How do I fix my m1530 Grainy Screen?

Go to Start and then control panel. From there go to device manager (mines on classic view). From your device manager expand Monitors. Right click on the monitor you have and click on properties. On the properties window click on details. There should be a pull down menu from the details window and click on hardware ID.

It seems that the recent batches of 1440X900 screens are being plagued by this problem. I personally think they are out of the LG screens because I haven't seen anyone recieve the LG screens on this thread recently .

 

I just received my M1530 last month and I have an LPL010F, whatever that is. But it has zero grain and I'm very happy with it, after having to exchange my SEC3350 five times. So there are good screens still being shipped out.

 

The LPL010F is the LG WD306. Excellent LCD.

 

Yea you lucked out with the LG. How did you return your computer? Through warranty or did you just return it and buy a new one?

 

I did a return and reorder.

 

Wow, even 1440 x 900 WXGA+ now will get Samsung!! The rumour about Samsung is the official supplier for M1530 LCD is true after all.

Actually I don’t care who are their LCD supplier. I don’t mind if Dell use unknown LCD manufacturer as long as Dell give us good quality screen with zero-grain, I will be happy.

 

How to get an LG screen: Thread Summary. Since this thread is over 150 pages long, I thought maybe it needed it.

I think I have the graps of the information on this thread, but if I got anything wrong please jump in and correct.

First, a note: I personally think people shouldn't check what screen they got before they get their machine. Since it's basically nothing you can do once it's been built, what's the point? Might as well wait until you receive it, and who knows? Maybe you'll love it, whatever it is.

However, I think the problems with the Samsung are legitimate and the people who are complaining are for the most part not nitpicking and they should get the best their money can buy.

Things that DON'T work:
Requesting an LG screen when first ordering your machine. I don't believe I saw a single case of this being provably helpful. True, some people who requested it, got it, but it was probably just a coincidence. If you're one of the people who likes to cover their bases, by all means ask anyway. Doubt it'll hurt. But if you already ordered the machine and just remembered you didn't have them make a note, I wouldn't call, cancel and re-order just for that.

Stuff that works but rarely and not lately:
Once you receive you machine and are not happy with the screen, trying to get support to send you a replacement with a specific brand or part#. (This is different from having support make a note on the order that only an LG is used. From what I read, I believe that particular method works about as well as requesting an LG screen on initial build. Feel free to contradict.) If you do get lucky enough to find a rep who'll do it for you, you'll almost certainly get that specific part#, ie an LG screen but lately for whatever reason Dell support has been unwilling or unable to accomodate requests like that.

Things that almost certainly will work if you keep at it long enough: I call this the brute force method. Basically, just keep sending back the machine till you get what you want. Assuming they are still using LG screens, you'll probably get lucky eventually and get one or one you like enough to keep in any case. The downsides of this method are pretty obvious: it's time intensive and you could be waiting for your machine for months.

So, I think the optimal approach is a variation on the brute force method:
Once you get your computer and decide you want a different screen, call XPS support and tell them your screen needs fixing. I'd avoid mentioning the whole Samsung/LG angle of it and let them just run you through their diagnostics that they need to and eventually, they'll offer to send someone over to replace the display.
When the tech calls you to arrange the appointment, ask them if they already have the display that they'll be fitting you. If they say yes, ask them to crack the box and tell you who the manufacturer is. If it is LG, congratulations, you may stop reading now and go enjoy your computer. If not, tell them that you won't accept that screen and ask them to order you an LG. It is likely that at first (or ever) they will not be able to order you an LG either BUT if it IS possible to do it, they'll have a better shot at it than you will. And, since Dell overnights the parts to the tech, the turnaround will be MUCH quicker than if you did the whole cancel-reorder dance. Also, you'll have the use of your computer the entire time. And, not insagnificantly, you'll be avoiding the Dell support hold times.

Downsides: it's possible, that waiting for the tech to get your golden screen, you might end up missing your Complete Satisfaction window, however, as you get close, you always have a choice to return the whole rig and start again.

I do not know how Dell or the tech will like being jerked around like that (even if it is justifiable) so the key to this is establishing a good rapport with your tech so he (or she) won't just stop sending displays back after the third time and just tell you that he (or she) is. Meaning, no yelling, cursing or any kind of grandstanding. You want the technician fighting for you, no one will do that for an @ss.

The End.

Usual disclaimers apply. I do not guarantee favourable results nor am I speaking from any kind of certain knowledge of the workings of Dell and its support contractors - merely from what information I culled from this very thread you're reading.

If you find that I missed something, overlooked something, or got something wrong, please post and correct.

If you feel offended by this post in any way, I didn't mean it please don't pile on me like a ton of bricks. Thank you.

Edit: All of the above methods will only work if Dell still uses LG screens. Which hopefully they'll keep doing at least until Samsung sorts themselves out.

Edit 2: Wow, the size of this thing is definitely stretching the definition of "Summary."

 

There are two things to clarify:

1) When returning and reordering, at least for me, you get a new "window" of satisfaction guarantee each time. My returns took approximately three months in total to complete and I never had any problem with the exchanges. Now, the downside is of course that it took three months.

2) When dealing with the techs, which I did one time, the one guy acted like my screen had no problem to begin with. He almost had me conviced that there was no grain -- since this was my first laptop and I had never seen a "good" screen. Of course, the screen was horrible. But if you want to go this route, do not worry. The tech has no say-so over the matter. If Dell sends them out, they have to come. So if you want to just keep having them come over, do it. On the other hand, the tech has no part in getting you parts. They just get sent the monitor and come out and install it. They do not do anything else.

 

When dealing with techs, I'd advise calling them and finding out the make of the screen before they come over so you can just cancel the appointment and request they reorder the screen. Basically, don't have them cover over UNTIL they have an LG already in hand.

However, though you'll get an LG quicker this way than if you have them install the every display they get, if they do happen to receive a Samsung you'd have loved, you'll miss out on it. On the plus side, they'll be digging into your computer fewer times so less chance for damage.

 

Yep... I think it is time to close this thread. It's waaaay too long and has been beat to death. No one has the time to read all 150 pages so the same questions gets posted over and over again.

 

Yes, but the thread serves the purpose of being the ONLY place people ask about the grainy screen problem. That was the issue; it used to be we had 50 threads on it, which was aggravating.

 

When ordering my m1530, I insisted that the sales rep make a special note on my order saying that I want a LG screen, and that if they sent a samsung, I'd be returning my computer......dont' know if it was that or luck of the draw, but my service tag says its a DW306, which is of course very good news.

Anyone know of any differences between the DW306 and the XK309?

Just don't take no for an answer, don't be rude, but be firm, and make sure they write a special note on your order.

 

It's hard enough to get a LG lcd, what are the chances one would have both LG LCDs to compare...

 

Just got my 1525 today.

I don't know which screen I have.. but whatever it is, I think it looks great. Very bright and crisp. This is what comes up on the Dell website...

GR452 LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY..., 15.4WXGA, VIDEO ELEC. STDS. ASSOC...., TLF, AU OPTRONICS CORP...

Anyone know what it is? Thanks!

 

DHL surprised me and delivered it today. While the WSXGA+ screen looks very bright and sharp against a white background, it is unfortunately the SEC3350. The viewing angles from the sides do show some darkening. So for those people who got the recent LG screen shipped with a new system, consider yourselves fortunate. The computer was made in Malaysia, so Dell has apparently NOT replaced all of the Samsung screens with the LG Phillips. I haven't decided yet whether I can live with this screen yet. I have to admit that it is a lot better than my Latitude D600 SXGA+ Sharp screen.

Also for anyone concerned that the font size is too small, the 1680 x 1050 resolution is excellent and you can always change the DPI setting to something more than 100%.

 

alright, another 2:30 hours on the phone and ive made little progress. I started with the XPS tech support, trying to get a replacement LCD. The tech, named Ken, was actually very nice. He even asked to see this thread. He explained that he cant authorize a replacement lcd because it would be to expensive for Dell to replace my screen until I got an LG, something about 400$ a visit from the in home tech people. I told him it wasnt my fault it was expensive, its Dell's for using such bad LCDs. Anyways, he then suggested that I get a replacement because I have a few other problems as well (keyboard flex, pannel not on all the way by the webcam). The one good thing he did was document everything so now I have a nice long case report. He even gave me an email address to contact him if I get trouble trying to get a replacement.

So he connected me to the sales return department. Waited 30 mins and finally got someone. 5 mins later, i was disconnect! Called back, waited another 30 mins, and got some guy who sounded exactly like Borat, no joke. So Borat gets all my info and explains that i selected the wrong department from the automated menu, because he only dealt with refunds, and that the department i want is under maintence until tommorow!

Time spent trying to get an LG - 4 hours
Progress - very little

 

I will tell you how it works (and I returned my M1530 five times before I finished).

If you're within your "guaranteed satisfaction" period, just call up Dell's normal number (1-800-WWW-DELL) and get to the return department. Tell them you want to do a return and reorder. They'll do the return and then transfer you to customer service or whatever for the reorder part. They may ask you why you're doing the return, you just tell them that the screen is unsatisfactory. That's it. Now, doing all of that may take about an hour or so, but that's unfortunately the way it is. If you do it earlier in the day, rather than around midnight, you have less of a chance to hit Borat. I tried to do this once on a Saturday and got an Indian guy, an Australian guy, and a guy with a British ****ney accent. During the weekday at 5 PM I got Ken (I'm making up his name, I don't really remember it) from Iowa and it went by much faster.

 

So who should I call if I got mine from Dell Outlet? I'm guessing I can't pull the same "return and reorder" since it was refurbished. I'm probably going to have to try to get them to replace the LCD, unless anyone can offer any other suggestions.

Mine just shipped today, so I really have no clue what I'm going to get, but by the looks of the invoice, it looks like I'm getting a Samsung:

XR860 Module,Liquid Crystal Display 15.4WSXGA+,Samsung,M1530

... Though, I guess it's still a crapshot either way.

 

If i return and reorder, will i be able to reorder for the same price i got it for in the first place beacuase i got it really cheap, durring that spring sale a week ago.

Also, whats wrong with just getting an exchange?

 

Well, well.

After being told I'm getting an AUO187B screen sent out to replace my crappy SEC3350, I checked my service call online and found this..

Parts information pertaining to this Service Call

XR857 ASSEMBLY..., CABLE..., LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY..., M1530 1

XK309 LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY..., 15.4WSXGA+, VIDEO ELEC. STDS. ASSOC...., TLF, LGP

Looks like I'm getting an LG!!!!! The service call is still "pending approval", but this may be because they are out of stock.

Can't wait to get it!!

 

ughh lucky!! least i kno there out there! How did u get them to give u an AUO?

What do you guys think i should do: get a tech to come out a replace my lcd/ fix my keyboard flex, or get a replacement m1530? Which is more likely to get me an LG sooner?

 

I simply rang Dell XPS support, told them of the grainy SEC3350 issue I was having, and the tech support guy said he'd send out an AUO187B with the technician, as they had no LG's in stock.

I checked my service call and it now says I am receiving an LG!! This has apparently happened a few times to people, they are told one thing and the service call says another thing. I don't mind whether they do send out the LG or the AUO, as long as its not the Samsung!!!

 

damn! how many hours total would u say uve been on the phone with them?

I think ill try to call XPS support back and see if they'll give me a new screen instead of a full replacement.

Oh, and whats the model number for the AUO 1440x900 WXGA screen? and what does AUO stand for?

 

I've heard a couple people say the AUO displays are just as good? anyone have a reference number for these for the various displays?

I was just checking the dell site and looking at different laptop configurations. When you get to the display options for the xps 1530, no matter which display you choose there is a "this option may delay shipping" tag under them... I didn't have that when I ordered my laptop 2 weeks ago... wonder why.

got my email saying my dispatch was processed. it says I should get an email when the replacement part is shipped. Does that email also include what part I should be getting?

 

I believe I got a AUO display.. this is what shows on the Dell page:

GR452 LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY..., 15.4WXGA, VIDEO ELEC. STDS. ASSOC...., TLF, AU OPTRONICS CORP...

I think the screen is GREAT! Leaps and bounds better than my HP screen. I don't see any grain...

 

Well after another two hours on the phone today I was finally transfered to an XPS tech support agent that understood the problem and knew how to order a screen other than the RW985. He said he just needed to have the alternate screen approved by his supervisor and they would call me back within two hours. I said it was really important that I was told either way before the end of the buisness day because I was flying back to site (I work remotely) tomorrow and when I get back I will be outside my 2 week return period and not able to do anything about it.

Unsurprisingly I wasn't called back and three hours later I called back and the tech support I got said none of the above was documented on the case file and they were unable to issue any screen other than the RW985. I am just going to return my XPS and get a Sony - I know it's a little more pricey but at least you get quality when you pay for it unlike this XPS that cost me a fair bit and didn't deliver.

Edit: Well after that post I decided to try one last time before leaving tomorrow so I called XPS after hours support and waiting through their 40 minute line. I got a fantastic tech support operator that said he understand the problem and had seen a few cases of it recently, he reserved me an XK309 from our local warehouse and is sending it to the tech tomorrow to have it replaced on Thursday. The whole conversation took less than 10 minutes. It really seems to just be a crap shoot of who picks up the phone.

I just hope the XK309 gets here and they don't switch it out for another RW985 again.

Edit 2: They just called back saying the warehouse actually has that XK309 marked as damaged and they only have RW985's and don't forsee any different parts coming in.

 

Two phonecalls, the first about 10 mins on hold then about 3-4 minues of talking.

The second call, got through right away, few minutes of talking, 10 minutes on hold then another few minutes of talking.

About 30 mins in total. I think I got lucky!!

AUO = AU Optronics, the Dell part number for the AUO187B is NX380

 

I'm not sure if this is old news, but I just noticed that Dell has made available 1920x1200 resolutions for the XPS 1530 (I've only checked the UK website). Does anyone have any experience with the LCDs that are delivered for that resolution? Is it the same LCDs as they were for the 1680x1050 resolution?

 

WUXGA? Seriously? I just checked the website and didn't see it. Can you tell me where to look? I'd like to price one out if I can.

 

Apparently Dell just released a new WUXGA Full Hi Definition, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch LCD (1920x1200) for the M1530 and is on the US website. If it is made by Samsung, I'm willing to bet it is as bad as their other screens.

 

Follow this link and click on any of the three "Select with Windows Vista" green buttons. Then change the default resolution to

15.4" Widescreen WUXGA (1920x1200) TFT Display with TrueLife™

 

I'm with you on that, but the question is, does anyone know if it is made by Samsung or better yet has anyone seen any of them in action?

 

I'm getting confirmation on the UK side who manufactures the 1920x1200 screen. I have an order pending the response.

They are also finding out whether I can order the LG at pos as I've already returned the samsung I received yesterday.

The 1920 was only an additional £20 on top of what I am already paying.

 

Excellent, let us know when you find out!

 

I just received a replacement M1530 due to problems I had with the hard drive and/or motherboard on the original system. I have the WXGA+ 1440x900 screen. The original had the nice LG screen.

Although the packing slip on the replacement laptop specifies "LG", it is in fact the Samsung with Hardware ID SEC3157.

There is a noticeable difference in the screen quality side-by-side. The colours on the Samsung are washed out and the white areas looks grainy on the Samsung.

I'm on the phone with Dell now, and they do not seem to be able to order the LG replacement screen specifically - so I'd be playing the lottery by ordering yet another replacement. So, what we are attempting to do is to get a tech to come to swap the screen from the original laptop into the replacement laptop.

I'll report back to let you know how it goes.

 

I don't know if this helps, but the product code and sku for the new WUXGA screen is: DUXGAC [320-6694]

 

Heres an update on my situation. The technician came by today and installed the new panel. I was expecting a Samsung panel because a rep told me they sent the same panel. I requested for an LG. To my surprise, as soon as he opened the box for the part I saw th LG logo on the back of the panel. Now I have the LPLFD00 and it is SO MUCH better. For anyone who is in this situation don't lose hope... they are still sending out LG panels.

 

hey congrats precise2282.

hah I just noticed you're in NJ, me too =P
I just got a call from the tech person... but I have class tonight so I asked if he could come by tomorrow. hopefully I'm as lucky as you are and get a LG screen

 

The 1920 is Samsung only. I've ordered one to have a look at. I said if it's crap I'll return it and then keep ordering the 1680 until I get an LG. He then pointed out that they lose their commision on returned orders or have their pay docked (I hope they do get their pay docked, might make them complain louder and get this issue resolved). That just makes me more determined to keep returning until I get a screen that is the equal of my vostro 1500 (An LG).

He confirmed that it is luck of the draw and the LG can't be ordered at pos which just re-iterates what has been said time and time again on this thread.

Just hoping that because the samsung 1920 isn't on the same line as the 1680 that it will be of better quality. Will post some photo's once i've got it.

I misquoted the price they gave me, it was £40 extra not the £20 I originally stated.

 

Precise, did you get a replacement through customer care or XPS tech? My 1530 arrived today I'll check it when I get home. I might give this a shot before I return it if the screen is bad. Thanks.

 

The technician picked up the part from Hackensack. I don't know if that makes a difference but maybe a bunch of panels got sent to that location.

I did it through xps tech. I definitely think you should try to have the screen replaced before returning. It's worth a shot and you won't have to wait three weeks to reorder.

 

Sledge,

I really hope your rep is wrong cause I have the Samsung 15.4 WUXGA replacement screen on my Inspiron 6000 and it has the same grain problems as been reported for their other screen.

Either way, LG does make a WUXGA 15.4 panel so since they use multiple suppliers for all their other resolution panels, maybe they're either already using or will start using multiple suppliers for the WUXGA panels too.

Crossing fingers.

 

Alright guys, heres an update:

Talked to the exchange department today and scheduled for a new laptop to be sent to me. However, I the indian man told me it would be the same setup as the one i have, with a samsung. We argued for a few mins and I finally asked to talk to his supervisor. He tried to talk me out of talking to her by making lots of excuses (she cant do anything, shes busy, u'll be on hold for a long time, call back later, etc)

After being on hold for only 5 mins, the supervisor comes on and reads my case notes and says the best she can do is to put a note in with my order to request an LG, but theres no gaurentee that I wont get another samsung. I tried to explain to her that if it were anoher samsung, then I would be exchanging it again. She said that wouldnt do anything because Id just get another samsung. However, from reading stories on here, I know that people have returned theres a few times and finally got LGs. SO I left it at that and I'll just have to see what my order number says I get in a few days.

Also, she said my 21 days would not restart with this replacement. Is this true?

Total time spent trying to get an LG - 4:30
Progress - good (replacement laptop being shipped, but may not have LG)

 

I think earlier in previous post , someone posted the back of a LG 1440x900 Screen , or did anyone know the actural LG part # for that screen ?

Now I know LG LP154WE2-TL-B2 (Thanks,Thund3rball) will fit but that the 1680x1050.

Off Topic: I wonder one of these will fit lol
http://smartmicrousa.com/LG_LP154WP2_TLA4.asp
I guess it doesn't

 

Hi there
I also have this grainy screen problem on my Inspiron 1520 (Samsung, WSXGA+ screen), so i ordered new screen from Dell. So tomorrow will come tech to repair my screen, but as i saw when i logged to my tech. support account, there is a service code for a Samsung LCD - WK088. So, now i'm expecting grainy LCD again, but there is something that i want to mention - i had problems with my dvd burner so i ordered new one and in the repair list of my laptop was mentioned my old drive - PDBS - Philips-Benq drive, but what i get was the LG GSA-... drive.
So, is there any chance to get a LG screen instead of Samsung?? Or should i be happy, that it is not an AUO screen, which i considered as the worst screen that i can get?? Thanks for replies.

 

Now people are saying that the recent AUO panels that have been shipped are better than the Samsung panels.

Earlier, the AUO panels were supposed to be worse than the Samsungs. Maybe, you would be better off with a AUO.

I am still trying to figure out the claim that Dell as no longer shipping Samsungs. Now, it seems that they are no longer shipping LG panels!

It all seems to come down to whatever they can install that is the cheapest that they can buy. That is the one that you will get!

 

Absolutely! Whatever brand is on the shelf when your order get's kitted is what you will get. On paper the LG, AUO and Samsung are probably very similar in specs and price. Could be the Samsung is slightly cheaper so they only put in LGs when they run out of Samsung. That would explain why it seems there's so many more Samsung than LG in the M1530 at least.

 

NP. If I knew what the LG P/N was for WXGA+ I'd tell you but alas, I do not. Why don't you email that shop and ask them what is the equivalent LG screen in WXGA+ (1440x900) for the XPS M1530. They'll probably know. Worth a shot IMO.

 

do you actually even recommend buying the xps 1530/1330 when so many people have problems with the screens ?

 

How about the new LED display option?
High Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch LED LCD (1440x900)

Is that screen any good? What brand is it? I'm on the verge of ordering an XPS1530, so pls help.