How do I fix my m1530 Grainy Screen?

The service order was not issued to me, it was issued to the tech guy. And I even asked a couple of the Tech support people at Dell and they said they couldn't even tell. All they saw was that an order was placed for a 15" WSXGA screen. And I don't think it really even matters what it says is on the invoice cause last time, on it, it said LGP but I could a Samsung instead.

 

Well, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you to finally get an LG!! If you do, I'm sure you'll agree that all the efforts will have been worth it.

 

Thanks man, I'll definitely post back to let you guys know what I get.

 

I see so we all had a hard time getting this screen and Dell played, now the game is over.

....

 

Hope you get your Gfresh404.

 

Thanks I hope I do too. If I don't I was thinking of getting the Sony Vaio FZ, what's your guys' take on that notebook. The only major drawback for me is the low screen resolution of 1280 x 800.

 

Sonic, you never fail to deliver.

This thread gets better by the hour!

 

....Sonic why do you still have to torture the Reps heheh!

 

My 1530 is still listed as pre production on dells website so I called them up and asked if I could get my service code and the guy said they had not attached one to my system, and so I asked him if he could tell what brand of lcd I was getting as I heard the samsung was bunk, he said he couldn't tell for sure but it looked like it might be the lg (not holding my breath on this one) and told me I should wait untill I recieve the unit to decide weather there was a problem or not and I could return it under the 21 day rule. I'll let you all know what happens when I get it. It's the 1680*1050 screen that I ordered by the way.

 

Alright, so I looked at my service call page this morning, and I actually saw two screens ordered. One was the Samsung, Y274C (the std replacement kit), and the other was for the WXGA LG panel, not the WSXGA+. GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok, deep breath...
Now, hopefully if I talk to CS and tech support enough today I can get that changed. If not, I'm just about ready to send this laptop back and never deal with Dell again. It's a shame too, since other than the bum screen the laptop is rather nice.

 

I doubt that since everyone at dell is aware of this issue. Good luck anyways

 

My XPS M1530 arrived on Friday (Feb 8) but it's going back today. Main reason is the lack of a gigabit Ethernet adapter which I had been told it had by an ill informed sales support rep.

The screen was a secondary consideration for the return. The screen I received was the Samsung XR860 WSXGA+ (1680X1050). It was not all that bad to look at and I can't say "grainy" accurately described the look. It was more like a crystalline appearance that was most noticeable on a pure white background but I can see it being described as grainy.

I probably could have lived with the box but for the Ethernet adapter thing. Apparently the Ethernet adapter is integrated into the M1530 motherboard so no hope of upgrading it sometime in the future. Too bad!

Anyway, I'm now waiting for an XPS M1530 with a gigaibit Ethernet adapter and an improved screen. Hopefully they will be along soon.

 

Ha, yeah, I was just looking through the service manual because I had a hope of just manually upgrading the ethernet. I'll probably get an expresscard for those times when...unplugging the standard ethernet and turning off wireless, inserting the express card and plugging the cable in, and renewing ip for the card... is faster than just using the built in ethernet.

I'll take the slow ethernet over the sparkly screen any day, though.

 

K i have two part numbers in my invoice that are screen related
CM279 Module,Bezel, Liquid Crystal Display, W/CMRA, Cold Cathode Fluorecent lamp, m1530
and
XR878 Module, Liquid Crystal Display 15.4 WXGA, Samsung, m1530

Just want to make sure that these are not the part numbers of the bad screen even my screen looked pretty good

 

Technician will be here in 5 minutes to install my LG screen! I'll post results and hopefully some more side by side comparison shots (Samsung vs. LG).

EDIT: Well, the tech just finished installing the LG and I must say, it is a very beautiful display. The whites are CRISP and well, white! The display is on par with my 22inch external LCD (if not better). The difference between the two panels is very drastic. I thought people on these forums were exaggerating the difference, but honestly, it hasn't been said enough.

I can't believe Dell uses those SEC3350 displays!

 

Don't forget about those photos!

 

Definitely. I wish there was some way to really show the difference, but for now I guess we will have to settle for just demonstrating the superior viewing angles, lighting, and brightness. The graininess will remain one of those things only us crazy people notice... (read: people who have witnessed the difference).

Speaking of which, I had a feeling my tech thought I was too "nitpicky" (don't get me wrong, he was VERY nice and helpful) so just to prove the point to him I pulled out my other 1530 which I still need to send back to Dell, and even he could easily tell the difference.

He went on to make a few "remarks" about Dell's quality, but quickly stopped himself. He said he finds himself doing that too much lol

 

My screen came today!

It's another Samsung.

BUT, somehow, I can't say how. I have an LG screen on the way. IT'S AN EFFING MIRACLE.

 

I just talked to two people in XPS Premium Tech Support who said that Dell knew about the issue and were coming up with a fix. Both said that I couldn't order a replacement screen, but would be called when Dell had a solution. Has anyone else heard this?? Thanks-

 

I'm working in dual monitor mode today. One, my M1530 with non-grainy/glittery screen, and two, a nice ViewSonic 20in widescreen WSXGA. I've had this viewsonic for over a year and used it in different settings with different notebooks (mainly my Dell E1705 and a 15.4 HP Business notebook). The ViewSonic has grainy/glitter to it. I think to some degree Dell is right that many LCDs exhibit this aspect. The degree to which they do varies greatly. The fact is the LG version of the WSXGA screen Dell is using just doesn't have any and caused me to notice the glitter on the ViewSonic. A Sony laptop I had didn't have any either. These screens that don't have any really make it show up on other screens. It also really only shows up if you're fairly close to the monitor, like when reading text. It doesn't really show up during games or movies when the screen is not mostly light background and your focus is more dispersed. The graininess on the Samsung that came on my M1530 was severe (on all 3 panels I viewed) The graininess on my E1705 was enough that I noticed it and wished it was more like that Sony that I had had, but not enough to have returned it or otherwise.

The fact is, the LG screen is so much better than the Samsung they use for the same configuration that it's like 2 different notebooks or configurations. This LG is so nice, I will never put up with anything less again, not even for LED, if it includes grainy, sparkly glitter.

 

That had been posted by someone else like 2 weeks ago. I doubt they're really doing anything about it.

 

Ugh. Well, keep the faith. Lookin Good for you SOON!

 

Aint that the truth. I smile every time I use my notebook now. It's an amazing display!

 

They supposedly called my home when I wasn't here. They talked to my roommate who said that they would call me within 48 hours with a resolution. That was Sunday. We'll have to see what happens tomorrow.

 

I received my M1530 today with its' Samsung RW985 screen and it does not have the grainy appearance.

I am either a lucky person or they are checking the screens before they are shipping them now. Mine was shipped 2-7-08.

I cannot compare it to an LG screen, but this is as good as any flat panel that I have seen. It is as clear, bright and vibrant as my NEC Multi-Sync desktop panel.

I am very happy with this machine. I will even be happier when I get used to Vista!

 

My Samsung screen was not terrible either... when looking straight at it, but viewing angles were awful and viewing it in office lighting (fluorescent) was poor also. So, although I thought the Samsung was OK, the LG makes it look like much worse than even I could have imagined. It has to be the clearest, sharpest LCD I've seen. Big "wow" factor, unlike the Samsung. I received mine on Feb 4th. It's hard to imagine that Dell could get totally new Samsung LCD panels on that large a scale, that quickly.... it would also question all those people who were told that Dell was discontinuing Samsung LCD panels on all future builds. Please don't get me wrong, I don't doubt your eyes... if you like what you see then that's great. I just cannot see a sudden turnaround with the Samsung screens. LCD's are manufactured with the same, very exacting process. Aside from very subtle differences, the end product will be the same.

 

You know, I have intentionally avoided Vista because I depend on too many programs to worry about compatibility and I didn't care for the reports of intruding security prompts and lowered performance. But it did look kind of cool when I was forced to boot into it by one Dell ass of a customer support tech because "he wasn't allowed to support anything but Vista."

 

Like I said, I am comparing it to my desktop panel, my old Inspiron 5150, my wife's Inspiron 6000, and my son's Toshiba. It looks as good or better than those panels.

I am wondering if there would be significant improvement over this one by going through the hoops to get an LG?

I plan on getting another 4 or 5 years out of this and if I believed that it would be better screen, then I would go through the frustration of getting it replaced.

All of that said, it looks pretty good to me--even at 45 degrees horizontally and vertically. There are slight shadows which I consider normal for this type of screen, but it is not grainy like the pictures of the displays that have been posted. I put up a maximized white page and it looked good.

 

If YOU are happy with it, then that's what counts. You spent good money on it and you deserve to get the best... you did not buy a $699 Inspiron! If the screen is as good as you say, then going through all the aggravation would probably be more work than it's worth. Enjoy your new toy!

 

But you did get the same screen they put in my lower priced 1520. Yeah, if you're happy with it, no worries. Enjoy! But I'd avoid any chance of ever comparing your screen with an LG after your return period is up. Because you won't be happy with it after that, and you'll be stuck with it.

 

That's a good point, especially when you actually SEE the LG. If you do it now, you'll be glad you did. If you don't, and you see it after, you'll wish you had!

 

Yeah, that is what I am asking myself!

Thanks for the cognitive dissonance!

 

I was going attempt to say something subtly humorous in reply to this, but I find I can't quite wrap my mind around the meaning right now. I am kind of like a fanatic convert now. I was once a wonderer in the desert of Samsung graininess, only dreaming of an oasis of liquid LG purity. But now I've actually seen the bright luminescence for myself and I feel the compulsion to bring other's to the light (but not leakage.)

 

after 56 minutes with Dell Tech Support on Chat, I am thoroughly disgusted!

The new line is that the "research product group" is looking into this "known issue" with the Samsung LCD display.

I got absolutely nowhere in the quest and now I am challenged to get satisfaction, although I still am not sure that the one that I have could be better. I am waiting for the return communication from tech support and the unresolved issues messages that I have sent.

It now has become a personal issue! I will return it just to make a point. It sounds pretty childish, but that is how I roll!

 

OK, long story short... I need to replace the screen in my E1505. Since I have to buy a screen anyway, I decided that I want some of that LG liquid purity so I'm going to take the screen out of my 1530 and put it in the 1505.

I found the correct LG screen for the 1530 for $225 (new, not refurbished). From reading this thread, one person who got their screen replaced said they watched the tech and he didn't replace the cable. Can anyone else who watched their screen swap confirm this?

I looked at the service manual on Dells site but it still looks a little scary to do myself. I used to build desktop computers but I have never messed around wih notebooks.

I would appreciate any thoughts or advice before purchasing the new screen.

Tami

 

Man I was just a happy m1530 customer in waiting untill all my reading of any m1530 review I could read untill my m1530 arrives, now I am freaking out to find which lcd brand I am getting I can't sleep. I got mine heavly customized bluray, high res, cpu, etc.... I sure hope I get a LG, I wish I could get my service tag number early. Well anyone else in waiting like me here's hope that you all get the LG, I'm already imaging my fight with dell to get mine fixed and I haven't seen mine yet.

 

Has anyone got an LG screen from the start, not having to get it replaced?
The 1680 one?

 

No, not that I know of, at least on the 1530's and I've been following this since the WSXGA+ was released around 12/21. There was a poster who got a LG 1680 x 1050 on their Vostro 1500.

 

I was afraid of that

 

yeah, people have gotten LG's from the start.

 

Thanks Sonic, crossing my fingers that I'll be one of the lucky ones but it seems there are so many unlucky ones...Man the waiting sucks.

 

Well, I'm on my fourth attempt to get a non-Samsung screen. I received my third M1530 today and returned it today. This is starting to get a little irritating because I think they're still trying to have unsuspecting people keep the Samsung screens. So they just ship them out until someone keeps it, seems like. Anyways, I'm running them up a nice bill -- that will soon be four shipments to me and three returns. The one representative was going to offer me a discount in order to keep the screen, so clearly they're aware of the problem. (Sorry, folks, I didn't even bother asking what the discount was because I was in a bad mood. I just rejected her immediately.) I've decided that I'm just going to keep buying and returning these M1530s until they get me a good screen. When that happens is their call.

 

Man, that was very eloquently written! Nice.

 

dude, quit being such a hard ass and driving up the cost of these laptops for everyone. dell is a company that makes money and if they don't make a defined profit, we all pay for it. this kind of behavior is the reason warranties don't come standard and cost so much. call up the rep, and get them to order Dell P/N: XK309. They'll send a representative to replace the screen of your new m1530 (it takes less than an hour). You get your laptop the way you want it, and dell resolves the issue. problem solved. That's what I did and I'm LOVING the screen and MOVING ON.

 

I like it how people like you post meaningless stuff.

First of all, I'm not driving up any costs; I paid for a laptop and I plan to get it. I paid for a certain quality screen and I plan to get it. If you find flaws with those statements, then by all means bring your computer to me so I can demolish it.

Second of all, I've called Dell up each time and requested the part by number and been told each time that it doesn't exist. Moreover, I've spent approximately TWO HOURS with each return trying to explain to every person that the problem is with the Samsung screen. In addition, the first time I sat through a remote diagnostic check with a tech for one hour and had my screen replaced in-home by a tech. Your lame assumption that I have made no effort in correcting the situation merely demonstrates your ignorance.

Finally, I don't really care what you've done or whether you're satisfied with your screen.

Have a nice day.

 

I don't know if you already tried this but it worked for me. Call up customer service and demand to speak with a supervisor right away and explain to them how much time you've wasted trying to get what you want. I explained to the woman I talked to how much time I've wasted and she completely understood. Although it didn't make sense to her either why the LG would look better when it's priced substantially lower than the Samsung. Also, just be consistent and professional about the whole thing and you should eventually get what you want. I spent a little over a month trying to get an LG screen and I finally have one coming my way. Again persistence and professionalism. Good luck!

 

I'm with you Kamehame. You shouldn't have to call up and demand to speak with a supervisor just to get what you paid for. If ordering and returning is what works for you, it's Dell that's driving up their own costs by 1.) not delivering a consistent product and 2.) not efficiently handling their own defects. I for one appreciate other people holding Dell to quality, because in the long run it will force Dell to come up to better standards. People that are all loose with Dell and let them walk all over them are just promoting lower quality.

And damn, this LG is a pleasure to look at while I'm typing. I could just keep going on, and on, and on...

 

guys, you might want to get in touch with your sales representative before calling tech support. when i ordered my XPS m1530 online, a sales representative contacted me regarding my order. then, i also told him that I am requesting for an LG screen. he told me that he could not assure me at that time, but if I do receive a samsung screen, he'd be happy to help me out. i did receive a samsung screen and I contacted him again. he raised the case to tech support. it was a good two weeks of wait, but the technician just left now, and I am typing on an LG WSXGA+.

i just am not sure if this would apply to all locations though. i am based in singapore.

goodluck! HTH.

 

Yes, I watched and (lol) even helped my tech replace the screen. The kit that was shipped came with a new cable and they even shipped a replacement back for the laptop--I guess in case they screwed something up.

He didn't even take the cable out of the box - the whole procedure consisted of:

1. Removing the battery and the retaining screws underneath it
2. Carefully removing the frame around the screen. It snaps in over several locations around the screen.
3. Removing the screws that set the brackets into the lid
4. Removing the screws on the brackets on either side of the panel
5. Disconnecting the video cable and the power cable
6. Screwing the brackets into the new panel. Note: One of the brackets had to be turned to the side and screwed in that way to get the new panel to seat properly in the frame. He originally screwed the brackets back on the same way they were on the Samsung panel and it didn't fit. Then he screwed them both on rotated 1 quarter turn, which didn't fit either (queue my PANICING, especially when he muttered something about MAKING it fit!), and then he turned one back and left one rotated, which fit perfectly. The brackets used are universal--they just have to be turned depending on which panel is installed.
7. Setting the panel in connecting the same cables - power and video
8. Screwing the brackets back into the lid
9. Restoring the frame around the screen and the screws under the battery

Make sure you've got a tiny Phillips head for this task--those screws are SMALL. The tech dropped a few on my carpet and we couldn't find them immediately. Fortunately, he brought extras. The most difficult part is probably the removal and restoration of the frame around the screen. It's tedious and just snaps in, so don't rush that or you may break one of the little plastic clips. As a bonus, the bottom of my screen no longer sags - it snapped right in flush with the lid. I thought it was supposed to stick up a little, but it's much better now.

All in all it was a simple procedure and if you've got any experience at all working on these types of things you shouldn't have any trouble. I was just like you- I had built dozens of desktops (and work on them as part of my profession and as a hobbyist) but I have never touched the internals of a lappy. Good luck and I hope that clears this up for you some. Let me know if you have any more questions.

Edit: My swap was from a Samsung screen in a 1530 to an LG screen in the same notebook. I just read your post again.. I know the cable works the same in that notebook, but I can't confirm it for a different model... is that what you're asking about? Are you replacing a SEC screen in the 1505?

 

Thanks so much for the detailed instructions! I am taking the Samsung WSXGA+ out of the 1530 and putting it in my 1505 that also had a Samsung WSXGA+ so I'm thnking the cable that's already in the 1505 should work just fine.

My real concern was if I would need a new cable for the LG screen that will be going into the 1530. From what you said above it sounds like the cable that is in there will work.

I'm going to go ahead and order it this week and hopefully I won't have any problems installing it... I may just take you up on your kind offer for additional help though.