Steps for Locating the Right Screen

Important Note!
It is absolutely necessary to know the SIZE, RESOLUTION and BACKLIGHT TYPE in order to purchase the correct screen for a particular laptop.

Certain laptop models come in different screen sizes, resolutions and backlights. For instance, Dell M1330 may have LED or CCFL backlight. IBM-Lenovo ThinkPad T60 was released with either "15.4" or "15" or "14.1" screen size and these screens are not interchangeable. Macbook Pro 15.4" screens come in different resolutions and they are not interchangeable as well.

It is absolutely imperative that size, resolution and backlight of the original screen are the same as of the selected screen for purchase. Please examine carefully the screen description.
 
Manufacturers typically do not publish screen compatibility information and even if they do there are occasional mistakes in their manuals and specifications on their websites. Therefore the only sure way to get 100% correct screen is to check the size, resolution, and backlight.

NOTE: Screens for Dell laptops must be chosen by the laptop model number (i.e. Inspiron 1525). Choosing by the original screen model number can lead to wrong selection.

Below are step by step instructions:

* Measuring laptop screen size

Screen size is measured in inches, diagonally from corner to corner (see below) (1 inch=2.54 cm):

 

The following is different standard for different laptop screen:

* Ways of finding your screen resolution

NOTE: Laptop LCD resolution should not be upgraded or downgraded, otherwise LCD Cable & Inverter will be burnt.
      We recommend  customers to buy the same LCD resolution as they have.

You can find the LCD resolution of your Laptop by the following way:
    For Windows XP or older: go to Start -> Control Panel -> Display Properties
    For Windows Vista: Right-Click on Desktop -> Graphics Properties

Here is some common used reference for you:

Or you can use on-line check service, please note that the on-line tool tells your screen resolution and it only makes sense if you did not change factory default screen settings in Windows or Mac OS. 

On-line Resolution Check.

* Correct backlight type for your new screen

Generally, there are two types of backlight in the market, CCFL  and LED backlight. CCFL(Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp) needs an inverter, but LED backlight needn’t, which uses light-emitting diodes as a source of light.  Now the used most is CCFL backlight.  As we know that desktop has double or three backlight for the monitor brightness, but taking account of power issue, notebooke screen brightness is reduced, so most of notebook screens only use  Single backlight, especially in small size, and some use Dual backlight.

Single Backlight,only one bulb with only one inverter connector in the screen, most used in the market.

So Dual Backlight means: two bulbs in the screen with two inverter connector, not so much us.

LED Backlight is a new type, used in some latest models. LED screen only has one socket to connect a video cable, no inverter cable. Usually, users can find the specifics in its laptop if using a LED screen.ed.

 

Matte and Glossy screen finish: almost the same and interchangeable
Glossy and matte screens are interchangeable, it is only up to you personal preferences which one to pick.

There are mainly two types of LCD screen on the market, Matte and Glossy screens. In order to scatter reflected light on the LCD screen surface, there's a anti-glare finish on Matte screens. And Glossy screens remove the optical coating, increasing a highly reflective coating, that will effectively improve the performance of contrast and color. So Glossy screens are better for graphics and video display. Matte screens are beneficial to eyesight protection, especially work for a long time.

Each laptop manufacturer coined their glossy type screen monicker: