RGBLED replaced by WLED??

Ok. I'll cut to the chase:
Due to 1640 throttling issues Dell decided to replace my laptop. It has been shipped so I'm waiting for it. But I see on the specification that instead of RGBLED 16" screen, a 15.6" WLED is on. What the hell? The support guy that I talked to said I will get RGBLED. So I immediately call Dell and ask what happened to my RGBLED. They tell me the newer SXPS doesnt make RGBLED so WLED was the only option and to compensate that they gave me 9cell battery and extra 2g of ram. Although support guy I talked to a couple of days earlier already told me I will get extra 2g of ram regardless. So then I ask if the screen switch is possible from my 1640 to 1645 and they tell me it isnt possible because the physical size is different or something.

So are the newer SXPS physically smaller than older ones? by 0.4inches? I thought 15.6" have just 0.2" black bars each side of the screen, not the whole laptop is physically smaller. Are there any noticeable differences between RGBLED and WLED?

 

I just joined the form but have read a bit about the RGBLED screen as I am currently shopping for the right XPS system.

It seems that DELL is no longer using the RGBLED screen due to possible battery and heat issues. Many have praised the RGBLED but there are a significant amount of users that love their WLED screen. I personally do not know if you will notice a difference but it sucks to hear that you are not getting the same product you purchased.

The switch man end up being a good thing in the long run if Dell did indeed have problems with the screen.

When I did ask a sales rep about the RGBLED screen availability yesterday they told me that Dell's marketing department figured that less than 10% of US buyers wanted the technology so they cut the option out. May be true but sounds like a sack of BS to me.

 

Well you did upgraded from a 1640 -> 1645 and then getting additional 2 GB of Ram and a 9-Cell battery...so you got quite a few upgrades there, be happy.

 

you can always ask them to install your rgbled from your old one to the new one - many have done this.

 

If you think that an extra 2GB of (maybe unnecessary) RAM and a 9cell battery (which comes as standard now anyway) is an acceptable loss for a £200 add on then you're wrong!

There aren't any differences in the physical dimensions between either models.

If I were you I'd call Dell and tell them how unhappy you are about it and demand either a RGBLED (which are in stock here in the UK thus still a possibility) or a much better upgrade (SSD or GPU). If all fails then demand a full refund, then see what they'll offer you!

You could even try switching the screens! I'm sure I've heard some users swapping their newer replacement WLED for their old RGBLED so it can't be too difficult!

Best of luck!

 

RGB is indeed gone in the US so +2GB/9 cell seems very reasonable in exchange, not to mention other upgraded parts from 1640 to 1645.
Anyway, you should try the wled and decide what to do from there. If you hate it, then call Dell to have your display swapped with your RGB.

 

I did ask about that. and told me it cant be done because the screen size between 1640 and 1645 is different something like that. I pressed really hard on switching from my old one to new one and I think the support spoke to supervisor or someone in charge. I had to wait about less than 10min for the support guy to comeback to me. I guess its something I have to sacrifice since Im getting quite the upgrades.
I got from core 2 duo to i7-720QM,
4g ram to 6g 1333mhz ram
ATI 4670 to 5730
9cell batt

Did people change the screens on their own? Dell wont do it! I live in Canada btw. I kinda do want the RGBLED. After all, I did spend the money on it. The support guy said someone will call me again on sept 5th about the screen and other things I got concerned. Should I wait for the call or call before? What exactly should I say to convince them to change my screen?

 

I'd personally keep the one w/ RGB screen.

 

I would like to buy a Studio XPS as well and it's infuriating knowing that you can get the RGBLED in the UK but not here in Canada or the US. As much as I would like to order one now, probably best and wait it out.

 

the whole top portion of the laptop(lcd and cover) are all the same i think as far as dimensions.. its just the screen size thats different... i think you could do the switch.. im just not sure if the connections inside are the same..

 

Curious. The reason I've been considering an RGBLED display is because as a photographer I'm interested in a display that can accurately (or as near as possible) display colours matching Adobe RGB colour gamut. I'm not 100% certain this is what RGBLED will do but I got the impression it has the Adobe RGB colour space. The vast majority of monitors are sRGB which is a smaller colour space and tricks are used along with calibration to approximate the colour to the output device but the display can't really display the full range of colours if you shoot Adobe RGB colour space.

However I could be wrong and it doesn't do this at all.

I can see I can still order it from Dell UK, but if they're dropping it and manufacturers are not making the panels any more then it's a concern when it comes to warranty replacements, and also upgrading in the future if my only option is an sRGB monitor.

I was hoping that finally we'd start moving away from the rather inferior sRGB colour space that all monitors have been using for so long and we can start seeing photos as they were shot.

 

hmm I thought the dimensions were different. Then I dont know why Dell cant change the screens.... Should I just keep insisting on getting my RGBLED?

 

Get a real monitor if you're serious about your work. I have not seen anyone with decent photography work using a TN screen for their work.

 

He's also being upgraded from a 1640 to a 1645, meaning an upgraded motherboard, CPU, GPU, on top of the RAM. It's a more than fair trade.

 

I don't think you have a good understanding of what colorspace is. AdobeRGB is not necessarily 'superior' (or larger) than sRGB, it's just different. It compresses more color space into the same 8-bit values, mostly only making a difference in the greens. Also, there's no such thing as a 'sRGB' or AdobeRGB monitor, they're just monitors. The RGBLED does have a higher color gamut though.

Like Anodize said, if that's what you're concerned about, you need to get a quality ($400+) professional IPS or PVA external monitor, like a Dell UltraSharp. 99% of all laptop displays (including both the WLED and RGBLED) use 6-bit TN panels. Not only will you experience dithering from a 6-bit panel, but the viewing angles of TN displays are quite poor. The gamma value changes drastically depending on the angle you're viewing at, it even changes from the top to the bottom of the screen when looking straight at it, making a TN panel (and therefore all laptop displays) unsuited for (professional) photography.

That said, both the RGBLED and WLED panels used in the Studio XPS are very good for laptop displays.

Try reading these:
sRGB vs. Adobe RGB
Working Space Comparison: sRGB vs. Adobe RGB 1998
LCD monitor test images
Monitor calibration and gamma

 

I understand that, but people have been upgraded like this before! To lose the RGBLED (which is what they could have bought the machine for in the first place) with no real upgrade is unfortunate and the OP should try and get something good from Dell after having a terrible experience with a 1640.

 

There is some serious upgrades, like a higher model with better CPU/GPU/Ram/battery...that more than compensates for an RGBLED (I have both and for me the WLED is still an amazing screen). You should be happy that you are getting what you are and be content. I think Dell has been too generous to some users, as a result now everyone is trying to take advantage and squeeze every dime and nickle out of them (from what I have been reading on the forums). I can't think of any other computer maker that has been this generous as Dell has been with replacements/upgrades.

 

They are lying. I had my 1640 replaced 2 months ago for multiple issues. I received the 1645 without the rgbled screen and it had 1600 x 900 WLED screen. I received it and to me it was a piece of ****. Washed out, alot lower res, very dull and so i called dell and told them this was unacceptable. I originally payed 350$ to get the rgbled display when the 1640 launched. He agreed with me and dispatched a tech to replace the display with a new screen not refurb ( it did not say refurb on the package or shipping invoice ) and my bluetooth module. Now that i have the RGBled screen to me there is only 1 laptop maker that even comes close to the same display quality as this is Sony. There trulife displays are really good and i will no longer go to anything less that that. Do yourself a favor and talk to a manager

 

So Dell just changed your screen to RGB correct?

If they upgrade like that, does Dell change/update the service tag on your system?

 

Yea they just sent the display as far as i know my service tag is still the same

 

Dell's giving me a 1920x1080 WLED. But yeah RGBLED is one of the reason why I bought this SXPS. So I am going call again and if they say they cant replace it, then Im going to talk to manager or someone whos in charge. But should I wait for them to call me back or call right away? Because I talked to support already about getting WLED instead of RGBLED and he said he or someone else will get back to me on sept 5.

 

I would check if Dell can update the service tag just in case you get another replacement in the future since they will probably go by what's on the service tag on replacement systems.

 

I definitely agree that you are getting quite upgrade from the 1640 which I wouldn't mind myself but I also agree that if you paid extra for a feature that will work fine with the new laptop then it should not be a problem either. I would not be happy to lose my RGBLED either and I would not settle for less. When the 1640 first came out, it was Dell's "premium" laptop and the buyers such as myself paid a premium price. I would expect premium service as well. So I would definitely have Dell install the RGBLED on the 1645 you are receiving.

 

I just got off the phone with Dell and this time they explained why changing screens cant be done: the parts with 1640 and 1645 are not compatible. The laptop dimensions are the same but the internal components are different. They are not made for each other. The screws and ports/port numbers are all different. Even IF the change is done, doubt the RGBLED screen will turn on. I even said UK has an option for RGBLED but the region is different or some s***. So looks like Im out of luck for RGBLED.
To Brendanmurphy: I live in the same city as you. How did you get the RGBLED screen??? help me out

 

Sounds like some BS to me! Oh well, what can you do?

 

Call them back do not give up. Nothing has changed from the 1640 > 1645 > 1647 screen wise. They are all the same for screens. Tell them that is bull and point them towards this website do not give up

 

1640, 1645, 1647 have the same dimensions. But the internal components that connect are different. According to Dell. Can I ask you what EXACT you did to get yours replaced? and which website?

 

It may make sense but the fact of the matter is i am not the only forum member who has had there RGBled screen installed onto the 1645 or 47. Parts are indeed compatible.

 

well they're telling me parts are not compatible. How do I prove that that's a BS? Your RGBLED is not from 1640. Didnt you say you got a brand new one? Who got theirs screens switched from 1640 onto 1645?

 

Sorry for being OOT, but I spotted a 1645 /w RGB + 5730(first time I've seen this combo being sold in US) in the outlet yesterday. The price was $899. Sorry, couldn't keep it to myself cos it's so rare. ~

 

Whatever man. I dont live in US and I just checked and its not there anymore...

 

Me , OverVu and kezuk12 just to name 3. There are more of us. You need to call back and take no for an answer. There have been no major changes that would make the parts incompatible

 

I feel that the 1640 -> 1645 upgrade (including motherboard, cpu, gpu) just compensates for the fact that he had to deal with getting a replacement in the first place, and they still owe him an RGBLED or something substantial to make up for the lack of it. I know a huge reason for me choosing my 1645 was the RGBLED, widely acclaimed to be The Best laptop display out there. I almost certainly would've gone with a lenovo, HP, ASUS, or something else if I hadn't been able to get it.

 

I only posted because noone has ever seen a pre-configured 1645 with the RGB screen + 5730 in the US region. Sorry if I got you upset in anyway. It was totally off topic and nothing related.

 

What then is the second best Laptop display out there (make, model, etc) in your opinion?

 

That RGBLED does have a higher gamut, is what I am interested in. The compression is not a factor in the image data itself if you shoot raw and process 16bit, which I do.

I'm aware of the viewing angle issues, although personally myself I don't use a computer at angles as that just seems daft . The variation top to bottom is a noted issue though how much of an issue on the Studio XPS RGBLED display?

Which is why I'm interested. Just going by this thread, clearly there seems to be opinion that the RGBLED is preferable. If this isn't good for the likes of photography then what is it good for? (I'd assume graphic designers would also be interested but the same issues would apply). Why is anyone interested as I can only see the desire for a wider gamut as being the reason to buy it and only photographers & graphic designers would really be interested?

Ken's a laugh as always but his articles are mostly subjective . This one sounds like he's never used a wider gamut monitor which is why he doesn't appreciate the difference (and he's wrong to say that labs don't understand Adobe RGB. He's using the wrong labs). If you want to edit with a gamut that better represents what you shot and what you may print, then shooting, editing and printing Adobe RGB can be preferable over sRGB.

I've seen that one before. It's more objective than Ken's and explains the reasons far better rather than just dismissing Adobe RGB out of hand. This opinion is one of the reasons I use Adobe RGB...

"My advice is to use Adobe RGB 1998 if you normally work with 16-bit images, and sRGB if you normally work with 8-bit images. Even if you may not always use the extra colors, you never want to eliminate them as a possibility for those images which require them."

Therefore my interest in a wider gamut monitor. However the points on the panel being TN and the disadvantages of it are valid. I'd go for an IPS or VPA if it was feasible in a laptop display. For practical reasons I am after a desktop replacement and want the best quality I can get. An external monitor just really isn't an option.

Anyway, I need to do further research but a laptop is really the only option for my needs. Maybe I'd go for WLED instead, but I don't fully see why I should turn my nose up at a wider gamut monitor if I want a wider gamut.

 

Well, good news! I went into an aggressive mode and Dell has finally agree to change my screen! They are gonna send a technician to switch the screens and see if they fit each other. If some components are not fit, then they are gonna order a new RGBLED and replace with the WLED. If the switches dont work then I need wait but as long as Im getting a RGBLED Im willing to wait. Although I dont have the on site technician warranty, Dell's made an execption. I hope it fits so I can take the laptop to school. Oh and I got my replacement laptop today as well.

 

Congrats! Hope it all fits!

 

O wait. False call........ I just got off the phone with Dell and after 44min of talk, it came to that since the parts for 1640 and 1645 are different, they will have to order a new RGBLED that fits for 1645. They dont know when the part will arrive because they dont make RGBLED. But they left me with a confirmation # to check if a technician has received the parts. Once he gets the screen, Dell will call me and send a technician. If it takes too long, then I'll give them another shout (lol).

 

Good luck MP, I hope you get your RGBLED. I know I would have had no doubt about ordering an XPS if I could have gotten that option.

 

Thanks. I just hope it doesnt take wayyyyy too long

 

Trust me it will fit no problem also it should take 1 - 2 days never anymore. If it does they lied

 

But they said the internal components dont fit and they have to order the new RGBLED screen and stuff. They couldnt tell how long its gonna take for the new screen to arrive because they dont make RGBLED's anymore (guess they have to make one from scratch) but they gave me a confirmation # to see if Dell has received the screen. When they do, they are gonna call me and schedule a technician to come over. When it takes wayyyy too long then Im gonna have another chat, but I hope it comes soon.

 

1640/1645/1647 share the same base. It should fit no problem.
They aren't going to build you a new RGBLED display. The panel was discontinued early 2009 and Dell is in process of getting rid of their stock atm. Consider yourself lucky if your screen was made in 09.

 

Then I have no clue why they are keep saying the internal components are not compatible. I mean if they want to solve my problem as quickly as possible and get rid of me, then they should switch the screens right away. I think if they want me to hang around then I think it for real that the internal components are not compatible. But if I wait for like 3weeks and dont hear anything from them, then Im gonna go ballistic.

just to comment the difference between RGBLED and WLED, having them compared side by side, there is significant colour differences even with both 1920x1080

 

Some reps at Dell have no idea what they talk about. I had one rep told my I would void warranty on my 1645 if I use it with the 130w adapter. lol.

 

Where do I type in the confirmation number in Dell website? I cant find one

 

Don't bother call them right away. Every repair i have had was within 1 - 2 days if it wasn't the rep lied and didn't process it. Give them a call and ask what the hold up is

 

They told me when I called yesterday that they have to special order the RGBLED screen because Dell doesnt make it anymore and the internal components such as like screws and ports are not compatible between 1640 and 1645. For that reason they cant give me an estimate time for it to arrive. I mean they cant be lying right? (Do they?) Im going away from home for school so I cant take 1645 with me but I can wait. I'll give them like 2-3weeks and if they're still BSing then Im gonna go ballistic (physically go to the company or something).

 

Next time you talk to them MP, could you ask them why they continue to sell it in the UK but not in Canada? Could you further ask them why they continue to list it as an option that isn't really? Thanks