Warning regarding UXGA screen for Inspiron 5150

Just wanted to pass along an issue with the 5150. Many owners of the 5150 with UXGA (myself included) are experiencing "flickering" of their screen when using the battery. Problem does not occur on AC.

This apparently is not an issue with SXGA screens. I'm quite upset about this because I spent extra money on an UXGA only to have a problem that as of right now (according to Dell technicians) cannot be fixed.

So, think about this when choosing a screen for the 5150.

Thanks.

 

Is the flickering enough to be a constant annoyance, or do you get used to it? That's a pretty terrible thing to have, especially if there's no way to fix it. I hope that Dell decides to at least do something about it such as giving the option for UXGA users to return the machine for an SXGA version if they so choose.

 

It happens mainly when the hard drive is accessed. But again, only when the battery used. I think it is something I could get used to (for instance less noticeable on darker backgrounds) but I can also see how it could really annoy someone!

I'm trying to get a hold of some higher level technicians at Dell to discuss this more. I am hoping that this is something that can be fixed with a BIOS update since it appears to be a power issue.

 

good luck with that, let us know how it turns out, hopefully it is fixable and it would definitely be a plus if it's fixable via a BIOS update...no hassle with shipping units back and all that hoopla.

 

So is this most likely just for the 5100s??
I may get a 9100 and wonder if this is a problem with those monitors or just that computer/configuration.

dave

 

I own the 5100 (XGA) and never had any problems with it.
I would recommend it to anyone.

Looking for cheap laptops? http://www.cheap-laptop-and-used-laptop-review.com

 

As far as I know, this is only a problem with the 5150's.

 

Wow, I have just received my new Dell Inspiron 5150 with UXGA. I havn't run it on baterry, so this issue is for me new. I hope it will be just a bios....

 

I've been pondering buying a 5150 for months, but always waiting for "the next really cool, but really cheap laptop". I was always going to get a laptop with maximum pixels.

I know I'm silly... [8D]

Suddenly, last week, I can't order a 5150 with a UXGA display anymore. Instead I can order the old SXGA+ display, or the new option of XGA <ick>.

Interesting, before that, for a couple of weeks, my _only_ option was UXGA.

I had previously thought it was an inventory clearance, now I'm wondering if this was the problem....

 

Yeah, they took it down without admitting a problem. Shocking behanvior but nothing new from Dell.

Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com

 

At Dell Canada
http://www1.ca.dell.com/content/products/compare.aspx/notebooks?c=ca&cs=CADHS1&l=en&s=dhs

it is still possible to order Inspiron 5150 with UXGA. I've checked it today, March 31.

And WUXGA are there as well.

 

I have to correct my previous entry:

At the adress I mentioned is following (for Inspiron 5150):
Screen
Up to 15" UltraSharpTM UXGA display

However, if you click to "Choose Inspiron 5150" you don't have any option to choose UXGA. There is just SXGA+ and XGA.

Weird....

 

I'm new here, so I apologize for taking so long to respond to this, but I have a SOLUTION to this problem. I too have a 5150 with a UXGA display and was annoyed to find out it had a flickering problem when on the battery. All I had to do to fix it, though, was to go into the BIOS and turn up all the way the brightness of the screen when it's on the battery. Presto, problem solved!

 

Yes Capt, that is one way of doing it, in fact that is what Dell kept telling me to do, however, putting in on max brightness will drain your battery!! So, a better solution is needed by Dell.

 

I have actually found that it does not drain the battery all that badly. I know the solution isn't perfect, but it works for me.

 

Would a loaded 8600 work better for you? That's what Nesbo received when Dell admitted they couldn't fix the problem.

Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com

 

Uh, yeah, that'd work

 

Yeah, that'd work

 

Well, if you send the unit back, Dell won't be able to fix it. File a complaint with the BBB online and presto, a new 8600 within a few weeks.

Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com

 

Hey Capt.,

Brian is right. Send a detailed complaint to the BBB, stating that several Dell users via the Dell Community Forum are having the same problems.

Although, it might help you if you had sent it in a couple of times for repair to show proof to the BBB that you did something. I filed it as a warranty and repair issue.

If all goes well, you can than exchange it for an 8600 at roughly equal price that you paid for the 5150.

 

Thanks guys. I'll look into it...

 

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

 

Hello,

I am thinking of buying the Compaq X1000. Has anyone noticed problems with reading the fine print of a WUXGA screen? I read on a couple of sites that the pixels are so small that it may cause strain on your eyes. Please help. Thanks

 

The UXGA requires more power than the other screens. If you look at it, plug it in then remve the plug. The brightness decreases due to it's requirements. The flickering can be a normal function and if you are not using the correct refresh rate for you display size it will be even more noticable. I have not had this issue with screen flicker at all and have run it on batteries. The only thing I didn't like was it's brightnes decreasing, but I can live with that.

 

I've had a Dell Inspiron 5150 with the UXGA screen for about 14 months now and so far there haven't been any flicker problems when running on battery or wall power at any brightness. I got the machine with the A03 Bios and upgraded to A23 then to A35 and still no flicker problems. The Dell community forum has a fair number of 5150 UXGA problems and Dell no longer sells the 5150 with UXGA. Beautiful screen display though. My digital camera pictures are gorgeous on UXGA. I'd never get a laptop with anything less than UXGA again even with the potential for problems.
Guess I just got lucky (for once).

 

I'm glad you didn't have the problem I did. It was quite annoying. Otherwise I didn't think it was a bad computer at all.

 

Sorry I didn't read subject put on a better post.

 

I need advice on what to do about my Dell Inspiron 5150 and its flickering screen.


The facts

1. The UXGA screen is lovely – at its native resolution of 1600 x 1200.
2. It is disappointing when operated at lower resolutions.
3. It does not flicker when on mains, at any brightness level.
4. It does flicker when on battery, except when forced up to maximum brightness (increasing battery consumption, of course).
5. Flicker is associated with HDD activity. No activity, no flicker.
6. My standard test for flicker is to have Windows Defragmenter running minimised. This keeps the HDD extremely busy.

What I have done so far

1. The machine has been returned to Dell’s agents who replaced the notoriously bad NEC DVD drive and a rattling speaker.
2. I subsequently filed an email request for technical support on the flicker.
3. Dell’s agent replied, suggesting that the problem could be worked around by turning up the brightness to maximum when on batteries.

(True: but I expect to use the machine on the road and if I want maximum battery life I shall have to accept the flicker and maybe get epilepsy. Sorry, Dell Computer: this is a fault.

My theory

1. It appears that the screen flickers because
a) voltage drops momentarily when the HDD draws power
b) the power bus supplying the screen has too low an impedance – just as when the house lights can dim when the fridge motor kicks in

But if the battery is healthy and has low internal resistance, should it not smooth out these power demands?

Before making any more decisions, perhaps I should get Dell to try a replacement battery.
Since my warranty includes next business day call-out, this should be easy to arrange.

What I want to know is

• Has anyone ‘cured’ a flickering screen on a Dell 5150 by replacing a sub-standard battery?

 

When I had the problem, I did try a new battery, and it did not solve the issue. It is a flaw with 5150 and UXGA screen. Dell cannot fix the problem. I had mine replaced 3 times and I still had the problem.

 

Off topic of model, I use a I 8600c and I have the WUGA screen(1920 X 1200) as well I don't use it though I use the next one down which is the 1600 X 1200. I have run it with that battery by accident to watch a DVD movie and there was no flickering, although the movie was 2H23M long. Maybe it's only on the 5150 model I would try the next setting down to see if there are any changes IMHO.

/Chaz

 

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

 

Just for your information, everyone:

I just purchased/received a new 8600 with UXGA. I have noticed the screen flickering problem with my unit. It is fairly frequent. I also have 2 dead and 1 off-color pixel. So, it would seem that the flickering problem is not just related to the 5150.

I love the UXGA screen, but I am also reviewing a Sony S-series 270 and may have to go with it, despite the smaller screen. Unfortunately, Sony doesn't offer a high-resolution screen in anything other than their "17 model, which has too small of a batter life for portable use.