Hello. I'm trying to figure something out: How does the display
brightness on the Inspirson 1100 compare to the brightness on my
ancient Lattitude LT?
 
I have a Dell Latitude LT that I got around 4 years ago. When I bought
the latitude LT, one of its key selling points, for me, what that it
had what was, at the time, a particularly bright screen. This matters
to me a lot as I like to be able to use my laptop outside in natural
light (not direct sunlight, of course), and a bright screen makes a
big difference.

I want to get a new, cheap machine. I'm thinking about the Inpsiron
1100.

But: I haven't been able to determine screen brightness. I'm happy
with all the other specs, but if the screen turns out not to be as
bright as my 4-year-old Latitude LT, I'll be unhappy with the
purchase. Folks at Dell haven't been able to answer my question:


Is the screen brightness of a new Dell Inspiron 1100 comparable to,
worse than, or better than the brightness of an old Dell Latitude LT?



  - Misha Glouberman

Hi misha,

"Notebook LCDs once varied widely in brightness, color, and sharpness,
but today, you'll find much better quality across the board.
Unfortunately, when it comes to LCDs, the specs reveal little about
actual picture quality, so if you're picky about screens, compare some
at your local dealer."
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3121_7-1016082-3.html

hummer

hummer, 

Thanks. The hard thing, I suppose, is that I don't know of any place
where I can actually see a Dell I1100, since, to the best of my
knowledge, they're not available from retailers, only by mail order
from Dell.

The line "Much better quality across the board" leads me to suspect
that cheap laptop today (I1100) might well have a brighter screen than
a not-cheap laptop 4 years ago (L LT). But, of course, it's sadly
unclear...


Thanks very much, though, for the link...

- Misha

Hi Misha,

Two more links. 

http://www.epinions.com/pr-Laptops-Dell_Inspiron_1100_Series_Notebook_Computer/display_~reviews

"Cons:  -screen color kinda weird until u get used to it. the "white"
isn't really white...hard to describe unless u compared it to another
lcd or even a crt. I use mine at 1 tick below the maximum setting.
When the laptop is shipped to u, it's set like 2 or 3 ticks below
maximum. Find what's right for u. i.e. max is too bright/washed out. 1
away doesn't seem "white". anyone else agree? i've heard this is only
a prob w/ the 15" xga's...not the 14"
http://shopper-zdnet.com.com/Dell_Inspiron_1100/4852-3122_16-21127907.html

Since you already have a Dell, you must be familiar with the Dell
forum? Have you browsed through the Inspiron 1100 section to see if
the display is an issue?  Just a thought - sorry I can't be of more
help.

hummer