XPS M1330 screens

[vkyr]

As most people might already know there are two different 13,3" WLED TFT panels available for the Dell XPS M1330, namely a TMD (Toahiba Matu****a Display) and a CMO (Chi Mei Optoelectronics) panel. Both are 13.3-inch (34 cm) WXGA (1280 x 800) TN panels, which are claimed by the specific panel suppliers and the Dell marketing specs to have a luminance of around 300 nits (cd/m²).

The CMO panel is claimed to have the following specs:

• 13.3-inch (34 cm) WXGA (1280 x 800)
• Type TN Panel
• 300 nits (cd/m²)
• Double COG/LED backlight
• Contrast Ratio of 500:1
• 25 ms Response Time
• View Angles (U/D/R/L) 60°/60°/50°/60°
• Weight 245 g

The TMD panel in contrast is advertized with the following specs:

• 13.3-inch (34 cm) WXGA (1280 x 800)
• Type TN Panel
• 300 nits (cd/m²)
• Power usage 4.0 W
• Weight 225 g

Below you can find some pics of three XPS M1330 models which are all equipped with LED panels, the left two of them (the red and white models) do have the CMO panel, the right (black one) has the TMD panel.

Note that display impressions just taken from images, mostly don't give back an exact feeling in the same manner, as the natural human eyes would give for display comparisons. - However, at least they will give you an idea that there are some differences between those different suppliers panels.

Ok I will give just a few comments now about the CMO and TMD LED panels.

• The TMD panel shows white colors with a shade of blue, the CMO with a shade of yellow.
• The CMO panel has by far the better viewing angles, even both are just TN panels. The TMD panel earaly distorts and washes out colors.
• The TMD panel shows colors with a stronger saturation, but the CMO better on high viewing angles.
• The CMO panel seems to be brighter on images, but the TMD is also bright if you sit directly in front of it and don't look at it from high viewing angles.
• Both panels have a slightly light leaking at the top and bottom from the LED backlight lines.
• The *real* luminance of both is Ok, but not as spectacular as the specs of 300 nits might suggerate.
• Some people prefer the TMD panel, others the CMO, so it is mostly a very subjective/individual aspect what people prefer.

Finally I would say, that either panel is quite good usable and that both of them have pros and cons.

[snowbro]

very nice comparison

[D.S.]

Just to be certain, is this what we're seeing in the pictures - from left to right - CMO, CMO, TMD. The third certainly seems less bright, although all the pictures are from angles.

Incidentally, all things considered, would people say these screens are average or above or below the average for laptop screens out at the moment?

[chuck232]

Heh, not bad. I was pretty impressed with the horizontal viewing angles of the CMO panel I have currently. Vertical viewing angles are still no good - you can only do so much with a TN panel as a basis.

I'd say it's above average in terms of brightness and viewing angles.

[vkyr]

Originally Posted by D.S.

Just to be certain, is this what we're seeing in the pictures - from left to right - CMO, CMO, TMD. The third certainly seems less bright, although all the pictures are from angles....

Yes that order of the panels is correct.

The TMD (the third one) is also bright but it isn't much noticable from an angles view, since it has more saturated colorings. Some people who looked at all three shown notebook displays are saying the TMD is brighter when you are in front of it, others in contrast are saying that the CMO seems to be brighter. The TMD panel has a minimal sparkling-effect on white surfaces, the CMO has instead slightly viewable fine vertical stripes on white.

Thus I believe it finally always depends more on a individual persons judging and feeling.

[pufftissue]

I was, in general, not impressed with my TMD panel. I thought whites were almost yellow. I sent it back b/c to me, it wasn't a premium screen. I'd be very interested if anyone can verify who makes the Sony SZ's screen, b/c many people claim that Sony screens are the best, whereas I, for one, think that they're still coming from the same places in China. In other words, I think that they're likely CMO screens, too.

[vkyr]

AFAIK TMD and CMO have only started some months ago to produce their first LED backlit panel models at all. So I doubt that CMO is the supplier for the Sony Vaio SZ panels at all, since Sony offers LED based panels for much longer time than other notebook vendors.

Also Sony has much longer time experience with LED based panels in notebooks with 11.1"-13.3" screen sizes. But the best and most luminant Sony Vaio panels are still those X-black panels with double lamp CCFL backlights. However, the Sony LED panels are also very good and some of them, even they are glare panels, have a slightly anti-reflective coating (the visable pink effect on some of their better screens) on them for better viewing angles.

But actually I don't know who might be the panel supplier for the Vaio LED based notebooks.

[HCW]

So what screen the better one ?

[vkyr]

I personally prefer the CMO panel, since I like it's better horizontal viewing angles and it seems to me to be a not as glossy as the TMD. But a friend of me is instead more in favor of the TMD for it's saturated colors.

[Zetto]

I remember one report of a LG-Philips screen on a 1330, can't recall who tho. BTW, I never saw a CMO screen but I've noticed poor viewing angles (in terms of brightness) and blue tint the moment I got my 1330 with the Toshiba screen. I do like the colors on it tho.