Dell 2005FPW problems....Help me decide please!

[Pix3lDezigner]

Ok guys, this is my first post here! On 8/19 I ordered a Dell 2005FPW monitor, and received it fast about 5 days ago. After doing checks on it, and searching this board I found a couple problems.

The first thing I noticed was a lit pixel that is just a tad right and below the center of the screen. It's only noticeable on black or dark screens. It is lit green. It's not a huge problem, but since it's near the center of the screen, I find it a little unacceptable. I was going to move on and live with it though.

But after reading the posts about the horizontal wavy lines on the left hand side of the screen when using DVI, I checked it out. Sure enough, I notice these lines. I went to www.xfire.com like you guys suggested, and faintly noticed them. They aren't really strong, but they are noticeable. I want to point out that I don't have any backlight leakage as far as I know. Can somebody explain what I should be looking for on backlight leaks? I put a black wallpaper and turned my lights off last night. Didn't notice anything, but maybe I don't know what to look for?

My monitor is REV A02 and was manufactured August, 2005, and is from Mexico. Do you think I should try and exchange this one from the lit pixel and faint wavy lines? Or should I just hold onto this one? I sort of want an exchange since I don't feel a $649 monitor should suffer from these things. I don't just want to settle. I didn't pay $649 though, I paid $429+ tax. Any advice or help would be appreciated! Thank you!
-Pix3lDezigner

 

[w00t]

all lcd's have blacklight leakage. blacklight leaking is the light leaking thru the panel and around the corners. that is the best i can give you someone else will go into details with it.

 

[MobiusPizza]

To tell the truth I have just noticed those horizontal lines.
I never know I have this problem.
The old monitor LCD I had 15" 3 years old had the problem when analogue signal was used but nonexistent on DVI signals
Since my 2005FPW have it as well, and never seen it in other cases when I game/play movie; I think it is just not a wide-spread problem

Plus it might be the graphic card / the DVI cable signaling problem

Because dead pixel policy garantees exchange of only for monitors with like 5 dead pixels, you can't do really much on it.


Your blacklight case seems better than mine. When I turn off lights at night, I do see faint uneven lighting
But they aren't severe.


Also, I paid for $750 for this monitor because I live in UK. still I think it's good enough
It's already better than other monitors at this size

In your case I regret that there's a dead pixel. I seem to be lucky that 2 LCDs I purchased including this one has no dead pixels

 

[Pix3lDezigner]

Originally posted by: w00t
all lcd's have blacklight leakage. blacklight leaking is the light leaking thru the panel and around the corners. that is the best i can give you someone else will go into details with it.

Thank you! I haven't really noticed much of that, so I think I'm good on that front. Do you think I should do an exchange for the lit pixel and wavy lines? I guess it couldn't hurt, because from what I understand, they ship the new monitor before you ship yours back. So if that one is worse, I can always keep this one, right?

Also, what do I explain to them if I do indeed try to exchange this one? Because I know 1 lit or dead pixel doesn't warrant an exchange. Should I just focus on the wavy line issue on the phone with them? Thanx!
-Pix3lDezigner

 

[w00t]

hmm, if it was me i probably would that monitor cost alot of money and you want it as perfect as you can get it.

 

[MobiusPizza]

Originally posted by: Pix3lDezigner

Originally posted by: w00t
all lcd's have blacklight leakage. blacklight leaking is the light leaking thru the panel and around the corners. that is the best i can give you someone else will go into details with it.

Thank you! I haven't really noticed much of that, so I think I'm good on that front. Do you think I should do an exchange for the lit pixel and wavy lines? I guess it couldn't hurt, because from what I understand, they ship the new monitor before you ship yours back. So if that one is worse, I can always keep this one, right?

Also, what do I explain to them if I do indeed try to exchange this one? Because I know 1 lit or dead pixel doesn't warrant an exchange. Should I just focus on the wavy line issue on the phone with them? Thanx!
-Pix3lDezigner

seriously don't gamle. You risk getting another one with worse problems.
They can't garantee you having an A3 reversion

1 dead pixel is lucky enough I'd say. Unless you can't live with it.
and the wavy effect is non existent in other application isn't it?
And as I mentioned it is not necessarily monitor's problem

$400 seriously is a bargain for such a big monitor of this quality. I am not a die hard fans of it but I know it.

 

[myrcgarage]

I think I have posted a lot on this board regarding the horizontal lines issue. Another guy and I had exchange 3 monitor(4 monitors total) and my last one was "good". I can still notice the horizontal lines if I look really close. Since it doesn't have dead pixel and no much backlight, I am keeping it. AFAIK, it is a problem with REV A02. People don't have this wavy lines problem with A01.

You can go to http://www.dell.com/chat and tell them about your dead pixel issue. I believe they will replace it for you according to other sources(Dell has a 0 dead pixel policy, correct me if I am wrong). All 4 monitors don't have dead pixel issues. They all have the wavy lines issue. I can assure you that it is not a video card problem since i tried 3 monitors on my old Dell laptop with VGA port and the problem exists.

Let me know if you have any other questions. I will try to help you out as much as I can.

 

[w00t]

i dont think they have a zero like samsung but i am sure you can return it as long as its been like 30 days since you got the monitor.

 

[myrcgarage]

give it a try. I believe it is 21 days now.

 

[imported_michaelpatrick33]

I have a 2405fpw and don't notice any wavy horizontal lines (I am using DVI) but I may not be looking correctly. Could you guys help me with this? I don't want to hijack the thread so ignore if this is off the thread topic. Thanks

 

[myrcgarage]

I don't think the 2405 has this problem. What you are looking for is anywhere on the screen(on the 2005, it is on the left hand side), you will notice about 1 to 1.5 inches of lines(from top of the screen to the bottom) either going up or going down. You can notice that on the WinXP logon screen(windows 2000 type of login and not the one with pictures) or go to http://www.xfire.com/xf/index.php. This site is very noticeable if you have this problem. I hope it helps.

 

[Pix3lDezigner]

Originally posted by: myrcgarage
I think I have posted a lot on this board regarding the horizontal lines issue. Another guy and I had exchange 3 monitor(4 monitors total) and my last one was "good". I can still notice the horizontal lines if I look really close. Since it doesn't have dead pixel and no much backlight, I am keeping it. AFAIK, it is a problem with REV A02. People don't have this wavy lines problem with A01.

You can go to http://www.dell.com/chat and tell them about your dead pixel issue. I believe they will replace it for you according to other sources(Dell has a 0 dead pixel policy, correct me if I am wrong). All 4 monitors don't have dead pixel issues. They all have the wavy lines issue. I can assure you that it is not a video card problem since i tried 3 monitors on my old Dell laptop with VGA port and the problem exists.

Let me know if you have any other questions. I will try to help you out as much as I can.

Thank you very much, and thanks to everybody else that has posted so far! Yeah, the wavy lines are faintly noticeable on my monitor, so I guess it could be worse. And to be frankly honest, I never noticed them and maybe never would have unless I saw the thread about it. So maybe it isn't that big of an issue, I don't know.

What is sort of an issue though is the lit pixel. It is close to the center, and is glaring at me on black or dark backgrounds. Although that isn't a huge issue either, I still would rather get a monitor that has no dead/lit pixels.

I tried getting into that chat, and I couldn't since the 2005FPW doesn't have a service tag number. How did you get in? Did you go into the Desktop area? A step by step would be really helpful! Also, if I do get into the chat, can they arrange for an exchange right there, or do I need to call on the phone? Thank you!!
-Pix3lDezigner

 

[myrcgarage]

just type 11111111 for the service tag field. There is no service tag for monitor. You might get "Page Not found" error...just hit refresh until you get connected. Yes, if you can convince the rep to send you a new one, you can get everything done right on the chat. Remember to right down reference number and dispatch number.(I have done it 3 times and I can do all these blind folded...sigh...)

However, I have to say the 2005 is a beautiful monitor for the price I paid($381) and no ghosting whatsoever in HL2...

 

[Pix3lDezigner]

Originally posted by: myrcgarage
just type 11111111 for the service tag field. There is no service tag for monitor. You might get "Page Not found" error...just hit refresh until you get connected. Yes, if you can convince the rep to send you a new one, you can get everything done right on the chat. Remember to right down reference number and dispatch number.(I have done it 3 times and I can do all these blind folded...sigh...)

However, I have to say the 2005 is a beautiful monitor for the price I paid($381) and no ghosting whatsoever in HL2...

Thank you very much for the info man! Just a couple more quick questions since you've done this 3 times. Haha! If they do agree to send me a new one, do I have to pay for the shipping to get my other one back to them, and if so, how much will shipping cost? Or better yet, if I do have to pay for the shipping, which carrier and service do you recommend for the cheapest price? Also, if the one I get has more problems that the one I already have, can I just send the new one back instead? Thank you!
-Pix3lDezigner

 

[myrcgarage]

Dell paid for everything. That's why in another thread, I don't think they made any money from mine...but it is their problem since they manufactured defected product.

Yes, if the new one has more problems, you can send the new one back or ask for another one.

 

[Pix3lDezigner]

Well after 3 chat sessions, I finally got them to send me a replacement that should be here in 2-3 business days. In each session they had me try something different as if nothing is wrong with the monitor. I did the self check, went into bios, etc. They wanted to make sure it wasn't a video card or driver problem.

The 3rd technician told me it would be a refurbished monitor that they would be sending me. I immediately asked why and threatened to return the monitor for a full refund. It's only been 12 days since I ordered the monitor. The technician then apologized and said that he didn't know when I ordered it and that it was within the alloted amount of time. So I will indeed be getting a new monitor.

Thank you to everyone with input and advice on this thread. I will keep you guys updated here on how the new monitor is. Hopefully there are no dead pixels and no wavy lines. If I do have to settle with wavy lines, hopefully they are faint. And I hope I don't have any backlight leakage as this one doesn't. I just hate the lit pixel near the center of the screen and the wavy lines. Wish me luck!
-Pix3lDezigner

 

[Icepick]

If that one stuck pixel is bothering you then send it back. Dell has a 21 day customer satisfaction gaurantee. They'll let you exchange the monitor within 21 days from the date they ship it out no matter what's wrong with it.

I purchased mine in mid-July. The first one they shipped me had two stuck pixels right out of the box. One green and the other was near the center and red. After a week I noticed a third near the right/top corner. That was enough for me. I called their customer service department and requested an exchange.

Here's where I'll complain a little bit. The first guy I talked to sounded like he was from the U.S. and seemed to be on top of things. He passed me through to tech support to get the RMA going. I waited on hold for 20 minutes for tech support and, sure enough, that was in India. The guy asked me to run some diagnostics on the monitor and test the video card (even though the problem was stuck pixels). I told him I already did that and demanded to push the RMA through. I had to tell him this three times before he gave up and agreed to process the return right away. He stepped away for a few minutes. When he came back he told me the "system is down" and couldn't do any more to help that day.

I had to call back the next day and repeat the process. This time the RMA was arranged and they sent out the replacement.

Like I said, the replacement had no problems at all. My first one was a June 2005. My second one was a July 2005 model.

Good luck!

 

[Pix3lDezigner]

Originally posted by: icepik
If that one stuck pixel is bothering you then send it back. Dell has a 21 day customer satisfaction gaurantee. They'll let you exchange the monitor within 21 days from the date they ship it out no matter what's wrong with it.

I purchased mine in mid-July. The first one they shipped me had two stuck pixels right out of the box. One green and the other was near the center and red. After a week I noticed a third near the right/top corner. That was enough for me. I called their customer service department and requested an exchange.

Here's where I'll complain a little bit. The first guy I talked to sounded like he was from the U.S. and seemed to be on top of things. He passed me through to tech support to get the RMA going. I waited on hold for 20 minutes for tech support and, sure enough, that was in India. The guy asked me to run some diagnostics on the monitor and test the video card (even though the problem was stuck pixels). I told him I already did that and demanded to push the RMA through. I had to tell him this three times before he gave up and agreed to process the return right away. He stepped away for a few minutes. When he came back he told me the "system is down" and couldn't do any more to help that day.

I had to call back the next day and repeat the process. This time the RMA was arranged and they sent out the replacement.

Like I said, the replacement had no problems at all. My first one was a June 2005. My second one was a July 2005 model.

Good luck!

Thanks a lot man! Yeah, I didn't even want to bother trying to talk and get ahold of these guys on the phone. I did everything through chat sessions. I like it better that way because you can seem really demanding, but yet they can't hear your tone or if you stutter. Haha!! I knew I was going to eventually get a replacement no matter what, so I just kept saying I did all their tests. Haha!

The one I have says August 2005 on it. I just was granted a replacement today, so maybe by time it ships I will get a September 2005 one, I'm not sure. Either way, I just hope there aren't any pixel problems and that the wavy lines are very faint.
-Pix3lDezigner

 

[aphex]

Be careful when you get the replacement, i was promised a new monitor, but clearly recieved a refurb (said so right on the box, the monitor had scratches, it was BAD).....

They kept denying it was a refurb, so i kept bitching and they finally caved...

The 4th 2005 was the best of the bunch, and its been great for 3-4 months now....

Granted, i did get this monitor for $379 or so, but i still didnt put up with their shoddy build quality. Keep exchanging until your happy....

 

[Pix3lDezigner]

Originally posted by: aphex
Be careful when you get the replacement, i was promised a new monitor, but clearly recieved a refurb (said so right on the box, the monitor had scratches, it was BAD).....

They kept denying it was a refurb, so i kept bitching and they finally caved...

The 4th 2005 was the best of the bunch, and its been great for 3-4 months now....

Granted, i did get this monitor for $379 or so, but i still didnt put up with their shoddy build quality. Keep exchanging until your happy....

I agree with you. I wouldn't settle even though I paid $429 for the monitor. So if it's a refurb, I will see a sticker on the box that says so? If there is no sticker on the box, is there a way to tell by looking at the monitor? I guess damage would be a good sign. Wish me luck!
-Pix3lDezigner

 

[Pix3lDezigner]

When I asked if they would email me a tracking number, the technician told me that they would call my cell phone. Previously in the chat he asked for my cell phone number. Wouldn't it be easier and more logical to send my tracking number via email? Did they do this to anybody else? What did they tell you in the phone call?
-Pix3lDezigner

 

[myrcgarage]

Usually, you need to do another chat session, give them your dispatch no and they will give you the tracking no.