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    backilght worn out?

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by danielbb, Jun 22, 2010.

  1. danielbb

    danielbb Notebook Enthusiast

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    Do displays dim/go more yellow over time? I have had a 6400 for 3 years now, its used extensively. I have noticed compared to other laptops its not as bright, and whites are not as white as they used to be. Will replacig the backlight remedy this?
     
    danielbb, Jun 22, 2010
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  2. Illegal Operation

    Illegal Operation Notebook Evangelist

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    I am guessing it is a CFL LCD?? If that is the case then over time the brightness does degrade. If you are comparing it to newer LED displays then it will not compare in brightness.

    Not sure about replacing the backlight. Maybe someone else can chime in on that.
     
    Illegal Operation, Jun 22, 2010
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  3. Commander Wolf

    Commander Wolf can i haz broadwell?

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    I've seen some screens get dimmer and/or yellower over time, but I'm not sure if that is a backlight issue. In my experience, most backlight failures are preceded by a gradual reddening of the display. And of course, your perception may indeed be skewed by the fact that most current laptops use LED backlighting, which is indeed typically brighter and whiter.

    That being said, you can always try swapping out your backlight... the part is cheap, though the labor is a pain.
     
    Commander Wolf, Jun 22, 2010
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  4. woofer00

    woofer00 Wanderer

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    My e1505 (same as your 6400) dimmed by the 3rd year, but didn't go out by the time it was destroyed. Never tried to change it though.
     
    woofer00, Jun 22, 2010
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  5. jason1214

    jason1214 Notebook Evangelist

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    I had an Inspiron 6000, which is the generation before your Inspiron 6400. I had the backlight changed out twice.

    Never saw it get yellow, but it would get dim over time. This was with the WSXGA screen.
     
    jason1214, Jun 22, 2010
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  6. danielbb

    danielbb Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks all

    More off white than yellow, probably just darker, here it video of it, though it recorded on a cheap camera so its not quite as bad as it seems in the shot.

    YouTube - dell inspiron backlight
     
    danielbb, Jun 23, 2010
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