XPS m1530 - Grainy Screen and horrible touchpad!!

Just got my replacement Dell XPS m1530 today. Dell put the wrong screen (wuxga instead of wsxga+) in it, but i find that I like the resolution so far.

What I do not like, however, is the grainy screen and the touchpad.

I'm REAL tired of dealing with this system replacement. It's gone on for almost 2 months now, and really needs to just end.

So, rather than wait on Dell to get it's act together, I wanted to ask the community here:

1. Is it possible to swap my new, crappy Alps touchpad for a Synaptics one? I have a great touchpad in my Inspiron 6400 that i love and do not want to give up.

2. Is my experience with the grainy screen on the wuxga screen unique? Would it be worthwhile to replace the screen myself? I prefer the glossy coating to a matte finish, and i'm not sure where i could find a glossy replacement that would fit in this system.

Thank you!

 

Hi AMurderOfCrows,
I'm sorry to hear that you are having problems with your XPS 1530. The wuxga screen is actually better than the wsxga. Unfortunately, because each laptop model is manufactured with certain LCD brands in mind, no other LCDs can be used in its place. Also, because the touchpads are integrated into the palmrest, they are are not interchangeable. I would suggest calling Dell support on the issue.

Gabe

 

Uh, actually there are different brands of screens that Dell (which by the looks of it means use) in the same machine for the same resolution. Some being "grainy" some not.

 

i agree... the alps touchpad sucks... the synaptics is definitely a superior product.

 

Gabe:

Thank you for your input, but I have to believe you are sadly mistaken in relation to the models of screen. As mentioned in a thread here already, there are 3 manufacturers for the m1530 wsxga+ screen, with the general belief that the best one is the LG.

I've taken apart several notebooks in the past, and i do believe that since Dell makes multiple models, some with the Alps and others with the Synaptics, there should be some way to swap them out. It's just hardware afterall.

I'm a technician for a different notebook manufacturer, but i have always preferred Dell notebooks.

Anyone else have some info regarding swapping a Synaptics touchpad for the crappy Alps that came with this system?

 

Hi AMurderOfCrows,
I'm sorry you're still having issues. I would like to remind you that I'm here to help. As a certified expert and representative of Dell, I can only make suggestions based on official Dell proceedure and information.
I would like to clarify that when I mentioned that certain LCD brands are in mind, I wasn't referring to one dominant brand. There are different brands used for each type of screen. You are right that there are different variations in quality, as with many different makers. However, not just any LCD screen will work for your particular model. If you feel your quality is less than satisfactory, please call Dell support.
Also, that I'm aware, there is no way to separate the touch pad from the palm rest. If in fact synaptics is a choice, it will involve replacement of the whole palmrest. Dell support will need to be contacted for this information as well.

Thanks,
Gabe

 

It's one of those things you have to live with... just get an ultra portable wireless mouse for on the move, and a better one for being at a desk then.
Can't avoid it, have to put up with it.

 

i'd have to disagree there. This unit is meant to replace my Inspiron system. I was told there would be no downgrades. This Alps pad is a SERIOUS downgrade, as is the overall quality of the screen. Dell should look in to replacing all of these pads.

Even if the pad is embedded into the palmrest, I'm sure Alps didn't manufacture the palmrest. Somehow, there has to be a way to swap out the pads themselves, even if it takes modification.

 

AMurderOfCrows, check my sig for FAQ about the M1530. Very useful information there. Notice that the WUXGA will only come in the Samsung brand. I'm not sure about the grainyness of my screen, but it seems fine to me. Maybe I need to have another screen to compare it to.

 

I'm not sure how i could take a photo that would accurately show what i'm trying to describe, but the difference is night and day. I'll see if i can get several system together on the same page displaying the same thing and see if my camera can show it.

To be certain, the screen i'm looking at now (my old Inspiron 6400) has clean, crisp whites, whereas the m1530 looks like someone took sandpaper to any of the white sections.

Although the Samsung screen might be the only current option, I've read that the wuxga panels were supposed to be pretty good in comparison to the wsxga+.

I've read that many people have been interested in swapping panels between other models. Dell has messed this order up 3 or 4 times now, and with this latest system, I actually like what I have, except for the LCD panel and the touchpad.

Rather than go through all this crap again, i'd REALLY like to swap the panel and the touchpad for something else.

Considering the cost cutting measures dell has done in the past, I have a feeling that the m1530 probably has a "relative" in another line where the parts are interchangeable. My first guess, based simply on some features and keyboard look, is the Inspiron 1520. I have a feeling that at the very base level, one should be able to dismantle the palmrest and swap out the touch pad itself. The LCD panel is PROBABLY a bit more difficult, but in the end, it too is most likely just a generic panel with customer bezel parts.

What i'm hoping to find is someone around here who's gotten inside one of these systems, taken them apart, and can give me pics of the touch pad/palm rest from the inside so that i can tell for sure if another touchpad would work.



Oh, and thanks everyone! I never thought i'd be disappointed with a brand new notebook.

 

I just placed an order today with dell and got the WUXGA panel, does this panel have the gosy finish or the matte finish similar to desktop panels?

 

just sent DELL support an email :x

 

I'm also having problems with the horrible touchpad. I'm coming from a Thinkpad t41p and the touchpad is horrible in comparison. I thought I was trading up but I prefer everything about my old t41 other than it's screen.