I know this is a DiY Projector forum but it looks like you guys are the best source of information about LCD Panels and Controllers etc.

I own a Dell D800 Latitude notebook with a nice WUXGA (1920 x 1200) 15.4" LCD Screen. After almost 4 years of use I have grown to love my screen and the resolution in relation to the size. However ... the notebook it self is starting to show it's "old age". It can not keep up with all of todays media and new programs. So I need to upgrade to a different PC.

But ... that would mean getting rid of this nice screen format. So I am looking to find a small (sub 20") WUGXA monitor that I can hookup to a new PC that I will build. But I fear that these "ultimate monitor" does not excist today.

So if any of you can point me in a good direction of a company that does actually make these monitors that would be great.

But if I need to build my own monitor using the same parts that you guys are using for your Projects then that might also be a way to go.
Any pointers for me to continue my search?

I'm having a tough time finding a commercial LCD monitor that has a native resolution of 1920 x 1200 (or even 1920 x 1080) that's under 20" diagonal. I saw a couple that were 23", but most of the others were 24" or larger.

You can check out your options on PCWorld's Shop & Compare site.

I did find this listing on eBay, but you might want to contact the Seller to verify. Nevermind, it appears that it's only the LCD panel.

If you do decide to build your own, and can afford it, you might want to purchase a WUXGA LCD Kit from http://www.manhattanlcd.com (LL member johnzo's site).

Actually, that would likely work out well.

The LCD panels that Johnzo sells come with (As I recall) a backlight already, so you don't have to use them in a projector, you can use them as a small monitor.

I have a WUXGA laptop too, though I find that it's a bit small for the resolution... But I use it all anyway.

I looked around some more and came up with these 3 panels at the moment:

LG Displays LP171WU5
Chi Mei Optical N184H4-L01
AU Optronics Corp. B170UW02 V0

I also looked at ManhattanLCD but they only have 15.4 WUXGA screens. These 17" screens have a better response time then the "older" 15.4 WUXGA screens around.

But can I "just use" the same controler that is used for the 15.4 panels for these 17" screens also? or will that give some problems? (I'm not a LCD panel expert ;-) )

Hein

Controllers have to be programmed to work with specific LCD panels. They also need specific LVDS cables. It would cost hundreds of dollars to have a controller programmed to work with another LCD panel and to have the LVDS cable made for it.

As far as the response time is concerned, it really isn't an issue when building a DIY projector, as the LCD operated at a higher temperature than it usually would. Used as a monitor, however, you might notice the difference.

Here's some more reading about that: Can I Use A Laptop LCD...

There are quite a few of 21.5 inch LCD's that will do 1920x1080.

Search for 21.5 LCD and you will find them.

I know, but 21.5 inch is already to large ... and 120pixels to small
I am working now on a 17" sollution. When it is done I will let you guys know.