Beware of Dell LCD displays, especially 17" laptop models

In recent months many Dell laptop users whose warranty had just expired discovered their LCD panels were developing permanent vertical lines. First one, then another and so on until the display is barely useful for work (much less for watching movies). The first lines typically show up at around 16-18 months, a sure sign of a manufacturing defect in the panels (which are made by LG Phillips, a Korean company).

The problem is also common with 15” displays such as on the Inspiron 8400. I operate a computer shop here in WV (also providing purchasing, setup and repair services to several environmental organizations) and have seen several instances of the problem (enough to know the problem is far more prevalent than it should be for a top of the line laptop).

Website forums (including Dells) are full of reports about Dell LCD displays developing vertical lines and someone has even developed a website devoted to the problem, dellverticalline.com. As of yet Dell has not officially admitted a problem and is asking $500 to replace a 17” display.

If you are considering a Dell laptop with a large LCD panel I would strongly recommend you also purchase the extended warranty.

 

So you are saying the 4 different LCDs made by 3 different manufacturers used by Dell in the M1710 and 9400 all have this flaw? What are the odds?

 

That's what I would like to know too. Dell sources its LCDs from multiple manufacturers. If the defect is widespread across all the manufacturers, this would have made headlines for sure (think sony batteries anyone?). Is this also happening to the business notebooks as well?

 

I only saw LG screens mentioned, or no manufacturer whatsoever.

Also, for good or for bad, you just have to pony up for the extended warranty. Same with other manufacturers like Apple, which charges for Applecare. If you accepted the 1 year warranty and have an issue at 18 months, I feel for you, but, "tough darts."

Fact is, any repair on a laptop will likely make the warranty seems cheap, and laptops are just less reliable than desktops due to their portability and the desire for lightweight.

Personally, I don't think reliability should be such an issue in 2006, weak hinges, heat and liquid spills have been laptop issues since day 1, but, there is theory and there is reality. Don't like it? Dell started Dell from a dorm room. Maybe give it a go?

 

MMMmm i only got the 1 year warrenty but i didnt think there would be any problems that were that bad.

 

The most common problems would be motherboard, LCD or video card, all would equal the cost of the warranty.

What I do, is get the 3 year warranty, plan to keep it about 2 years, and sell it with one year remaining. It's also easier to sell when you can say it's still under warranty.

If you get a 1 year warranty, plan to either sell it after 18 months, or ride herd on it.

 

Wtf so after 18 months there junk? Ya thats good quility, a pc shouldnt break after that.

 

That's not what I'm saying. I'm saying that if you looking to play it safe, that's my strategy, otherwise no crying if the motherboard craps out and the bill is $600 for a repair.

Laptops have more issues than desktops and they are harder for the average person to fix, that's just the way it is.

 

Ya but u make it seem like theres a good chance somthing would be wrong.

 

FWIIW - I migrated from desktops some 5 years ago from PCs. With the latest DTR systems, I have found the same stability/longevity as compared to my old towers. As with all things, there are always lemon ... buying the extra gamble of insurance is always a worthwhile consideration.

 

IMHO ive had 3 different 17 inch display notebooks 1 sony 1 hp 1 dell had to return 2 of 3 because of screen problems (grainy bad) the hp had to be the worst of the lot it was andv8301 and not only had bad screen,dead mouse also the intermittent keyboard problem I went through 3 different notebooks before my attorney convinced them to refund my money which they kept 15% but paid my attorney fees so it worked out anyway bought the eps 1710 have had not 1 problem at this moment im using a 1405
that has no lcd problems (almost no light leakage at all ) im very happy with the 14.1 because its so portable
it just shows you every company selling high volume of pc's will have a few bad
jim

 

I bought the 3 year warranty with my E1705 and had it on my Inspiron 8600. The hard drive went out 12 days before the warranty expired. I know hard drives aren't expensive but it was nice to get a free one. When I buy a laptop I usually intend to keep it 'til the warranty expires and usually beyond. I feel they can be used for something when they're over 3 years old.

 

Never bought an extended warranty on anything, I can firmly say I am way way way ahead on everything from four notebooks to three desk tops, two flat screen TVs, appliances, and on and on.........

My logic states if I don't trust a $1500 product to last three years...Why would i PAY MORE for the same product in order to "sleep well"?? ( Ihave nearly 1000 saved in just the below notebooks two of which are more then three years old and never had an issue.I still have an old Toshiba notebook thats running after 8 years!!!

Then you deal with the issues of actually getting service!!! No thanks I'll take my "chances".

EWs are a relatively new and very profitable income stream. Read Best Buy and Circuit City's Financial Reports. Circuit City's ENTIRE operating margin was paid by selling EWs last year!!


Remember this if nothing else......If FEAR is the main point used to sell a product...You probably don't need it.

 

FYI, the problem only affects version 1 of WUXGA display.

Dell, in recent months, has shipped the version 2 of WUXGA display (whether it's LG V2 or Samsung V2).

I think the high resolution and increase brightness might cause this problem.
The WXGA+ display, AFAIK, doesn't have the same problem.

For you who out of luck, you can try to call Dell and force them to replace even if it's out of warranty (Some people (out of warranty) got free exchange for the faulty display).