Is The Display That Bad? i9200

I was at the i9200 forums (www.i9200forums.com) and a lot of the members said that the screen was cloudy. They claimed that it was the LCD surface, not any settings, but I was just curious if the screen is so bad that I shouldn't even bother with it. I heard the term "screen door effect" used, and that would get annoying, I'm just curious about how bad it really is.

So far, this is the only negative thing I have heard about this system that is actually making many people mad.

Thanks for any replies.

Also, since anyone who replies likely has their i9200, does it come with a full Windows XP disc in the box? Someone said that no driver CD was included (which really sucks) but that made me worry about what else they didn't include.

 

I'm probably the wrong person to ask since I don't demand the best of the best from my computers.

I don't have the UXGA only the regular XGA and the screen looks fine to me.

 

Thanks. I was just at the Dell forums a bit ago and it turns out that only the people who ordered the WUXGA+ screens were claiming to have problems. If this is the case then I am glad I like to get cheap stuff. I was considering the WUXGA+ screen for the higher resolution but I decided $88 is too much and it turns out, it's a better option.

Hopefully Dell has some good promotions this weekend so I can order it and get a good bargain. I've been playing that Dellf game and I never get anything worthwhile.

Also, could I trouble you for a list of discs that are shipped with the unit? I really hope they provide a full copy of XP Home. I was told that before doing a clean install you must back up the drivers because there isn't a disc inlcuded with them on it.

 

They include a copy of xp with it but not the drivers. It is on ht ehard drive and you just have to make a copy of it.

 

You can also download the latest drivers from Dell's website and put them on a CD before erasing your HD. That is what I did.

 

Ok, thanks for the replies. I guess I will have to make a back up of them right away. I am ordering this weekend (to catch the 20% off). Hopefully they keep the free 2 day shipping. I would love to get it in a few weeks before the holidays.

 

Driver CD-ROM wasn't in the box with i9200, but I got all of them from Web site. Had to figure out in which order to install, fyi that's first Dell Notebook System Software, then Intel Mobile Chipset, then the rest, which in my case were first trackpad, then display driver, then networking, then QuickSet. Audio wasn't listed for i9200, the Sigmatel from i9100 which should work didn't work, but Windows XP has an Intel AC 97 Audio Controller driver built-in, that one works if you select it. Dell shipped the driver CD-ROM overnight, but because of weekend that were three days, by then I had it all done from their Website by the time the CD-ROM got here, and the CD-ROM didn't even have the i9200 listed as option, ended at i9100, nice gesture but you don't need it. You might just pull those drivers from their Website, it is more up-to-date.

 

Does the order you need to install the drivers change for each system? Is it crucial that you go in this order or will it no let you install it until the previous driver is installed? Sorry if that is a dumb question, I've never had to reinstall drivers before.

 

I'll point you guys to this poll I did over at the notebook forums...it'll change your mind about the screen...
While there are some who do not like it...quite a few (exactly 50% as of right now) like the screen or are not bothered by it.
http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=53272

All we see are the negative opinions...I posted this poll to get some of the more positive opinions...and it seems to have worked...

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Have: NEC Versa 6230 w/Broken LCD Backlight (LCD still works just can't see anything easily)

Ordering Soon: Inspiron 9200

 

I received my 9200 on 12/6. The computer screen is disappointing. The various descriptions including 'grainy','sparkly' etc. are all to some degree true. I am fluctuating between keeping it and sending it packing. I have retained the native resolution and changed just about everything else; ie DPI, font size, display (gamma, brightness, contrast). The problem is primarily noticable with the white/grey background. Also some text on the internet is not very clear. I have spoken to Dell Tech support. The screen is manufactured by LG. They are now becoming aware of concerns expressed about the screen, but have no plans at this time to make any changes. There are at least two other new computers coming on the market as I type. One is a 6000 model with 15.4" screen, the other is the 9300 model. No specs available from my contact. It is a pity because apart from the issue of the screen it is an excellant product.

Dell I9200
Pentium M 765 (2.10GHz)
17" UltraSharp Wide Screen UXGA
1 GB, DDR, 333MHz 1 Dimm
128 ATI Mobility Radeon 9700
100GB Ultra ATA Hard Drive
Microsoft XP Professional Service Pack 2
8 DVD +/-RW Drive
Intel PRO/Wireless 2200
Int Truemobile Bluetooth
53 WHr 6 cell Lithium Ion battery
Extra large Nylon Deluxe carrying case
Microsoft Office Basic 2003
4 year Premium Warranty
Charcoal leather QuickSnap

I was fortunate enough to get 15%, 12% EPP, and 25% coupon discounts, plus $245 worth of rebates.
So keep a look out for the deals.

 

I dig the config. If I were to get a QuickSnap I'd definately get the Charcoal as well. I heard about the Dell EPP stuff but I wasn't able to do it because I'm not in the biz. I did however get a 20% off coupon so at least I saved a little bit more than just $200.

My config isn't as good as yours but I hope it'll still perform. I will be upgrade the RAM for sure. I am mainly looking at the Kingmax 1 gig modules, just under $200 each. One of those would be great, unless I had the money to get two.

I guess negative comments have more of an impact than possitive ones, and just hearing that a lot of people are disappointed with the WUXGA screens is enough to drive me away. I don't want to risk having to return it for something else. I feel like the i9200 is the only notebook that fits what I need, so hopefully there isn't anything else about it that is disappointing.

 

To really know whether you like your LCD screen on your Inspiron you really have to try the ClearType control panel. If it isn't installed get it from
http://www.microsoft.com/typography/ClearTypeInfo.mspx

 

Good point Notebookvet about Clear Type, which as it happens I have installed. Problem still exists. I will continue working with it and hope one morning I will have become so acclimatised that I no longer notice the screen's eccentricities.

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by sumenour

 

i've seen a 9200 first hand. the problem is either a screen coating or some manufacturing process on the glass of the tft (it is not a cleartype, resolution settings, or driver problem.)

the screen has this microscopic crystalized-like coating that is being used to boost the wider angle viewing, as the crystalized-like coating is refracting the light in all directions.

dell has goofed. at the expense of an occasional feature, dell has produced a screen with an annoying clarity issue.

 

The screen has an anti glare coating which does give a sparkle effect. The clarity is excellant. I must say after making various adjustments I am beginning to see the benefits compared with reflective screens on other brands. CNET has just done a review and gives it a score of 8.3 and an editors recommendation. They mention the sparkly screen but also state that for presentations and dvd's amongst other things it's exceptional.I agree. A magnesium alloy case, great sound system, nice keyboard. Graphics are good. Support via express tech has been outstanding. I've had it since 12/6 and give it a high rating.

 

I love it...

"The Inspiron 9200's pièce de résistance is its bright, expansive, 17-inch wide-screen display. Our evaluation model's WUXGA 1,900x1,200 native resolution made Unreal Tournament 2004's graphics really pop, and we thoroughly enjoyed watching a DVD movie. We should note that the antiglare coating on the Inspiron 9200's WUXGA screen creates a somewhat sparkly effect that's most noticeable against white backgrounds. Dell was unable to provide us with an evaluation model that included a WXGA+ display for comparison."

They rave about the screen and actually mention the sparkling, but fail to mention if it drove them crazy or give

It was sparkly--AND???

Cnet could have elaborated a little more. Thanks Cnet! Great review.

 

For these who is considering buy i9200 :

Don't choose wuxga 17". It was cloudy, blur. Worse than the most common monitor.

I called the tech support. They obviously know many people are complaining. First they say, it is not designed for internet use. Then they keep ensuring me it is as good as Sony and Toshiba. I guess they know their supervisor will report them if they don't say so.

Come on... Everybody can see. Dell'd better recall this model for this screen problem. Oh... maybe that is why they are giving you big discount...

 

Cnet is [ )]

Dell is one of their bigest sponsors. So.. [ ]