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 10.4 inches to 17.1 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 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.

Planet Cyber considers devices with LCD screens smaller than 10.4 inches to be PDAs. Planet Cyber 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.

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.

Notes:

(a) wide-aspect ratio LCD screen.
(b) standard-aspect ratio LCD screen.

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. But the presence of lines alone couldnot indicate a problem with the screen. The video cable or the video card might be defected and needs to be verified before you decide to change the LCD screen.

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 (especially for HP laptop components). 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. Planet Cyber does not carry inverters, however, we would be more than happy to refer you somewhere.

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 Planet Cyber 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?

Planet Cyber sells and installs LCD screens only for notebook and tablet computers and other industrial uses. We also 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 Planet Cyber sell inverters or video ribbon cables (data cables)?

Yes, Planet Cyber sells inverters or video cables. We specialize in notebook LCD screens. Because we specialize in notebook LCD screens it has enabled us to become the preeminent LCD screen supplier in terms of inventory, knowledge and customer service.

What is the condition of the notebook LCD screens that Planet Cyber sells?

Planet Cyber 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. Planet Cyber 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.

Do the laptop LCD screens from Planet Cyber include the plastics (also known as the display assembly, bezel or screen housing)?

No. The laptop screens from Planet Cyber 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 Planet Cyber sell?

Planet Cyber 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 Planet Cyber have LCD screens for Configure-to-Order (CTO) notebook computers?

Yes. Planet Cyber provides LCD screens for CTO notebook computers. Please contact a Planet Cyber sales associate for more information.

Does Planet Cyber have every screen in stock that is shown on this website?

Planet Cyber LCD screen inventory changes daily and so it is imperative that you contact us to verify stock before placing your order.

Does Planet Cyber sell backlights?

Yes, Planet Cyber does sell replacement backlights.

Does Planet Cyber sell notebook screens for less common notebook brands (ex. Alienware, ChemBook, ProStar, Sager, etc.)?

Yes. Planet Cyber 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 Planet Cyber sell?

Planet Cyber 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 Planet Cyber install my screen for me?

Yes, Planet Cyber provides LCD installation for free, though it requires you send us your laptop complete with all items mentioned in the packing list (see page 3 of the order form). Please contact a sales associate for more informatin prior to sending us your laptop.

We do, however, strongly encourage you to replace your LCD screen yourself. Installation requires a small Phillips screwdriver, a sharp object (knife, exacto blade, etc), and 20 minutes of your time. Please see our simple, step-by-step removal instructions, including photos.

Does Planet Cyber repolarize scratched LCD screens?

Planet Cyber does provide repolarization services for scratched LCD screens depending on quantity.

Does Planet Cyber provide laptop repair services?

YES. Planet Cyber specializes not only in laptops but also in desktop PC and apple products.

Does Planet Cyber repair cracked notebook screens?

YES. Cracked notebook screens in general are also repairable.

Does Planet Cyber replace backlights?

Planet Cyber does provide backlight replacement services depending on quantity.

Will Planet Cyber 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 send 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 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 Samsung, Sharp and Toshiba-Matsushita. Laptop makers that currently offer laptop models with enhanced brightness LCD screens are the following:

Planet Cyber currently offers enhanced brightness laptop screens.

Pricing

Why is there more than one price 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.

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. In these cases, the notebook screens will most likely have the same price unless one is in more demand and relatively short supply.

 

o Acer Laptop Repair
o 1.2: Dell Laptop Repair
o 1.3: Sony Laptop Repair
o 1.4: Toshiba Laptop Repair
o 1.5: HP Laptop Repair
+ 1.5.1: HP Laptop Motherboard Repair
+ 1.5.2: HP Pavilion DV5118TX Laptop Motherboard Repair
+ 1.5.3: HP Pavilion DV5118TX Laptop Repair
+ 1.5.4: HP Pavilion DV5118TX Laptop Monitor Repair
o 1.6: Apple Laptop Repair
o 1.7: Compaq Laptop Repair
o 1.8: Averatec Laptop Repair
o 1.9: eMachines Laptop Repair
o 1.10: Gateway Laptop Repair
o 1.11: Gericom Laptop Repair
o 1.12: JVC Laptop Repair
o 1.13: Patriot Laptop Repair
o 1.14: Sharp Laptop Repair
o 1.15: Alienware Laptop Repair
o 1.16: Asus Laptop Repair
o 1.17: Fujitsu Siemens Laptop Repair
o 1.18: Lenovo Laptop Repair
o 1.19: Everex Systems Laptop Repair
o 1.20: Microsoft Laptop Repair
o 1.21: Motion Computing Laptop Repair
o 1.22: Packard Bell Laptop Repair
o 1.23: Panasonic Laptop Motherboard Repair
o 1.24: Samsung Laptop Motherboard Repair
o 1.25: Systemax Laptop Repair
o 1.26: ViewSonic Laptop Repair
o 1.27: Xplore Technologies Laptop Repair
o 1.28: Xtreme Notebook Repair
o 1.29: Atasi Laptop Repair
o 1.30: Data Recovery
o 1.31: Hitachi Laptop Repair
o 1.32: IBM Laptop Repair
o 1.33: IBuyPower Laptop Repair
o 1.34: Laptop Battery Repair
o 1.35: Laptop Display Repair
o 1.36: Laptop Fan Repair
o 1.37: Laptop Hard Drive Repair
o 1.38: Laptop Keyboard Repair
o 1.39: Laptop Motherboard Repair
o 1.40: Laptop Mouse Repair
o 1.41: Laptop Power Socket Repair
o 1.42: Laptop Repair Manuals
o 1.43: Laptop Repair Shops
o 1.44: Laptop Upgrade
o 1.45: LCD Screen Repair
o 1.46: Memory Upgrades
o 1.47: NEC Laptop Repair
o 1.48: Notebook Repair
o 1.49: OQO Laptop Repair
o 1.50: Spyware Removal
o 1.51: Virus Removal