Official "swapping the XPS 14 L401x screen" thread

Currently there are about 10 different threads on this board about this very topic. We all understand; the L401x screen is terrible. We should try and put all the information we have about it swapping it out in this thread.
If you have done the swap, please feel free to leave your experiences and suggestions!

What screen should I buy?
Most people are using this screen:
14.0-inch LG LP140WD1-TLA1 Laptop LCD Screen - US$87.00 | HooToo.com

$5 dollar off coupon if you add the code: HOOTOO

Will this void my warranty?

How do I get the bezel off?

start at the top, on either side of the camera. Put your finger up under and gently lift up, just on the bottom of the bezzel. You'll hear an unsnapping. Once you do the top on both sides of the camera, work your way down the sides starting at the top corners til you get to the bottom by the hinge. When you get to the outer part of the hinge, start on the inside by doing the same thing you did with the top side. Now you should have the entire bezel, except for over the hinges loose.. Take your hands and grab both sides off the bezel at the top and push down until you hear the bezel unsnap from above the hinges.

Just apply even steady pressure when unsnapping the bezel. Remember, don't be quick, but just very slowly apply more force until you hear it snap, the snaps are usually spaced apart around the bezel, if you unsnap it around the actual lcd you'll be safer. I don't know if it's easier to remove it the second time because I already unsnapped it once before.

 

Please feel free to add whatever information is pertinent to the discussion.

 

Bill's "shortcut way" to swap the screen out:

 

Bill's initial pictures after swapping the screen:

 

Anyone find anything better or is this the best? Does this compare with the HP radiance display? Are there any 14" 1080p screens?

 

So far, no one has found a 1080p screen that replaces the Dell screen.

 

I hope Dell is aware of this issue and halts building computers with these screens. I am willing to spend almost $2000 on the XPS 14 with all the trimmings but reading these screen reviews, I am not going to purchase it anymore. I will wait a couple months and see what happens, as I have been a loyal Dell customer for my last 2 laptops over the past 7 years.
This is really disappointing to hear.

 

Thanks for cancelling your order. That is the only way Dell will change things.

Dell escalations manager insisted the L401x screen is "technologically equivalent or better to the original systems"(M1330). These two articles shed a light on the Dell method of doing business:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/19/technology/19docs.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/29/technology/29dell.html

 

Is there any technique for popping off the bezel around the screen? I see the pic where its off, but how did you get it off? I plan on swapping my screen this weekend, Ill post pics and results.

Any other tips would be great, thanks!

 

The following was a PM from bill71, I'm sure he won't mind sharing the info.

Bezel Popping Info:

I don't know if you've already done the screen change out, but start at the top, on either side of the camera. Put your finger up under and gently lift up, just on the bottom of the bezzel. You'll hear an unsnapping. Once you do the top on both sides of the camera, work your way down the sides starting at the top corners til you get to the bottom by the hinge. When you get to the outer part of the hinge, start on the inside by doing the same thing you did with the top side. Now you should have the entire bezel, except for over the hinges loose.. Take your hands and grab both sides off the bezel at the top and push down until you hear the bezel unsnap from above the hinges.

Just apply even steady pressure when unsnapping the bezel. Remember, don't be quick, but just very slowly apply more force until you hear it snap, the snaps are usually spaced apart around the bezel, if you unsnap it around the actual lcd you'll be safer. I don't know if it's easier to remove it the second time because I already unsnapped it once before.

 

Picking my screen up on Monday, will do the swap then, thanks for the info

 

just about to order the one from the OP -- off ebay though because this seller got bad ratings. anybody find a good alternative screen yet?

 

I ordered mine from Hootoo, I did local pick up and it was fine, screen was in great shape, the swap took about 12 minutes, and it the difference in night and day, the LG screen linked on the first post is legit, really vibrant and great viewing angle.

I did crack my bezel trying to take it off though =-( but I called Dell and they are gunna send out a tech to replace it for me tomorrow =)

With the new screen, my XPS has surpassed my 15 inch i5 Macbook Pro

Sys: XPS 14, i7 740, 6 gig ram, 500g hdd, blacklit keys, bluetooth, 425m 2gb

 

Out of potential necessity; what did you say happened to the bezel?

 

My XPS 14 should be at my door tomorrow. Too bad I am 1200 miles away

Should I pick this screen up? I am curious if the resolution and brightness are worth it. To see someone compare it to a Macbook Pro 15 is kind of hard to believe.
What makes the replacement screen so much better? Is it the brightness? viewing angle? resolution?

I would love to get a matte screen but I have yet to see anyone with one that works.

Thanks!

 

It seems like a lot of people are cracking their bezels doing the swap.

Care to say what made it break? And then what you told DELL?

Also, if tech support can replace it, DELL must have the part lying around... so we should be able to get replacements down the line-

 

Okay, so I attempted to swap the screen today using the LG screen from HOOTOO. I was doing this with a buddy of mine.

Getting the Bezel off probably took like, 5-10 minutes of careful lifting and slight pressure around the edges. It's a little nerve racking, bc you think you're going to break it- but if you don't push like a caveman, you should be okay. The hinges are a little tricky, but slide off in basically the same manner. Some of the "snaps" you hear, sound bad- but all in all, that part wasn't too bad.

Next came removing the six screws (that bill pointed out in his pictures), not too hard either, any smaller Phillips head will do the trick.

After that, comes 4 small black screws. If you don't have a VERY small Phillips, you aren't getting these out. I had to go buy the small tool from an eyeglasses repair kit, to get something small enough to get these out.

Once those are out, you have to replace the screen. There is one giant connector thing in the back, if you apply pressure it will come out easily. Remove the screen and put your new one in place.

HERE'S WHERE I GOT SCREWED

Upon installing the new screen (which LOOKED fine), it booted up great- until I saw what appeared to be a hair line type scratch/break underneath the screen on the top right hand. It appears to be almost an inch long. It's very noticeable and completely unacceptable. No dead pixels, though. The screen itself, while I didn't fire it up for very long, looked WAY better than the stock screen. Now I just have to go through the RMA process, etc.

Depressing.

 

After having a lot of issues with HOOTOO's customer service (EMAIL) I finally (after about 50 phone calls) got somebody on the line and they were very helpful. They are going to send me a replacement screen out now (like I asked).

They also mentioned that dealing with their customer service through email is outsourced to a division in CHINA and can "be difficult" to deal with.

We'll see what kind of condition the screen arrives in...

 

It cracked right above the hinge, not a big deal, but I called Dell and told them I just noticed the crack, it must have cracked during shipping and they sent a guy out the next day to replace the part, really nice guy too, he came to my work actually on my lunch break

 

Wow you must have some kind of crazy good warranty for them to do that.

I managed to keep the bezel intact (getting it off), but I have yet to put it back on. It seems like it should be easier to put it back on- right?

 

Great thread guys, I'm still a bit on the fence, but for the $80 gamble I would really like to see how much nicer this screen can be. Thanks for all the contributions, excellent information being shared here

 

the screen is much much nicer. much better viewing angles and better color contrast.. I've had my new screen on for about 4 weeks and it is great.. its now the perfect pc laptop

 

Can anybody say whether the dimmest setting on the new screen is any dimmer than the old one?

 

@mechanic joe

I'll be able to tell you more when I get one that ISN'T CRACKED-

But, for the brief time that I had it on, and was surfing around a bit (played a video, too), it was much nicer. The viewing angles are 1000% percent better. I'm sure you've noticed that, unless you are right on, the stock screen is pretty crappy. That problem is alleviated with the LG, you can look from high, low, or from the side now.

 

I know it's kind of stupid in a 14" laptop but has anybody by chance found any screens that work, or at least should work based on specs, that has higher resolution than the 1600x900? I do a lot of editing work now and would love to have a 1920x1080 screen for the extra real estate. The 1600x900 is going to be a must upgrade for me if I can't find a 1080 screen soon as soon as I get my replacement (<--- long story/stupid tech)

 

Question:
Do any of you live in Canada? I was wondering if I get charged customs/duty if I order from HooToo. I tried to find info at their site. I know they ship to Canada, but they ship "from" the US.
I don't buy stuff often from the US, so I'm not too familiar with customs/duty fees...

 

^ good question, my advice would be to email them (and get a shaky reply from China), or call them (if they answer).

 

Just finished the swap guys, after receiving the 2nd LG screen (first was cracked behind the glass), and did the install.

I can basically answer any questions regarding this swap at this point.

I can clarify that there is only ONE BIG PLUG you have to plug in on the back of the screen. Make sure that is in real tight. When I fired it up for the first time, it must have been loose because it did not show me any picture at all. I tore it down again, and reconnected the plug, and it fired up perfect.

As for viewing, quality, angles, etc. this LG screen is light years better than the old screen. For starters, you don't have to be within a tiny sweet spot to see anything well anymore. Anyone with the stock screen knows that it has terrible viewing angles. With the LG, you can see the screen from above, below, left, and right perfectly.

The quality waaay nicer, too. I'm not very "technical" with regards to "specs," but I can attest to the colors being sharper and richer, the brightness is better, text is actually readable now (no GRAINY text, that plagues the stock screen).

It's a major improvement, let's put it that way- and for 80 bucks or so, totally worth it. This is the quality DELL should have started with.

Also, if you think you can't do it; you can. With all the pictures and people who have done it on this board already, there's no reason not to.

Cheers!

 

Here's another testimonial:

 

Is the screen from the L401x as bad as the quality of the 720p screen of the L501x?

 

^ I can't speak to that, I don't have that rig. Anyone?

 

I just made the switch this morning and this is well worth the time and money. The 1600x1200 is much better and the viewing angles are way better. I followed the tips below and it worked like a champ. I took my time to make sure I did not break any of the clips and it took about 20 minutes.

I use the machine on my lap and laying down in bed and the viewing angles are great now. I don't have to constantly adjust the screen to see a different part of the screen.

I took some picture but I don't think they do the screen justice. It is something that does not show up in pictures but it is much better in real life. Now when someone finds a matte screen that works I will pick that up and sell this screen. It is so easy to swap that I would have no problem doing it again.

Thanks to everyone who commented or recommended this display. It is so much better.

Follow these tips listed earlier and you will be all set!

 

Can someone please do a video tutorial on this?

 

A video tutorial would be fantastic for this, I'm really afraid to try it but I know I need to do this because the screen is really not good at all. If someone in the CT/RI area has done this and is willing to come help or do it, I would be more than happy to setup a time to get it done. Of course I would pay for the time.

 

I have no video camera, but honestly, just follow the pictures and instructions in this thread and you'll be golden. The biggest thing you need is BRAVERY to do this- you're going to be FINE if you try on your own.

 

Include me as another one that did the screen swap. I ordered through Hootoo on Jan 11th, and got it today the 13th. The coupon code HOOTOO still worked for me for 5 bucks off. I was surprised how fast it shipped through USPS (Cali to Michigan).

It really is as easy as everyone says. I used my finger nails to get behind the bezel and lid. I got finger prints all over the edge of the screen but no big deal. just light lifting pressure was needed, no need to strong man it. i also turned it on just to make sure the new screen was ok before i put the bezel back on.

New screen looks great, the extra screen area is alot better for browsing for sure. if my internet wasnt running so damn slow id fire up WoW. All in all, glad i did it, and it looks great!

 

Documentation

 

Anyone from Canada get one yet?

Dell is replacing my XPS M1330 with the XPS 14 L401x notebook, the 1st one I received the screen was horrible it was so grainy that it looked like you were looking through a screen on a window, also the fan wouldn't come on so they are sending a new replacement.

 

If your in Canada you could try screencountry, based in Vancouver I think

LP140WD1(TL)(A1) LAPTOP LCD SCREEN

Make sure you get the glossy screen, they also seem to have a good dead pixel policy (they dont test, but you can exchange).

I'll probably order from hootoo myself, they seem to be the cheapest.

 

Ok thanks for the link I will probably order from hootoo

 

US Electronics

Here is another place to buy the screen from. The screen price is $78.18 and shipping is a flat $8.60 making it approximately the same price as Hootoo, but the site seems somewhat more secure (can pay with Paypal and is BBB accredited and McAfee tested). If I end up ordering this screen ( assuming Dell ever gets their act together and sends me my replacement computer) I'll probably gt it from here.

They also ship international for a flat $18.60, for you people in Canada or wherever.

 

Has anyone recieved this LCD with dead or bright pixels? I was wondering if it was worth the extra $20 to buy it off a seller on ebay that guarantees no dead pixels?

 

Bought one from hootoo, it's perfect

 

How are the black levels on the new screen compared to the old one and overall? My HP Envy with Radiance order got canceled so I need an alternative and I'm big on high quality screens in my laptops..

 

I just ordered my L401x last week. Dell says it'll be here in a month (added some upgraded goodies to it). Hearing all the crap about the screen makes me want to swap mine out too. I'm not a fan of glossy screen though. Have we found a matte finish one yet?

I saw the one link that another guy posted on this thread and he says "be sure to order the gloss finish screen." I can't imagine there is a different in fit between the two screens.

Good thread though. I'll keep looking and post what I can find.

Greg

 

i believe I've found an alternative to the LG screen ( I hate lg cellphones, so I'm skeptical of their screens)

A+ NEW DELL H486N LAPTOP LCD LED SCREEN 14.0" WXGA HD - eBay (item 170547056594 end time Jan-27-11 23:38:09 PST)

dell's H486N

 

I see nothing that says what brand that screen is. Dell does not make LCD screens, they just put them in laptops.

 

Allegedly, from what I've read, someone tried to put the matte version of the LG screen in their laptop and it WOULD NOT work. As far as my knowledge goes, no one has swapped a matte screen into the XPS14.

 

I just finished changing out my screen to the LG 1600x900 screen. It took me all off a half an hour. Way too much has been made of bravery, fingerprints, the bezel etc. This swap was easy. The bezel was the hardest part, and took about three minutes. I just snapped the bezel off in the middle of every side, and then gently pulled the bezel away from the corners, and also put my fingernail in between the aluminum back and the bezel and gently pulled it out. The last area I pulled off was at the hinges. Fair disclosure- I am an eye surgeon, so i have the ability to be gentle and progressive in my movements, but the main thing is to pull gently and not so hard as to break the clip. Not hard if you have done any work on a computer or anything remotely delicate. After that it was easy, screws came out holding the frame, and the screws on the side of the frame that hold the LCD in. The one connector in back was taped down, I gently broke the tape free. I used another piece of scotch tape to hold the connector in place so it wouldnt slip out, as the original tape didn't want to stick anymore. I started the computer to make sure the screen worked before I fiinished the screws and put the bezel back on to check it. I was done in about 30 minutes total on the kitchen table.

Now for the verdict--- THIS IS THE SCREEN THE XPS 14 SHOULD HAVE HAD IN THE FIRST PLACE. The screen in the my previous M1330 was far better than than the one in the XPS 14. The stock screen in the XPS 14 is pretty good for a $500 laptop, absolutely inexcusably bad in a $900 one. The original screen is garbage compared to this LG one. That was for the Dell reps that inevitably will read this forum and thread. The backlighting is actually white not yellow. The screen is crisp and clear. I watched the same movie just now, Brooklyn's Finest, that I watched with the old screen. The viewing angles are excellent, the black level in another league. The resolution is wonderful, the text crisp, and a 1920x1080 resolution on a 14" screen would be ridiculous for those wishing for one. I have a 1920x1080 screen on my mother's 15.6" Dell Studio 15, and and that screen is barely big enough for that resolution in. The 14" is perfect for 1600x900 and even though I am a resolution junkie, I think it is the absolute limit.

This is an excellent screen swap, I cannot imagine why anyone who owns this laptop wouldn't do it. Even if they didn't want to do the replacment themselves, I cannot imagine that a computer/repair place or an electronics tech/electrician would charge much to do this. It's too good and too easy to do.
Frankly I think Dell should be ashamed of putting such a lousy screen in an otherwise excellent product. Besides the fact that it's a bit heavy (I wished they used more aluminum in the construction, the keyboard is top flight, the backlighting excellent, the trackpad is excellent, the speakers very good, the detailing is excellent, and even with the "base" i5 460M is very quick. This laptop deserved a far better screen in what is Dell's top of the line computer. This is a beautiful laptop, and this screen is what it should have had in the first place.

 

By the way, I simply cannot understand why the matte version of this screen wouldn't work, it makes no sense to me. That said, I cannot understand why anyone wouldn't do this swap because a matte screen wasn't available. The LG screen is just so much better than the stock- it's just too good to not change.