Replacement M11x display not as vivid...

So, I got my replacement this week and I realized that the display is not as bright as my previous display. In fact, even the glowing Alien on the back reflects this. Seems to have a dimmer tone to it compared to my old M11x. I checked all the settings and they all match. The only difference is the 335M drivers which I am running 198.99 drivers on my new machine and the stock Dell drivers on the old one. Could this be it? I don't understand how it would affect it.

I hope it's a software issue and not a hardware issue. I would hate to have it sent back one more time because of something like this...

 

What model screen do you have? If you don't know how to check, go to your device manager, Open the "Monitor" tab and right click the "Generic PnP Monitor" click properties, then in the drop down menu go to "Hardware IDs" People seem to get two brands of screens... The old AOU model, and the newer SEC model. It seems as though the newer SEC model is brighter, but the AOU model has a better black level. Here are pictures of the two side by side...

Picasa Web Albums - Jonathan - M11x

Also, here is a link to a thread of people comparing the two...

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m11x/464852-m11x-screenid.html

I've read rumors of an LG model floating around, but I haven't read of anyone having it for sure. Anyways, my guess is that you have the AOU model now when you used to have the SEC model, and you are noticing the slight brightness difference.

 

I'm guessing you got an AUO screen. My R2 came with the AUO screen, but I got it replaced due to dust under the screen (twice - the first replacement had multiple problems) and my new one was an SEC. To me, the SEC is noticeably brighter and more vivid than the AUO. Despite the AUO having better black levels, I much prefer the brightness of the SEC.

It seems your replacement was an AUO, and if you want a brighter screen again I'd recommend confirming which screen you have as Velgauder suggested and then calling Dell for a new SEC screen.

 

One of the reasons I am extremely gentle with the hinge thing is I don't want a new LCD. This is a Samsung and looks great to me.

 

There are actually 3 panels reported for the M11x, third being an LG.

 

I've seen both the AUO and Samsung and I liked the AUO much better.

 

idk about u guys but my auo screen is bright&beautiful.

 

i dont know if you guys know about it, i got a friend that used to work for Dell, and all the replaced parts usually is used one .... could be a defective part, ask for replace it again.

 

OP had a new system replacement....(I think)

 

I have just sent them an email. Hopefully they'll replace it. The AUO screen on my original system is definitely brighter and more vibrant. I'm very unhappy with the situation...

 

BTW, how does the LG compare?

 

My replacement display had more antenna connectors and clearly inferior black levels, though that may be because it's brighter.

 

antenna connectors?!

 

Yes. Notebooks typically have their WiFi antenna wiring integrated into the display panel. The wires are routed into the chassis and connected with small connectors to the WiFi module. I believe that the extras are for the kinds of Wireless 802.11n that have multiple transmitters, receivers, and frequencies.

Perhaps my old display had four wires but the other two were routed elsewhere but now this one has two going to the WiFi module and two more with rubber sleeves covering the tips that sit in the chamber just above the WiFi module.

Perhaps they are for WWAN?

 

I believe so.

EDIT: I'm pretty sure that at least a few people having their LCD assemblies replaced due to hinges or something else have reported this as well. Guess it's cheaper to include them in all replacement assemblies rather than not.

 

So, why don't all displays have WWAN antenna connectors?

 

sorry for the cross edit/reply.

Not sure why, really. I'm also not sure whether all of the replacement assemblies have had them or not. It could be that it's only a few instances where the replacement part was a refurb that had them from their original order configuration.

Or something...

 

I can confirm the LG, I have it.

 

my screen went caput today, crazy clicking sounds so I will have to be on the phone later, anyone know know a UK number that doesn't put me through to Indians?

 

The hinges are making clicking sounds or the panel itself?

 

I have an AUO and the screen is horrendous. I would guess the Samsung version is much much worse with a terrible contrast ratio.

Does anyone have the LG and have compared with other screens?

I've owned many many Laptops and LCDs, and unfortunately, good screens on Laptops are usually only on the very high end systems. Or Macbooks. The M15x has an excellent screen, for example.

 

I agree that the AUO screen isn't that great, but I find the Samsung to be much better. My original AUO screen was replaced with a Samsung and while the blacks aren't as good, I think its much brighter, clearer and better overall.

 

Personally my AUO is just a notch too bright and I'm usually running with it dimmed one bar or two bars - see my avatar - unless I'm in a brightly lit environment or lighting is causing any amount of glare on this horrid screen.

Speaking of which... am I the only one who's adopted the black t-shirt any time they're gaming on the M11x? Helps to minimize reflections as you're creeping through the tunnels in Metro 2033!

"Typical" LCD brightness is ideally around 120 lumens (cd/m2). As you can see my AUO at full brightness clocks in at 163cd/m2. You can also see that the black level is actually not too bad. The problem is that the optimal viewing angle on this panel is narrow in the extreme. That and its miniscule gamut, but expecting that to be decent on this sized panel is asking a bit much.



That's a little bit of headroom in case you need the extra brightness, but it's not a whole lot, especially when you consider that the backlight is going to get weaker as it ages. So yes, the AUO isn't terribly bright, but I contend that you don't /always/ need to have it set to max brightness either.