Yet Another Screen Flicker for XPS

I just got my XPS with the new 8xDVD+ (with double layering capibiltiy). Almost everytime I try to browse a DVD, it hangs up and then I have to hard reset the laptop. Any suggestions?

I have also noticed that the fan on this laptop makes a strange humming noise for first 15 ~ 20 minutes and then quites down with just the fan air flow sound. Is this normal?

One good thing from this purchase is that my arms are finally getting some shape - guess carrying the XPS around was the missing set. On good days for extra workout - I add the charger also.

Thanks,
~fA

 

I have also noticed that if I set the brightness to minimum the screen flicker alot (with every disk click/activity) .. is this normal?

Thanks
~fA

 

I don't quite know what to tell you about the DVD player...you could check Dell's website to see if there is a firmware update. If this continues I would consider calling Dell's tech support.

Second, flickering is not normal. There was an issues with this on the Inspiron 5150 using the UXGA screen, and Dell never resolved it. I hope this isn't an issue with XPS. I would also suggest calling Dell about this, but good luck because if it's anything like I had with the 5150, Dell was no help at all!!

 

I got my 9100 last Wednesday, 5 days early. I was concerned about the noise from the fans and the hard drive base on some of what I've read, but it's quite as a lamb. I've only heard the fan a once. Of course I haven't used it for anything labor intensive. I have copied a couple DVD's with DVD X Copy, for archiving of course. No hangs on the DVD at all. There are only a few differences between the 9100 and your model.

Chris

 

Well, I spoke to dell support last night. For fan noise there is a BIOS update for screen flicker he made me do couple of tests and finally wanted me to open up the computer and check few cables. When I declined to do so on a brand new computer he transfered me to customer service which was not too bad. They are sending another one and want me return this one. But from the comments of other users here it does not seem that this would be an easy one.
Also, the CSR could not tell me if this other computer will be a new one or a refurb/return etc.
Does anyone know what happens in these situations and how can you tell if its a refurb or a new one.
Btw I just got my XPS this past friday 2 days ago. This screen flicker happens only when i turn LCD brightness to mid point or below.

Thanks,
~fA

 

I was just thinking about this flicker. Could it be that by me dimming the LCD to lower brightness (below mid point) there is not enough power going to the LCD and its flickering? Or may be am just going crazy?

Thanks,

~fA

 

As I said earlier, the same thing happend when I owned the Inspiron 5150. I had talked to some higher up tech people at Dell and they essentially admitted to me that it was some sort of power issue that they could not fix. As you can imagine, I wasn't pleased. I really hope this isn't a similar issue with the XPS.

The only way the flickering would go away for me was turning up the LCD to max brightness, which I didnt' like to do because it would drain my battery.

 

Nesbo,
Thanks for the information. Well I have till 06/28 to return this. Hopefully this is just an issue with my LCD but if the replacement laptop also behaves the same way, am sending both of them back.
This flickering is really annoying/noticeable at lower brightness and cause severe headache..

~fA

 

I totally agree with you...DO NOT let Dell you this is normal behavior as they tried to tell me several times. With the amount of money you spend, you should get a screen that does not flicker.

Let me know how all this turns out. If Dell gives you any trouble, you can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, as I did, and Dell will respond right away.

 

Ok I got the replacement - but the replacement also behaves the same way. Similar screen flickers with brightness below mid point for every disk hit.
Am totally confused now.
Should I return the unit or live with it? Btw the screen does look quite dark below mid point but I may use it this way in some low light conditions/battery power..

Thanks
~fA