Screen scratches inevitable?

I have been extra careful caring for this laptop but it seems no matter how hard I try, the screen always develops a few "chinks" (small scratches that look like dots that cast a reflection on the actual screen). I've tried vaseline, Novus scratch repair, and, of course, sending in the laptop for a screen replacement. It boggles the mind that such an expensive laptop can be scratched so easily.

Am I alone in experiencing this? Are people just putting up with it? Have people found a reliable screen protector to use? I'm getting exasperated. I love everything else about the computer, but the cheap plastic that covers the screen just scratches so easily (I made sure never to close the laptop's lid, and still the screen managed to get scratched!)

 

Mine's scratched too; no idea how. I'm hoping the warranty will cover a new screen and that they'll send a tech to replace it.

 

I've basically had the screen replaced three times and every time, no matter how darn careful I am, I get these small screen chips on the acrylic. They aren't the end of the world since they're not really visible unless set against a white background...but it's still unsettling that such an expensive piece of technology is so fragile.

 

Developed a few "chinks". ROFL. Seriously, I was about to fall asleep but now I can't stop laughing.

 

"Chinks" isn't the best word, but it's hard to describe what amounts to tiny scratches everywhere.

 

Same here, the refurbished 1645 I received as a replacement came with some scratches/marks on the screen as well as keyboard marks. I was able to clean most of them off but it was still scratched/marked up...they eventually ended up replacing the screen. I guess I will be using one of those microfiber clothes between the screen and keyboard all the time, because the screen definitely rubs on the keyboard

 

I'm going to sound like a rep for this company, but I highly, highly recommend the cloths from shaggymac.com. They're super thin, don't cause hinge issues, can be used to clean the screen/keyboard and protect the screen from scratches. No issues on my screen at all since I've been using this, and I've had my laptop since October 2009. This even keeps it safe going through airport security checkpoints every week (I have to travel for business ).

You should be able to find a 10% off coupon code if you google it.

Laptop Screen Protector : ShaggyMac, Laptop Screen Protector & Keyboard Cover, Laptop Cleaner & Accessories

 

As long as you don't use any cloth between keyboard and screen the answer is: Yes: scratches are inevitable. Dell knows. Thats why they put this thin plastic foil between screen and keyboard on delivery and you are to use that every time.
A Laptop that damages itself when closing the lid, thats funny...

 

Here's another vote for shaggymac screen protectors! My laptop is relatively new (a little over a month), but not a scratch, mark, scuff, or speck of anything on the screen.

 

Just a note on the Shaggymac, I used the custom size some mentioned in the thread labeled keys marking up display or something along those lines...

I want to give a heads up for any of you that might be buying one and referring to the custom size repped, and I personally wish I would have gotten one that was a bit deeper.... The custom size repped does not go to the bottom of the screen..

In all, I still get the scratches that are at the bottom of the screen. But, the mat is great.

 

You actually can't use a bigger size because of the display hinges. Look at where they go when you close the lid

 

True, I would just cut out the corners.... But hey, to each his/her own ; )

 

My problem is that I have used the shaggy mac and the damn thing still got scratched in transit! I was flying from Toronto to Saskatoon, and I had taken every precaution to prevent the screen from hitting anything that might scratch it, and after I pulled it out of my laptop carrying bag I found four small scratches, all slightly right of center.

How are you supposed to travel with this thing?

Update: I phoned Dell and they are willing to replace the screen. That's great but it still doesn't solve my problem of how to avoid scratching it again. I've come up with two solutions:

1. Transport it by putting the black sleeve that came with it exclusively over the screen and then using another black sleeve I have to protect the rest of the laptop.

2. Buying a screen protector. Does anyone on the forum use one?

 

I agree on cutting the corners, my battery doesn't sit quite flush and rubs pretty good on the screen. Does anyone have a picture of their SXPS 16 and a shaggymat showing the coverage?

I would also be curious if anyone is using a screen protector? I've used on cell phones and ipods with good results but never a laptop...

 

I have actually tried a matte one. But forget it! At this size you won't be able to get it on without getting at least some dust under it. Its only possible if you hace access to a clean room, I think. I tried to put on mine like over ten times and then threw it away, because every tiny bit of dust under it leaves a pretty big bubble around it which you can clearly see.

 

Here are some pics of the Shaggy w/my XPS 1647. I have both: The Custom Size & the 15.6". I don't have any screen scratches..(yet) . The Shaggy seem's to help. They are "thumbnailed" Just click them for full view.

The "Custom" is definitely a "better fit". I use the 15.6" for wiping/cleaning the screen, keyboard & palmrest & lid down, etc. I had ordered the 15.6" for the my 1640..but decided to go with the Custom fit. I could use either. I just like the Custom fit, better.

Shaggy's (Custom (which is larger on bottom, 15.6" layered on Top to show size differential).


Close Up Layered:


Right Side Lip (Layered):


Custom Shaggy:


15.6" Shaggy:



Lid Semi Open - Custom Shaggy:

Lid Semi Open - 15.6" Shaggy


Lid Up - Custom Shaggy:

Lid Up - 15.6" Shaggy:


Both Shaggys for Side by Side Comparison:
(Custom on Left, 15.6" on Right)


Hope this helps! : )

Cin...

 

Wow. You seriously have a laptop fetish

 

Cin's pictures show it pretty well.... I don't think it is an issue for people with RGBLED because the screen is glass and does not give like the plastic ones probably.

 

OooooH, and such a good thing! Yes? lulz...
Don't ask about my Ltop Accessories Fetish)...lol.
I am just trying to take really good care of this one.

(I'm not called *Grace* for nothing, you know)!!

Yeah, the Shaggy works well. I have the RGBLED. I still want to protect it the best I can!

(Oh, and I place the Shaggy on the screen..just to show what it looks like sizewise)

Cin...

 

Thank You...Just what i was looking for!
Now i just have to decide which color to get...

 

Does anyone use a screen protector?

 

Hey Cin,

Just a quick question: how do you ensure that the battery part of the computer doesn't rub up against the screen?

 

I posted in this thread about my screen protector from ShaggyMac. I still use it and its going strong
http://forum.notebookreview.com/5967099-post17.html

 

Hey Spud, I picked up a shaggymac myself but still scratched my screen. The only theory I have is that the battery part that's not protected by the cloth rubbed up against the glass while the lid was closed.

 

my advice for folks who haven't yet purchased one is to buy one that is a bit deeper than the custom size recommended and just cut out the cornes for the hinges so that the bottom part of the screen IS protected from the batt.

 

Hmm, good idea. Does anyone have suggestions for dimensions to order?

 

Hey Cin, can you tell me whether you've had any scratches on the bottom of the screen (where your shaggymac isn't protecting the screen from hitting the battery)?

Thanks!

 

As far as I know, I'm using the same size screen protector as Cin... I have had no scratches by the battery area on my screen thus far.

 

I am on my second, about to receive my third 1645 on Thursday, and I must say they both have scratches from the batt. area due to not being covered.

This might not be an issue for those who do not carry the laptop around often, applying usual pressure on the middle of the screen.....

 

I think I mentioned this in another post, but I carry my laptop in my backpack every day to and from work, about a 15 minute walk each way. ShaggyMac protector between the screen and the keyboard, Dell-provided sleeve around the laptop, and laptop into the backpack. I do my best to treat my laptop well, but I don't think I'm OCD about it. Though if I did get scratches on the screen by the unprotected area by the battery, I'm pretty sure it wouldn't been in the area where the screen actually is (I've held the screen mostly closed and peaked inside... the area that isn't protected is mostly just blank bezel). I always shake out the screen protector to make sure there's not abrasive particles (sand, etc) on it, but that's about it. After setting up my laptop, I wipe down the screen with the protector, than the keyboard and palm rest area with the Dell-sleeve. Takes about 20-30 seconds, but it keeps it looking pristine.

 

IF you are referring to the part down where the Dell logo is, yes I have noticed some scratching. Doesn't really both me since it is off the screen, but yes it is there.

 

No, I meant right above the power button...there's about 2 inches that's not covered by the shaggymac and when the lid is closed the bottom of the screen can potentially rub up against it. It's basically the material above the touch buttons and power button. It's smooth so I'm hoping it won't scratch my display.

 

No, I don't have any scratches..: )
(I took another close look)


Cin...

 

The Shaggymac with my measurements covers the visible screen so the only exposed part to the surface area is the dark part of the screen that contains the Dell logo. I held it up to the screen and it falls to right where the LCD display ends, exposing the Dell logo and bottom black bar.

 

Does anyone know if this is still a problem in the newest XPS 1645s? Just ordered mine last week, and I'm waiting for it to come in still. I really don't want to purchase anything extra unless I really have to. Someone mentioned something that Dell put in between the screen during shipping; would we be able to just use that instead?

 

How about "nicks"

 

I just got my 1647 a week ago and I don't see how it can be an issue with mine. Screen opens and closes w/o touching anything. Plus there are little rubber feet on the sides which prevent the lid from touching the keyboard.

 

I keep having this issue. I have gotten both my system and screen replaced twice. This new system just got a nick towards the middle of the screen. It looks like three little dots inside the clear plastic protecting the actual screen. I use the screen protector that the laptop came with and the screen still got scratched. I take really good care of my laptop as it cost me an arm and a leg. I guess I'm going to have to call Dell again.

 

I use the dell sleeve that came with my laptop over the screen before closing it, then put it in a belkin sleeve before putting it away into my rucksack.
I have done this every day for over a year and no marks whatsoever, (screen or lid), (XPS 1640)

 

Are you talking about the black sleeve that came with the laptop or the white keyboard cover?

 

along this idea, i have also been recently using the black sleeve (the one that came with the Dell) as a screen protector: i only put the LCD panel into the case, so that the case sits between the keyboard and screen and also wraps around the outside of the screen. then i put it into my homemade neoprene sleeve. so far this has worked well for me. why buy a $30 screen protector when Dell gives you one for free!

 

It's the "thin" Black sleeve that came with the lappy. : )

And, I am still using the Shaggymac with great results (no scratches, etc).

 

"Are you talking about the black sleeve that came with the laptop"
Yes, just slip it over the screen before closing the lid.

 

are people having this issue with the new xps line?

 

Ok... I am going to give Dell a call before they run out of SXPS screens and get mine replaced. I will start using the black sleeve the way you guys do. I hope that does the trick.