notebook screen which has an average lifespan and may go out. The inverter is a separate piece from the notebook screen. The inverter essentially 1) takes the DC power which the notebook 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 notebook screen is dim, the majority of the time it is a result of a faulty inverter. Unfortunately, the best way to determine which is causing the screen to be dim 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. LCDs4Less.co.uk does not supply inverters.
What are the differences in notebook screen part number suffixes?
A part number suffix is an extension of the notebook screen part number used to identify some minor differences between a notebook screen with a similar part number. See the table below for examples of suffixes for different notebook screen 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 |
Notebook 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 notebook 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 notebook 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 notebook LCD screens?
At this time LCDs4Less.co.uk does not provide manufacturers' data sheets for notebook LCD screens.
Products Offered
Do you sell LCD screens for products other than notebooks?
LCDs4Less.co.uk sells LCD screens only for notebooks. 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, or televisions.
Does LCDs4Less.co.uk supply inverters or video ribbon cables (data cables)?
LCDs4Less.co.uk does not sell inverters or video cables. We specialize exclusively in notebook screens. Because we specialize exclusively in notebook screens, it has enabled us to become the preeminent notebook screen supplier in terms of inventory, knowledge and customer service.
What is the condition of the notebook screens that LCDs4Less.co.uk supplies?
LCDs4Less.co.uk 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.
Be wary of other vendors claiming to have new quality or even refurbished notebook screens as there are very few vendors that can provide high quality notebook screens. Most notebook screen vendors get their inventory by breaking down used, overstock or "scratch and dent" notebooks, and therefore, it’s 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 notebook screens from LCDs4Less.co.uk include the plastics (also known as the display assembly, bezel or screen housing)?
No. The notebook screens from LCDs4Less.co.uk do not include the plastics. There are several reasons for this. The majority of our notebook screens are brand new and direct from our overseas suppliers and manufacturers. Because of this, we are actually purchasing our notebook screens prior to them being installed into their plastic display assemblies by the notebook 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 notebook 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.
Should you require or purchase a notebook screen already in the plastic display assembly, please be aware that you are usually purchasing a pulled or used notebook screen (see definitions above) for which quality or useful life cannot be determined.
What screen sizes does LCDs4Less.co.uk sell?
LCDs4Less.co.uk notebook screens range in size from 10.6 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 (as well as others).
Does LCDs4Less.co.uk have LCD screens for Configure-to-Order (CTO) notebook computers?
Yes. LCDs4Less.co.uk 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.co.uk have every screen in stock that is shown on this website?
LCDs4Less.co.uk notebook screen inventory changes daily and so it is imperative that you contact us to verify stock before placing your order.
Does LCDs4Less.co.uk supply backlights?
No, LCDs4Less.co.uk does not supply backlights.
Does LCDs4Less.co.uk supply notebook screens for less common notebook brands (ex. Alienware, ChemBook, ProStar, Sager, etc.)?
Yes. LCDs4Less.co.uk supplies notebook screens for almost all notebook brands.
What notebook screen manufacturers does LCDs4Less.co.uk supply?
LCDs4Less.co.uk supplies notebook LCD screens by all the leading LCD screen manufacturers including: AU Optronics, boeHydis, Chi Mei, Chung Hwa, HannStar, Hitachi, IDTech, LG Philips, Matsushita, Mitsubishi, NEC, Quanta, Samsung, Sharp, Sanyo/Torisan, Toshiba and Unipac.
Services Offered
Can LCDs4Less.co.uk install my screen for me?
No, LCDs4Lessco.uk does not provide installation with services.
LCDs4Less.co.uk encourages customers to complete the notebook screen replacement process themselves; we have provided simple step-by-step LCD replacement instructions with photos.
Does LCDs4Less.co.uk provide notebook repair services?
No. LCDs4Less.co.uk specializes exclusively in notebook screens.
Does LCDs4Less.co.uk repair cracked notebook screens?
No. Cracked notebook screens in general are not repairable.
Does LCDs4Less.co.uk replace backlights?
LCDs4Less.co.uk does note provide backlight replacement services.
Will LCDs4Less.co.uk buy my notebook 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 screens. We do not purchase flat panel monitors or CRT monitors. If you have notebook screens that you are interested in selling, please email us at sales@lcds4less.co.uk or fax 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".
What are high-gloss / enhanced brightness notebook LCD screens and what companies manufacturer these screens?
High-gloss / enhanced brightness screens are a term for bright, high-contrast LCD TFT active matrix notebook screens. These types of notebook screens are manufactured by various LCD screen OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). There is not much documentation as this information is proprietary between the notebook screen manufacturers and the notebook makers. However, despite the lack of publicly available documentation, we have noticed that all enhanced brightness screens have a high luster glossy finish. Notebook screens with a high luster glossy finish have a different type of polarizer (the film on top of the glass) than traditional notebook screens.
Enhanced brightness notebook screens include one or both of the following characteristics:
1) High-gloss polarizer
2) Stronger and/or multiple backlights
Notebook screens whose brightness is increased solely by a high-gloss polarizer are compatible with non-high-gloss notebook screens. However, for those notebook 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.
Notebook screen manufacturers that produce enhanced brightness LCD screens for the notebook makers currently include LG Philips, AU Optronics, Samsung, Sharp and Toshiba-Matsushita. Notebook makers that currently offer notebook models with enhanced brightness LCD screens are the following:
LCDs4Less.co.uk currently offers enhanced brightness notebook screens.
Pricing
Why is there more than one price listed for the LCD screen for my model notebook?
Many notebook models come with more than one type of notebook screen. This is most obvious for those notebook 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 notebook screens commonly vary by size and resolution in addition to other characteristics.
Furthermore, it is possible that a particular notebook may use two different notebook screens of the same size and resolution that are not compatible with each other. 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 notebook screens?
Shipping fees are £10 for the first screen and £2 for each additional screen on the same order.
Part Numbers available:
Which Part Numbers do you carry?
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