T21 screen flicker problem

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

"long-time lurker" <spitfire@rome.com> wrote in message
news:15bbc2a.0409062209.7f95a033@posting.google.com...
>I recently purchased a used T21. When it is plugged in to the AC
> adapter the screen flickers and varies in brightness (regardless of
> whether the battery is in the machine nor not). However, there are no
> screen problems when it is only powered by the battery. I have tried
> different power settings, but nothing changes the problem. Anybody
> else with similar experiences? (I have searched Google and have
> discovered many people with similar problems, but not identical to
> mine.) Could this be a problem with the inverter? Or the power
> supply?
>
> And yes, I am using the latest drivers, BIOS etc.
>
> Thanks in advance.

It is likely the inverter which has some type of component failing at
the high display brightness and high power to the inverter you have set
for AC power. On battery, the screen is dimmed and the power level is
reduced. Try reducing the screen brightness on AC power and see if the
problem disappears.

If it is the power adapter, you can remove the battery, boot with AC
power. If the laptop goes instantly dead at some point, that points to
the AC adapter plug, likely on the mainboard, but it could be a simple
defective or dirty plug. Try also moving the adapter cable holding the
laptop plug fixed to reveal a line break/short.

Q