I purchased a Dell Precision Mobile Workstation recently with the 17" WUXGA+ screen with TrueLife technology. But I didn't realize how reflective the screen actually was until I opened it up and tried to use it. The screen is so reflective that I consider the laptop unusable. I have already arranged to return the laptop to Dell and they have agreed to pick it up free of charge so the service has been good. BUT all photographers should avoid this TrueLife if you ever plan to use the laptop in a room with ANY light. I found this site later that describes the issue well and really has great pics of the problems. While you may think the author is kidding when he says "reflective enough to shave in," I am here to confirm that it is really that reflective. Very disappointed. So any of people out there looking at the M6300 with TrueLife, just be warned.

TrueLife Screen Writeup

I had a Dell with a TrueLife glossy screen for about 5 months and never had any issues in any lighting situation. My MBP has a glossy screen aswell. Once again, I feel it is preference over fact. I know many people here on OSP hate glossy screens, but I don't. Whatever works, works, but that is different person to person.

Glad Dell is taking care of your issue for you though. Best of luck with whatever you get to replace it.

Glossy screens make your computer monitor look like a plasma tv. And have you ever looked a plasma TV up close? It's really pathetic on detail.

On top of that it drives me nuts to have to adjust my monitor's angle based on someone turning on a light bulb or if I shift positions in the room and now get a reflection off of a different light.

I am not saying it is all glossy screens. But the WUXGA 17" UltraSharp with TrueLife was unusable for me. I have seen some glossy screens that were acceptable, but this one was awful.

Dell did handle my issue well though. Just wanted to let other OSPers know what I dealt with so maybe I can save them some hassle.

So I checked out my friend's Inspiron with TrueLife today and it wasn't nearly as bad as mine. Maybe just a newer Dell thing. So I can't claim TrueLife itself as the problem... just the specific one I mentioned above.