Dell discontinues Samsung 1680x1050 WSXGA+!

Is it the SEC? and if it's better than your HP why are you getting it replaced?

 

I went to the Local Best Buy this weekend and was interested in the new HP 6780se and when I checked the device instance id the LCD Panel was indeed a Samsung.If you judged it just by merit without checking,would have thought it was an LG,it looked pristine. Can't say the same for Michael Dell's XPS series samsung's though.

 

Yes, it's the SEC. The HP is great but it just does not have the power this one does. It's purely a business laptop albeit a very nice one. I have quite a few laptops but I liked this one for it's size, power, and overall features that none of the others have. It affords me the ability to having decent gaming, combined with all the other things I need, and, it's very portable too. None of the other laptops I have can do gaming aside from the XPS M1710 and that thing is not for carrying around! The M1330 was interesting but it was just too small and still did not have the graphics power this one does. I've never sen a notebook that is full featured as this one, is not 10+ pounds, and has gaming power too.

 

I think you misunderstood me, i was simply referring to screen and not the whole laptop.

 

Oh, sorry... LOL. When I got it at the office, although I did say to myself, "it's not THAT bad" the only other notebook I had with me at the time was the D820 and going up against the screen on that thing is not even fair. What got me wondering was when this was brighter than the desktop LCD. I guess I have to admit I too was drawn in by all the posts saying how horrible the screen was. I figured that if this was everyone was complaining about, the LG must be insanely good! However, when I got home and started comparing it with my other machines, it started to become more and more obvious that this one is really quite good... which is why I posted some photos. I cannot explain it. I'll update you again after the LG is in then we'll see if there is such a dramatic difference.

 

The XPS M1530 was delivered today and I am submitting this post from the new system. As far as delivery schedules go with regards to shipping the XPS, Dell have been outstanding. That of course is from the perspective of my expectation.

The Samsung LCD however, is a slightly different matter. Slightly because for the most part it seems all right, except that certain portions of website text that is supposed to be completely black appear to have a brown shadow. For instance, the notations on the tabs on this website - I am assuming that this is what most of the preceding posters call "grainy".

The colours are okay. I had to readjust the brightness and contrast settings to to suit my comfort. I actually turned down the brightness and contrast and the gamma values.

The main reason that I purchased XPSM1530 is to work on my digital photography - especially B&W. I am yet to transfer my images to this system and test if this is as good as it will suffice me. And I will be doing that in the next couple of days and will make my decision about asking for a LG replacement then.

Aprilman
Monday, 4th February

XPS M1530|Tuxedo Black|Intel C2D 7250-2 GHz|4 GB RAM|256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT|250GB 5400RPM SATA HDD|Sound Blaster Audigy|Intel 4965AGN Wireless-N Mini-card| 1680x1050 'El Samsungo'

 

Well, that's very interesting. I am really becoming convinced that there are different iterations of the SEC3350 because mine does not exhibit any of those issues. I usually always fiddle with brightness and contrast and did not have to do so here. I'm going to look carefully at the LG tomorrow when it is replaced and before it's all put back together. If it's not a dramatic difference or is in any way lesser than this one, I'll just have him put the SEC3350 back in... although I very much doubt the LG ill be inferior in any way. I guess this time, I'm pretty happy that either way I'm good to go.

 

i dont know how to confirm this. either the tech is lying or doesn't know, or everyone here that says they have an LG screen in the m1530 is lying, or im lying, which i am not so we can rule that out

 

Following my post of last night, I thought about the brown/maroon shadow on the black text and decided to get a replacement.

I called Dell's XPS customer support and stated the problem with the Samsung LCD. Initially, Dell's Tech. Support wanted to run a remote repair process but since that wasn't a workable option owing to logistical reasons, I asked specifically that it be replaced with the LG. After a couple of breaks in the conversation (the Rep. had to consult her colleagues/managers), Dell have agreed to replace it with the LG within the next few business days.

According to the Rep., Dell will not be supplying the Samsung LCD. In the manner it was stated, it would seem that Dell have stopped configuring WSXGA oders with Samsung panels, and it was not specifically about the replacement for my case.

I'll update this post after the XPS is reconfigured with the LG.

Aprilman
5th February 2008

 

Exact reason why I bought mine as I'm a photographer for several car clubs and do a lot of on site work. I want to know your opinion when you do get the LG screen. I have yet to get my XPS.

I may not have that problem as I opted for the 1440x900 resolution.

 

East or West, LG is the best!

 

It is unbelievable that after agreeing, just this morning, to replace the Samsung LCD with the LG Philips LPLF300 (Dell Part#: XK309), Dell have shipped me another Samsung LCD !!! as the replacement. Only this time the part number has changed to: Y274C.

The details that are available on the Support History page on my account reads: "Y247C SERVICE KIT..., LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY..., 15.4WSXGA+, VIDEO ELEC. STDS. ASSOC...., TLF "

Unlike in the System Configuration page where it states the manufacturer's name (RW985 LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY..., 15.4WSXGA+, VIDEO ELEC. STDS. ASSOC...., TLF, SAMSUNG...) this item detail on the Support History page does not (very suspiciously, I'd like to add) mention the manufacturer.

So I called up Tech. Support and spoke to the one of the supervisors about the latest twist. We spoke for long and according to him, Dell has gotten back a bunch of Samsung LCDs but they did not find anything wrong with them. And what is worse, the LG LCD (XK309) is not for XPS systems sold in the US. Strangely, at first he said the LG LCD (XK309) was not the right fit for the XPS!!!!, then somewhere along the line he said it was for systems sold in Asia!!!!!

When asked who the manufacturer of Y247C, he confirmed my deepest fears by revealing it was indeed made by Samsung. (Clearly, there is bad karma at work here).

After that lengthy, energy-sapping, patience-draining, and somewhat illuminating conversation, I've concluded that there are a whole bunch of people at Dell who either have no clue about what the XPS 1530 really comprises or if they do, then are misleading consumers on this issue.

So, finally, for whatever it's worth, I have accepted to have Dell replace the current Samsung LCD (RW985) with its new (???) avatar - the Samsung LCD (Y247C). If that too is not to my liking, the XPS goes back to Dell and I"ll have to think of some other option.

I'll let you know how this most bizzare saga progresses. Hopefully it will end well.

For all you XPS M1530 owners who have had the Samsung replaced with the LG - are you all in Asia?

Aprilman
5th February 2008.

 

If you read around you will see that Y247C is a generic, higher level part number that merely represents WSXGA 15.4" screen, but not the specific manufacturer model. People have gotten Y247C deliveries that are Samsung and LGs. Most likely you will end up with a Samsung, but you may yet get an LG. When you get it you will be able to see the manufacturer specific part number. Having had 4 Samsung RW985s I am confident every one looks the same, but that some people just aren't sensitive to the grainy sheen that comes with it. So if you do get another Samsung, I'm afraid you've wasted your time. Of all the posts I've read, not one person who has had a Samsung replaced with a Samsung has ever said it was an improvement over the previous screen.

 

Well, it's just crazy all the different things you hear with these different people at Dell. Y247C is simply a main part # for Dell referring to the LCD Replacement Kit for the WSXGA+. It could be any manufacturer. The difference with me was insisting that the rep comment the record to assure the part would not be substituted with any other part #, regardless of availability...I would wait. Guess it worked....my replacement shown as follows:

Shipping information pertaining to this Service Call

Airbill Number Ship Date Carrier

xxxxxxxxxxx 2/4/2008 12:00:00 AM Airborne Next day

Parts information pertaining to this Service Call

Part Number Description Quantity

XK309 LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY..., 15.4WSXGA+, VIDEO ELEC. STDS. ASSOC...., TLF, LGP 1
Thank You for Choosing DELL 0

I thought it would be installed today, but I guess it needed a day to get to the installer so I suppose tomorrow. As the part number has not changed, and it shipped, I am expecting, and hoping, that it will be just what is shown. And as far as the nonsense about it not fitting, numerous folks have had the same part # installed and are totally happy with the new one. Guess I'll find out tomorrow.

 

Looks like the XPS being shipped to me tomorrow is yet another Samsung. If I can't get a tech to agree to a LG panel than I guess it's a return for me. Shame too, the XPS is a nice laptop.

 

Now this makes the whole issue even more interesting. Whether it will finally be another Samsung or the LG, I'll only know when the Tech. Service engineer comes around.

Aprilman
5th February 2008

 

Haha! I'm asian does that entitle me to get an LG not only sold in asia but in Uk or US as well. I'm gettingthe same part number as yours. The rep said " Are you even sure you're not getting an LG?", and that was after I gave him the same part number.

 

At least you guys with the Samsungs have it better than me...

Nothing but AUO here

 

I had my Samsung replaced with a LG on my first attempt and i live in Sweden. Guess im kinda lucky

 

What's stopping someone from salvaging an LCD from another notebook?

A used HP? Sony?

You know these are mass produced and can't be made specifically for Dell, the dimensions have to be the same or very close.

 

Keep in mind that in order to replace the LCD they will rip your brand new XPS apart.
Hope they know what they are doing.
I didnt accept that and simply sent it back and I'm currently waiting for a new XPS

 

Sorry I don't believe you, what's your ID hardware number?

 

I talked to someone in XPS Premium Support today and they said that all new Samsungs that were being shipped were much better quality and he specifically said that the old batch was a manufacturer's defect and they were aware of the quality issue. He did say that the new ones should be better, but who knows.

 

yeah exactly. the guy that worked on mine knew what he was doing but...he probably does this all the time so he was careless and scratched it. i also had another slight problem so im having a replacement being made right now.

 

I have been following this thread with a great deal of interest.

I ordered a 1530 before I found these threads relating to the Samsung LCD panels. Mine was shipped today with the Samsung RW985. It arrives next week and I will get to see if they are shipping an "improved" version now.

I hope that it is acceptable. If not, I will get it fixed and I will not be very happy. I may just decide to return it and go to another company.

I was a recipient of the Inspiron 5150 debacle and endured its' many deficiencies and I am giving Dell a chance to redeem any faith that I have in their company before I abandon them for good.

 

Just an update on my situation ... I ordered near the end of Jan and received my M1530 yesterday.

Although my viewing angles are great, it is clear a have a problem. I don't know if I would call it a grain but I don't know what else to call it. It looks like a sheet of dark dlumpy dust or something. Definitely something darkening up the screen in tiny little blotches. Not sure what I'm going to do yet. Not really looking forward to feuding with Dell after spending $2800 on the notebook.

 

Update to posts #s 112 & 116

The Tech. Support Engr. came in today with the replacement Samsung LCD, but it was wholly unnecessary. The problem with the brown/maroon shadow with some of the black the text that caused me to believe that my Samsung LCD was flawed (and that Dell had gypped me ), was actually a very minor software setting problem. Apparently the font smoothing as rendered by the default Vista setting is 'Clear Type', so the genius simply changed it to 'Standard', which made it render as it would in XP, and presto! everything became sharp and clear.

Now there's no 'graininess' and all that. The colours are fine and the display is as good as any; I haven't seen a LG for comparison, and don't think I would want to if I can help it.

It would seem that after all the flak that Dell took, it was passed right back to Samsung who had it fixed right at the shop floor.

I can't tell you how pleased I am. Now the XPS looks and feels worth every single penny that it cost me.

 

Wow! Grats man, I'm glad to hear you got your screen issue fixed. I really hope this is a fix for all the people who have Samsungs. (Including myself, when I get mine)

 

I think we may need a thread to put everyone at ease because I just got my rig and the Samsung is great...so I'm thinking this must be a new batch and the problem is sorted.... more peeps are starting to mention that...have a good one all...man it is hard to sleep since I got this thing...it is worse than crack!!!LOLL!!!!

 

hey atleast you stoped doing crack...

can you check the display properties? device manager > monitors > properties > details, please?

__________________________________________

are all samsung displays for the m1530 labeled "sec3350", or is the specific to that 1 lcd?

 

I wouldn't go shouting all the screens are great just yet. There have been people all along who didn't mind the Samsung screens. There may be no difference in the screen you got and the ones people complain about.

 

Just to clarify, is the problem mostly with the 1650x1050 screens and NOT the 1440x900 screens?

 

I have a 1530 with the 1650x1050 Samsung screen, and have not be able to convince myself I have a grain issue. I've tried hard to see it, but I don't. Maybe I have bad eyes

I *do* have a brightness issue, however. I'm constantly tipping the screen in/out to try and avoid a "shadow" on the upper or lower third of the screen. There are actual small dark regions in the extreme lower corners. I kept thinking I was just being too picky until I hooked it up to an external monitor and saw how great it looked.

If it were based on the grain issue alone, I can't honestly say I have a problem. But the brightness issue is one I've finallly gotten tired of dealing with. XPS tech told me he could no longer specify a screen type for a replacement, just whatever comes out, but if what I get is brighter than what I have, I'll be happy.

We'll see.

-David

 

I don't really know. I've never seen a 1440x900 screen I've really only been paying attention if WSXGA was specifically mentioned. It seems to me that there have been less complaints about the lower resolution screens in general, though there have definitely been some complaints.

 

I think the viewing angles were more of an issue to me. I could not get a uniform view of the screen unless my head was in a certain place. Moving my head an any way made some part of the monitor darker. A CSR tried to tell me that's how all LCDs are, but I know LCDs are not supposed to be like that and I've never seen one recently that was like that.

I found out that if I took a couple of steps back it actually looked ok... but I don't think I would have been able to grow my arms an extra 2 feet very easily.

Graininess was not too bad. I could see it, but I could've lived with it after a while. It made the picture look like it was on a textured surface or paper. I'm not sure if it's part of the graininess, but whites could never be really white. If I looked at a solid color I could see thin horizontal lines through them so colors were not uniform. Everything was tinted with a greyish hue, making the screen look dimmer.

I'm hearing that people getting Samsungs now say they are not that bad. I hope that is true. Too bad the price of the XPS went up. Maybe they used the poor screens for the dicount period and switched to nicer screens after the discount.

 

Hey Chuck...have the samsung ..I turned my brightness down a notch as well as it is very bright ...and so far everything else is great as well..compared to my last one which look like it got here via the back end of a halfton dragged down the hwy baby!!! ..have yet to try the other bells etc...so I will do that the next few days...so maybe ..just maybe the fixed this ..for now...cheers!!!

 

There are plenty of problems with all of the resolutions, 1440x900 included.

Out of four of those, I have had 3 from AUO and 1 from Samsung.

I would rate them as follows:

LG > SEC > AUO

 

Nevertheless, it seems the vast majority of 1440x900 customers (including myself) are receiving LG screens.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=210649

 

If the "vast majority" are getting LG screens, then explain 4 out of 4 of mine not being LG?

That's 0% so far. Yes I am only one person, but seriously. The odds of me getting 0 out of 4 when apparently the vast majority of everyone else is getting the good ones? I don't buy it.

EDIT: I just saw you linked to an XPS poll. This thread isn't necessarily about the XPS only. Perhaps Dell is saving the better screens for those systems.

 

Fair enough. I said "it seems" that this is the case. Of course, neither polls nor anecdotal evidence count as proof, so I was simply providing additional information.

 

This thread is inherently about the 15.4" 1680x1050 rather than other sizes and resolutions in general though.

My 17" 1440x900 Samsung is stunning.

 

XR860 Module,Liquid Crystal Display 15.4WSXGA+,Samsung,M1530

whats the verdict on the XR 860s?

just paid 1200 for fully loaded outlet 1530

 

XR860 is the same SAMSUNG SEC3350 ....viewing angles are terrible though it wasnt grainy...but its still going back

 

hmm no more complaints about ppl getting the samsungs? its been a month.....

 

try the xps 1530 grainy screens thread.

 

For a while I thought I was imagining things. I wanted to wait until the bias gained after reading this thread was gone, then I would re-evaluate my screen. Well, it's been a month and it looks crappy! I didn't notice much before because I had been on battery power with the screen brightness at 5. The grain is MUCH MORE NOTICEABLE on full-brightness.

SOOOOO...I spent an hour on the phone with tech support. I happened to catch a guy who is from my hometown (don't ask how that topic came up). He acknowledged that their tech doccumentation states (a private statement for service reps only) that there is an issue with the Samsung screens.

He did everything he could to make sure that I get the LG replacement (we'll see).

Now I wait!