Alienware 18 screen observations

I finally received my 18 a couple of days ago and so far it seems to be performing pretty well. It's a nice system but I still miss my old M18x at times though, mainly due to differences in build quality. The plastic trim around the bottom of the 18 is slightly loose and pops a bit when I pick it up which bothers me a bit. The keyboard on the 18 also definitely has some noticeable flex with slight pressure, but it is not as bad as what I remember with the M18x.

In regards to the screen, although I don't have much to compare this screen to, it seems to have some faults. The biggest negative I am seeing are the viewing angles. Just moving my head to the left or right a few inches from center I start noticing color distortion, especially on black backgrounds. The black itself doesn't seem very true to begin with, but when I move side to side just slightly the black either washes out to almost white or it begins turning a purplish hue. I am actually noticing the purple color at the the right hand side even when I am staring directly center at the screen on a black background. This distortion is also present viewing from vertical angles as well, but it is less pronounced. There is also a slight shiny grain effect on the screen when looking at it from certain angles, though that may be normal.

I would just like to find out if these are the viewing angles that I should be getting with this "good" screen? To me, from what I can remember, this screen seems either on par or worse than my M18x R1's screen. Blacks are a bit washed out and whites seem ever so slightly yellow. I also notice the dreaded IPS glow issue in the top right of my screen, but I suppose that is almost unavoidable.

I might just be nitpicking but I was expecting better after hearing so much praise for this new screen.

 

What you experience, is basically the straight opposite what all reviews and user experiences have told...

I made a thread earlier where a reviewer posted 2 videos, and she said the colours was excellent (98% sRGB), and the black was really black.

Maybe they didnt calibrate yours? I know the difference from XPS18 and Alienware 18 is huge because of the calibration.

 

I wish I had another 18 to compare side-by-side with this one, it just doesn't seem right. I may ask for a screen replacement. Is it possible to ask Dell to just send me a new screen that I could install myself? I don't really want a tech messing with it this early on. I'd also rather not request a system exchange because there really isn't all that much else wrong with my current system.

 

Yes, it is possible to request a screen.

 

If you call Dell, what would you say? "The display wasnt impressive to me, can you send me a new one"?

Not sure if that is enough reason for them to send a new one to you. If only you had a calibration software, like Spyder. But that one cost money, and you need a sensor to fasten on the display for the software to work.

Also the other things you describe seems way off. It shouldnt make any sound when you pick it up. Its solid and is described more of a tank than the R2. The keyboard shouldnt have any flex, most sure not when you just use slight pressure on it.

Weird

 

Is there a way to tell if the screen IS calibrated or not? I notice the colors being different from my u2412, but my u2412 is definitely not calibrated so maybe it's off...It'd be nice if there was a way without getting the calibration tools = $$$

 

I have a question regarding your screen. When you used the alien chrome red wallpaper for like 10 mins, do you see like grey-ish outline of the alien head when launching softwares with grey background? I launched PS6 with the dark grey back ground and I've noticed the alienhead outline was burned on the screen. I'm not sure whats this problem called.

 

Screen bleed is going to be normal. I am very surprised you are thinking the viewing angles are worse. It's not really a subjective matter as they are just better on the PLS screen as they should be. Now calibration could be an issue. I have a feeling you may just be used to the R1 screen and are not used to the costs/benefits of having a PLS screen. I'm not sure I understand how blacks are going to whites depending on your head movement. Can you take pictures? For example, take a picture from one angle where it is black and then another where it appears white? When I had my defective system with a giant white cluster of white pixels I read up a lot on screen bleed and even doing some of the suggestions to fix screen issues from stuck pixels to "screen washing." (It's a white bar that moves slowly back and forth over your screen.

I'm also wondering what plastic part of the "bottom" you are referring to? The back plate or the side of the chassis? You really shouldn't hear any popping sound. I just unplugged the 18 and am picking it up and looking it over right now (typing on my R1) and I don't hear any popping or see anything loose.

I think you will get used to the keyboard. It's funny because I am still a much better typer on my R1 but I think that's just because I have been using it for the past 2.5 years almost. The new keyboard takes getting used to but I think you will find it better in time; at least I did. I'd love to see some screen shots of your screen though. I just am really surprised to hear someone have complaints like these. I hope things work out for you but I do agree with Cloudfire in that it will be hard to ask for another screen without any real reason. Mine was for a specific set of white pixels. I know some people complain of screen bleed and I do have that as well. It's even on the trackpad! However it's very very normal and some are worse than others. So if you get some good pics, it will be easier to see the extent of the problems you could be facing.

This is completely normal. You can always run this once in awhile but I don't think it's necessary.
Plasma screen wash - YouTube

 

There are some easy tests on the internet, where you try to separate grey scales, check gamma, and show a bunch of colours which should be different to each other.

But it doesnt give you an answer how good the screen can show the colours in sRGB and AdobeRGB space. You need a sensor like the one bundled with Spyder to do that. Im actually thinking of getting one to try on my Alienware 18. It cost $120 but it may be worth it when I can use it on all future notebooks.

The spyder software calibrate the colour space, pick the correct gamma and choose the best colour temperatures for you. I think thats how it works

 

Pretty much. You may need to explain it in more detail, but I've done it before.

 

I haven't had any noticeable burn in of images (yet). I have heard about this happening with a few other owners though so I would think that it is common with this display.

The plastic part I am referring to is the silver trim running around the bottom of the base. The right side for some reason is a bit loose and has some "wiggle room" if I push on it from the side. It makes a bit more of a creak actually but it does have a sound. The left side is solid and sturdy.

I'm not having much luck with capturing what I am seeing. Any tips on how I could take pictures that show the back lighting accurately? It is definitely noticeable in person though. Any slight degree away from center and there is immediate discoloration.

I would really rather not have to request a new screen. I don't really want to buy the Spyder and use it only to find out that it did not help anything either though. This is bothering me a fair bit though.

A couple other small oddities. My 'O' key is slightly more slanted than all the other keyboard keys. I'm not sure if there is a safe or easy way to take a key off and attempt to adjust it. I just hope it is not already broken. Another thing I just realized today was that the alien head on the back of the lid didn't come with a peel-able cover on it like I've seen on nearly every unboxing video out there. Really a non issue but it seems like a strange oversight.

 

There's burn in on the IPS screen, but it's a normal issue with some of the other screens too, so it doesn't bother me. The backlight is not completely even but I guess I can't ask for much. It's only noticeable under max brightness with black background.

As for keyboard, call up Dell and request them to send you a new one. I did that. There's a lot of tiny screws to unscrew, about 15 of them, to get the keyboard out. The keyboard quality is OK, better than the previous AW IMO. One of my friend has a M17x.

 

umm how does that happen ? This is not a CRT...think maybe you were staring at it too long lo...

 

This is an inherent problem of certain IPS panels. It's called ghosting. Hopefully it isn't bad on the alienware 18's, because the LG panels on the retina macbook pros had terrible ghosting which progressively got worse.

I don't mean to scare you, as a little bit of image retention is absolutely normal with IPS screens. If anything keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't get worse, or if you start noticing image retention on anything other than a light gray screen.

 

Hey huys, do you know what is the serial number of the m18 screen? Is it samsung? Tnx

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4

 

Here's a video someone on Youtube posted where the default alien head desktop background caused some burn-in on the 18. I could only see this kind of severity if you left your screen on with the same image for long durations, something that I don't do.

Alienware 18 *Watermarks or Screen Malfunction WHAT THE F!CK!!!!!! - YouTube

 

live long - live strong all M18X R1/R2's sad to see such new "great" product have such downfalls, hope dell can keep up and fix this thing up or otherwise you's all just gonna have to live with it

 

For what it is worth, I am very happy with the IPS panel in the 18. It's a great display. It does have some ghosting and some backlight bleeding, but it is not severe enough to bother me. I use mostly black and other dark color schemes so it might be worse for those with light colored wallpaper, or the ugly Windows 8 pastel and white colored cartoonish UI.

But so many people wanted IPS and complained that the old display panel was not good enough... Alienware listened and made an honest effort to try to make those folks happy. But, I wonder how many were not aware of some of the issues inherent to IPS panels and wanted it just because everyone they listened to said it was better? Apart from improved viewing angles, and being a bit less reflective, (on account of the edge-to-edge lens and not the LCD panel itself,) I honestly don't see a significant difference in quality between them. I typically sit directly in front of it when using it, so the improved viewing angle has no meaningful application for me personally.

There was absolutely nothing wrong with the M18xR1/R2 display. I have been, and continue to be, very pleased with it. It looks really great and has never given me a lick of trouble. That said, I am really happy with the new 18 display as well. I think it's a fine display and don't see anything wrong with it. But, this is a new product, using a new display. The display may also be a new product in the 18" production size and might need time to mature as the vendor that is manufacturing them gets better with their process. I guess the moral to the story is, "be careful what you ask for... you might get it" or "if it ain't broke, don't fit it."

 

Can he just run some color slides to reset some of the "stuff" on the display? I have a plasma tv and was running color slides for like 100 hours or something initially...

I use the default screen saver and change the image after 5 minutes currently...hope this doesn't happen to mine.

 

The viewing angle is useful when you want to lean back without adjusting the tilt. It's one of those things that is good and you won't notice it until you lose it. Like one of those ex.

 

That was one of the problems I had with both AW18 (original and 1st replacement) screens, with the only difference that the grey-white cloud/stain or burn was all over the screen, no matter the background color or application running. On top of that, the screen suffered serious back-light bleeding, and as a cherry on top of the cake, the screens were scarred by horizontal grey lines that cut across the screen and appeared at random spots every new reboot. I agree that these seem to be common issues with IPS screens. I'm mentioning all of this because I just wanted to share my experience in regards of the screens. In my case, Dell handled the situation very well and provided me with outstanding support: I now enjoy a functioning system.

 

could not be said any better Mr. Fox!

word -> "if it ain't broken - dont fix it"

Somehow I feel if DELL is not going to have another revision of these IPS panels sooner than later, people wont even think of possibility of screen swap back to R2/R1 models just due to facts outlined in this and other thread's

 

I've never needed to do that. Even my cheap laptops don't suffer from viewing angles that poor. Well, maybe my antique mini-9 does... but, the even our low-budget Inspirons and the pathetic T430 work laptop do not need to have their screen angle adjusted when kicking back in my chair.

 

Well it's a 18.4 inch screen. Maybe we have different preferences, to me it's important, and I notice the viewing angle. It's also noticeably less reflective than most glossy screens out there, except when you have a light source behind you.

Part of the reason I got the 18 and not the 17 is because of the screen. IPS is gud.

 

Well, out of seemingly no where I am suddenly experiencing burn in issues. I have no idea how as I turn my screen off every time I step away from my computer and shut it down at night. This new screen is becoming a huge disappointment...

The only upside is that the burn in dissipates after a while. There is no doubt that this will always remain an issue though.

 

Could you guys describe how the burn in issue is like? And how it disappears?
I want to compare when I get mine.

If Im not entirely mistaken, burn in only happens if you have the same still picture on for a long period of time. It shouldnt just appear out of the blue. Atleast not with most plasma tvs.

 

Mine appeared out of the blue, even I was just on the desktop. The burn splotches were always visible, changed shape randomly, and really stood out with shades of green and grey. Every now and then, after a few reboots, it would disappear only to come back in force even just surfing the web.

 

Do these panels have to be "broken in" perhaps?

Changed power profile to shut off after 10 minutes now...

 

I haven't noticed this issue with the display on the 18 I am using. I'll have to check closer, but the things some of you are describing would be hard to miss.

I use wallpapers that are mostly black or extremely dark colors, so that may have something to do with it.

 

The burn-in only happens when you use the default chrome head wallpaper and I have no idea why. I tried using the older ones like the one with Alienware wording, it was fine. I called dell to replace the my screen this Friday and hopefully it will fix it. It is quite distracting you are video editing or using any adobe products

@Mr. Fox can you try using any of the chrome head wallpaper and leave it without any applications running on top of it for like 5-10mins? It usually happens when the screen is idle.

 

Mr. Fox uses dark color wallpaper, so won't really see burn in. If you have dark colour wallpaper interspersed with very bright color, you might be able to see it. Burn in seems to be normal with IPS, since there's stuff switching around, and that creates capacitance.

 

LOL this thread is AW 18 screen observations.. just sort of funny... like.. your staring at your monitor and contemplating, then writing a few words and viewing it on the same monitor..

just reminds me of someone who keeps affixing a painting on the wall, to go 10ft away and stare at it, to come back and redo it..

 

Also talking about real issues here. I had to replace mine twice since those burns weren't something you'd see only under certain conditions. Splotches and lines and pixelated areas were always visible. I believe that like many other issues there are different degrees of severity. Mine was always there, while for others only in certain situations. There's hardly contemplation taking place here; for many of us this computer is an investment, and you want to make sure all works as it should.

 

Id like to know if there are any people with alienware 18 without these screen issues.

 

While I am sure there are people out that don't have these screen issues. I would also like to hear from them. Being as I already am hesitant about having to move into the new 18 as it is, these screen issues could be the tipping point for me.

 

Yes I notice the issues stated to an extent. Burn-in is really not a correct term to be using as that's permanent. Any static image like some of the AW themes leave an outline but completely disppear once you go in game. Not one thing has "burned in" permanently and I have left my computer idle for many periods of time. Unlike Mr. Fox I do notice a better and brighter picture. I'm not going to be doing extensive testing because obviously some people just plain disagree. I guess I just happen to be under some Matrix impression the screen is brighter and displays better colors. I agree viewing angles aren't important as I sit in front of the screen but the angles are definitely improved. I am not very into screen technology or testing color gamut or really how to show what constitutes a better screen. I just know my RGB from my m17x R2 was much better than the m18x R1. I learned to live with the difference/downgrade. Personally, given that this is an 18.4inch screen with what appears to be a similar experience to my R2 (minus resolution) I think this is the best screen on an AW I have owned with the m17x R2 close behind. I am sure someone will eventually show the real difference between the m18x R1/R2 and the Alienware 18 and my expectation is that it is a superior screen; regardless of factoring in viewing angles, screen bleed and temporary residual image display.

 

I just received my alienware 18 today and within an hour I started getting the outlines or burn in or whatever you want to call them on my screen. I called Alienware and am getting my screen replaced. It's obviously not normal and not meant to be that way I think it sucks that is happening. The screen is better compared to the M18x but this issue is a big fail. :thumbdown:

Btw I do miss the rgb led on my old m17x r2

 

Many many people are having this issue even after multiple screen replacements. They may have to recall these things.

Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2

 

Yea, I am noticing this image retention problem pretty frequently now, even in-game. These screens definitely have their fair share of issues, though I am at least glad that AW tried something different this time around. I just think they should have tested these out a bit more before mass producing them.

 

This thread has me somewhat concerned. Should I be?

Mr. Fox, it would be nice to hear back from you about this issue. I believe you said earlier you didn't notice this issue, but you weren't certain because of the wallpaper you used ( seen here). :thumbsup:

 

Concerned? About what? nah, all good...

​

 

Right, I don't find this happening to a severe enough degree to be troublesome. The display on this 18 has no issues in my view. Maybe the fact that I prefer such dark wallpaper is preventing it. Maybe my tolerance for it is higher. Not sure, but no complaints here.

 

Can't see the picture too well, is that a line in the green sckground from left to right?

Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2

 

It cuts across the whole screen. There's another fat line on top of the screen, mostly visible with greys and greens. I don't see splotches and pixelated stains yet, but I fear they'll appear soon. I give up. 3 new notebooks out of 3 that I have received (1 original + 2 replacements) show the same issues. Can't afford waiting again for another replacement. So far they're only visible with those colors and don't disturb gaming of other programs (unless there's a green or grey background). If it gets any worse I'll have them replace screens until I get a flawless one--if there's such a thing among LPS screen, that is.

 

let them make it perfect, pile of money spent is worth all of their efforts to make it excellent in terms of the EXCELLENT , they will have to keep it replacing until they run recall program for these screens at one stage if there all screens are like that

 

I don't run wallpaper......just a black background and no desktop icons showing (ingrained habit from the days of CRT screens) ...this screen (so far) doesn't have any issues....the AW18 that I just returned did not have screen issues either...

No complaints here...

 

Man, someone should open up a poll where they ask wether people had screen issues or not. Maybe post a few pictures showing examples.

Because this back and forth is confusing. One have many screens with issues, another one havent had that at all. Etc

I will chime in when I try mine next week, but if its like the example rafix posted, Im sending it back/requesting replacements. Thst bums me out. I dont want to send back a brand new notebook :/

 

My big, big concern about getting a replacement ....was the screen...the 1st one was good...I was afraid that the replacement might not be....but I worried for no reason....

 

Thats nice to hear. Thanks.
Thank god its not definite for all screens. In the end, there might be a change of screens for next Alienware next year. I cannot imagine Dell have the financial will to continue replacing peoples screens all the time.

Unless this screen problem have been overblown. Which a poll would answer

 

Getting my lcd replaced I hope this gets fixed..

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