Trying to find LCD panel for custom monitor project.

[puppy333]

So, my goal is to create a display that I can place flat on my desktop surface and possibly stick an IR or other touch enabling device on top of. It wouldn't be inlaid into the desk surface so it needs to be as thin as possible.

I was looking for laptop displays and the best options I could find from amazon/ebay were 17-21" 1920x1080 for decent prices.

 

$36.27 1920x1080 17.3" https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Inspiron-17-5748-7746-AUO-17-3-1920x1080-FHD-LED-LCD-Panel-Screen-MM77H/132290188584

$48.91 1920x1080 17.3" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9JEW5A/?coliid=I30JX6MBYGUIX7&colid=1VY2I8P14GPJP&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

$25.49 1920x1080 21.5" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HPFWKQF/?coliid=I2RTUFZ5RRBRCZ&colid=1VY2I8P14GPJP&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

I also found these options from alibaba but I'm not sure exactly what's up with these as they sound too good to be true almost.

 

21.5" 1920x1080 $20-50 https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/21-5-inch-1920-1080-M215HGE_60750962243.html?spm=a2700.7724857.normalList.93.35e615ad5cRLrD

17.3" 3840x2160 $20-50  https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/LED-Screen-Display-LCD-Panel-17_50040626565.html?spm=a2700.7724838.2017115.57.596bea16pKCIeR

(There are a lot more 380x2160 options on aliexpress but again, something seems fishy about those)

 

As far as connecting the laptop displays to my actual computer I know there are a ton of controller boards for ~$15 from ebay that I would get along with a panel.

 

I thought I might as well see if anybody here could provide some answers to some other questions I had as well.

1. Are there better places to get laptop displays for cheaper? (other than ebay, amazon, or alibaba)

2. Are there types of relatively inexpensive display panels that could be modded to use an HDMI/DP that would also be thin (and possibly larger).

3. Are there any 2560x1440 or even 3840x2160 laptop or other panels that would be available for decent prices? (still not sure about the alibaba option here)

4. Does anybody have an idea if a normal monitor panel could be modified to work similarly to laptop panels or do they usually have more stuff connected to the back that's non-removable?

Also, I don't have a super strict budget but if I could keep the total cost under or close to $100 that would be great. If there are larger/higher res displays that are priced well that might be a reason to increase the budget a little. (max display size would be about 32")

 

Thanks for any advice or help with this project

[RGProductions]

You would probably have better luck getting a quality panel from a legit retailer that specialzes in laptop screens. 

[puppy333]

2 hours ago, RGProductions said:

You would probably have better luck getting a quality panel from a legit retailer that specialzes in laptop screens. 

I also just found this place: https://www.laptopscreen.com/English/

Not sure if that would qualify as a legit retailer but they look pretty reputable.

Only problem is I can't search by criteria, only by model replacement

[RGProductions]

1 minute ago, puppy333 said:

I also just found this place: https://www.laptopscreen.com/English/

Not sure if that would qualify as a legit retailer but they look pretty reputable.

Only problem is I can't search by criteria, only by model replacement ;/

That's the place that came to mind as well, just not an expert so I didnt want to lead you a potentially bad direction. 

[puppy333]

5 minutes ago, RGProductions said:

That's the place that came to mind as well, just not an expert so I didnt want to lead you a potentially bad direction. 

Looks like this ebay retailer is good too: https://www.ebay.com/str/lcdtech99

 

The prices from there and https://www.laptopscreen.com/English/ are just so much more expensive than alibaba it kind of makes me want to just experiment a bit and try out one of the cheap 4k panels from alibaba. I'd be really interested to see if anybody has any experience whatsoever with those types of panels.

 

I'm totally in the research/learning stage atm so any and all leads are helpful

[puppy333]

Ok, so I've found a panel from a mostly not working Dell U2417H somebody was selling for $15. Next step is to order some sort of controller to see if the panel works.

 

 

I was looking at this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/161076658712

And I've sent a message to that seller asking if it would work with the panel. The panel model is LM238WF4-SSA1 btw.

 

I've got as far as confirming the back light works and the brightness can be adjusted with the display controls. There is no signal however and when I wiggle the ribbon cable on the end connecting to the controller board I can get some color to show up. so idk if it's a panel problem or a controller board problem or a ribbon cable problem. But I really can't go wrong trying for $15, and it is a high quality panel if it does end up working.

 

EDIT: I've also realized this might not be the right sub-forum for this thread. Is there a better place for this project to be?