14 DAY TRIAL // If you’re the owner of a Dell XPS 12 convertible laptop, you might be faced with the same issue. Ever since 2013, users have been complaining that the product has a “burn-in” issue with the display, a problem that got propagated until the present.
Complaints about the screen have been piling up on the Dell support forum with a topic regarding the issue stretching for a whopping 46 pages. User Eirenarch has started the topic on March 16, 2013 saying:
“I recently noticed ghost images on my Dell XPS 12 Duo. If a bright image on dark background stays on the screen for a couple of minutes and then I switch to somewhat dark background I can clearly see the previous image on the screen for some time before it fades away. Once I noticed it I started spotting even more subtle ghost images.”
Since then, the reports have been pouring in, with some users prompting Dell to withhold the selling of the machine until the issue is properly resolved.
“Dell if your reading this Please put a hold on selling any more XPS12 systems until these issues are resolved, To do otherwise is criminal. You know when you steal someone's money it doesn't matter if you do it by taking a persons wallet or selling them known defective products.”
Dell has reportedly acknowledged that there’s a problem and is currently offering to replace the affected laptops. Spokeswoman Ellen Murphy sent an email out to some affected customers.
“This image retention does not affect the lifetime performance of the LCD display. Dell is replacing the display for affected customers,” she said.
The good news is that the offer includes systems that no longer have a viable warranty. So all XPS 12 affected customers are encouraged to seek assistance with the Dell support team. A simple task in theory, but users will probably have to wait awhile before receiving an official answer from Dell.
Dell orders the 12.5-inch screens that can be rotated within the display panel, to switch from tablet to laptop mode, from LCD makers. However, the company stated that it was able to isolate the problem and has ordered replacement panels.
Ghosting issues (or burn-in) seem to be a relatively wide spread problems with laptops. The Lenovo ThinkPad X220 is said to be suffering from the same mishap and we reported that the ThinkPad Yoga had been affected by similar issue.
The cause can be attributed to charge build-ups or temporary migration of impurities with the liquid crystal, which dissipates over time.