XGA+ Screen.... Issue?

Hey all. I posted this on another forum but it's really eating at me as to weather I have a problem or not and what I may need to do so I am gonna post here too in hopes of more input.

I have a concern about my screen. I don't know if anything is "wrong" or if this is normal for what I got. All I know is it's bugging me till I get some kind of resolution.... no pun intended.

Basically I see what I can only describe as "scanlines" within the image. It's most noticable in games. I have the resolution set at max for everything I do, games or Windows.

Maybe that is how WXGA's look, I don't know. That's what Im trying to figure out. I'm going to look closer at my old Laptop (9100) when I get home and see if it has this same look and Ive never noticed it. Of course I have no clue what screen type that one has.

 

Does anyone even know what I am talking about? I looked at my LCD screen on my 8100 as well as my home Desktop LCD and I just don't see this "problem" that I see on my 9400's screen. My 8100's screen is old as hell, I cant imagine it being better than my new one. My Desktop LCD is a 1905Fp. I dont know the dot pitch of either of them... but my new 9400 has the highest res. Shouldnt it look the best?

The closer I look at the screen, its almost the individual dots that make up the screen that Im noticing... They are just more.,... distinctive for some reason. I wish I could explain it better because I really want to figure out what I am going to do...

 

I've never really noticed scanlines on mine, but I do notice that the images don't look right. When i first got mine, it took awhile to get adjusted.

If you are use to external monitors or if your 8100 has a glossy screen (not even sure if that is an option for the 8100), then you might not be completely adjusted to the different screen.

I think it normally takes a few days in order to get use to the screen. Worse case is if you don't like the screen you can return it and get the glossy screen, or we did a review on a company that will change your screen to glossy for around 100 bucks.

[edit] I thought that might be what you are talking about but wasn't sure. I have the exact same problem. I'm not sure why this is a problem with WXGA+ screens except for maybe the fact that it isn't glossy and it's on a 17in. Its not suppose to glossy, so it could also be caused by the fact that it is a dull screen. I can tell you that it won't get any better. I don't notice it as much now, but to me the screen just doesn't look right and never has.

To me, it makes the images seem -- i guess a bit cloudy (best word I could think of) or maybe pixelated.

 

What brand is your screen?

Thank you for your help. You have always been quick to reply to my posts.

And can you link me to that post about the exchange? It's ONLY 100$? What exactly do they give you... a new screen or do something to your current one? Are you gonna do it?

 

Ok dumb question SouthernGirl... how would I know if my old screen Is Glossy? I frankly dont know.

And one more thing about that place you mentioned. Do they change my existing screen to glossy or give me a new one?

Lots of questions. Sorry.

 

Here is the link on the review:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=39713

they just use your current screen and apply the glossy stuff (my technical term for it ) to your current screen.

The easiest way to tell if your old screen is glossy is that you'll notice a reflection. You should see yourself very clearly. If you aren't sure if you'll like glossy or not, you can go to CompUSA, Best Buy, or any where that sells laptops, and they will have laptops with glossy screens. It won't be the exact same as the truelife or glossy screen if you send it in to ScreenTek, but it will be very close.

You'll notice the glossy screens seem alot brighter and clearer. Very easy to see your reflection in it also.

SG

 

Hey again SG,

Good morning or good day. This whole thing is really bugging me so I hope you don't mind a few more posts.

First off my other screens, my old Laptop's and my desktop LCD (Dell 1905FP) are definately NOT Glossy. They also definately do not have what my new one does. That "problem."

I wish I could know for certain if my screen is "Bad" but you say yours looks... off to you too so maybe it's not bad... it's just the way it is.

Could you humor me and try and describe what it is about yours that seems... wrong? I know it's not easy. I wish I could word what I see better. I just see each dot of the screen too... distinctly.

 

there should be no defects in your LCD. if there are lines or something else that you are noticing, then the very fact that you notice something tells me something is wrong.

i would say return/exchange it.

 

That's a very good point Drum.

I have a few concerns though. First off I am guessing even getting Dell to awknowledge that I may have a bad screen will be a miracle. Then say I do return it and the screen still looks the same. Then I will probably want to return the whole thing and get a UXGA screen... but the question is: would I still have time of my 2 week return to do that?

 

if you keep getting a screen that you are unsatisfied with, then keep returning it until you are happy. you are the customer. i had a very very good experience talking to a dell rep about my lcd which had a dead and stuck pixel on it. less than 5 minutes from dialing them up, i had a new one on the way.

 

I wish I could UPGRADE the screen without having to return the whole thing, get a refund and then ordering a new system.

I also just realized I have ON SITE service. I didn't even realize I paid for that. I guess that means they would come to ME for my service? I wonder if that includes onsite replacement?

Drum, they SENT you a replacement screen? You didnt have to send the system off?

 

You have onsite repairs so you're set, and yes they will replace the screen at your residence.

It would be nice to just start over, who knows maybe something will work out for you. If not, try to stop fretting about it and just get the screen fixed.

Like I said in the other forum:

 

I mentioned over there that the "scanline" term was inaccurate. It's more than the dots are too distinct. To put it another way, I think it's called the "screen door" effect. But I have never seen it so noticable before.

I guess the fact that my 4 year old laptop's screen does not have this apparant issue to my eyes should be a blaring horn of a sign huh?

I think my best bet is to call them, get someone to me ASAP, and get a new screen. Then if I'm still not happy, go head with the full return. That way I have did my best to accept this screen but if I still am not happy, I still have time for the full return/upgrade.

Though I didn't actually know I was getting onsite. At the moment, it's good I did.

 

i sent the whole machine in after i received the new machine. old machine goes in the same box. shipping label included. done.

if you're saying the lcd just isn't crisp and clear, it could be the low resolution on such a large screen. the wuxga option has a lot more pixels which makes the lcd crisp. be warned, however, that the wuxga renders text and images smaller. you should hit a computer shop and take a look at the similar resolution/size lcds and compare.

 

Drumfu,

How long did it take Dell to ship you the new machine. I received my E1705 on Tuesday and after 15 minutes, I received the BSof D due to the video card being faulty.

Tech support had problems diagnosing i, but when I spoke to Customer support they immediately executed an exchange......so now I am waiting for the new machine....

Thanks,
S

 

Mine is like what drumfu said. Its not crisp and clear like what I expect out of LCD's. Like just looking on this site, I know that it should be white, but its almost off-white.

I only notice mine on light colors. If it is dark colors, then I don't notice it so much.

LOL, its hard to describe, but i'll try my best. I think we are talking about the same thing. Its not a smooth picture. Right now, looking at this page where the forums are white/light blue, its almost like the screen isn't bright -- I'm seeing dark very tiny, little spots. Now scrolling to the top and looking at the darker areas of blue/black, it looks good.

That's what i thought you were describing. I know the WXGA+ isn't going to be as bright as glossy screens, so I thought it was a combination of it and the size of our laptops. I've seen the XGA+ screen on a 6000, and it looks alot better in my opinion.

 

Thanks for the continued replied everyone.

SG. I notice my problem on light colors more too. On the default windows wall paper (the hills) I notice this thing particularly in the top right on the clouds. I posted in another thread on another site that I believe what I'm seeing is the "screen door" effect. But to me, it seems unusually noticable.

In any case I'm going to call Dell on my lunch break and get the ball rolling for a replacement screen to begin with. Then go from there as to weather i want to go through the process of a UPGRADE screen.

SG, do you think getting the screen Glossy would help that much using that site we talked about earlier? I know that of course would not improve the resolution.

Later tonight, I am seeing my good friend for our weekly get-together. He is brining his laptop and I can have a look at his screen next to mine. His laptop is about a year old, and an alienware but I recall distinctly he got a very very high quality screen. It wont be exactly like a Dell, but I'm pretty sure the resolution is 1900-something. So it will at least give me an idea. Plus to have him see my system and see if he sees what I do will help.

My old Laptop has a 14 inch (I think) screen) and it's 1400 x 1050 which isnt too much different that my screen now... except of course it being 17 inch and widescreen. I guess the UXGA resolution would make that big of a differnce?

I hope I live in an area where they will come to me if I replace the screen. That would speed things up at least.

 

Does anyone know what the option in the nVidia control panel "Reduce DVI Frequency" does?

 

I recieved my 9400 on valentines day. So far it has been a great machine and I am having a lot of fun playing around with it and getting it all set up.
I was a little bit worried about the screen before it got here but I haven't noticed any real problems with mine (wxga). The closest thing I have to a complaint with the screen is that the viewing angle is a little bit (severely) limited.
Hope everything works out

 

Just thought I would mention I took the plunge today (again) and ordered a NEW 9400 with a WUXGA screen. Every other spec is identical on the system I have now... which I will be sending back later this week. I'm glad I am going with the higher res screen. I did take a look at them at the Dell store but I can study it better when it's MINE. The glossyness I think will take a bit of getting use to.

SG, I read elsewhere you are going to be upgrading your screen? How are you going to go about it? We'll have to compare our notes. "I survived a WXGA screen!"

 

Well orginial plan was to go with ScreenTek (the company I referred to you).

Short Version of what happened...
I sent an email saying I was interested in upgrading to the WUXGA+ screen, and would like to buy a new screen. They said that I couldn't buy a new display and replace my current, but I could upgrade it for 100 bucks with 24 hour turn around. I replied back, saying that was fine and asking for details about it. Now they say I can't do the upgrade because they don't have the necessary hardware to replace my screen in case they screw up (which is understandable).

I'm just tired of playing games with them. I don't understand why they said that I can't replace my display with a new one.

I called dell this afternoon and bought a new WUXGA+ screen from spare parts for $488 + tax.

 

Whoa you reply fast. Troller! Kidding.

Wow sorry you had to do that. Ugh that's alot. I know who NOT to come to if I wanna complain about having to reorder my system which came out to about $150 more. THAT amount annoyed me. My original budget for a new computer I wanted to keep around $1500. Ha! But I went a little overboard for the sake of "Maxing out." Basically I figure this system will be the way it is for the entire time I own it. I can't imagine needing to do much with it. MAYBE a bigger drive someday. But being as I made due with 20G in my 8100, I should be fine.

Oh God I shudder to think what my system would of costed if I didn't have my friend at Dell.

I hope you like your new screen. For that price it better sing and dance for you. I wonder if you will be able to sell off your old one for something?

 

LOL, yeah, i do reply pretty quickly -- but i enjoy being on NBR.

I'm not really to pissed about the extra money. I'm probably more upset with ScreenTek for not being up front and honest with me to begin with. If they couldn't do the upgrade right now, I wish they would have said that in their email. But they made it seem like it wasn't going to happen.

I'm not sure what i'm going to do with my screen. Tempted to take it outside and stomp on it just to get some stress relief

 

How long were you going back and fourth when them?

And I've been wondering, how long have you had your 9300?

 

I bought my 9300 in the end of april last year. It had only be out on the market for a few weeks.

I've only been going back and forth with them since yesterday. I sent my first email to them on Friday, but since it was the weekend, I didn't get a response until yesterday.

 

That's awhile you've had it. And you never have been able to accept the WXGA huh? I was going to try... but glad I didn't. I have a feeling It would of always bugged me if I kept it and missed this chance to upgrade.

...Just wish I would of got it with that screen in the first place....

 

I say sell it on ebay and get at least $150-$200 for it. It is not diffective, it is just low quality

Also, I got the same exact e-mail from screentek. I just e-mailed them back asking if I could order a screen where I could do a custom job. I am still waiting for a reply. The funny thing is, if the screentek "PixelBright" screen really works, I would have the best of both worlds. The WUXGA has better colors and viewing angle and the WXGA is better for reading and seeing.