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General discussion

Faulty Laptop Screen???

Nov 5, 2009 4:03AM PST

Hi everyone. I recently purchased an off-lease Dell D610 laptop only to find it had a white depression mark in the middle of the screen. I have since had the screen replaced by the seller; however, I'm not certain the new screen is up to snuff either.

Apart from a few stuck pixels (which I can live with) the laptop is like new. Unfortunately, my main complaint is that the screen also has a slightly dim border approx 2" in width all the way around.

All images are still visible and bright. The border is simply "less bright" when compared to the rest of the screen -- almost like the white reflective backing has started to bend and lose contact with the rest of the LCD display. This "border" does not have a straight edge; instead, it seems to meander a bit, but the edge is definitely well defined. It is also more visible when displaying solid dark colours.

Anyone have any experience with this. Is it fixable? I'm not really interested in going through the trouble of having the screen replaced with another sub-par unit and will, instead, try to fix it myself or simply replace it with a brand new screen.

Discussion is locked

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Frankly?
Nov 5, 2009 9:21PM PST

I read your post a while ago and had to ponder how to reply. Here's my thought. You seem to want a new perfect machine but are dealing with used and repaired units.

I think that's the issue. The reason all those are in those channels is simple. They are less than perfect but you are getting them for less.

Maybe it's time to get a new machine with warranty and more?
Bob

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Fair enough, but...
Nov 5, 2009 10:31PM PST

Hi Bob. Thanks for your reply.

I should have prefaced my initial post by stating that the seller had described these systems as having screens in very good condition without any dead pixels or depression marks. I purchased 2 systems; one screen is indeed in great condition, while the other is the reason for my post. Otherwise, both machines are better than expected.

I am actually NOT interested in purchasing a brand new system. In comparision to the D610, I find most of the lesser priced systems to be poorly built. I also dislike the more common wide-screens found on many of the newer systems. The fact is, a machine that is only 3yrs old should still be in great condition and be more than capable of my computing needs.

The seller has provided me with one system which matches their description, but has been unable (after 3 tries) to produce a screen on the second system of the same quality as the first. The laptop is more than usable (and the price was right); as such, I am simply trying to determine whether the defective screen can be fixed.

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So it's like an used car.
Nov 5, 2009 11:05PM PST

And you get to deal with the seller and the repair shops. Here I don't see these issues but at the office and home most of the machines are 2 or so years old. We do have just a few 5 year old machines but that's due to us keeping those for dedicated projects.

I hear some don't like the wide screen but the office staff was easy to hammer into shape by ignoring them and letting them get used to the new machines.

Your choice here but I can't see where Dell is the issue here. Buy what you want, deal with those that wronged you.
Bob