I’m sorry for the poor image quality, but basically:
I bought a new laptop, and it has a weird thing of being extremely bright or dark when it’s not in the perfect screen orientation, which I’ve seen on other laptops as well
But the thing is, my previous laptop didn’t have that problem, and it was so much better, because I’m studying on it and I don’t want my screen to distract me
So the first 2 images are my new laptop with this problem, and the last 2 are those of my old laptop being fine.
What is this thing called and how could I (possibly) fix it?
Sorry if I’m not very clear, English isn’t my native language
TL;DR: It’s because of how polarization and light scattering work in certain screen types.
LCD screens are generally divided into types like TN, VA, and IPS. TN panels scatter light unevenly when viewed at an angle, causing dim or distorted visuals. IPS panels handle this better by aligning their liquid crystals horizontally, ensuring consistent light transmission. Matte finishes on screens can also make this effect worse by diffusing light and reducing glare but redirecting it unevenly at angles.
All of this relates to light polarization. As you move to sharper viewing angles, the screen’s ability to transmit light properly diminishes, making the image look dull or distorted.
The term you’re looking for is ‘poor viewing angles.’ It’s usually tied to the display panel type. If you want to exchange your device or avoid this in the future, check for better panel options like IPS.
This happens because of the screen quality. Your older laptop probably had a better display, while this one is more basic. It’s not a defect, just the nature of the panel.
Shan said:
This happens because of the screen quality. Your older laptop probably had a better display, while this one is more basic. It’s not a defect, just the nature of the panel.
Does this screen issue have an actual name, or is it just considered a normal characteristic?
That’s a typical TN panel issue. Luckily, you can replace it. If your laptop supports Embedded Display Port (EDP), you can swap it out for a better 1080p IPS panel for around $60. You might even be able to sell your current panel to reduce costs.
Sam said: @Ainsley
That’s interesting! Can you explain more about this upgrade process? Also, what exactly is EDP?
EDP stands for Embedded Display Port. It’s a standard used in laptops for connecting screens. And no, it’s not related to anything else with the initials EDP.
Zephyr said:
This is what I call ‘TN panel syndrome.’
That makes sense! I just checked, and it looks like this is exactly what’s happening. Thanks for helping me figure it out!
No problem! I’ve had several laptops with TN panels before, and I’ve learned to avoid them. If a device has a TN screen, I won’t buy it, no matter the specs.
What laptop model is this? I’d like to avoid buying something similar. Also, make sure to look up ‘viewing angles’ in reviews before buying. Some sites like NotebookCheck provide detailed insights on screen quality.
