M17x R3: Keyboard and Touchpad leaves marks on screen

After having this beast for a few days now, I noticed that the after I open up the LCD screen there were marks on it from the touchpad, and also the keyboard is leaving streaks of what I'm guessing are residual finger oils all over it.

Is anyone else experiencing this? Any suggestion as how to fix this issue? Some kind of warp defect in my keyboard or the screen?

 

You can get a protective cloth to put between the screen and keyboard.
Do you have the rubber "feet" in place?

 

There are no rubber feet on the r3
the rubber-ish coating extends around the sides of the lid like ~1 mm and that's pretty much all.

I do not have this issue with my r3

 

You need a screen protector cloth, like perhaps a Radtech. This is a common design issue with many modern laptops, and you should plan to use a thin cloth (preferably microfiber) between the keyboard/mousepad and the lid/screen whenever you close up.

You could use a soft cotton cloth, but microfiber tends to leave less lint on the screen and down in between the keys.

 

I just saw that,i don't have a R3 myself.
Well then if it's that bad call Dell or use a protective cloth.

 

You could use any mobile gaming mouse mat ,like the razer kabuto,to keep between the screen and the keyboard.

 

These are all great responses but, to be honest, this is the first time I've read/heard of such a problem which mean's it's most likely a defect of some sort. If possible, it may be a good idea to look into having Dell fix it; one way or another.

 

Nope you're not the only one, I've noticed the left side of my trackpad leaves a small mark on my screen but I haven't noticed anything aside from that. I fixed it by just placing a small felt sheet between the screen and trackpad/keyboard when it's closed. This isn't the type of mark that will damage the screen it's just a mark so nothing to be worried about like the touching on some of the m11x's.

 

as others have noted, most likely just residual oil streaks as can be found on other notebooks - among them alienware (ie: M11x/M17x)...

 

it happened to me also after putting the laptop in a bag where these is some pressure placed on the top and bottom on the laptop.

 

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions.

The marks do wipe off, but they occur even when I close the laptop when it's sitting on a solid, flat surface with no weight or extra pressure on top of it.

I'll look at getting a microfiber cloth. One of the reviews said that the R3 with the 120Hz screen came with a green microfiber cloth, but I guess those of us regular, non-3D folks don't have screens worth keeping clean?

Anyone have a link to buying one of—or close to—the right size online?

Thanks again.

 

agreed. very slight marks present. just get a radtech to prevent the key and screen from touching

 

www.radtech.com

 

The cloth doesn't come with the Non-3D version because it's not from Alienware at all, it comes in the Nvidia 3D glasses box and is just a small cloth designed to keep the glasses clean. I'm just using a peice of felt that can be found at just about any fabric store, walmart, etc.

 

CAn we see please some pics of the smudges? I'd like to know how bad they look.

 

My M15x has the same problem. I use a few lens cleaning clothes (I have accrued from many places) to cover the keyboard and touchpad, to stop grease and oil transferring to the screen.

Also, do you move your laptop around inside a bag? The way you carry it can make a difference. Generally, if you carry it with the screen being the side furthest away from you, it will help prevent the transfer of grease and oil.

 

Honestly the smudges/marks I've had on mine aren't something I think a camera could even pick up. Mine has to be at literally the exact right angle and light to even see it and it's only maybe an inch or two long from the left edge of the touchpad at the top of the screen. So if you're asking if they're bad, I'd say no. I've wiped mine down once and only noticed it maybe 2 or 3 times in direct sunlight at the right angle.

 

You can find microfiber cloths at your local 99cents store, or your local swap meet

Or go to walmart, and buy one from the autoparts aisle.

 

I ordered a RadTech cloth last night. Thanks, usshellfire. I'll report on how useful it is once I get it in my hot little hands, hopefully by the end of the week.

I plan to use it for both protection and cleaning and seems to be a good size.

 

same thing happened to me with my R1, I just put new rubber nob-y things in place of the old (small) ones. I went for some that were twice as high, that did the trick. you can get them at most PC repair shops.

With the higher nob-y things, when I close the "lid" it no longer makes contact with my tough-pad. DELL/AW really should have seen that the nob-y things are way too small to affectively stop the touch-pad from making contact with the screen protector.

Boo to you for that one DELL/AW... Boo to you

 

Yes there are rubbers to keep te screen off. They are along the edges of the screen vertically from top to bottom. Mine has no issues.

 

This has been in several posts since I have been here. My m17x R1 and this R2 has the issue and my m11x also. Just do as everyone states get a micro fiber cloth. The Razer Kabuto gaming pad even states on the box it protects your screen from the keys and marks.

 

i used a piece of wax paper i cut to size for my M15x, works great uber cheap. got the idea from the older area 51 models.

 

I notice this with my R2....its nothing to worry about. I have opened the lid several times to see (in the right light) some marks.

Basically, they are caused by the residue from your fingers on the trackpad. When you close the lid (if your lappy is still warm) these "finger residues" transpose themselves onto the screen...kinda like steam on a window.

Like you say, best way to deal with 'em is a microfibre cloth when you close up....also prevents scratching from any dust particles that may be floating on the keyboard.

PS ... mine gets treated better than a newborn, suprised I havent put talc on the underside yet lol

 

Best piece of advise to those of you experiencing marks on your screen when the lid is closed. Use your Notebook sleeve that came with your AW. You can use it in two different ways, the first is to slide it over the screen that way the screen is completely protected and the second way is to do what I do and that is just lay over the keyboard and close the lid while it is laid out. My personal care technique is this: I first use the protective screen plastic bag that was on the screen originally when it was shipped to me (combined with the screen cover with masking tape on the sides), then I use the keyboard protective cover (you know, the alienware one), I then finalize it with the Alienware sleeve that covers the whole notebook however I use it in between the lid and keyboard and not around the whole notebook.

I actually have 2 alienware notebook sleeves from my R1 and R2 so I have double the protection =P

 

I bought some cloth that was supposedly for the MacBookPro's...it's slightly smaller but seems to work, I guess...

 

Yesterday i got a new touchpad, I'm suprised dell finally fixed the issue. The touchpad is deeper than the palm rest and makes zero contact with screen when closed.

old touchpad/palmrest
http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad294/alienwarem17x/SAM_0154-1.jpg

new improved touchpad
http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad294/alienwarem17x/SAM_0156.jpg

 

my custom size was 40cm by 26cm. covers the whole keyboard and trackpad as well.

 

How'd you get this? Repairman come to your house?

 

Na, i called dell asking for a new one because of the issue and they sent me one next day

 

Wow neato! For free?

 

Yeah if you have issues with parts they send them NBD for free One of the reasons why I keep buying Alienware and ocasionally Dell even though I've had bad experiences with them. What I've done is if you got the 3D kit you'll have a green cloth with the glasses, just lay it accross the trackpad and bottom bit of the keyboard and it gives it just enough space that they don't touch The felt AW case idea is good too, AW may even send you another one for free if you ask nicely.

 

So who do you contact for this kinda stuff? What phone # / which department? Thanks!

 

If you are within the US call 1-866-287-6727 and select technical support

 

Great thanks!

I kinda hate dell, as there's so many diff phone numbers to choose from.

 

When you unpacked your M17x, do you recall the nice cloth bag it came in?

Having had that problem before on other laptops (hp! <shakes fist>), I got all paranoid with my m17x R2 so now, before I close it, I slip the bag over just the screen to protect it from keyboard scratches.

 

Funny thing is even when you do have the right number/department half of their retarded front line reps will tell you you don't and transfer you somewhere else lol. That's the exact reason why once I found a rep and manager combo I liked that were intelligent I got their direct contact info and deal with no one but them for most things.

 

What? I dont get it, So you got a new laptop because of this issue? Or am I wrong?

EDIT: Now, I get it. It's just the touchpad. Sorry.

 

This is what i did too for ownership transfer and everybody should do the same(will save you time and will keep your neurons intact )

But what i don't understand is how come I and some R1 users received their systems with the good type of touchpad and still the "flat" one managed to get shipped with R2 systems

 

I asked for a csr's contact info, and sadly she could not give it to me (she was an Indian rep). I do have another Indian rep's email though, and he keeps me "in the loop," albeit crappy, repetitive information.

I also have the extension of an American rep, which is a rarity, but haven't gotten the chance to interact with her yet. FYI, when I called today, I spoke to an Indian rep, and asked to be transferred to an American rep, and she said that this was impossible, and I might have to recall and hope that I get an American rep on the line. It's by "chance." Funny thing is, I didn't have a direct number for the csr's "office," as I got transferred to her via the 1-800-ALIENWA, Option2, Option1, when I was checking my order status. She also said that there's no direct number to reach her department (the csrs) either. So how the heck am I supposed to reach a rep directly, according to her instructions? WACKO!

 

Assuming you are in the us, they are not from india. Tech support is located in costa rica

 

Depends on the time of day...Unless AW is 100% costa rican... I definately spoke to some costa rican...

 

I think it depends on time of day I've had 1-Canadian reps, 2-US Reps, 3-Costa Rican reps, and 4-Indian/Middle Eastern reps.

 

The cloth from RadTech arrived today, and it fits across the keyboard and touchpad almost perfectly.



Seems pretty good. Sturdy cloth and I've already used it to successfully clean the screen. So far it looks worth the investment.

 

How much did it cost?

 

$16.95 + 5.78 Priority Mail shipping.

 

Dang. 17+ for a towel? Sheesh.

 

*chuckles*

I just spent 2 1/2 grand on a laptop. A $17 towel is a rounding error. Helps protect the main investment and keeps me happy. Well worth it.

 

How thick is it? Is it firm or loosey goosey like a cloth for your eyeglasses?

 

Definitely more firm than microfiber cloths that I use on my glasses, and a bit thicker.