DELL Vostro 1400 WXGA vs XWGA+ TrueLife
Which is better? What is the difference?
I hope this information will help those of you who are about to purchase DELL Vostro 1400 notebook and are trying to decide which panel to go with.
As you probably know by now, Dell Vostro 1400 notebooks come with three different LCD panels:
1) WXGA (Matte finish) - 1280×800 resolution which is somewhat standard for this type of screen size
2) WXGA TrueLife - 1280×800 resolution, similar to the one above, except it has glossy finish instead of matte
3) WXGA+ TrueLife - 1440×900 (higher) resolution, also with glossy finish
From what I’ve learned so far reading various reviews on notebookreview forums, WXGA panels being “veterans” of LCD screens represent your typical notebook displays which you see on majority of laptops. So far I’m yet to hear a single complaint about those panels, with the exception that certain people might find them “boring”, comparing to the latest “trendy” glossy ones.
TrueLife screens are supposed to offer more vibrant colors, brighter picture, and overall “True Life” experience. I myself have not seen DELL’s WXGA TrueLife screen, but I’ve compared glossy LCD displays with non-glossy ones before, side by side, and I must admit that photographs and images look very impressive on glossy screens. On the other hand, with glossy screens you’ll have to put up with heavy reflections, especially on sunny days and if/when used in brightly lit rooms. So, I guess depending on how and what your laptop is going to be used for, you may or may not want glossy screen.
Dell’s WXGA+ TrueLife screens are probably the most controversial ones. People either love them or hate them. Apparently, DELL is using at least 3 different panel suppliers to manufacture these high resolution glossy screens. From what I’ve gathered so far, AUO branded panels have been getting the the worst reviews of all, mostly due to their graininess. Then there are SEC panels, which tend to show less to no graininess, yet suffer from being significantly dimmer than the rest. SEC panels also seem to have the worst viewing angles according to user posts on the Notebookreviews forum. Finally, there are LG panels. Few lucky owners of those screen report exceptional quality and seem to be the happiest Vostro 1400 WXGA+ owners.
I managed to get my hands on both WXGA (matte) and WXGA+ TrueLife (gloss) panels. Both of them are SEC panels. I first had a chance to work on the high resolution (WXGA+) screen for almost two weeks. My initial impressions were somewhat mixed. I did like the extra “real estate” that WXGA+ screen offered. I was also quite happy with the gloss (despite the fact that not so long ago I was determined to steer clear of shiny screens). However, viewing angles of that screen were a real joke. There just wasn’t a point from which I could see well both the top and the bottom portions of the screen. When I tilted the LCD to where top of the Windows desktop looked nice and color-reach, the bottom part (task panel) appeared a bit washed out. At the same time if I adjusted the screen in such a way that the bottom part of it looked bright and vibrant, then the top was turning so dark that grays were turning into blacks while near-black colors simply disappeared. And if that wasn’t enough by itself, horizontal angles were even more bizarre - my display looked slightly better (colors were reacher and pictures appeared to be brighter) if I looked at the screen not straight on, but at approximately at 15 degrees angle from the right. Yet at the same time, going 15 degrees to the left rendered the display noticeably darker.
I tried to demonstrate this effect in the following two pictures. While photographing, when placed on the right (first picture), WXGA+ panel looks noticeably darker than WXGA. However, after I repositioned the two screens so that WXGA+ is on the left (second picture) - the WXGA+ TL happened to be in its “favorable” position (at 15 degrees from the right) and it looks almost as bright as WXGA matte.
Vostro 1400, WXGA (left) and WXGA+ TrueLife
Vostro 1400, WXGA+ TrueLife (left) and WXGA (right)
Straight out of the box WXGA+ screen looked anything but “true life”. Excessive blue color made it look really bad. Also, DHL delivered the laptop in the early morning, so I first got to play with it during the day and immediately noticed that I wished the screen was brighter. I repeatedly kept trying to increase brightness, but it was at its maximum. To make things worst, new calibration profile which I created for this screen with the Spyder2 made the screen look even a little more darker. That, however, significantly(!) improved the colors.
Font size on the 14″ high resolution WXGA+ screen was a bit challenging for me at first. But seems like I got used to it rather quickly. My vision is far from perfect, I wear eye glasses, and even with them on my sight is not 20×20. Nevertheless, I discovered that I could live with this resolution and really enjoyed the extra real estate this screen offered.
Few days ago I received the WXGA matte screen. First impression - WOW! It is a LOT brighter than the WXGA+ TrueLife. Colors are a LOT better straight out of the box. I did however calibrate it as well, which made everything look even more vibrant (apparently there still was quite a bit of excessive blue). Text size looks ridiculously big comparing to the WXGA+ and I immediately felt that I am looking at a laptop screen… whereas the WXGA+ felt more like a PC monitor. I understand that the difference in resolution is not that big, but the difference is definitely noticeable. Viewing angles on this panel are a lot better than on the WXGA+, which was quite obvious right away. Overall, the screen is easier to read and nicer to look at.
The following two pictures demonstrate better brightness of WXGA screen compared to WXGA+ TrueLife. Both pictures were taken with the same shutter speed and aperture setting. Both laptops were positioned next to each other in more/less evenly lit room. No post-processing has been applied (besides cropping). These pictures reflect pretty accurately the difference in brightness between the two screens.
WXGA+ TrueLife (calibrated)
WXGA (calibrated)
To sum things up I’d like to state one more time - each of the panels has its pros and cons. While WXGA+ TrueLife panel offers you “wider” monitor, the sacrifice you’re making is 1. Viewing andgles and 2. Brightness (unless you get lucky to own LG panel, which I presonally have not seen and hence cannot speak of). WXGA panel is crispy sharp and bright, better colors out of the box, but as some may say looks “plain old” and feels like laptop screen (contrary to “wider” WXGA+). Which one to pick - your decision, depending on what you’re gonna be using it for. I personally lean toward WXGA.
The entire gallery of Vostro 1400 WXGA vs WXGA+ TrueLife pictures can be found here.
I guess I should also mention this - my WXGA panel is SEC 3157 while WXGA+ was SEC 4457. You can check your panel manufacturer by right clicking on your monitor in Device Manager, choosing Properties, then Details and then picking from the drop down either Device Instance ID or Hardware ID.
If you’d like to try ICM profiles I created for these two panels you can download them here:
Spyder2express_SEC3157WXGA.icm - for SEC 3157 (WXGA) panel
Spyder2express_SEC4457WXGAplTL.icm - for SEC 4457 (WXGA+ TrueLife) panel
However, in order to use these LCD profiles you will need Microsoft Color Control Panel Applet for Windows XP, that is if you’re using XP. I believe Vista is capable of managing icm profiles natively (I’m not 100% sure though). Also if you’re on XP and would like your color profile to be loaded automatically on startup you’ll have to create the following shortcut in your Startup group:
"C:\Program Files\Pro Imaging Powertoys\Microsoft Color Control Panel Applet for Windows XP\WinColor.exe" /L
Enjoy!!
September 15th, 2007 at 9:59 pm
great!!! i just simply wish i would have just ordered what i knew would be great and would work as always from the beginning since i to hate the “truelife” screen… i wish i could cancel and re-order the matte screen but i would loose A FORTUNE due to the coupons used and the discounts given i would pay an extra near 700$ overall.. imo not worth it for the screen alone.. good review thanks
September 15th, 2007 at 10:19 pm
you very welcome, thank you for your comment. I also ordered TrueLife first for $695 after all the discounts. But I decided to downgrade to lesser ram and smaller hard drive unit which would have the matte screen. For around $760 total I got 1Gb/80Gb WXGA, although I did add an extra battery and bluetooth (which my TrueLife config did not have). Also, I wouldn’t say that I hate the TrueLife that much… I could probably live with it. It’s just… given the choice - I go with the matte :)
September 20th, 2007 at 9:17 am
well I thank you for this review, I’m suprised when i saw my friend’s dell was brighter, but turned out he had ordered WSGA, not true life, now i wished I ordered that instead of truelife. But anyways thanks for the explanation.
October 24th, 2007 at 8:39 am
Thanks for your explaination. Now I am using SEC 4457 (WXGA+ TrueLife). But Not quite satisfied. Because WXGA+ TrueLife is distinctly lower than VAIO (SONY).
October 28th, 2007 at 3:26 am
Thanks for your good review on the screen. I think your’s is the best one i have come across so far after googling. It definitely has changed my decision process.
VJ
October 29th, 2007 at 8:58 am
thanks VJ, appreciate your feedback!
November 4th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
thanks for your review, ,sure it’ll help a lot of people, too bad i didn’t find it in time to make my buy descision properly. had i seen this before i would have ordered the matte wxga screen.
i wasted a good of time deciding if i was going to get a truelife or not, and went for the wxga+ TL because i was told that there were brighter. I can live with the reflection if it means that i can achieve a brighter screen. now i see this was a big mistake, and i can’t go back because the deal i got with discounts now doesnt’x exist anymore.
November 9th, 2007 at 2:12 am
what about the general wxga truelife screen?
November 13th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
Just wanted to know more about vostro 1500 with just wxga truelife screen.
Please pour in your thoughts
November 16th, 2007 at 1:20 pm
hi, I’ve just recieved my vostro 1400. it came with an SEC3157 screen with truelife and in my opinion the screen really looks good!! this is a pretty cool machine actually, bit like a mac on steroids ;).
I compared it to my friends new lattitude 1400, which has the matt 900×1400 screen and while I did like his higher resolution, his screen was noticibly duller than mine and had less contrast, the latter possibly being due to the truelife. haven’t tested my truelife outdoors yet though
November 27th, 2007 at 11:58 am
I’m confused…you mention the 3 LCD panels but on the dell website, it describes unique to the vostro the truelife option with anti-glare cover/coating. Does this mean you get the video quality of truelife with reduced glare on the screen from outside light? How effective is this coating? thanks man
January 10th, 2008 at 9:31 am
thanks for this info, very helpful. I was buying a Vostro on a tight budget and wasn’t sure whether to upgrade to the grossy screen - i love the glossy LCDs on Sony Vaios, but had never seen a Dell one in real life.
Anyway the screen seems problematic, so i went for the matte finish and spent the extra on the 9-cell battery instead :)
January 26th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
thanks for the analysis.
I’ve just ordered a vostro 1400 with the wxga matte.
I’ve been spending waaaaaay to long on the dell website
trying to get the best for my budget and needs,
Hell = configuring a pc on the dell website!!!
anyway after reading your article I feel
I can rest easy with my decision.
Apparently the glossy macbook screens are pretty good,
but your description of Dell TrueLife put me off.
Especially the part where the light quality is changing even when you
are staring straight at the screen. doesn’t sound too good.
and my decision saves some money too :)
thanks
January 26th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
oh yeah and thanks to the others who have added their voices here too.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:31 am
Just wanted to say thanks also. I initially configured my Dell Vostro 1400 order to include the WXGA+, but after reading this very informative review, I was able to cancel my order (even after 4 days) and place the new order with the matt finish screen. Only downside is adding on 4 days to expected arrival to my new Vostro. But I am sure I will be more satisfied with the WXGA screen versus the glossy, lower performing WXGA+. THANKS AGAIN!
April 10th, 2008 at 4:46 am
I have a glossy screen tosh and have ordered several laptops for friends etc each of them wanting a same screen style as my own and all of them are very happy with the dell truelife screens.
Yes the downside is the reflective screen but after using it for a while I don’t notice it but I do notice how great graphics look on the glossy screen and watching DVD’s etc is so much better imho then the matte laptops I’ve used in the past.
Personal preference go into your local reseller and check out matte laptops and laptops with glossy screens.
If you intend playing games doing graphical work watching films I’d say go for the gloss, if your after a work horse and intend working with sunshine streaming in behind you and deskside lamps behind you then go for the matte.
Dave
June 5th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
hvkem
http://lasandra.atspace.com/ buffie the body pic
June 16th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
I think I love you. Thanks for the review.
June 24th, 2008 at 7:36 am
omfg thank you for the monitor profile
my photos suddenly look right!
October 10th, 2008 at 10:46 am
The Vostro 1400 packs power into a stylish, thin and light system and gives the frequent traveler extensive technology options including enhanced wireless connectivity, exceptional durability, great service options and a 14-inch widescreen display
December 15th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
the anti-glare lcd is yellowish in white screen, like in your photos!
so, True Life is much better :)
April 27th, 2009 at 10:00 am
Excellent; thanks for the WXGA profile. I just applied it to the SEC5442 display on my Vostro 1510.. In hardware terms I don’t know how similar this is to the SEC3157 but either way your profile has given my colour a radical kick in the right direction. Good man.
June 13th, 2009 at 5:35 am
Thanks for the review, my Vostro 1400 uses SEC3157, this is the correct one? I hope so but sometimes it has a darker light but sometimes better light, is like it has a chip for energy control system or something …
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