My IBM T41 thinkpad monitors goes.

I have the exact same laptop and issue with the screen going out or locking up (w/the lines as you described). Here's the bad news... this started happening to mine a few weeks ago and I had a few different people weigh-in on the situation (locally) including one person who examined the inside. Unfortunately (unless you can find an obvious loose connection/wire) it IS likely to be a video card gone bad, and (what's worse is) the video card on the T41 is integrated with the motherboard. Replacement cost (1000+) is, therefore, probably more than the laptop is worth. The other bad news is that it will get progressively worse, so (while you may be able to tolerate it for a while) you'll need to get all of your files off it as soon as possible. Mine will still turn on every once in a while, but is definitely no longer reliable.

Unlikely, but I wonder if this issue is well-documented enough (as a "defect") that IBM would consider a recall.

sounds like you your video card might be loose or have a bad connection try this power down take the battery out remove the video card and reinstall it but be careful i would not recommend doing it on carpet or anything that can cause static. and if that dont fix it video card might be bad
bob

I had the same issue, because of the lose screws on the edges, eventually the small piece on the motherboard got damaged. Believe me I opened my laptop many times and examine the motherboard. I finally found the small and black component's connection which was lose sometimes it works if I push the one side when I turn it on.

Shane