m1330 on order, monitor question...

O.K.
I ordered a refurbished m1330, and got basically everything I want, EXCEPT the LED screen.

I was able to get 200GB drive (7200) with Free Fall sensor, finger print reader, nVidia GeForce 8400 m, 4 GB of Ram, 1 year In Home service with 24/7 tech support, all for $1,049.

Now, I'm having second thoughts on if I should have gotten the LED screen!

On the one hand, if the screen looks as good as my current HP dv2000, which is a bright, excellent monitor, I guess I should be fine with it. I really want/need to keep the cost down, so going without the LED helps.

Also, honestly, the 1/10th of an inch reduction in thickness, and quarter of a lb. in weight willl hardly be noticably, other then the first week I own it.

I've searched other refurbished m1330's, and can't seem to find ANY that offer the in home repair along with the LED screen. (Salesman told me that on refurb's, first he said you can't get In Home repair, then he said if it had it when it was sold, you will get what's left on the repair term. Doesn't make much sense, as I'd figure a refurb's m1330 is basically new..)

Anyone have the basic screen, or anyone having seen the two screens side by side care to share if there's a big difference?

Guess I'll find out in a few days (it's supposed to arrive this week) and if I'm totally unhappy, I can always return it.

Thanks!

 

I have an LED screen, and it is not perfect. At maximum brightness I can tell it has grain (the type that looks like there is dust on the monitor). It's not enough to interfere with reading and I only see it at max brightness. It is very bright. Whites are slightly yellowish/greenish, though not as bad as some screens I've seen. It seems to bother my eyes, but I'm trying to give myself time to get used to it before deciding whether to send it back. I've got it at close to minimum brightness. It is fine for pictures, but when viewing doc files and webpages with a white or light background, it seems harsh. The Hardware ID of the screen that shows in Device Manager is MONITOR\LCD2306, which I've read is Toshiba.

The screen is more evenly lit than most CCFL screens I've seen, with the possible exception of some LG CCFL screens. If you get your laptop and the screen looks good and clear to you, there's really no reason to return for an LED screen unless you just like the idea of having an LED screen. I have seen some LG screens at Best Buy that look better and are easier on my eyes than what I have now.

 

I've got an m1330 with the CCFL screen and have ZERO complaints!! I even saw an m1330 with LED screen at a Dell Kiosk which looked worse than mine!!

Congrats on your purchase! I'm sure you'll find the CCFL screen to be just fine and you won't ever wish for the LED screen instead.

 

Hey there!

I used to have an HP DV2000 as well, and my LG CCFL is 20 - 25% brighter than the HP LCD.

I didn't see the extra $150 required for an LED backlit screen justifiable. It is literally mm thinner, brighter at maximum brightness, but how bright do you really need it?
Any power savings is minimal as Dell uses 32 LEDs.
By the time the CCFL becomes too dim, you either buy a replacement CCFL for < $150 later on, or go on to another notebook.

I am satisfied with my LG CCFL and it is superior to my DV2000's. You should be happy with your configuration.

 

Thanks for all of the feedback, it makes me feel MUCH better!

I'm not that interested in the LED for the power savings, the weight and size savings is minimal... as I said, unless it's a MUCH nicer display, I'll be thrilled with my purchase. It's also around $150 (maybe less with refurb) more.

The thing is, when buying from the Dell Outlet, you pretty much have to just search what's available, and try to match your needs as closely as possible, while still staying in your budget (well, if you HAVE a budget, and if you don't, what the he11 are you doing looking in the Dell outlet for refurbished machines for???)

Anyways, at this point, my m1330 arrives between this Weds. and this Friday, and I'm stoked! I'm sure I'll be thrilled with the existing screen, and I'm sure a week after owning it I wont' even remember that the LED option ever crossed my mind.

Thanks again!

 

The LED is nice but not as necessary like a gpu. I'd get it if you have the money to spare, otherwise its not that important.

 

chelet - are you sure it's not the small text size of the 13 inch screen that bothers your eyes when reading regardless off whether it's LED or CCFL?

 

Just realized what I believe is another benefit of going with CCFL... (does it sound like Im trying to talk myself into something???)

With an LED screen, I believe you only get a VGA .3 camera, while if you go with the CCFL, you get a 2MP camera.

Is this correct? Haven't really seen it discussed.

Not a big deal, but it is a benefit of doing without the LED screen.

 

Yes, you are correct.

Let us know how your new M1330 is when you receive it this week!

 

I've also got a 1720 with a 1920x1200 screen. The text is smaller on that, and doesn't bother my eyes.