XPS M1530 WSXGA+ Screen is Terrible!!!!

Wow! I received an M1530 today with the WSXGA+ panel and I was shocked to see just how bad the screen is (extremely grainy). I have a replacement on the way but I am not holding out much hope since I currently have an LG panel. I love everything else about the laptop but just cannot live with the crappy LCD. Has anyone else had a grainy LG screen? Has anyone had a chance to compare their screen to an ASUS G1s with similar resolution? The LCD on my buddies Asus trounces my 1530's screen =(

 

sad day..... that sux to hear that dell never fixed the sucky screens

 

Mine doesn't seem grainy? maybe i just cant see it.

 

Yep, my WSXGA+ came today and my screen is balls. Its a Seiko-Epson (SEC3355 or w/e) People call it samsung, but is it really? Anyways, technician is supposed to call me soon to set up an appointment for an LCD swap. Here's to hoping its an LGL panel...

 

if it's the same as mine (Vostro 1500), my LG is beautiful...as far as I'm concerned

 

The samsung on mine seems fine, except sum bleeding at the bottom which really is not noticeable. Oh my power adapter whines lk a b1232, thats a new one.

 

Out of curiousity, have you gals/guys with the "good" screens done any side by side comparisons with other laptops? The screen on my buddies Asus G1s laptop seems much better then my M1530 (as mentioned in my orig. post) and my wife's Macbook looks better than both the Asus and Dell (though not really a fair comparison since the res. is much lower).

 

I'll go side by side with my brother's macbook if I get a chance and let you know.

In my opinion, I think the screen looks crisper when I'm running Vista, no idea why, just my perception. Might just be the "eye-candy" but even web browsing and my office programs seem to look better.

 

I also had my girlfriend look at the screen and she instantly said "yeah its a little grainy" before I could mention the word grainy to her. Oh and she doesn't read laptop forums either I just wanted to verify it wasn't me being picky or paranoid. The screen is pretty subpar. Pretty disappointing for Dell's "premium" line. I just got off the phone with a CSR (not very friendly I might add), and a new unit is on the way. I might call back tomorrow with my case number, and hopefully get a niceer CSR who's more willing to help me.

 

If you got a new system and get a grainy screen, you might be back to square one again. Hey, I don't try to be negative. Anyway, another guy asked if I ever compare laptop side by side. I would say yes. I have compare HP, Acer, and Dell. If one of them has Samsung screen, I would say the screen quality is just subpar. I have seen a grainy screen on HP too. Actually, a lot of them since my place uses HP. Some users don't notice it because they have nothing to compare. Today, I compare Acer (LG screen), Dell XPS with LG, and Dell XPS with Samsung, and I ask Dell technician to look at it. He can pinpoint without I tell him that Samsung screen is dark, dull, and grainy.

This is just my experience. As fas as I see, LG screen is much better than other brands. I mean on laptop pannel not on big screen or HDTV.

 

What exactly is the this graininess?

 

How can you tell what screen you have? I just got my 1530 today and it seems awfully grainy. The white parts are not solid white. Its like grainy faint blue on the white or any color for that matter.

 

how do you figure out who makes your screen ? device manager??

 

Assuming you're in Vista (although it's probably the same with XP), you go to Computer-->Properties-->Device Manager-->Monitors-->Generic PnP Monitor-->Properties

Then click the details tab, and select Hardware Ids under Property. If it says SEC3350, you have the "Samsung", If you have LGL, then you're of the few very unlucky ones who have grainy LG panels. From what I've read, LG panels are amazing, and us unlucky ones with the SEC3350 have grainy panels. It is pretty pathetic. My new unit is on the way and it better be LG!!

 

this worries me, I just placed my order with a WSXGA, I really hope I get a good screen

 

mine says LPLDF00. but my screen looks pretty good to me. its the 1440x900 though, don't know if there are any issues with those.

 

I think that's an LG model number.

 

I got the LPL0301 1280 x 800 display with mine (rcvd 31/12/07) and it's superb. Anyone whose looked at it says it very sharp and clear.

Pity I'm having other issues with it though .

 

Can any M1530 owners confirm whether or not they had protective clear covering on certain portions of their laptop (hinges, media buttons, etc.) because I thought it was very strange that mine had absolutely none. Also pieces of metal were bent up in certain places!! You would think for $1600 the build quality would be a bit better..

 

I have a protective cover over the media and power buttons and there was a thin foam sheet between the LCD and keyboard but that's it, no plastic over the LCD itself like my last laptop (a Samsung). As for metal being bent up I have nothing like that. Did all your packaging and accessories look new?

 

I also had plastic over the dell logo on the hinges.

 

I have the LPLF300, is is indeed an LG model number, absolutely stunning screen if you ask me.

 

I have SEC3350, it is Samsung. Everest call it Seiko Epson, maybe because it seems that Seiko has got OEM relationship with Samsung. But the label in the back of the LCD is Samsung.
It is just awful, really, impressive how bad it is.
I am having the D830 changed. I can choose between the XPS or the Precision. But unless the guy can have a way to get a LG WSXGA+ on the XPS, if not here in Italy XPS comes with WXGA+ maximum res., and no LED available.
So, what would you choose, if you were not gamers nor CAD users? XPS or Precision? I mainly want a very good display. Then a very good keyboard. Then a fast machine. Then a solid machine (not a liquid one, they are too difficult to handle, )

 

I received a replacement XPS M1530 today but can't seem to ID the make of the panel supplied, it's listing as "default monitor". Here's what I have so far:-

OLD M1530 (not plugged into external monitor right now)
Generic Non-PNP
Monitor\LPL0301

NEW M1530 (currently plugged into Dell 2407WFP-HC)
Generic-PNP
Monitor\DELA025 (Goggle search IDs this as the 2407WFP-HC in Analog mode)
Generic Non-PNP
Monitor\Default Monitor

Laptop is fresh out of the box so I'm downloading the Vista updates now, I noticed an update for the external 2407 in there but not the internal panel. Anything else I need to do? I'd hate to send the old lappy back with the nice crisp screen and then find I got a bad one. It looks OK but for peace of mind I'd like to know exactly what I got.

 

i got the SEC screen ( 1680x1050 dell ultrasharp version) and imo its really nice, its no doubt better than the 1680x1050 screen on my Asus v1JP. even the wallpaper impresses me everytime i look at it.

also regarding protective films mine had none and on the xps bar where the touch sensitive buttons are there are scratches and marks.

also when i first took my laptop out from the box it wouldnt stay on the table properly, it wobbles and seems like its missing a footing. after close inspection i found that who ever assembled the machine did not close the bottom panel correctly.

 

Think I found the answer to my query. I checked the warranty status page for my config and I got:-

RP636 LCD,15.4,WXGA,VESA,TLF,SMSNG

Old one had NU673 LCD,15.4WXGA,TLF,LGP,V2

Think I could get them to swap the 2 around? Would the whole laptop have to come apart to do it? I watched the last time the tech came to swap the motherboard in the original, it wasn't for the faint hearted but I can't recall if the guts had to come out to detach the screen. My lappy wasn't the same afterwards so I'm a bit reluctant to have this one operated on if I can avoid it.

 

Rekxxor, which model is your Samsung?
I am doing a poll about SEC3350, you would be one of the very few happy of it...

 

Rekxxor,

that is exactly how mine looked but trust me there is a protective film. It is super hard to see, I had to use a tweezers to get it off my hinges. Those scratches are the film, honest.

steph

 

Hey all, just thought I should let you guys know that if you have a grainy display on your XPS M1530, you might be able to get some insight out of the posts in the thread http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=206527.

It has been helpful for me as I am trying to get my grainy Samsung screen, the SEC3350, replaced as are quite a few other over there. There have been at least two reports of getting tech support to order a known better quality screen for the replacement and a one that reports getting a good SEC3350 screen. Sir Joe, that info might be useful info for you in your poll?

Hope it helps.

 

yes mine is the SEC3350, i dont own alot of laptops and i certainly have not used alot, but im quite happy with mine. compared with the Asus V1JP i bought a year ago id say this is definitely better. also like i said i ordered the Dell Ultrasharp version, maybe that made the difference.


also im gona try again on the protective film thing, now that i look closely it does look there are some film on it.


cheers

 

Rekxxor,
where are you from? I ask you because of Ultrasharp.
I was astonished todnigh as i called to Glod Tecnical Support (I have a Latitude) and they answered from USA (I am in italy but at night they answer from USA), and a man told me that in USA does not exist the termo Ultrasharp, at least not on notebooks.
And a woman told me that the WXGA+ on XPS 1530, which in italy is indicated as True Life with no mention to ultrasharp, is of course also ultrasharp, as an ultrasharp can be matte, but a glossy (true life) is alway also ultrasharp.
i would be pleased to take the WXGA+, but not if it is not ultrasharp...

 

Fido, what about viewing angles?

Johnnyel, could you find a way, maybe checking your order or calling your sell rep or a tech, to find out if your screen is also ultrasharp? What can you tell me about its brightness, contrast, and viewing angles?

ExPeeEss, are you sure it is 3355 and not 3350?

And it is, which model and brand and resolution?

 

It seems a tad touchy on that score but I'm no expert. I'm trying to work out if it has a backlight bleed issue though. When sitting to the left of it while typing on the other XPS right now it seems to have a light patch on the bottom and right of the screen. I have the WXGA panel by the way.

 

? Everybody in weekend vacaions?
Good...
I go to cinema now.
I hope on some answer guys!
And I would be extremely pleased to see if someone has got te CCFL WXGA+...
Ah, how does it proceed the static problem in XPS?
Does everybody with 2 progn adaptor feel it or not? I am not sure if order the 3 prong, as i already have a 2 prong surge protector by APC, NEW!

 

I have 2 M1530s running side by side, 1 on a 2 prong 65w power brick the other on a 3 prong 90w power brick. The 65w has the tingle effect and once I did get a slight static shock from it. I believe that a 3 prong 65w is available, the one I have was an old one borrowed from work to see if the M1530 would run off 65w. In Australia the M1530 is shipped with a 3 prong 90w brick only.

 

Well, ok. I will have to manage to have the 3 prong.

 

Gday
I ordered mine in the UK and they supply a 3 prong 90w power supply which means it has an earth. Havent received it yet (ordered 23 Jan ) , hopefully this willl eliminate the jolts people are getting , CNET UK seems to be making a big deal about it.

 

I have ordered one as well, I am hoping the screen is okay. Anyone from the UK got one with WSXGA+ screen yet?

 

Is that the 1440 by 900 because I ordered that screen as well in the UK. (on 23 Jan)

 

No I ordered the 1680x1050 screen, I do a lot of work with virtual machines and the extra res makes it easier. I think thes are the ones with the problems Anyway I guess I will wait and see. Not sure if the problem is so bad I would notice it without reading all about it here first ....

 

I've had my xps 1530 for a couple of weeks now and have been second guessing myself. I finally brought it in to work and had a couple of radiologists I work with look at it. It is the 1680 and they were really impressed. One is a mac owner and one is a pc owner. it is the dreaded samsung sec3350. they are used to looking at really beautiful detailed screens so I am at rest now.
steph

 

The technician just changed my Samsung (horrible) screen with the LG (OMG!!!) screen. Huge difference!!! BUT!!!! The technician scratched all the multimedia plastic area and left part of the base of the screen open (I was super busy in a meeting). I called dell and asked for the SURGEON!!! to fix the base of the screen and replace the plastic area.

Bottom Line, before the technician leaves... Do an INTENSIVE CHECK!!!

These things are usual in New York, so be aware....

Dinho

 

You mean "well impressed"? Meaning that you ar eone of the very few (known) satisfied owner of a SEC3350?

Dihno, which resolution? WSXGA+?

 

I am in UK and have received a WSXGA+ screen that is a SEC3350. After reading the threads on this site I was expecting it to be horrible but it isn't too bad although the brightness does need to be turned up high and the viewing angles aren't great. I also have the static problem on the laptop even though it is a UK 3-prong plug - when plugged into the mains there is a static feel on the palmrest to the right of the touchpad, it feels very odd.

I've raised a call with Dell over this issue but their Customer Service is pathetic so will respond here once I hear from them.

Any other questions regarding UK M1530 then let me know.
Cheers.

 

A lot of peaple are confusng this tingling on the 1530 with an electrical issue, it's not in most cases. The tingling, or "static", you're experiencing is simply the unique texture of the brushed aluminium palm rest combined with the normal vibrations of the laptop itself. Rest your finger on the palmrest and you don't feel anything but lightly move your finger around and you'll feel this "tingling".

 

neilmcl, I had suspected it wasn't static as there never seemed to be a static build-up so thanks for your explanation.

 

I have had a number of gadgets in the past with a brushed aluminium finish that have exhibited the same effect when placed on a surface that has a slight vibration.

 

I bought an m1530 over Christmas. I have the dreaded sec3550-- it's pretty sharp and the colors are fine, but contrast ratio sucks (dull). The text is obviously mad small, but that was expected.

i would have been better off spending my screen upgrade money on another option.

 

You should try it in other places. It can be that in your place there is not a good ground connection, or maybe not in every plug. So, try in many plugs in your place and in other places to.
Better if you try without any other stuff (sorry, I do not know the name in english, I am trying to name those things that you plug in the wall and which give you more plugs. Well, these things sometimes do not take well the ground connection).
And try also by inverting the male of your AC adapton in the plug. Simply umplug it and replug it upside down.
If after all this the tingling keep on, it should be a faulty AC adaptor.

I do not want to result offensive, believe me, but I cannot avoid to say that this is by far the most ridiculous thing I have ever read about the theme, not even the Dell representative in Dell site were able to invent a most stupid excuse.
I will post as soon as possibiel a short video of the elettrical noise which my XPS produces when I move my hand on the palm rest when it is plugged on a not well grounded plug, and you will see that it does NOT produce it with DC.
And in fact with DC there is NO tingling at all, while wth AC there is.
Unless the phisical or chemical properties of allumium change depending on if you use the XPS with AC or DC (obviously not, but it would be an answer in the stile of your one), the tingling is much real...
Also, the fact that in a well gounderd house you have NOT any tingle with a 3 prong adaptor while you have YES tingle with a 2 prong, does deny your theory...
I am not friend at all of allarmism and of the phenomenon by which in forums any little insignificant small and very rare fault become a huge thing which seems always present, but generalize must be avoided in both senses. You cannot deny the reality of a true fault, as peoplke should not exagerate other little faults or do not talk of them as something always present if they can talk just about their own XPS...

 

You might want to try reading someone's post a bit more closely before ranting. I've never denied that in certain cases, particularly those in the US etc with a 2 pronged plug, the electrical issue holds true. I was answering another poster specifically from the UK, where we do have 3 pronged electrical plug, yet the tingling exists. Also I was speaking from experience using other devices with similar brushed aluminium finishes and getting exactly the same effect, and these weren't even connected to a mains supply!