All of the TrueLife screens are very reflective. Some people like them - they do have a large visual impact in a store display (which is likely why you find them on so many models sold at retail).

Whether they'll hold up in the long run is open to question - they'll also show dirt, dust, fingerprints and scratches easily.

If you are happy with the UXGA you have now, the WUXGA should be fine resolution-wise; it's a True Life screen though. It looks like the base screen (WXGA) is stnadard, coated (non TrueLife).

don't base the resolution bump on the TrueLife screen. they aren't a VERY big distraction.

some people don't like the glossy look, but others think it makes it sleeker. essentially you get a bit more contrast for a little less portability. you probably won't want to try and use it in the sun.

indoors, you're fine. the 1920x1200 screen is a lot more real estate than the 1440x900. you are probably better with the 1920x1200 if you're ok with the 15" 1600x1200 screen. it's just wider.

1440x900 doesn't have truelife.

Thanks Excrazymac for your input.

I will rarely, if ever use the laptop outdoors - it'll mostly be indoors.

And I'm fine with 1600*1200 - I'm a programmer, so for various reasons I like this resolution, so the folk who don't like the 1900*1200 haven't put me off it for this reason.

It really is just the glossy screen that I'm concerned about - especially if it reflects too much other light.

Any other opinions?

Well, I have to jump in here... I upgraded to the Truelife screen and am moderately disappointed with it.  It is reflective, yet the colors don't look nearly as vivid as those I've seen on the HPs.  If I were to do over my purchase, I would not have upgraded to Truelife.  Also, the display is quite bright and I have to turn the brightness down otherwise it gives me a headache.  I expected better quality as well - it's obviously much brighter toward the bottom of the screen than toward the top.  The higher resolution is nice, but I would definitely trade it for one less reflective; I find the reflections rather annoying.  I've only had my E1705 a few days though and perhaps after more time adjusting to the display my opinion will change.

I like the TrueLife screen on my E1705.  It was the one upgrade I wasn't sure about until I received the laptop, but now that I have it, I'm very glad that I did not go with the other screen.  The screen is definitely more glossy than that on my 9100 but not as much as other brands I've seen at computer stores.  I'm a software developer as well, and I love widescreen displays because I don't have to break lines of code as often, which I think makes the code much more readable.  This display is truly great to look at.  I usually use it at one step below maximum brightness (which conserves a little battery, too) and it's plenty bright enough.  I find that the reflectiveness of the screen is not at all distracting to me.  I'm sure it's a very individual preference, however.

As a side note, I was extremely disappointed with this screen when I first turned my E1705 on.  It took me about ten minutes before I realized that Dell had shipped the laptop with the brightness set to about level three of eight!

Thanks for your opinion Maverikva.

So far, you're the only person who's responded negatively in this thread.

You say

> I find the reflections rather annoying.

Are you working in a very lit area, with lots of lights above and behind you, like in an office, or is this at home?

It's much more bearable in areas without overhead lights.  Also, if you have the brightness turned up the reflections are much less of an annoyance, but if you're running on battery power this may be an issue.  For me, it's not as I usually am on AC anyway. 

Again, I've only had it only a matter of days and am still adjusting.

Does anyone fit in this category?

I wonder if wearing contact lenses makes the glare worse.  I have more trouble with glare generally and steered away from the true life.

Jane

Davy19

It's nice to hear a good word for the WXGA+ screen.  It's the one I ordered.  It's still in production.  When did you get yours?  I hope I get one of the good ones.

Thanks for the feedback,

Jane

I got mine earlier this week and love it.

 

Best laptop i ever owned IMO  well I got the E1705 but same thing.

I've worn soft contacts (with a strong prescription) for almost 20 years and this screen doesn't bother my eyes any more than any other LCD screen does.  I'm on this computer 6-8 hours a day.  Having the brightness up does make a big difference, especially since this screen has much more contrast than most.  Also the large fonts and icons make it much more readable.  I gave my 19" 1280x1024 LCD to my wife because after I got used to this screen I couldn't look at all the pixels anymore.

I guess the Truelife is a either love or hate it kind of thing. I love the TrueLife on my e1705. It's too bad their arn't more TrueLife screens from Dells out there to look at in person from retailers or other people's personal laptops.

However there are Dell stores around the US that should have some available, and Dells are now sold in COSTCO and some other stores so it might be worth it to take a look there.

You're so right, Coastal.

The inquiry reminds me of the tale of the blindfolded philosophers, sitting around an elephant, each trying to describe the animal.  I should have traveled to a Dell kiosk before I ordered it.  But I'll know for sure in a couple of  days when it's delivered:smileywink:  I may have to do that anyway.:smileyhappy:

Thanks to all for the feedback.

Jane

 

Message Edited by -Friendlyname- on 03-02-2006 10:46 AM