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AlfieTat

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AlfieTat

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January 24th, 2023 23:00

XPS 13, keyboard readability

The keyboard on my new XPS13 is very difficult to read in daylight. In the dark the backlight keys are OK but during the day the back lighting is not strong enough (even on the "high" setting) and the contrast between the light grey keys and the dark grey lettering is "poor". My old XPS had black keys with bright white lettering; much better!!  I don't understand that a renowned company like Dell can produce such poor design. Don't they field test their products before hitting the market?

 

(edited)

  • 428

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    Posted January 26th, 2023 06:00

    I have exactly the same issue. It is a real problem in daylight. Nighttime is fine, I wonder if there is anything that one can do to improve it?

  • AlfieTat

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    Posted January 26th, 2023 13:00

    I had long conversations with Dell about this. They acknowledge the issue but can't offer an (acceptable) solution; - a wireless keyboard defeats the purpose of having a portable laptop, - they could send a technician to replace the keypads on-site but very expansive option! They say it is not a technical issue but a design issue. and as such not covered under warranty. Not sure if this argument 

  • ejn63

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    Posted January 26th, 2023 14:00

    You have 30 days from shipment to return an unsatisfactory system for any reason -- do so, and purchase a different model with a more suitable keyboard design.

     

  • AlfieTat

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    Posted January 26th, 2023 15:00

    I thought it is 15 days. And also, I have set up the machine now and don't want to take it all off again! Still don't understand why Dell manufactures keyboards like this!?  If they were sold via a normal shopfront (not on line) I would never have bought it!

  • ejn63

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    Posted January 26th, 2023 17:00

    For new systems in the US and many other places, it's 30 days.  Refurbished systems may have a shorter return period. 

    At least in the US, the XPS 13 models are sold at retailers such as Best Buy, etc.

     

  • 296

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    Posted February 18th, 2023 07:00

    I am wondering if there is some way to turn off the backlight on the keyboard during the day i.e. in bright light? The issue for me is that the letters on the keyboard automatically turn white in daylight and are unreadable?

  • StZill

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    Posted February 18th, 2023 09:00

    The F5 function key on your keyboard (at least on my XPS 15) allows you to cycle between various levels of keyboard brightness, including completely off. 

  • AlfieTat

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    Posted February 18th, 2023 15:00

    On my XPS this can be done on the F6 key. 

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    Posted February 19th, 2023 05:00

    @AlfieTat and @StZill Thank you so much. I should have known that but I think that this does help greatly. It is also the F6 Key on my XPS13. Thanks for this!

  • user_880c96

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    Posted August 19th, 2023 03:07

    have exactly the same issue. returned my xps and bought lenovo