The Infamous DELL Screens

*Sorry to start a new thread on this, but I think its a little bit different/more specific than people complaining about "grain" on their screen. If it's the same, I'm sorry. I did a search and couldn't find anything that might help.

I recently bought an Inspiron 1420 with the WXGA+ TrueLife screen & 8400M, which I'm quite happy with (after installing XP).

According to Device Manager, the display is a SEC4457.
The driver for the 8400M is 6.14.11.5683 (2007-11-16).

I don't notice anything I would consider as "grain" on the screen, however I'm not even sure what this symptom looks like.

What I do notice is horizontal banding throughout the display. There are faint horizontal lines that appear directly above and below each row of pixels that are lighter or darker. This is most noticeable on a plain gray background (~20%-80% gray) but also appears in colors.

Images appear as if they have an interlacing effect like below, but less extreme.


Is this just the way the panel is meant to look? or should I contact DELL for a replacement? Is there anything that I should try that might improve the display?

Thanks in advance.

 

I also have this, and am glad of another person to realise the problem so people don't think it's just me being anal about it. If you are happy with it, leave it alone. If you are not then pursue it.

 

I had this problem with my LED backlit M1330 that had a Chi Mei panel. I was unhappy with it, so I arranged for a repair tech to come out and replace the LCD panel. The replacement was from the same manufacturer and had the exact same problem, and in the process of reassembling the machine the tech damaged it, so I called for an entire replacement system. My replacement has a Toshiba panel that does not exhibit this problem, and I am much happier with it.

I am not sure what the different panels being used in the 1420 Inspiron are, so I don't know which ones don't have this type of problem (if there are any that don't). If you feel that it is going to drive you insane eventually, it is probably best to get it taken care of now instead of trying to live with it until you can't stand it anymore and find yourself out of the return period.

 

My Dell Inspiron 6000 WSXGA+ has this. I can see it on solid colors. It's not too bad and other than that the screen is quite nice.

 

Thanks for the replies, everybody. I suppose I should be happy that I dont have the grain. Is there any PERFECT WXGA+ screen for the 1420?

 

Sadly, no

Even though everyone praises the LG screens, the LG screen for 14.1" WXGA+ is hideous.

 

Now that I think about it.. I can recall my original LG have very minor grain. And light leakage issues. So not even LG are perfect.

I think quality control is slipping on the manufacturing of screens or something. Seems to be no matter what brand people are getting duds. But then again, maybe we're just to picky. You bet the judget.

Honestly, if you notice it, pursue it now. Do NOT wait. Otherwise enjoy the laptop.

 

I can also attest to LG for 14.1 WXGA+ being completely rubbish. Got a system right next to me in a box with it, worst one I had - perhaps even rivals AUO in crapness.

 

Probably not.

If you bothered to post about it, it must bother you. I would think that it would affect legibility.

I would suggest you bring your laptop to a store that has several laptops turned on, and compare yours to theirs. The screens should be close together and parallel. Make sure that your power management does not dim your screen on battery power. Try to adjust your brightness and contrast to get your screen at least as good as the others. Test an all-white background, an all-black background, a photo screensaver and small black text against a white background.

If you are dissatisfied with your screen, you may need to ask for replacement screen two to three times times before you get a better one. Your laptop surfaces may get damaged in the process. After the second screen, you are better off asking a for a new laptop instead of a new screen.