Awesome write up David, thanks! (even if my brain does hurt a little now
)
One question though. My Apache GE62 has Full HD, which seems to only describe resolution, and speaks little of panel type. My googling doesn't seem to produce much info either. Any idea what I'm actually staring at all these hours in front of my display?
In the store, it looked great next to a Dominator with an IPS, actually even more clear, but same resolution on a smaller screen will do that... I'm happy with it, I just don't know what breed it actually is.
Thanks for any insight!
Hi glenns.email64,I'm glad you liked it but I apologize for the brain pain. :-) It took me a couple of weeks to organize my notes for the post because I had to squeeze it into my "spare time". And I wasn't sure whether MSI's forum could handle it all in one post---I thought I would have to divide into into several shorter posts. I'm glad I was able to upload it as a single post because it was quicker.
As for your Apache GE62, I regret that I cannot help. I had the same situation with my Titan. You won't find a spec anywhere that details the LCD panel in it. As I was doing research for the purchase, I discovered a review that said it had a PLS display. I had never heard of a "PLS" LCD panel and had to google it to discover that it is Samsung's version of IPS. But I haven't disassembled my Titan's LCD to see if this is true (and I don't plan to). Besides, it's not like I have much choice in the matter---hardly anyone is making an 18.4-inch panel so MSI was greatly constrained by what was available. On the other hand your Apache has a common notebook LCD size and will have lots of different panels that fit it. I've heard of modders swapping LCD panels in notebooks.
What's also surprising about this is the fact that MSI didn't brag about the Titan having a PLS panel. Stating that the Titan has a PLS display would have similar appeal to most shoppers as an IPS because of the brainwashing we've all been through. Usually, when a notebook or monitor manufacturer doesn't tell you what kind of panel or backlight are in their display, it means that it has a TN panel and a CCFL or ELP backlight.
Short of disassembling your Apache's LCD to discover the model number of your panel, the best advice I can offer is to search for reviews. Hopefully a reviewer somewhere listed what it is. I'm not an expert, but it is possible for experts to easily determine the type of LCD panel by inspecting it up close with a magnifier. You might be able to learn how to do this yourself.
Kind regards, David