2001FP Revision Information

Question

Can anyone from Dell comment on what differs between different revisions of this monitor.

So far, I have seen that people have one of these different revisions and manufacturing dates:

September 2003, Rev B9D
September 2003, Rev A00
October 2003, Rev B9D
October 2003, Rev A00
November 2003, Rev A00

I personally have October 2003, Rev B9D. While reading Anandtech's Preview of this monitor, I noticed they had September 2003, B9D. They said that theirs was a pre-production model.

Does the B9D stand for a pre-production model. Is there a chance that some of us got pre-production models that still experience some of the symptoms in Anandtech's article?

I have the following issues with mine at the moment:
1) Not uniform backlighting. I have the backlight seepage around the edges and corners of my monitor, like other people have described\|
2) The display seems grainy. It looks as if there is a border around each pixel and I can see these borders. It looks like a mesh pattern. It is actually quite annoying.
3) Auto-adjust problems. Just like Anandtech's article mentioned, the auto-adjust feature sometimes crops off the signal and doesn't always yield consistent results. Also quite annoying.

Anandtech mentioned that Dell said they would have these issues fixed before the monitors went into production. So, this is why I wonder if I have a pre-production monitor by mistake.

Thanks!
-Doug Cure

Sterndogg02 · Answer

Doug,

I have the October 2003, Rev B9D (left side) and if looking at the back of the panel Rev A00 on the right side. I too am experiencing not uniform backlighting most noticeable on the upper ride side. I haven't experienced any other symptoms yet but perhaps slightly grainy.

-Adam

dougcure · Answer

Adam,

Thanks for the reply! Wow, I must have overlooked that. I also have the A00 on the right side of the monitor and B9D in the middle. Maybe the panel and the case for it have different revisions?

Are you using an analog or DVI connection? The grainyness seems pretty noticeable to me, but I am sure everyone perceives it a little differently. Maybe analog is making it show up a little more as well.

-Doug

Sterndogg02 · Answer

Hehehe nice proofing on my part...meant to say right side. I'm using a DVI connection. I haven't called Dell to see if it is a defect in the panel yet but not sure what to do. I only have one stuck pixel (again upper right side), so worried that if I return this one the next one could be worse with still backlighting problems. It's really only noticeable when watching a widescreen DVD but not as bad as the matrix picture in anandtech. I haven't fooled around with the auto adjust settings yet.

-Adam

AMEXplat · Answer

I too have just received a 2001FP [ October 2003, Rev B9D on LHS & Rev A00 on RHS ].

I too notice not uniform backlighting (seem to have seepage near edge vs. center).
I'm running DVI 1600x1200 @ 60 Hz w/ latest 2001FP vid driver and have grainy appearance (did not notice this on 2000FP)
I have a GeForce4 Ti 4200, how do toggle from default landscape to portrait mode ???

ozziegn · Answer

count me in with a faulty 2001FP as well.

I have both dead sub pixels and my upper right hand corner's lighting isnt right.

this is kinda sad considering how much of an excellent performer the 2001FP "could be" if it werent plauged with these problems.

well, most of them that is.

Frank_G_7ee449 · Answer

Well I have the problem worse than Anand did on his website so I have contacted tech support and they are sending me a new monitor!! A small amount of backlite leakage is to be expected around the edges on just about all LCD's it's just when it is in the center areas like mine is and a whole corner R/H/top side that it is a problem which mine is also!! I have adjust till the cows come home and it still looks awful !!

Message Edited by Frank_G on 12-15-2003 10:04 PM

Message Edited by Frank_G on 12-15-2003 10:54 PM

Frank_G_7ee449 · Answer

ozziegn : I agree with you whole heartedly! I can stand everything else except for the backlite being on my screen like it is, it stinks you know?? I could stand it around the edges but in the middle is totally unacceptable! I just hope the next one is better !! :)

Message Edited by Frank_G on 12-15-2003 10:55 PM

Frank_G_7ee449 · Answer

Well Dell sent me my new monitor overnight still have a stuck pixel that is not noticable and the backlighting is 100% better now, this is definitely a keeper for me!!

ewb302 · Answer

I got my replacement tonight. I wish I could say I am happy, but I am not. My first one is an October model and has stuck pixels right in the center. I find myself looking at them. The replacement is a September model and has terrible backlighting and just as many stuck/dead pixels as the first. I really don't know what to do. I want so bad to have a perfect monitor, but shipping these back and forth is going to get out of hand.

Dell Moderators, my replacement monitor did not come with a return airbill. What can I do about this and can I send back the "replacement" monitor, rather than the original? The original is better overall (uniform backlighting) and I am still considering sending it back due to the stuck pixels.

Huesosnomas · Answer

Well, just got mine. No dead/stuck pixels, not grainy to me, {my first LCD though} but very noticeable bright area at top right identical to Anand's.

Rev B9D (left side) and if looking at the back of the panel Rev A00 on the right side

If I ask for replacement, will they ship it to me before they receive mine back? In the past with Dell, I've had 15 days to return faulty part {modem, video card, etc.} after I received the replacement part. Really like to see if the replacement is an signifcant improvement before I give up perfect pixels.

I would rather live with the backlight as I don't often watch DVDs on my machine than receive a replacement with dead/stuck pixels.

Can I have my cake and eat it too? For $1000 monitor I shouldn't have to compromise... Anybody have definite experience with return policy on LCDs?

DELL-Jesse L · Answer

ewb302, Email csd@dell.com and have them mail you a return airbill. You can also call 1-800-624-9897 to speed up the process.

ewb302 · Answer

Thank you Jesse, you have been most helpful.

I have decided to keep my original monitor. This price is excellent for a 20" LCD and I can live with a few stuck pixels. It is not noticeable when gaming, and while doing other regular tasks. I compared notes with my brother's 1800FP and he also has multiple stuck pixels. It is the nature of the beast I suppose. I must say there is a huge difference in backlighting alignment between my original and the replacement monitor. It is for this reason that I am keeping the original sent to me. The backlighting on the replacement is very noticeable when the screen is black. Thank you for your help.

tony_11377 · Answer

I have an old fp2000 but wanted to upgrade to dual flat screen monitors. This is my experience so far.

Ordered 2 Dell 2001fp on 12/5/03 and received them 12/9/03. Dual monitor setup with Matrox G550 graphics card (one dvi and one vga)

September 2003 B9D (left) REV A00 (right side)
Monitor 1: DVI - No dead pixels; white spot in upper right hand corner
Monitor 2: VGA - One always-on pixel; huge white spot in upper right hand corner AND even larger white spot in bottom left hand corner.

Requested an exchange on 12/15/03. Arrived 12/17/03.
October 2003 B9D (left side) REV A00(right side)
Monitor 1: DVI; no dead pixels; very little light leakage (going to keep it)
Monitor 1: VGA; no dead pixels; very pronounced light leakage in upper right hand corner, worse than the 2 before. In a bright room, I can still see the discoloration in a light grey background(plan on returning it)

Monitors

2001FP Revision Information

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