Swapping the display in the XPS 15 (L502x) [glossy->matte]

Hello everybody,

I just purchased a new XPS 15 L502x with the FHD 1080p glossy display. I understand its an excellent looking display, but I am not a fan of reflections and glare.

Where can I find a replacement screen for the L502x that is the FHD 1080p but in matte?

I read in the forums that the matte display model for the L501x is AU Optronics B156HW01 V.4 and the glossy is V.7. Is this the same for the L502x?

I searched for the V.4 on ebay but the reseller is in the UK and the auction said the screen would not work in a dell.

I would also like to install a SSD in my laptop so if someone could also point me to where I can find a HD caddy for the L502x optical bay that would be awesome.

Here are the specs for my new laptop:

1 225-0675 XPS 15
1 317-6409 2nd generation Intel Core i7-2720QM processor 2.20 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 up to 3.30 GHz
1 317-6415 8GB,DDR3,2 DIMM
1 331-1668 Backlit Internal Keyboard - English
1 320-1673 15.6FHD TLF B+RGLED LCD L501X
1 421-3874 Camera Software 2.X, Factory Install
1 421-3642 Basic Stage
1 320-2120 NVIDIA GeForce GT540M 2GB graphics with Optimus
1 342-2369 500GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
1 318-0490 Elemental Silver Aluminum (WLAN)
1 420-6576 DELL WELCOME,Software Dimension/Inspiron
1 420-9691 DataSafe Local BackUp
1 420-6436 PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
1 330-6222 Windows 7 Label
1 421-1737 Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
1 421-0092 DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG
1 420-9876 Cozi-Calendar
1 421-2086 eBay Webslice
1 421-0757 Skype VOIP Application
1 421-4118 WHITEPAGES.COM,Webslice
1 421-4289 Dell Support Center Software 3.0
1 318-0392 Windows Live Wave 4
1 331-1674 Resource DVD (L502X)
1 430-4038 Integrated 10/100/1000 Network Card
1 410-1883 Adobe Acrobat Reader 9.0 Multi-Language
1 318-0151 Tray Load Blu-ray Disc BD-Combo (Reads BD and Writes to DVD/CD)
1 318-0434 Roxio Creator Starter, FI
1 421-4550 Power DVD 9.6, 3D
1 318-0138 JBL 2.1 Speakers with Waves Maxx Audio 3
1 430-4048 Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 and Bluetooth 3.0
1 421-4736 Wireless Display Software
1 331-0413 mini Display Port to VGA Adaptor
1 410-9454 McAfee Platinum, 24 Month, MUI
1 312-1186 92 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
1 410-0487 Microsoft Office Starter: reduced-functionality Word and Excel with ads. No PowerPoint or Outlook
1 939-4850 Dell Hardware Limited Warranty, Extended Year
1 939-4860 Dell Hardware Limited Warranty, Initial Year
1 939-4880 Dell Limited Hardware Warranty Plus In-Home Service After Remote Diagnosis, 1 Year Extended
1 939-4870 Dell Limited Hardware Warranty Plus In-Home Service After Remote Diagnosis, Initial Year
1 950-3338 2 Year Limited Warranty
1 987-5271 Accidental Damage Service, 2 Years
1 412-0358 Soft Contracts Consumer Accidental Damage Agreement
1 420-8878 Soft Contracts Dell In-Home Hardware Agreement
1 925-4561 Warranty Support, 1 Year Extended
1 933-0410 Warranty Support, Initial Year
1 988-0099 To activate your online backupaccount, go to Start, Programs, DataSafe Online
1 927-2357 DataSafe Online 2.0 2GB
1 421-4356 Software, DataSafe Online 2.0 2GB
1 330-0171 S and P Drop-in-Box Marcom forDHS Notebooks
1 430-3893 No Mobile Broadband L501X
1 466-7687 Thank you for choosing Dell
1 421-4600 Recovery DVD for Windows 7 Home Premium OS, 64bit, English

Order date: 4/6/2011
EDD: 4/27/2011

 

The matte option was not available on any XPS, only the glossy. You can try this this source from the UK, he has come through for several members in the Dell XPS L501x LCD Display Swap thread. There's also good info on the replacement process there.

For just about the same price including shipping, you can also find the display at Amazon. Two vendors have it listed, but only one of them has the exact part number. The cheaper listing is for a "compatible" display, not the exact part and you definitely want the exact part. I ordered from here, I'm hoping it will get here this week so I can swap it next weekend.

 

You can read up some more on the displays in this thread. I verified that my L502X does in fact have the AUO17ED panel, which you can see in that link is the B156HW01 v.7. There's also links in that thread to reviews for laptops that have the different panels.

 

Does the matte screen have the same properties (color gamut, contrast ratio, black ratio etc.) with the glossy one that gets everyone's praise?

 

The matte screen (if you get the correct one) is the exact same panel except in matte. It's the same 95% gamut matte FHD panel you'll find in the T510/T520/W510/W520 and the Sager NP5160 on XoticPC

 

If you're able to find one of the v4 matte screens, definitely scoop it up. Lee from Kuzotronic (above link) is great to deal with. Ordered my L502 with the 720p so i could go with the v4, from what everyone says its gonna be heaven.

 

Dell sells the matte screen instead of the glossy screen in Australia on the XPS 17. I'm hoping they'll give that option in the USA. I don't care for glossy screens. That's one of the few cons on these Dell laptops. They should give people that option on their high end laptops.

 

Thanks for the info so far guys...

Im wondering since I already have the v.7 screen then the v.4 should be a direct replacement, right? If it is then I wont have to buy the LVDS cable because the cable I have should already work...I would only need the screen.

Also if someone has a v.4 who wants a v.7 let me know, we can work out a direct swap of some sort...

 

Maybe I could find the matte screen from the local Lenovo parts supplier if that is the exact same screen on T510/T520/W510/W520 models, so I could avoid the hassle of importing from UK.

Also, is it easy to swap the screens?

 

I've never swapped laptop screens, but this video makes it look fairly simple.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFgN43OfTGE&feature=player_embedded

 

Indeeed it looks easy, but when the time comes to do the deed I'm sure it'll be harder to do for a clumsy and unskillful person like me. I may have the Dell service do it for me.

Though it's always nice to know the screen is replacable, if needed.

 

I'm sure I'd damage the connectors doing it. That's why I hope Dell offers a matte option on the XPS 17 laptops. They currently offer anti glare screens in Australia on that model.

 

Wow, I just checked the IBM parts site and they want $880.00 for the screen... how absurd. As much as I don't want the hassle of overseas mail, I think I am going to just order one from Lee as his service seems to be outstanding as well.

 

Wow! How could there be 750 $ difference if these screens are identical?

 

Hi Guys,

Just received an email from one of you, I'm sorry, not sure who....

...So you both are looking for the matte version of the B173HW01 screen for the L702x????? This is Full-HD (1920x1080).

I don''t have any in but I might be ordering some screens this week so maybe I can sort something out for you if you are really keen on the matte version.

Are your hearts set on the matte version????
Thanks
Lee

 

Hi Lee,

Can you confirm, if I order an XPS with the Gloss v7 1080p, and I want to order the Matte V4 1080p from you, do I need the ribbon cable? Or is the cable only needed to switch from 720 to 1080?

In case you were wondering, I think it would be easier to resell the removed 1080p Gloss rather than a 720, so that was why I was thinking of ordering it that way.

Cheers,
L

 

Hi,

Apologies for the confusion...if your XPS15 comes with a 1080p screen installed then you will not need to purchase the cable. You only need the screen.

It is the B156HW01 V4 screen that you require. You should be able to sell your V7 on eBay no problem and your new screen would cost almost nothing. win-win situation!!!!!

I hope this answers your questions.
Thanks
Lee

 

Hi Lee,

My heart is definitely set on the matte version of this screen. Do you think we can get a group buy/discount going?

I am not in urgent need for the screen as my EDD of the L502X is on 4/27/11. Also, I don't want to place the order for my screen until I know for sure it is the glossy v.7. Most likely it will be the v.7, but since Dell doesn't specify on their website I would like to check for myself.

Good to know I wont need a new LVDS cable.

 

Hi,

The chance of a group buy is now about 90%....if one more person signs up then they will be ordered.

DEAR ALL - Just so you know, I am in Ukraine from 22nd April for 10 days with my wife and her family for personal reasons (don't really want to discuss this on here) so I may have to ship when I get back at the beginning of May.

I apologise for this but obviously family matters come first.

If the screens get delivered before I fly then I will most definitely get them shipped out to you all.

Just thought I'd give you all the heads up!!!! If this is going to be a problem for anyone, just get in touch and I can sort out refunds etc.

Thanks
Lee

 

PS. This will probably work out well for you if you are not receiving your machine until 27/04.

 

Hi.

I have not got my XPS L502X yet. I hope I will have it by the end of April. I am worried about the glossy screen, but I honestly don't know if it'll be as much of a problem as I fear it will be. If I decide I want the matte version of the screen, I will definitely contact you (via pm on this forum?).

Is this your store? I mean is the price of the screen 120 Pounds?

 

Hi,

Yes that is correct. It's the genuine B156HW01 V4 screen and everybody who buys it loves it....in fact, I have had 0 complaints from anybody about this screen yet.

I am pre-ordering some more screens next week as the demand is so high

 

Just thought I would bump this thread up to the top....

also I just checked my order status and it looks like my laptop status is now shipped as of tonight!

I used 7 day delivery (even tho i paid out the wazoo for the laptop!) so we will see when I actually get it...but the original EDD was 4/27 and I ordered it on 4/6.

 

Received the v.4 panel today, swap was pretty straightforward and uneventful. Between the service manual and the guides here at NBR, there were no surprises. It's an incredible piece of hardware, improves on the already impressive v.7 that shipped with the laptop.

 

How bad was the glare to begin with falcon?

Also looks like FedEx is scheduled to deliver it tomorrow, and since I wont be home to sign for it, Ill be getting this on Friday if there are no delays!

 

Depends where you use it and how sensitive you are to the glare. If you need to use it outdoors or in rooms with lots of lights and/or windows behind you it might be a problem. At the office we've got lots of lights but I could turn up the brightness and position it so it wasn't too bad. In the evenings on the living room sofa I never had a problem but the room is dimly lit.

Don't get me wrong, the v.7 in the XPS is a very nice display. I just feel it's limited by the drawbacks of the glossy finish. TBH, I've always felt glossy displays were a plague. For me, there's no upside and plenty of downside. I'll take a quality matte display any day! This just makes me like my XPS more...

At least you'll have it for the weekend...ENJOY!!!

 

Did you get the v4 from Lee? Are you in the US? Just wanted to know how long it took to get to you.

 

No, I got it from Mythlogic on Amazon. Price increased after I ordered, Lee would be the least expensive source at this point. AFAIK, these two sources are the only ones that guarantee to ship the exact part, all the others I contacted had "compatible" displays.

 

And you will also walk away with a smile, and money cannot buy you this

 

I'd be hesitant to order from him.

 

????

Have I upset you????

 

This^^^^^^

 

I wasn't talking to you Kipcoo and you are not familiar with the context of the conversation!

It wasn't meant seriously, apologies for offending!!!

 

for the ppl who have swapped screens. does anyone have any pics of the matte screen on their laptop that they can post? would really like to compare the difference.

Thanks

 

Here's a pic of the W510 with the FHD matte 95% gamut screen. It's the same AUO V4 screen you'd get for the XPS 15

 

Why is everyone apparently buying B156HW01 V4 matte rather than B156HW01 V7 matte? Is the older V4 somehow more desirable, or did people just not know that V7 is also available with a matte finish?

 

Because the v7 is the glossy display that Dell uses...

 

Ah; I've been misled by clever marketing.

After reading your comment, I noticed that the websites I was looking at, which listed "B156HW01 V7" with your choice of a matte or glossy finish, were actually listing "100% compatible" screens. So, the matte screens I was looking at (which I had wrongfully interpreted as the nonexistent B156HW01 V7 matte) were actually the B156HW01 V4, or (more likely) something like the B156HW01 V1 with a lower gamut % or (perhaps even more likely) some cheaper, third party screen.

Thanks.

 

I would like a matte display instead of my glossy 1080p too. I also want to sub the optical drive for a ssd so I already looked for a site a couple days ago and found this 2nd HDD or SSD Caddy for DELL XPS 15 (L501x, L502x) [OBHD-SATA12-SATA-BU] - $44.75 : NewmodeUS, Hard Drive Caddys for Notebooks

i hope that gives you the info you need

 

We have one official V4 (matte) left in stock and can ship immediately.

This is absolutely our last one available so it's yours if you want it.

Cheers
Lee

 

How I wish I had the money and notebook repair experience to get one of those...

 

It looks like I missed out on that one screen you had left in stock, Lee. I'm guessing you won't be able to restock, since AUO stopped producing these?

 

Hi Jay,

yes sorry, the last one went last night.

I am going to try and source some more...there are a few other options, the problem is getting them for the right price as I don't buy in bulks of more than 10-50, and you need to buy 100+ to really get the discounts...for instance, I have previously sold Grade A panels (1-2 pixel flaws allowed) but I can quite easily get hold of Grade A+ (guaranteed flawless) B156HW01 V4 screens but the retails price shoots up from circa £120-£130 to around £150-£160 which is too expensive. It's not worth me buying them if I can't sell them. If I had the resources to buy 100+, I could probably sell A+ screens for around £100-£110. Economies of scale as they say!!! But I'm still small-fry in the ocean of screen suppliers.

I will let you know if I come by any however.....

 

Hi Barlow,

when do you return to have more AUO B156HW01 V.4 screens in stock ?

Regards

 

Hi,

The B156HW01 V4 has now been discontinued and supplies have dried up.

I am in discussion with some other potential suppliers but for now, I'm not going to be able to offer any....I will post straight on here if I manage to get my hands on some.

Cheers
Lee

 

Anyone still looking, keep an eye on eBay seller "screenintaipei" ( eBay My World - screenintaipei)

They had eight B156HW01 V.4 in stock a few weeks ago, I bought one for $165 shipped and installed it today, it truly was Grade A+ with no dead pixels and was the exact model.

 

Ooooh...were these suppliers based in Taiwan/China????

EDIT: Oh wait...I just checked myself...yes they are.......damn it.....that means I won't be able to get hold of them if they are selling them direct!!

I found another (Grade A+) suppler who wanted $140 per screen trade price (+ shipping) but then I have to import them into the UK and pay EU Duty and VAT which makes it an expensive proposition.

 

Ok, this is ridiculous. I have been trying for hours to get this stupid display bezel off and it's not budging. I can lift it up easily enough on the inside edges but pushing it out, as stated in all the directions I have seen, does not do anything. It won't move at all. I'm no stranger to taking laptops apart (used to repair them for a living) and this is driving me crazy. Anyone else have trouble getting the bezel off or have any other tips?

 

It's tricky. The clips are sort of "hooks." Try starting on either the left or right side of the webcam: slide a finger/thumb underneath the bezel to pry it away from the screen a little bit, then at the same time insert a fingernail into the crack at the top. Push upwards on the bezel while prying it outward from the crack with your fingernail.

Once you see how the clips work, you'll have a much easier time removing the bezel. Even so, it's far from simple to remove. Also, unless you remove the display assembly from the laptop or at least loosen the hinges significantly, you'll probably break a few of the bottom clips. For me it wasn't worth the effort, as even with a couple broken clips at the bottom, this bezel would never come off without a fight.

 

Thanks for the tips! I actually managed to get it off after tinkering with it some more and just finished the swap. Once I managed to get the first one off, the rest were pretty easy until I got to the bottom, which was terrible... Didn't break any clips luckily but it took me a good 45min to actually find where the bottom tabs were. I poked at them with a small screwdriver and popped the bezel off easily after that. Glad to finally be rid of those awful gloss induced reflections.

One thing I noticed with my new screen is that it's the actual Lenovo part. Is this common (i.e. all of these screens are listed as OEM brands) or do these v.4 screens exist without that?

My display as shown in AIDA64: