quite the dilemma

So, my little brother finally decided he wants a dell xps m1210, but I've been doing some digging around the internet and it turns out maybe the screen isn't so hot, apparently many people think it sucks, among the 3 lcd's that the computer could potentially arrive in, the toshiba version (the worst) is predominantly featured in the non-integrated webcam option, which is the option my brother wants.

Anyway, is it THAT bad that it's gonna make me want to change the laptop right away? Keep in mind I live in Venezuela and trading a laptop is not as easy as phoning up Dell. He's used a latitude x300 (matte screen) before and he is totally cool with it, also my dad has a vaio c and he thinks the screen on that one is good too. So is it that big of a deal? He also likes the macbook so this might be a deal breaker for him. If it's a really ****** screen then he will probably purchase a macbook instead... but unlike the US there aren't many places with return policies here so once something is bought then that's the end of it. (unless it's a manufacturing defect, but nothing like walmart's no questions asked policy)

I should point out my bro isn't a hardcore pc techie. He won't use the laptop to game, just basic tasks and such. I'm not sure if he will really notice a ****** screen like a videophile would. or is the lcd THAT ******?

anyone care to comment?

 

I dont know what screen I have, but it is fantastic. great viewing angles, very bright and colourful...

I do have the webcam though.

 

You can tell which lcd you have by running powerstrip.

http://entechtaiwan.net/util/ps.shtm

 

Windows and powerstrip just see it as Generic PnP monitor.

i say just go for it man, screen is brilliant, may be older screens werent so good.

I was worried about eye straing from the screen size and resolution, but i get none....

I could work on this all day comfortably,

 

Yeah I dunno. I think I'll just try and see if I can go to a store that has one on display and kinda see for myself if it's worth it, cause I know my brother, he will be just as happy with an m1210 or a macbook, so if for the same price he can get a nicer screen then that's where we're gonna go.

If anyone can add that would be great.

 

yeah i would be interested to hear what the 'screen problems' are...i just heard some ppl say screen issues i never read into what they were.

 

I have a Samsung screen , and I'm happy with it. I've also personally seen and used another M1210 with a Toshiba screen (belongs to a friend of mine). There is a noticeable difference in color vibrance and viewing angles, even so very much usable. I've also compared mine with a Sony Vaio C and I think mine looked better. Seemed to me that the Sony C screen is more or less similar to the Toshiba (however I can't say for sure since I compared it side by side with my Samsung M1210). If we assume that all Sony Vaio C notebooks uses the same screen, then even a M1210 with a Toshiba screen wont be a big issue for your brother; however as as DELL, Sony may also be using screens from several manufacturers in which case your father's Sony may have a better screen than what I saw.

In any case even the Toshiba screen of M1210 is good enough for most people out there, as far as the rest of the notebook is concerned, I think its the best 12.1 you can buy for that price. Sony SZ is better but at almost USD 1000 more.

Go to

Device Manager > Monitors > Generic PnP Monitor > Properties > Details > Hardware IDs > MONITOR\ ModelNumber

ModelNumber:
AUO3214 : AU Optronics (AUO)
SEC3157 : Samsung
LCD58E : Toshiba

 

Thanks, I have samsung..just reading some threads, I have had no flickering issues at all.

 

Me neither, maybe nVidia has fixed the issue.
Anyways Samsung screen is quite good. Some say AUO is the best others say its the Samsung, eitherways both screens are pretty good.

 

Same here I have no issues with the samsung screen

 

If this is the case then I think he will be fine. This is his first laptop so it's not like he has been spoiled by a good screen for a long time and will notice a huge difference.