XPS 15 (L521X) Owner's Lounge

What is there to understand? If your screen is such that you're comfortable with it, wonderful.

Your experience only indicates that the screen on your particular machine does not seem to exhibit whatever grid problem that some other users have raised.

Personally, I can only say that I saw two instances of the grid problems: one (quite perceptible) on the initial screen and the other (less perceptible) on the replacement screen. Even with such experiences, I cannot imply that you or any other owners should have the same problems.

 

Because I want know how those screens WITH 'grid' issue look like. Do you mean those with the issue, can apparently see those grids during normal use? And so I took close-ups, hoping they can be references.

 

Unfortunately you have to see it with your eyes, because macro pics amplify the grid very very much (and I mean really a lot!) . I tried, just for comparison, to take a macro photo of my L502x screen (which we all know had a perfect display) and it looked terrible with an awful grid. I must have posted somewhere in the display thread

Sent from HTC HD2 with Tapatalk

 

You have three things using your SSD

- the D: partition
- the hibernation partition
- the remainder used as cache

I believe - note "believe" - that if you manually rebuilt how the SSD is used that you could get what you want.

Check this dell doc on intel irt for a bunch of specifics. I got it off a dell server, but don't have the original link any more.

Overall, the process is

- disable intel irt
- delete all partitions (using diskpart command-line or disk management gui)
- rebuild all partitions as desired (using diskpart command-line)
- enable intel irt

I had to do this when I upgraded the ram in my machine to 16 Gb, the difference between your system and mine is that I only have the 32Gb SSD and thus have no D: drive.

If I were you, with a huge SSD, I'd look into the earlier posts on how to move the OS from the hard drive to SSD, and set it up like this...

- 96 Gb partition with OS install on SSD
- 8 Gb hibernation partition on SSD (or, 16 Gb if you have that much ram and 8 Gb less space for OS)
- remainder of SSD for caching hard drive
- move "Users" directory hierarchy to hard drive to conserve SSD space

Of course, this means you're limited to ~90 Gb of OS/app installation space.

You may also find that with your OS+apps on the SSD you don't need any SSD caching at all.

 

Then you have to look at those screens WITH 'grid' issue.

With your own eyes.

For your own use.

 

The problem is very apparent on the macro photos.

Every screen once amplified will look terrible, you will see every pixel and subpixel of the screen. that's normal.

what's not normal is the space between pixels, that is black, being that big, as you can see on the photo posted.
and because of that during white background some people are able to see it.

i'm not saying that you don´t have to see it with your own eyes to understand it, but the prof is on the macro pictures.

 

I don't dispute that some find the visual grid unappealing, however I don't think macro shots are necessarily the way to prove there is a problem in production, solely at least.

I mean really, with macro you can make the retina display devices show their grid, and most of the phone screen comparisons do so in order to verify the type of panel used.

The closest I think the use of macro shots could get would be to, maybe, expose a manufacturing problem where the black area was over-large according to the production spec for the panel (or the colored elements under-sized). But, that assumes specific knowledge of the specs and actual sizes of the display elements. I'm not sure I'd trust even a good macro shot with a scale to accurately determine the length and width of the display elements.

From the pattern of complaints and non-complaints I've observed on this forum I'm inclined to believe that there are dang few actual malfunctioning displays, just a spec-display that is insufficient to what a number of people expected.

If there's a number of dead pixels and so forth, clearly that needs to be replaced.

If otherwise, and people find the display poor or insufficient for their use I feel like they should just return or not buy the machine.

Clearly, there are other options available.

Frankly, I'd rather Dell spend their resources dealing with the wifi, and maybe a different tuning of the bios control for throttling (not that it is an issue for myself, but others would appreciate it and it's an easy tune to distribute).

 

Right. Those are the areas where Dell itself has "direct control" over.

The screen discrepancies rest with AUO. What has been reported seems to indicate that manufacturing is such that the produced display panels are not consistent. (I am hesitant to imply that it is an issue related to "subjective perception" or "personal taste.")

If you are uncomfortable with the notebook, return it. If you are reluctant after researching about the notebook, don't buy it.

 

Who are you to tell people to return their laptops if they don't like the screen (people do not want to give up on this machine which is a good thing)...you think it is as simple as returning something...I believe all issues should be solved regardless of how insignificant they seem to you...This laptop is supposed to be on par with the mac book pro so everyone should expect the same quality... and if no one complains or pushes Dell to fix the laptop issues how will they improve and compete with MBP... this goes full circle we need companies to pump out good products and they need our feedback to improve the two cannot exist without the other...once Dell addresses the 3 main issues with the XPS 15 it will be the PERFECT laptop...

 

I'm the same as you, one person with an opinion.

Seems like I struck a nerve with you though.

I do ask this, which speaks to disapproval of the device more ...

- returning and getting $2k back from Dell

- incrementally using maybe $500 of service labor time, and $50 in parts swapping, which likely just get handed off to the next part-swap situation

... repeat over N customers and what do you think really represents more of a significant feedback mechanism?

The social-network noise level surely has to play in somewhere too, but even today the number of people posting actively here or twitter, or fb must pale when compared to overall sales.

 

That's a screenshot I just took, nevertheless it shows an error if you try to download.......again.

 

Sorry about that I didn't mean to be rude...You do have a good point...its just what do you do if you received the XPS 15 as a replacement to an older model...Also getting no updates on here after we were promised them is putting me on edge... It is really hard to return a laptop when you have board exams and cannot afford to waste time with constantly getting new laptops/returning them...I wasted 2 months fixing my old laptop XPS1640 to have them send the XPS 15 and now I am dealing with these issues you can imagine the frustration plus during all this I am supposed to be studying for my boards... fun life...

 

Well, just had a different technician here for the 2nd visit. First visit, the Intel (6235?, 6325? whichever) WiFi card was replaced with the same exact one. No luck then obviously. New tech came out who actually new his stuff this time, very smart guy. Replaced the screen/lid, and of course, again, no such luck. He himself knew it wouldn't work either. I wonder when Dell will stop sending not only us the customers but their hard working employees as well on a goose chase. Looks like the only option now is for a return. Too bad, such a great laptop minus the few issues.

 

I sympathize greatly with your pain, having hardware issues is a huge distraction from what you really need to do.

I can't say "feel" as mine isn't quite as crucial for me, but I watched/supported my wife as she was completing her PhD research and studies and had problems with her PC. In the end she HAD to have a stable machine and thankfully her advisor provided the hardware (loan) before we had to spend $$$ on a solution.

Good luck with your studies.

 

Just saw this new wifi driver on the dell site, but the download link wont work...dont know if anyone else has had any luck with it.

Dell-Driver

WiFi_Intel_W74_X09_A02_Setup-4KND4_ZPE.exe (103MB)

Urgent

9/10/2012

15.3.0.16, A02

Applies to:

Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235

Drivers and Downloads | Dell [United States]

 

Please let us know if it works, because if it does I want Dell to put my 6235 back in instead of the 6230...

 

What? Dell changed the 6235 with 6230 thinking that this way the Wi-Fi would be better

I just got a few antennas from eBay, connected to N-6235, put them inside near the vents, also tried outside on top on the LCD, (are long enough), all in vain, are not any better. I removed and put back the original antenna wires which are placed in the LCD.
I even covered the Wi-Fi card in aluminium foil; it might stop to interfere with some components inside of notebook, no improvement at all...
Maybe the new Dell driver will "fix" the problem, we will see.

 

Ok, i dont know whats going on with the laptop now. It seems like every 5/10 minutes or so it starts to lag.....so to speak anyway. i don't know how to explain it, but basically the laptop sort of freezes for a few seconds and an annoying sound comes out of the speakers like on a loop of some millisecond....i honestly don't know how to explain it, basically its lagging on a regular occasion just from running a 360p movie.

 

Nope still not working

 

I tried this a month ago with no better results. That's why i'm still hooked that it's a driver issue or some other hardware causing it

BTW that Driver download is now working. downloading now

 

So, if the problem isn´t the antenna, what the hell is it?
Maybe the mini pci-e?

Would there be any problem if we placed the wifi card on the mSATA slot for testing purposes?

 

I just installed the latest drivers and they don't fix the problem...

 

^^ Same here

 

Just got off of the phone with tech support and they just updated my drivers with the same results - still crappy wireless :-( They are sending a tech out now and replacing my card with a DELL wireless 1901 card (Athros AR9462) he claims that these cards are equivalent? I have never heard of them thoughts????

 

Is that suppose to show grid lines ? Pic looks fine . I don't see anything wrong with it .

Did you use a camera or did you do a screen grab ? The reason I ask is because a screen grab won't capture the grid your all talking about .

 

Here is the description of the Athros - AR9462 that they will be installing in my system, seams to be OK hope this will be the fix!

Atheros Brings Dual-Band 802.11n Wi-Fi And Bluetooth 4.0 To Single Chip - HotHardware

 

Yeah.. I doesn't help at all. They did the same with mine! Also this card is not equivalent because you lose the widi. even if you don't use it still not equivalent.

 

You loose WiDi capacity, without any improvement.


I don't know why everyone search a solution with new drivers or new cards when this ways are already tried without any improvement.
The only thing that have fixed wifi problem was when someone has connected his wifi card to a replacement display that include antennas, out of the chassis.
You can find this info in wifi thread about l521x.

Inviato dal mio GT-I9100 con Tapatalk 2

 

Well I am on tech support right now and I asked for either a new laptop or a full refund. the tech guy hesitated and said that he new laptop would have the same WiFi in it. I asked him if this was an issue with all of the laptops he hesitantly said pretty much. He then tried to tell me that they will be providing a new driver to fix this and I told him it was released today and still is not fixed.

I think that I will just return this laptop ;-( as my 21 day window is approaching.

Steve

 

Still on hold to swap or return my laptop "over 1 hour now" great customer service!

Steve

 

I'm noticing that the soft finish touch attracts a lot of grease from hands and I know it's on some other laptops as well. Does anyone know a good way of cleaning it I've been too nervous to try anything on it.

 

read this article about how number of antennas plus their routing affect performance using the same wifi card in various laptops. Check the photos and the chart.

Crappy Wireless Performance? It Could Be Your Laptop - SmallNetBuilder

The design attributes that have the greatest affect on performance are noise coupling and antenna configuration. MIMO, which is a key contributor to 802.11n's higher throughput, is affected by antenna isolation. So if a laptop has five antennas (three Wi-Fi, two 3G/4G WWAN) crammed into whatever tiny space is available in the lid that isn't taken up by screen, those antennas are going to be closer together and have lower isolation.

High frequency noise coupling, however, is just as big, if not bigger contributor to lower performance. Processors and memory clocked at multi-GHz rates don't make for good neighbors to Wi-Fi radios that operate in a similar spectrum.

The higher the noise level the radio detects, the more likely it will switch to a lower link rate, which usually produces lower actual throughput. And if that noise varies, as you'd expect it to with the variable clock rates today's notebooks use to minimize power consumption, throughput stability will also suffer as the radio switches link rates to follow the varying signal-to-noise levels

does the bluetooth radio on the 6235 have it's own separate antenna? anyone have a photo showing how antennas are routed to hinge and display?

 

Do you have L521X with grid issue?

 

Yes it leaves traces (look shiny), makes one feel dirty or oily. I am not comfortable with that. But I don't know what is the best way to clean that.
Also, teh paper stickers (Windows 7 and Core i7) on the palmrest leave traces on the screen glass. I don;t know if as time goes on the traces will be permanent? Maybe I should remove these stickers.

 

I once opened the back cover. If I remembered well there are just two anternas attached to 6235.

 

As I said, with my own eyes I cannot see any grid. If I look very closey I may notice that the display is not a solid surface (just like a piece of cloth that's made up of fine threads), but every LCD screen is like this. I looked at several Dell 22", 24" screens, they all look like this. And, as those screens are not covered by glass, the so-called 'grids' are more apparement.
So for those who think their L521X have grid issue, is the L521X display much worse than a normal LCD monitor?

 

Macro amplifies a lot, as my pictures show. I just couldn't think of a way to present the issue or non-issue. With my own eyes to see a screen that someone complains, that's theoretically correct, but practically impossible. So to discuss, we need to find a way that can be shared on this forum. Maybe we can take normal pictures of the screen to compare?

 

I got a Keyboard Skin Protector Film that fits perfect (edge to edge), the corners are round the same as the XPS shape.
16 Keyboard Skin Protector Film Cover for Dell Studio XPS | eBay
Through the keys would be difficult to clean up all the marks and other stains, so this area is ok now.
As for cleaning I use antistatic soft cloth with some LCD screen cleaning fluid.
I like much better the palm rest finish to be made from different material than silicone stuff, like Asus for instance.

 

Like from a set distance, centered on the screen? Say 18 inches? What's "normal" distance from monitor to eyeballs - I seem to remember something about 18-24 inches being an "ergonomic" reference, but am not sure.

Should also figure out some standard test image to share, that can be full-screen previewed, to factor-out differences of wallpaper and other software being displayed. Maybe something with full-white, or similar?

 

I dont think this academic approach will help a lot.

There are many people who complain that the grid is much more noticeable than on other laptop-displays. I've seen two l521 and both had this issue. Compared to the lenovo y580 and the asus n56 next to the dell, its painfully obvious that the screen quality is worse.

Maybe not everybody notices it, maybe some screens are not affected.

In the end, everybody has to decide on his own whether he likes the laptop or not.

 

Neither do I. (Should the user community do ergonomic evaluations of notebook screens?)

1. You receive a defective screen and you don't notice the grid (or it does not bother you).
2. You receive a defective screen and you notice the grid (and it bothers you).
3. You receive a good screen and you get on with your life.
4. You receive a good screen and you "do research" to prove that you have a good screen and/or to assert that some users are talking nonsense.

As I said.

Right.

 

Just returned mine, cant be dealing with weak wifi issue, might as well just get a desktop.
Shame though as it effortlessly coped with an extended WQHD monitor and an extended HD monitor.
May have to wait and see if they properly fix this issue (doubt it) then I might be back or wait for the next displayport laptop (Asus U500).
I must say I was impressed with the UK pro tech support, didnt mess me about like I would have expected.

 

FWIW, I installed the WiFi drivers that Dell posted yesterday (9/10/2012) and in a trivial test they definitely increased both u/l and d/l throughput on my machine.

I don't want to say how much as one test is not a good test sample and I won't have time to do a real test until the weekend, but they certainly didn't hurt, and bested any previous rate I had from my "lazy next to the couch" position from before.

 

I look at L502X and dont see any grid at all...

 

As for the stickers if you don't need them there take them off. They come off very easily you literally just have to get a fingernail underneath and pull it off, didn't leave any mark whatsoever.

 

I updated my WiFi drivers yesterday and am seeing improvements. I set my computer in one spot and did not move it. Before the driver I could not stream Spotify. After a painfully long download, I was able to stream Spotify while browsing the internet. So it definitely helped me.

 

Where did you got the driver from? I keep getting error trying to download it!

 

The tech downloaded it from the DELL site yesterday. On a side note I was on hold for 1 hour 45 minutes and ended up hanging up as it was 2300hrs last night. I will try to call them again; I do not want the card that they are supposed to replace this with.

Steve

 

Got mine off the Dell driver support page for XPS 15.

Maybe try clearing your browser cache in case you have a slightly stale html reference or the like.

FTP linky : ftp://ftp.dell.com/FOLDER00839244M/4/WiFi_Intel_W74_X09_A02_Setup-4KND4_ZPE.exe (note: 104 Mb file)

 

The Dell Support link was broken for me, as well. Thanks for the FTP.

By the way, I notice that the intro screen notes that the update is for Win 7 Ultimate and Win 7 Pro.

Any issues with trying it on Win 7 Home Premium?