Just got my m1530...and...

OK guys. Just got my M1530. Few things...PLEASE ADVISE!

1) Screen listed on my service tag was W345C. Arrived with SEC3157. This is the dreaded Samsung, correct?

2) I cannot tell if my screen is grainy. It seems to have better viewable angles than everyone has said and posted pictures of. The only thing I have to compare it to is my 6-year old DELL Ultra Sharp screen and it is much brighter and clearer than that. HOW CAN I TELL IF I HAVE IT BAD?

3) My keyboard has a slight lump in it. Nothing too bad.
4) Next to my web cam is a small silver dot/scratch.
5) On my media bar, the rewind button has a small indent where it is next to the speaker part.

Should I just send this whole thing back based on 3-5 and hope I also get an LG screen? The keyboard and small silver scratch DON'T bother me. The indent by the RW button does a bit.

If I just wanted that fixed, would they send out a new piece and tear it apart?

Besides that, I love this thing so far!

 

You have to be happy with your machine in the end. If you think it's gonna affect how you perceive it, then for sure send it back.

A lot of people will tell you that if you don't see anything wrong with the screen, then don't worry about it. I say otherwise. Just because you don't know something is wrong with your system doesn't mean that you don't deserve the better unit. The issue with the dreaded samsung, and I have had two, is that when you stare real close at the screen like a few inches away, you can see lots and lots of grainy formations. Some have said it looks "sparkly".

As per your cosmetic blemishes - expect nothing but quality when you purchase a notebook. However, I have to warn you that if you purchased this from the refurb site then chances are you won't get much better than what you got if you did a replacement for cosmetic blemishes.

I have written a case study on how I managed to get my screen changed to the LG. Follow it and maybe it'll work for you if it bothers you.

 

I test my LCD monitors with the following two programs

Nokia monitor test
Eizo monitor test

I would especially pay attention to the Moire tests in these two programs, the images should look uniform without any circular or vertically alternating patterns on the screen. Also, contrast and brightness tests should show all shades of gray. You can easily find the dead/stuck pixels on the pure color (red/green/blue) test screens.

 

Those tests did not reveal any problems except one dead pixel really close to the side and my bottom right corner is a LITTLE darker going to the corner than the rest.

The colors and everything looked perfect.

Anything else?

DOES ANYONE HAVE ADVICE ON THE OTHER PROBLEMS? Should I just return the whole thing and get a new computer or have a tech come out to fix those little problems?

 

Good to hear a positive review on this 1440x900 Samsucks screen. Mine should arrive tomorrow or Wednesday and I also have the same part # listed in my service tage "W345C". If the screen looks good to you then that's good why worry about it? I'm hoping that mine won't be so bad or else it's going straight back to Dell. Do you mind posting a screenshot or two?

 

I'll tell you right now, if you can't tell whether your screen is grainy or not you don't have one. If it was grainy, it would be noticed very easily.

 

i have that same screen and i dont like it. the viewig angles are alright, but the screen is way to dim and washed out. Im in the process of trying to get an LG

 

Right, if you don't notice it.. it is fine. Also, the "sliver dot" next to your webcam is the LED. It turns blue when you are using the cam.

 

I completely agree with your first statmenet, however I cannot agree with what you say in your second paragraph. When it comes down to it, the difference between two screens are completely subjective, given the fact that the OP cannot notice any real disadvantages to his original screen. Therefore, in a double-blind unbiased test, if you present the OP with an LG screen and the Samsung the OP already has, I doubt he will be able to pick the more "superior" screen since he can't find anything wrong with his current screen.

OP, if you are happy with your current screen, I think the opportunity cost involved with waiting for a replacement for the supposedly "superior" LG screen is not worth it. I mean even if Dell sends you an LG screen, you run the risk of the field service technician blemishing your laptop in the process. If you ask for a system exchange, who knows what sort of screen you will get, only to find yourself at this position again.

Regarding the other cosmetic blemishes, call up technical support and tell them to send you a new webcam plastic assembly and a new nameplate bezel. The replacement of those two plastics will certainly take care of your problem. By the way, clearly mention that these parts were cosmetically blemished when you recieved your system, because general Dell will not replace these parts unless it affects system performance.

 

OK let me clear up a few things.

First I was wrong about the silver dot. Someone posted it here -- it was just the LED! HAHA

The namepate bezel is the name of the media control button piece? Should I tell them about the bump in the keyboard at the same time so both can be fixed? I'm assuming they already have to move that piece so why not?

The screen does seem fine to me. Maybe I'll bring it to Best Buy and hold it next to theirs to see the difference.

ALSO -- does the screen always dim a bit when you REMOVE the power cord? Is there a way to stop this from happening?

Besides those issues I am happy so far.

 

That's just the power plan kicking in, it's probably set to automatically lower brightness when on battery power. To change this, click on your battery icon, go to Power Options and adjust the brightness on battery for the specific plan.

 

How do you do a double blind test with 1 subject?

Anyway,

With both the Samsung and LG side by side you would have to be blind not to see the LG is superior. I speak from experience here as I have seen both side by side.

 

Am I correct that in order to fix that media control dent on the bezel they'd have to take the whole bottom part apart? If so, I'd have them fix the keyboard at the same time.

Does anybody have a proven method of getting the LG screen?

 

The only proven method that work every time is to call Dell Parts and purchase the XK309 for around $300. Anything else is pure luck and requires countless hours spent communicating with the good people at Dell.

 

I believe the OP has WXGA+ screen not WSXGA+ http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=167515
In any case, if you like it and you do not see any flaws with your screen do not bother replacing it unless something else does not look right.

 

I stand corrected, it's the XP059 you would need to order from Dell Parts. Then again if you're going to fork out $300 extra to make sure you have a LG panel then you might as well get the WSXGA+ for the same price...

The point I was making is there is no proven way of getting a LG panel out of Dell Support. You might get one if you're lucky...

 

If you're happy with the screen then keep it. I have the same screen as you and would've been happy with it if I never compared it to my friends screen. My friend has the m1530 with an LG panel and the difference is so substantial, I can't live with my purchase.

 

I am very surprised the keyboard is marked up. I am supposedly getting a Samsung as well, but if I have any marks on it when its brand new it goes right back. If I am not happy with the screen its going back too for hopefully a replacement that meets expectations, or just for a refund. And if theyre going to argue, as some have seemed to go through on here, then I will just send it back for full refund and that't that. If they have problems with that I will get a chargeback with my CC. I really don't understand how they can use two manufactorers and the quality is not equal- that's just unethical business practices and I am just not going to put up with it. I paid $ for a great machine and it should be one. But I will save this all for when I actually receive it, which I think may be tomorrow. Who knows it may be great.... here's hoping- and I won't have to worry about it anymore!

 

Kent I'm in the same boat lol Mine should arrive either tomorrow or Wed. After checking my service tag I'm not even excited about getting this laptop. If the screen turns out to be really bad I will have to go for AW M15x to build it like my XPS will ended up costing $200-300 more, but oh well.

 

I received mine today but will not be able to look at it until late this evening. I am wondering though- how is it possible to confirm that LCD manufactorer besides from the service TAG. Is it just based on visual, or can you verify this definitely somehow. Thanks.

 

what is the earliest I can find out what my display is going to be like? you guys are talking about "service tags" and that you now them before you get the latpot itself. Is there a way to find out what display Im going to get before opening the box? thanks

 

you need to call dell and request the service tag- then go to the site and look up the warranty info and you can see what components make up your computer (in much more detail than without the tag).

 

It appears I have a grainy screen. I would say white look like blotchy, than say grainy, but I guess it all means the same. I am jsut really disappointed, especially since one tech guy explained to me they are no longer using the Samsungs.... Well I guess I will ask for a replacement and tell them if that one is bad too, then I am sending it back as well for full refund.

 

I was referring to him as the subject, and the unbiased observer conducting the text as the second....

 

Btw, does anyone know if LG even makes the screen in 1680 x 1050? I am assuming they make them for all resultions but I figured I would just verify anyways. Thanks.

 

I know, I work for a pharma... Was just pulling your leg.

 

Look at my sig...

2 models in WSXGA+ from LG. WD306 and XK309.

 

I have some more questions.
1)What if I buy a refurbished XPS1530? What are the odds of getting a grainy screen there? Since they are refurbished, they have been probably checked for that, or not?
2)should I be considering laptops that have IEDE HDD? or should I stick with better SATA only? the only difference is in reading speed, right?

 

My webcam is down and wont work. The messages in Webcam Mangaer are Camera not attached and plug in to start?

Is there some simple control/key or button/switch to enable the camera that I am not seeing? I have tried the Dell forum but nobody has come up with the answer. My manual tells me nothing other than launch Webcam Manager.

Regards,
Charlie

 

You won't be able to do this until your order has been invoiced. I just spoke with a rep and got my tag, but won't be able to look up any specifics till I am billed. Currently I am in the testing phase.