9C60 unveiled.

[municipal]

The reflection off a MB is not that bad, the clean colours on the MB LCDs are amazing though.

yeah the reflection really depends on the environment you're in. It looked awful in one store and looked great in the other.

A little bit off topic but, If I order my laptop through a reseller, and am not happy with the screen can I just go to an other reseller to have it repaired/replaced?

cheers.

 

[iW00t]

yeah the reflection really depends on the environment you're in. It looked awful in one store and looked great in the other.

A little bit off topic but, If I order my laptop through a reseller, and am not happy with the screen can I just go to an other reseller to have it repaired/replaced?

cheers.

Sadly no.

It really seems like Apple does not see this as an issue.

 

[azzurri000]

What's the difference? How is the 9C60 better? Is the 9C57 less grainy?

Sorry for the late reply.... the 9c60 in my model had less visible grain. It's better than the 9c57, but it's far from good. I'm sending this one back, too.

 

[nickster9224]

ewwww grains. Thats why im glad i have a macbook

 

[diadem]

Just to confirm. From the MBP Service manual "AUO, Chi Mei or Samsung" from the section on Display Rear Housing replacment.

 

[mac000]

Just to confirm. From the MBP Service manual "AUO, Chi Mei or Samsung" from the section on Display Rear Housing replacment.

wait, what are you saying here?

 

[4np]

...I'd rather have better image quality than faster refresh rates, since who the hell games on OSX or watches movies on a 15"/17" screen anyway?!

I'm upgrading from my PowerBook G4 to the next revision MBP's when they come out and I am definately going to play games on it in Bootcamp (Half Life 2, UT2004 and 2007 when it is released, Counter Strike, etc).

Now I have a PC which I almost never use anymore; just for gaming. And I have my PowerBook which I use all the time. I want to get rid of the PC and be able to do everyting on my notebook so I'm gong to get a MacBook Pro.

That you only watch DVD's does not mean that nobody else does more framerate/graphic intensive stuff...

What is resolution independence? I can already change my resolution in my windows laptop. Is this what you are talking about?

thanks

Resolution independence is:

Resolution Independence

The old assumption that displays are 72dpi has been rendered obsolete by advances in display technology. Macs now ship with displays that sport native resolutions of 100dpi or better. Furthermore, the number of pixels per inch will continue to increase dramatically over the next few years. This will make displays crisper and smoother, but it also means that interfaces that are pixel-based will shrink to the point of being unusable. The solution is to remove the 72dpi assumption that has been the norm. In Leopard, the system, including the Carbon and Cocoa frameworks, will be able to draw user interface elements using a scale factor. This will let the user interface maintain the same physical size while gaining resolution and crispness from high dpi displays.

The introduction of resolution independence may mean that there is work that you’ll need to do in order to make your application look as good as possible. For modern Cocoa and Carbon applications, most of the work will center around raster-based resources. For older applications that use QuickDraw, more work will be required to replace QuickDraw-based calls with Quartz ones.

source: http://developer.apple.com/leopard/overview/

 

[diadem]

wait, what are you saying here?

the companys that make the 3 Difrent Panels

 

[NewSc2]

Just got my MBP today (15" Glossy, 2.16ghz, '07 4th week model). Apart from the weird keyboard (been used to a Macbook) I did notice the grain that everybody's talking about. It really isn't that bad, but it's there when you look closely. It actually doesn't seem to be present on all colors... it's hard to see on whites and photos, but pretty easy to see on blues.

My main issue is that the right corners are kind of dark. The bottom right corner, maybe 5x5 pixels, fades darker, with the little 2x2 right at the corner being maybe 70% brightness to that of the rest of the screen.

Other than that, the screen looks great. The graininess isn't that obvious, at least not as much as what's been posted before.

If I complain to Apple about the screen, will they replace it? I kind of need my laptop so I don't want to give it up.

 

[piwi]

Right.

I just found this post linked from the wikipedia article on MBP.

I bought my 15" matt recently and I thought I'd look up some facts about it... And I'm pretty pissed now!

I have a Samsung screen 9C56, LTN154X7, this screen is capable of 262K colors.

Now when I go on Apple's website, they do say that the MBP screen renders millions of colors.

I am going down to London's Apple store tomorrow to moan on that (and also to get my DVD burner fixed). To me, this has to do with trading standards! You can't advertise a millions color screen and sell a thousands colors screen...

It does look really ugly on the LCD test 2.0b


Below are my screenshots:

 

[iW00t]

Right.

I just found this post linked from the wikipedia article on MBP.

I bought my 15" matt recently and I thought I'd look up some facts about it... And I'm pretty pissed now!

I have a Samsung screen 9C56, LTN154X7, this screen is capable of 262K colors.

Now when I go on Apple's website, they do say that the MBP screen renders millions of colors.

I am going down to London's Apple store tomorrow to moan on that (and also to get my DVD burner fixed). To me, this has to do with trading standards! You can't advertise a millions color screen and sell a thousands colors screen...

It does look really ugly on the LCD test 2.0b


Below are my screenshots:

I'd get a refund if I were you. The new ones with LED backlighting are going to make you kill yourself

 

[piwi]

Thing is I didn't get it from the Apple Store but from a reseller...

 

[piwi]

Well well well I am in the Apple store right now, I went to discuss the issue... and had an expecte answer:

"You cant trust what you get through windows because we use an emulated bios. Therefore the data you get is not accurate"

I replied that I used the gradient test and that you can obviously see it's not a millions colors screen, they said well maybe your screen isn't calibrated properly.

Needless to say how utterly pissed I am

 

[PDE]

Well well well I am in the Apple store right now, I went to discuss the issue... and had an expecte answer:

"You cant trust what you get through windows because we use an emulated bios. Therefore the data you get is not accurate"

I replied that I used the gradient test and that you can obviously see it's not a millions colors screen, they said well maybe your screen isn't calibrated properly.

Needless to say how utterly pissed I am

Tell them that there are NO 8-bit displays available from any manufacturer at this point and that even if there is an emulated bios, it would not just make up a manufacturer and model number. The arrogance! Also, ask them to calibrate it so that gradients are smooth - they won't be able to.

Don't give up. However, the display model you have is widely considered to be the best of all the displays Apple has used - so don't count on getting a better one because they probably don't have one. Ultimately it's about marketing and misleading the customer. These are all 6-bit displays and the next LED displays will also be 6-bit.

 

[djinn]

I'm surprised they were able to give you that much information. It seems anytime I have a question about any Mac issue, problem or advice, they are unable to answer it. Even when I asked about Boot camp and Parallels, "whats that?"

That is why I have come to macforums, I get quicks answers to my questions.

 

[piwi]

Tell them that there are NO 8-bit displays available from any manufacturer at this point and that even if there is an emulated bios, it would not just make up a manufacturer and model number. The arrogance! Also, ask them to calibrate it so that gradients are smooth - they won't be able to.

Don't give up. However, the display model you have is widely considered to be the best of all the displays Apple has used - so don't count on getting a better one because they probably don't have one. Ultimately it's about marketing and misleading the customer. These are all 6-bit displays and the next LED displays will also be 6-bit.

Are you serious, 9C56 is the best screen around on the MBP? How sad

I am setting up a website and I am going to write a letter to Apple to address the matter.

 

[piwi]

the website is ready and can be viewed at www.colorblindmac.com

There is also a forum there in an attempt to regroup everything in one place

 

[Daniel75]

good luck piwi! I also fell very uneasy 'bout it - website states clearly that screen support millions of colours but such a laptop screen doesn't exisit! I do not really understand why they put this info there.

Thanks for setting up website. All ppl who are not happy with MBP display should act together.

Also have a look at the Apple forum - they are awful with deleting some of the topics there but I would keep an eye on this:

Re: MBP display quality improving....
Posted: May 4, 2007 6:45 PM in response to: William Davies
Reply Email

A while back I sent an email to Steve Jobs and got a response from Corp. Executive Relations. This agent had me send in pics and vids of my issues: graininess, banding, poor viewing area, uneven lighting.

The agent sent it all to the engineers who agreed there were screen issues. She asked me to continue to call AppleCare monthly and see if the engineers had found a solution. I didnt really want to keep sending in my MBP with the possibility of getting another dud especially with this unit working pretty well.

Well, it was time to call this month and was informed that the engineers still dont have a solution but are working hard to find one. He thought they were probably fighting with the manufacturers and it would end up like a previous notebook (I think he said the iBook) where there would be a recall. He mentioned that with such a huge number of calls coming in with this issue it was now a priority with the engineers.

I thought all this was interesting news. At least Apple is really acknowledging the issues are real and that there are a lot of units out there with the problem. I kept complaining that we have waited long enough but there isnt much AppleCare can do about it now.

I wonder if I should have asked for something for my ongoing dissatisfaction with this long term issue. Would be nice to have a shiny new iPod...

Glad to hear there are some good enough screens out there.
frank

Anyway - Im going to send letter to Apple - it's just awfully misleading - but it is marketing. They cant really advertise MBP by saying that "our screen is capable of displaying up to 256k colours"

[edit]
Funny thing - Samsung got 2 panels capable of displaying more colours - 19'': LTN190W1
Item Description
SIZE 19.0"
RESOLUTION WSXGA+
NUMBER OF PIXELS 1,680 x 1,050
ACTIVE AREA(mm²) 408.2 x 255.2
PIXEL PITCH(mm) 0.243
NUMBER OF COLORS 16.7M
Color Gamut(%) 72
CONTRAST RATIO 700:1
BRIGHTNESS(cd/m²) 290
RESPONSE TIME(ms at 25 °C) 10
VIEWING ANGLE(U/D/L/R) 65/65/75/75
INTERFACE LVDS(2ch)/8bit
OUTLINE DIMENSION(mm) 424.5 x 273.5 x 11.5
WEIGHT(g) 1,270
PRODUCTION Mass Production

and LTN154X5 (15,4'')
Item Description
SIZE 15.4"
RESOLUTION WXGA
NUMBER OF PIXELS 1,280 x 800
ACTIVE AREA(mm²) 331.2 x 207.0
PIXEL PITCH(mm) 0.259
NUMBER OF COLORS 1,670K
Color Gamut(%) 72
CONTRAST RATIO 500:1
BRIGHTNESS(cd/m²) 500
RESPONSE TIME(ms at 25 °C) 16
VIEWING ANGLE(U/D/L/R) 60/60/65/65
INTERFACE LVDS(1ch)
OUTLINE DIMENSION(mm) 344.0 x 224.0 x 10.0
WEIGHT(g) 810
PRODUCTION Mass Production

 

[piwi]

good luck piwi! I also fell very uneasy 'bout it - website states clearly that screen support millions of colours but such a laptop screen doesn't exisit! I do not really understand why they put this info there.

Thanks for setting up website. All ppl who are not happy with MBP display should act together.

Also have a look at the Apple forum - they are awful with deleting some of the topics there but I would keep an eye on this:


Anyway - Im going to send letter to Apple - it's just awfully misleading - but it is marketing. They cant really advertise MBP by saying that "our screen is capable of displaying up to 256k colours"

[edit]
Funny thing - Samsung got 2 panels capable of displaying more colours - 19'': LTN190W1
Item Description
SIZE 19.0"
RESOLUTION WSXGA+
NUMBER OF PIXELS 1,680 x 1,050
ACTIVE AREA(mm²) 408.2 x 255.2
PIXEL PITCH(mm) 0.243
NUMBER OF COLORS 16.7M
Color Gamut(%) 72
CONTRAST RATIO 700:1
BRIGHTNESS(cd/m²) 290
RESPONSE TIME(ms at 25 °C) 10
VIEWING ANGLE(U/D/L/R) 65/65/75/75
INTERFACE LVDS(2ch)/8bit
OUTLINE DIMENSION(mm) 424.5 x 273.5 x 11.5
WEIGHT(g) 1,270
PRODUCTION Mass Production

and LTN154X5 (15,4'')
Item Description
SIZE 15.4"
RESOLUTION WXGA
NUMBER OF PIXELS 1,280 x 800
ACTIVE AREA(mm²) 331.2 x 207.0
PIXEL PITCH(mm) 0.259
NUMBER OF COLORS 1,670K
Color Gamut(%) 72
CONTRAST RATIO 500:1
BRIGHTNESS(cd/m²) 500
RESPONSE TIME(ms at 25 °C) 16
VIEWING ANGLE(U/D/L/R) 60/60/65/65
INTERFACE LVDS(1ch)
OUTLINE DIMENSION(mm) 344.0 x 224.0 x 10.0
WEIGHT(g) 810
PRODUCTION Mass Production

What you are saying about the discussion on apple's website is great news! no the end of the tunnel but at least the problem is acknowledged by Apple!

Note that the second screen doesn't have the required resolution (not 16/10) and that the first one is a 19" so it is too big for the MBP.

Anyway, my letter is posted today!

--edit: do you have the link to this post?

 

[Daniel75]

Note that the second screen doesn't have the required resolution (not 16/10) and that the first one is a 19" so it is too big for the MBP

I know - but at least panels for laptops with millions of colours exists Just not in the resolution/size required

The link to the Apple discussion: CLICK ME

 

[piwi]

I know - but at least panels for laptops with millions of colours exists Just not in the resolution/size required

The link to the Apple discussion: CLICK ME

This is exactly why we shouldn't give up!

 

[Daniel75]

Hope that your website will be more popular - I cannot see any other way than acting together. MBP screens are affected by more issues than beeing simple 6bit panels - viewing angles, "dust", sometimes awful backlight etc. Maybe you should add all of those to ur website.

Apple discussion boards are quite good for finding statements:

Re: How does the MacBook Pro's display compare to other Laptop's displays?
Posted: Mar 31, 2007 11:30 AM in response to: GuernseyBloke
Click to reply to this topic Reply email Email

As a long-time mac user and an avid observer of PC laptop displays, I hate to say that I think they don't compare very favorably. They have brightness enhancing filters and poorly applied antiglare filters that5 cause the notorious graininess in solid colors. To add to the problem many of the MBP displays are unevenly illuminated which means that a photograph may look quite different depending on where on the display it is. Finally, viewing angles and the limited tilt of the actual display bezel are limited, making it very difficult to get an optimum viewing angle AND good ergonomic posture in any other place that when placed on a desk.

I know there are users who won't agree with this, but if you put the MBP display next to a good display, it is quite obvious. The one thing that the MBP has is one of the brightest laptop displays in the market. Just too bad it's at the cost of everything else.

CLICK ME

 

[Daniel75]

I was searching for the "suspect quality" tread in the Apple discussion boards but it looks like Apple deleted it again. .. but I have a copy - quite a good read:

Topic: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2

Replies: 172 - Last Post: Jan 31, 2007 11:53 PM by: Shih-Peng

Scott Slater
Posts: 117
From: Burnsville, MN
Registered: Sep 14, 2001
IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 13, 2006 8:40 AM Reply Email


It looks like the mega post was rubbed out...Thanks Apple...now I have to start a new one to update posters involved in the old one...I figured it would go after the latest posts got a bit fiery...Disappointment, is too nice a word...

My update on my situation is as follows:

As posted in the previous thread that has been deleted, after returning my 15" MBP C2D #3 due to my displeasure with the display and overall disatisfaction with how my local Apple Store handled the whole situation, I purchased a brand new 17" MBP CD from a third party. I received it yesterday. Due my sour experience with the MBP C2D line, I have not even cracked this new one open. I'm not really sure if I want go down the road again...There it sits in the next room...will I win or will I lose?

I'll let you know...meanwhile I hope Apple is working diligently behind the scenes to smooth this issue out for all who are unhappy with the quality of their displays...

Xserve Dual 2.3 GHz G5, old school G4 Towers, Rejected MBP C2D w/poor display Mac OS X (10.4.7)
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PaulNYC



Posts: 387
Registered: May 31, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 13, 2006 9:14 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


Hi Scott,

Hmm, I would wait to open the 17". Apple replaced my last 15" with a 17" and although the 17" is better, I still don't think it's at all as good as it should be given the price of the machine. Grain is non-existent, viewing angles are better, but it's still unevenly illuminated and there is quite significant banding when displaying gradients.

For everyday non-graphics/photo use it's fine, but in no way is it as high quality as it should be in a top-of-the-line professional laptop.

I'd wait if I were you until Apple acknowledges the problem and offers to replace the display. I can't waste more time on this so I'm going to live with this one and just hope that Apple will eventually replace the display for me when/if they get a new batch of high quality displays. If nothing happens in the next few months, I'll sell it and figure out an alternative.

Too bad....

Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Scott Slater



Posts: 117
From: Burnsville, MN
Registered: Sep 14, 2001
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 13, 2006 9:31 AM in response to: PaulNYC Reply Email


Thanks for the input...your 17", C2D or CD?

I had the 15" CD before and the display was ok...figured the 17" would be ok, as well. The problem is that I really liked the C2D's speed and the fact that it ran cooler, the subpar display and the defective optical drive, aside...

Xserve Dual 2.3 GHz G5, old school G4 Towers, Rejected MBP C2D w/poor display Mac OS X (10.4.7)
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tonkatuph


Posts: 50
From: us
Registered: Dec 2, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 13, 2006 9:39 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


hey scott,
seems like they've been taking down a lot of the post that deal with display issues. Too bad you're exp. with apple store went sour. Mine was good. The manager even let me open up some boxes in the store and all of them had brighter bottoms. I'm not sure about banding because couldn't run test.

I went through like 5 of them. 4 17" and 1 15". Then got a call from apple and they claimed I was the first to report that problem, which I thought was BS.

So I figured I order one online. I just ordered one today. I hope this one goes well.

Hmmm...what build week is your boxed one? I saw some posts with build weeks at 48 saying it was perfect. I'm hoping I get one of those.

I'll keep u guys posted.

macbook pro 17" cd2 Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Scott Slater



Posts: 117
From: Burnsville, MN
Registered: Sep 14, 2001
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 13, 2006 9:49 AM in response to: tonkatuph Reply Email


It's a week 38...probably the last of the CD's

Xserve Dual 2.3 GHz G5, old school G4 Towers, Rejected MBP C2D w/poor display Mac OS X (10.4.7)
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arichcartel


Posts: 26
From: MI
Registered: Dec 7, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 13, 2006 10:03 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


my MBP 17" was great for 6 months... then a firmware update causes the the black screen problem.
its been with apple since early NOV.

The screen was better than the new ones, IMO.

good luck with yours!

(3xG4, 2xG5, 1 MB, 1MBP 15" & 1MBP 17") MBP 17" w/major Logic Board Prorblem. Mac OS X (10.4.8) Apple Care/DHL/& ME Share my MBP 17". I see it the least.
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stevola


Posts: 1
From: maryland, USA
Registered: Dec 15, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 15, 2006 2:54 PM in response to: arichcartel Reply Email


this same thing just happened to my 15" MBP. was there ever any resolution to this problem for you?

powerBook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.8)


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PaulNYC



Posts: 387
Registered: May 31, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 13, 2006 12:49 PM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


It's the latest C2D. I just went by tekserve and went in to see their 17". It was the same model display as mine but was more evenly illuminated BUT had a much more visible bright strip at the bottom. Then I walked by Best Buy and went in to look at their PC laptops. I couldn't check very carefully, but the initial impression of most of them was that they were quite evenly illuminated, had no grain (only one sony vaio had grain) and had relatively good viewing angles. Even the cheapo sub-$600 had at least as good if not better display than apple's $2800 17" mbp.

I think I'm just going to wait a little and then take it in. I'm so tired of dealing with Apple at this point that I don't have the energy or time to continue even though they've done everything they possibly could have done to help me. The sad truth of the matter is that currently they simply don't have a pro laptop that has a high quality display so there's nothing more they can do until they change the LCD manufacturer or fix the QC problem. And there's nothing more I can do since I intend to continue to use mac os.

Interestingly, the nice PC displays were just like the macbooo display: bright, crisp whites, smooth solids. So the cheapest apple portable currently has the best display.....there's something wrong here. I wrote a feedback letter to Apple and submitted it through the site - hope everybody who has opinions about this does the same, otherwise there's little hope that something will get fixed.

Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Scott Slater



Posts: 117
From: Burnsville, MN
Registered: Sep 14, 2001
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 13, 2006 1:08 PM in response to: PaulNYC Reply Email


>Then I walked by Best Buy and went in to look at their PC
> laptops. I couldn't check very carefully, but the
> initial impression of most of them was that they were
> quite evenly illuminated, had no grain (only one sony
> vaio had grain) and had relatively good viewing
> angles. Even the cheapo sub-$600 had at least as good
> if not better display than apple's $2800 17" mbp.

That is EXACTLY how I compared the screens and agree with you 100%. I even stated such to the "geniuses"...but the only answer they could give was "it is per Apple specs"...I also agree that the MB displays are better, as well.

Truly frustrating...



Xserve Dual 2.3 GHz G5, old school G4 Towers, Rejected MBP C2D w/poor display Mac OS X (10.4.7)


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Fardad_F


Posts: 29
From: Boston
Registered: Oct 30, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 13, 2006 10:22 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


That's a shame the original thread got wiped. I hope someone archived it and has the power to make it available at another forum. It was really informative.

I am still waiting on my week 44 mbpc2d (only problem was bad memory and a really, really bad uneven-lit screen). Everything else was 'within spec' and to my liking.

It's been 2 weeks now (sigh).

I've just had to decline a freelance project because I don't have the resources to tackle it - just for getting a quick but heavy 3D project done (and I can't afford the time and hassle now to go out and 'buy and return' another computer and setup the software on it when my mbp is probably on the verge of being delivered back - or not).

I called AppleCare, and they said that the part was delivered yesterday so that I should've I got a new confirmation email also yesterday - but didn't. And I don't want to call again and end up having someone 'urinate on my burger' - metaphorically speaking.

Oh and this was my first ever Apple purchase.

MBPC2D $2499 option (on hold for part order) Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Fardad_F


Posts: 29
From: Boston
Registered: Oct 30, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 13, 2006 1:03 PM in response to: Fardad_F Reply Email


Well I just checked my status online and the product has been repaired and is pending for return.

I am now nervous about getting it back as I am worried (more skeptical) about getting another faulty screen from having read other user's posts about having it sent back 3-4 times.

fingers crossed.

MBPC2D $2499 option. Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Rabo


Posts: 15
From: IL, USA
Registered: Oct 28, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 13, 2006 10:53 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


I wanted to post an update to my earlier posting about my new 9c61 display, and was dismayed to see that thread had been deleted. Thanks for starting this new one.

5 days ago I received my replacement MBP, which was replacing a machine with a poor 9c62 display (uneven, blotchy backlighting, light strip at bottom, subpar casing build quality). This new machine has a 9c61, which initially looked to be a lot better. The light strip at the bottom was gone and there was just a small area to the right of the center of the screen that was faintly brighter than the rest. 2 days later that brighter area got even brighter to the point where now it's very noticeable and larger. Still, I didn't want to go through the hassle of another replacement, but then last night I noticed about 7-8 stuck pixels at the very bottom of the screen. I tried some unsticking programs to fix it, but nothing's worked.

This is too much for a nearly $3000 machine, so I decided to bite the bullet and call AppleCare again. The rep, though polite and sounding like he really wants to help me, claimed (as did the other AppleCare rep I spoke with during my first replacement) he'd never heard of an uneven backlighting issue with the MBPs, even before I said anything about these forums, which makes me a bit suspicious, but I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. I had to leave the house before we could wrap up the issue, so I'm waiting for a call back from him now, but it sounds like this time I'm going to have to take it in to a service center to get inspected and possibly repaired. Now I'm afraid I'm going to take it in and they're just gonna tell me it's within spec. Strange thing is I thought it was common procedure to replace a display with more than a certain number of bad pixels (not sure of #, but must be less than 7).

Anyways, that's where I am now. Forgive my protracted posting, I just needed to vent a little. Hope this is of use to anyone.

MBP 17" C2D stock glossy week 49 Mac OS X (10.4.8)

EDIT: just wanted to add that this is also my first Apple purchase, and although I am mighty impressed with OSX and the machine itself, it's a shame the display doesn't match that quality. As is, this display is the MBP's Achilles heel


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Rabo


Posts: 15
From: IL, USA
Registered: Oct 28, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 13, 2006 12:40 PM in response to: Rabo Reply Email


Well, just got off phone with AppleCare, they'll be sending another replacement. I hate doing this to them (and it's a real hassle for me), but I hope next display finally works. If not, I think I'll just let them know so it's in my support record, then wait a few months to take any action on it. Hopefully they'll have it sorted out by then. I'm off to go backup and wipe this drive (again)

MBP 17" C2D stock glossy week 49 Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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fjp999


Posts: 106
From: PA,USA
Registered: May 2, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 19, 2006 5:24 PM in response to: Rabo Reply Email


Got my replacement #2, from engineer "captured" MBP #1, earlier this week.

The viewing area is a lot better but has the uneven lighting, banding at the top and graininess. The graininess is a bit less noticable with photos but unacceptable for print.

Contacted pro level which was unable to read anything the engineers would have reported. Went thru the display problems with him and he took notes as I explained that I was totally disatisfied with the unit and would wait for better units to come or get a repair. I told him I was without a machine for over a month all together so was unable to give up this machine now. He guaranteed me that they would take it back or do anything to make it better.

The first one I had gave me a ton of unexpected quits the first day out of the box - about a dozen. This unit seems a lot more stable! Unfortunately, the DVD drive vibrates really loud and strong when reading programs but not with tunes or vids???

By the way, this pro level supporter also said he had not heard of display issues until now???

As this unit has a bit of a better display I have hope that eventually I will one day have a great machine. Fingers crossed!

good luck all,
frank

MacBookPro2.2 C2D 2.16 GHz, 2GB, 667 MHZ, DDR2 SDRAM Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Rabo


Posts: 15
From: IL, USA
Registered: Oct 28, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 19, 2006 6:10 PM in response to: fjp999 Reply Email


I fear I may have to do the same when my 3rd replacement arrives, so I just want to make sure I understand correctly. Apple agreed to repair or replace, at your discretion, your MBP at a later date of your choosing, when you think they have the display issue fixed? I hope I can arrange the same thing, as I originally bought my MBP back when the C2Ds first came out, but have only actually used a MBP for a total of about 2 weeks. At this point I'm pretty skeptical about my replacement MBP having an acceptable screen, though I do appreciate Apple's willingness to help.

MBP 17" C2D stock Mac OS X (10.4.8)

MBP glossy 17" C2D stock Mac OS X (10.4.8)


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fjp999


Posts: 106
From: PA,USA
Registered: May 2, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 19, 2006 6:22 PM in response to: Rabo Reply Email


Yes, Rabo. As far as I understood. The rep I spoke to was extremely understandable. Of course, I got his extension. Now I do not know what he wrote down and was thinking that I should ask him to email me the agreement (but didnt).

Again, they have not officially acknowledged that there is a problem as a whole but under the warranty they seem to want to make everyone as happy as possible. I kept telling him that the display was "unacceptable" for the kind of work I was doing.

good luck,
frank

MacBookPro2.2 C2D 2.16 GHz, 2GB, 667 MHZ, DDR2 SDRAM Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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fjp999


Posts: 106
From: PA,USA
Registered: May 2, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 13, 2006 4:23 PM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


Is there someone running these boards to complain to? To wipe out over 17 pages is insane!

It was a real shame, when I came here for answers yesterday to find a number of display issue posts removed.

What other forums are recommended to follow this display issue?

thanks for restarting this one...
frank

MacBookPro2.2 C2D 2.16 GHz, 1GB, 667 MHZ, DDR2 SDRAM Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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DIGIT216


Posts: 13
From: NYC
Registered: Dec 15, 2005
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 13, 2006 6:22 PM in response to: fjp999 Reply Email


how do you find out what week your MBP was built?

G5 [Dual 2.5, 2 GB RAMM] Mac OS X (10.3.9)
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Sarkastik



Posts: 152
From: Melbourne, Australia
Registered: Jun 29, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 13, 2006 6:29 PM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


It was disappointing Apple finally decided to silence the thread. And remove posts regarding screen issues and possible fixes (my threads included). Funny they even removed selected posts of mine to hide any trace that I had linked back to the original thread.

Thanks for updating us Scott and having the courage to post again. If anyone's interested I have the original thread archived, albeit without a couple of posts (I'm assuming the ones where it got a bit 'fiery').

I'm afraid to put it up on my webspace, as we all know how sue happy US companies are

MacBook Pro 15" 2GHz, 2GB, Week 28 (being fixed) Mac OS X (10.4.8) AMD Desktop 2.1GHz, 512MB, WinXP (SP1)
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Anticitizen



Posts: 193
From: Concord, California
Registered: Jul 3, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 13, 2006 6:33 PM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


Funny, my MBP C2D hasn't any problem. It has the bar towards the bottom, but that's about it...

And it disappears in Windows. Uh-oh, Apple.

15in MacBook Pro, Core 2 Duo, 1GB RAM, 120GB HD, 128MB Mobility Radeon X1600 Mac OS X (10.4.8)


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Fardad_F


Posts: 29
From: Boston
Registered: Oct 30, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 13, 2006 6:39 PM in response to: Anticitizen Reply Email


It 'looks' to disappear in Windows because that's where the taskbar is. And it probably makes it look prettier rather than presuming it to be from a bad LCD.

MBPC2D $2499 option. Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Anticitizen



Posts: 193
From: Concord, California
Registered: Jul 3, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 13, 2006 6:51 PM in response to: Fardad_F Reply Email


Possibly, and I have the Zune desktop installed (Zune *****, iPod rules, but the theme just looks so freeking awesome), it kind of blends into it.

15in MacBook Pro, Core 2 Duo, 1GB RAM, 120GB HD, 128MB Mobility Radeon X1600 Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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DIGIT216


Posts: 13
From: NYC
Registered: Dec 15, 2005
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 13, 2006 6:48 PM in response to: Anticitizen Reply Email


i've had mine for only about a week and i've only recently [within the last hour] started reading about these "problems"...

when i first received my MBP i kind of noticed that the matte finish did seem to make things a little bit darker, but i wouldn't say it was really horrible...

although after reading most of the posts here, i am pretty curious as to bring my MBP into an apple store, best buy, j&r, etc. just so i can have a side by side comparison with other MBP's and PC lappies also...

i have to say i thought that the machine itself seems to be pretty well built and runs very nicely. although i haven't really pushed it to it's limits yet. i guess in time i'll know more and comment here if i feel the need to...

so can anyone tell me how i can find out what week mine was built? i would guess it was pretty recent, but i'm always wondering how people really get that kind of info. i don't think i've seen any info like that in the "specifications" section and am curious to know more details about my MBP...

Dual 2.5 Ghz PowerPC G5 / 2 GB DDR SDRAM / ATI Radeon 9800XT 256 MB DDR SDRAM Mac OS X (10.3.9) Macbook Pro 2.33 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo / 2GB 667 DDR2 SDRAM / ATI Mobility Radeon
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Sarkastik



Posts: 152
From: Melbourne, Australia
Registered: Jun 29, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 13, 2006 7:05 PM in response to: DIGIT216 Reply Email


Look at your serial number W8646....

The two digits after the W86 is the week number when it was made. In the example above it would've been built in week 46.

Press the blue Apple on the bar on your screen, then select 'About this mac'.

Click the grey text under Mac OS X until it shows the serial number.

Or just take the battery out and check on the actual mac.

MacBook Pro 15" 2GHz, 2GB, Week 28 (being fixed) Mac OS X (10.4.8) AMD Desktop 2.1GHz, 512MB, WinXP (SP1)
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bis222


Posts: 9
From: Minnesota
Registered: Aug 29, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 13, 2006 7:54 PM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


Since the grainy issue seems like it might be caused by screen's coating, I wonder if applying a certain chemical to it would help smooth out the appearance. The only problem is, I don't know if anyone would be brave enough to try it...

MacBook Pro C2D 2.16GHz Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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schk



Posts: 31
Registered: May 16, 2003
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 13, 2006 8:02 PM in response to: bis222 Reply Email


I also think it is the anti-glare coating on the 15" that is causing the problem. I just got my 17" MBP today and it is not grainy/sparkly like the 3 15" MBPs I went through. The viewing angle is far better and there is even illumination. The 15" screens had a harder coating than the 17" and I think that is what is contributing to a much narrower viewing angle.

17" 2.33Ghz MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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blankets


Posts: 23
Registered: Apr 7, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 14, 2006 1:19 AM in response to: schk Reply Email


Just recieved my C2D as replacement for CD with display issues.

Week 49, display model 9C62, uneven backlighting, strip near the bottom, the usual.
Going to ring applecare and log the case then ask for a replacement display in a few months when hopefully they will have the issues resolved.

intel imac g5 Mac OS X (10.4.6)
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chandiam


Posts: 153
From: U.S
Registered: Oct 29, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 14, 2006 1:51 AM in response to: blankets Reply Email


Week 48 glossy C2D 15". Got to say, this is really nice. But there is the bar on the bottom IF i am standing up and vieweing it from me left side on an angle. Other than that, if i am staring right at it, i see nothing. Of course the, sometimes, the reflection or other glossy related stuff. I have to say though, buying the glossy tends to "dim" the uneven lighting effect and the bottom lighted bar. I would go for the glossy, but that's just me after converting from the matte with a lot more trouble than the norm.

Though this one does seem to be getting hotter faster....

Macbook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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vormkrijger


Posts: 3
From: belgium
Registered: Dec 8, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 14, 2006 3:49 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


it is not only the color banding and gradient stuff

Hook up a ACD and you will see that the color is W off

if i edit a pict in aperture on my mbp17 and then preview it on my 23acd i vomit !

This is no PRO computer !

MBP17 Mac OS X (10.4.8) screen suckyness
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andyBall_uk



Posts: 1,664
From: UK : Hampshire
Registered: Dec 14, 2005
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 14, 2006 4:01 AM in response to: vormkrijger Reply Email


> This is no PRO computer !


You are so right - I just returned a 15" matte due to the bright band, checked out another 15" and a 17" which were also sub-standard. And the colours on all were so dependent on even a tiny movement of the head, pretty hopeless.

The store guy (not Apple) described how his own MBP and those of 3 customers who complained had all been checked by AppleUK and returned as "in spec". Well, they have mighty low standards imo.


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/Phil



Posts: 19
From: France
Registered: Feb 6, 2005
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 14, 2006 4:14 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


thank you for restarting this topic. Deleting posts won't help. A better attitude would be for Apple to have engineers/technicians participating to these forums (this happened in the early days). If a potential customer discovers that Apple is deleting posts to silence customer dissatisfaction, it will certainly create more damages (especially for a so cool company selling so cool computers).

Anyway, I spent $3000 in a laptop with a grainy display (I don't even need to describe the issue to my friends, just looking at it is enough). This is truly like a layer of grain on the screen... The rest of the machine is VERY good and up to the quality standards that Apple is (often) used to deliver.

I know it costs money to replace defective LCD's but probably much less than the reputation of letting their customers down.

Grainily Yours,
/Phil

iMac G5 20', iMac G4, iBook G3, iBook G4, Macbook,MacBook Pro 17', Ipod Mac OS X (10.4.8) Apple user since the Apple II
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tonkatuph


Posts: 50
From: us
Registered: Dec 2, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 14, 2006 5:23 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


Well it seems I'll be getting my MBP C2D today. Its a week 48. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I hope the light at the bottom is not there. If it is i'm going to let it sit for an hour and if it doesn't go away i'm going to call applecare and demand a replacement a refund.

macbook pro 17" cd2 Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Eeeeeeeeeeee



Posts: 74
Registered: May 16, 2005
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 14, 2006 7:08 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


Well, my display (on my SECOND, newly repaired MBP - wow, I've only had it what... 2 weeks)now has a stuck pixel, so it seems. It looks like a white pixel - or to be more exact, it almost looks like the color of the actual backlighting of the display. It's extraordinarily small, but can be seen on a completely black screen (think of a dark screensaver). It cannot be seen on a white screen, and is extremely difficult to see on a bright colors. Massaging doesn't work. Supposed pixel flashers (mpeg that flash RGB) don't work either. However, unless a 2nd pixel decides to magically get stuck, I'm not going to worry about it. I'm sad to say that I finally believe Apple QC has gone down the tubes.
2 MacBook Pros (C2D model) since 10-24-2006. 2nd was even sent back and repaired by getting a replaced screen within the first week. And now this. Disappointing, but not terrible. I'll deal.

PowerMac 2.3GHz (DP) G5, PowerBook 12" 1GHz G4 Mac OS X (10.4)
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Eeeeeeeeeeee



Posts: 74
Registered: May 16, 2005
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 14, 2006 7:17 AM in response to: Eeeeeeeeeeee Reply Email


Just to clarify, when the display was replaced, it did NOT have the white pixel problem at first. Just happened yesterday (have had the 'book for a little over a week now).

PowerMac 2.3GHz (DP) G5, PowerBook 12" 1GHz G4 Mac OS X (10.4)
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MJWeb


Posts: 88
From: coast 2 coast
Registered: Nov 10, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 14, 2006 9:31 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


If I had the problems you've catalogued in the past month I wouldn't go anywhere near Apple or another Macbook Pro. Fortunately, I haven't experienced your problems. My Macbook Pro C2D has a bright, crisp, rich display. I'd simply like to make the point not everyone got a lemon.

MBP C2D Windows XP Pro


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limason


Posts: 39
From: france
Registered: Nov 26, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 14, 2006 9:55 AM in response to: MJWeb Reply Email


I've just ordered a new MBPC2D 17", can't wait no more, it will be my second one, the display was the issue of the first one, they gave me a refund.
fingers cross

G5 2X2,3 - MBP C2D 17" Mac OS X (10.4.8) FCS/LP/Aja Io/Mio
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PaulNYC



Posts: 387
Registered: May 31, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 14, 2006 10:26 AM in response to: MJWeb Reply Email


> If I had the problems you've catalogued in the past
> month I wouldn't go anywhere near Apple or another
> Macbook Pro. Fortunately, I haven't experienced your
> problems. My Macbook Pro C2D has a bright, crisp,
> rich display. I'd simply like to make the point not
> everyone got a lemon.


> class=otherinfo>MBP C2D Windows XP Pro
>


For some people there is no other option than to keep trying. I sold my old powerbook thinking that I wouldn't have a problem with a new macbook pro back in May. I was very wrong, but didn't feel it would be wise to return to a powerbook since I actually needed to run windows sometimes. This month, finally, I got a computer that is ok, even if the display is not great. It took many many replacements by Apple and returns by me to get this.

what other choice did I have? Windows? No, I'm too invested in mac software, both financially and organisationally to do that. Just had to keep trying with Apple until I found a unit that was ok.

Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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MJWeb


Posts: 88
From: coast 2 coast
Registered: Nov 10, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 14, 2006 10:52 AM in response to: PaulNYC Reply Email


One tradeoff of the MBP 15.4 is its relatively low resolution (1440 x 900). People who require true WSXGA (1680 x 1050) or WUXGA (1900 x1200) will never be satisfied with this model. My 6 year old P3 Dell has a 1600 x 1200 15.1 UXGA display. I was aware before I bought the MBP that was a step down resolution-wise. That said, I'm pleased with the display.

MBP C2D Windows XP Pro


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Zebra1



Posts: 178
Registered: Oct 25, 2003
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 14, 2006 11:18 AM in response to: MJWeb Reply Email


Don't see the purpose of such high res on a 15" screen. People do use these machines to work with text too. Garamond size 12 almost looks like little dots on a Word document at 100%. You need glasses to see it.


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MJWeb


Posts: 88
From: coast 2 coast
Registered: Nov 10, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 14, 2006 12:12 PM in response to: Zebra1 Reply Email


You become accustomed to it. I loved the real estate but you're right about needing glasses. The first thing I did when I got the MBP was make the icons and dock about 20% smaller but I appreciate the larger text.

MBP C2D Windows XP Pro


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petvas



Posts: 168
From: Mannheim, Germany
Registered: Jun 4, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 14, 2006 2:54 PM in response to: MJWeb Reply Email


I think the resolution is just fine.

iMac 20" Intel Core 2 Duo 2GB RAM - 15" Macbook Pro Core 2 Duo 2GB RAM Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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MJWeb


Posts: 88
From: coast 2 coast
Registered: Nov 10, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 14, 2006 3:37 PM in response to: petvas Reply Email


Me too. However, I prefer a higher resolution display for work in graphic applications like Photoshop.

MBP C2D Windows XP Pro


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William S.



Posts: 325
From: Vancouver, Canada
Registered: Aug 29, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 19, 2006 1:40 PM in response to: MJWeb Reply Email


Buy an external monitor. Care to share the make and model of the Dell that is 6 years old and has a 1600x1200 display?

Macbook Pro  Mac OS X (10.4.8)  Stop the murder of helpless kittens: award helpful or solved points to members
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Scott Slater



Posts: 117
From: Burnsville, MN
Registered: Sep 14, 2001
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 17, 2006 6:16 PM in response to: MJWeb Reply Email


> If I had the problems you've catalogued in the past
> month I wouldn't go anywhere near Apple or another
> Macbook Pro.

Uh, yes...good advice. Too bad I opened up that 17" MBP CD...

Here it is with the darker grey screen from the LCDTest program...pretty much sums it up...It appears that the grain issue is not as bad on the CD's, however...

The obvious bleeding light aside, I'm pretty convinced this is a bad anti-glare coating issue...The screen also needs to be able to tilt back farther, IMHO. It feels as if one is looking down on the display rather than at it...


Click the image for a few more pics

My previous 15" MBP C2D since returned...

Xserve Dual 2.3 GHz G5, old school G4 Towers, Rejected MBP C2D w/poor display Mac OS X (10.4.7)


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/Phil



Posts: 19
From: France
Registered: Feb 6, 2005
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 18, 2006 9:53 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


hi Scott,

I have the exact same display issue but on top, I have a really truly grainy screen (like an extra layer). When you move a window with a white background, this is VERY visible.

My display is from Week 29 on a 17" Macbook Pro Core Duo.

Hope this will get fixed.

Bye,
/Phil

iMac G5 20', iMac G4, iBook G3, iBook G4, Macbook,MacBook Pro 17', Ipod Mac OS X (10.4.8) Apple user since the Apple II
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MJWeb


Posts: 88
From: coast 2 coast
Registered: Nov 10, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 18, 2006 10:15 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


I wasn't being facetious as I have followed your travails. Is that glossy or matte? I got a glossy C2D 15 without any bleed on the bottom or the top and no grain. It's a week 44 -- the first week Apple manufactured them -- and I suspect some big wigs from Cupertino were onsite in China. Maybe I got lucky? Have you tried glossy?

One poster said an Apple store let them inspect their MBP inventory and select his choice. That may be a good remedy for you. Best of luck!

MBP C2D Windows XP Pro
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Rick Bolton



Posts: 588
From: 156 miles from Cupertino
Registered: Jan 24, 2003
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 19, 2006 4:47 PM in response to: MJWeb Reply Email


MJWeb - week 44 is NOT the first week the 15" C2D was manufactured - mine is a week 43.

That said - my experience is like yours - impressive performance AND build quality. My matte screen is as good as any I have seen over the past years. There is no "grain", good brightness, fairly even illumination. It runs very cool and quiet.

There were 16 custom "hand tuned" C2Ds available for the Apple executive's use and review during the production launch in Shanghai - I got one with the Optilux screen enhancement.

OK - last paragraph is FICTION - the first two are accurate however

Remember, there are great 15" C2D MBPs out there.

Quad G5, FPiMac 1.25, Mac Mini 1.66, Ti PB 400, Indigo Clam 366, iPod Video Mac OS X (10.4.7) Canon 20D DSLR, i9900
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MJWeb


Posts: 88
From: coast 2 coast
Registered: Nov 10, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 19, 2006 5:11 PM in response to: Rick Bolton Reply Email


Thank you. I stand corrected.

MBP C2D Windows XP Pro
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tonkatuph


Posts: 50
From: us
Registered: Dec 2, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 14, 2006 8:28 PM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


ok,
opened my mbp c2d i got today from apple online. As i feared. The dreded light on the bottom is very appearant. The screen has graininess but its not so bad that i can't see anything. The light is what gets me. my model number is the 9C62. week 48 build. Seems like this is the bad batch, but then again which displays have no backlighting?

I'm disappointed to say the least. Oh one more thing. The batter is loose. Is that normal? I never noticed that before in my other macbook pros. Should i call applecare for an explanation?

Thanks in advance.

macbook pro 17" cd2 Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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William Davies



Posts: 43
Registered: Oct 15, 2001
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 16, 2006 7:30 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


I collected my week 48 MBP C2D 17" yesterday, & I have to say I was disappointed with the uneven lighting of the display. I work as a photographer, and have worked with many different Powerbooks belonging to digital assistants, etc., & their screens have always been very good. The MBP display has a bright strip at the bottom, another smaller one at the top & is darker at the sides. The dark sides are partly down to viewing angle, (but not completely), and there is no position from which you can see the entire screen evenly lit. I'm not sure what action I'm going to take at the moment, & want to get as much background information as possible before I call Apple on Monday. (Can someone tell me how to check which screen version/model is fitted?).

I notice that a previous thread, described as long & helpful, has been deleted. Does anyone have an archive of this thread that they could e-mail to me (or a link to it)? Please send it to me at williamdavies(AT)mac.com.

Thanks.

PS I should say that I don't have unrealistic expectations for a laptop display - I could spend the price of the MBP on a professional quality display (& it would be a lot more than 1" thick) - but I do expect the quality to match what Apple had achieved on the Powerbook.

G4 MDD & MBP C2D Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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MJWeb


Posts: 88
From: coast 2 coast
Registered: Nov 10, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 16, 2006 11:56 AM in response to: William Davies Reply Email


"(Can someone tell me how to check which screen version/model is fitted?)."

Preference - Choose Display - Color - Color LCD - Line 13 will give you the make and model of your display

MBP C2D Windows XP Pro


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tbirdparis



Posts: 980
From: paris / france
Registered: Oct 13, 2004
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 17, 2006 6:58 PM in response to: William Davies Reply Email


scott slater - just looked at your pics. both glad and sad to see that it looks almost exactly like the screen on my MBP 17" C2D.. glad in the sense that I'm not hallucinating, sad obviously that it's a sign that these machines are being delivered with dodgy screens these days.

william davies - I totally agree with you. when I spoke to apple about mine, I told them that if I were a visual professional like a photographer, the machine would be unusable to me. you need your screen to be neutral and even so as to be able to work properly with colour and image, period.

I had a pretty good response from apple. they DOA'd my machine, and then were understanding when I told them that I would not send it back because I don't have any faith that a replacement would be any better at this time. judging by the responses of people who have done so, I seem to have been right in this regard. they kept my info on file and said that in a few months I can take the machine in and have the display replaced, over and over if necessary, till I get one that meets my standards. of course it's annoying to have to do this at all, and I really hope apple are threatening their suppliers with cancelling contracts for having put out a pro laptop line with the worst screens they have ever delivered. and if it is apple's own fault, I hope they are realising that they can't sneak a cheaper, lower quality display past pro users this easily. not everyone puts on a desktop picture of their cat which hides the uneveness in the backlighting and forgets about the poor performance of the display.
with me, they didn't put up a fight at all, they didn't even ask to see the machine and judge themselves if they thought it was within spec. so I'm relatively satisfied that I'll end up with a display worthy of how good this machine otherwise is, but not without considerable inconveniece to me.

G5 2x2Ghz 4GB -- MBP C2D 17" 2GB 7200rpm Mac OS X (10.4.8) LP 7.2.3 /PT HD3 / UAD1 / digi192io
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William Davies



Posts: 43
Registered: Oct 15, 2001
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 18, 2006 12:38 AM in response to: tbirdparis Reply Email


tbirdparis - Just wondered if you have been dealing with Apple support in France, & if so do you happen to have a contact name there? I'll be calling them today & expect to hear that they've never heard of the problem, though you seem to have had a good solution (keeping the computer until a fix is available).

I too would love to see a picture of a good screen, not because I doubt anyone's word - I just know some people would say my screen looks 'great' to them. Seeing a photo of a good screen would give me some hope of getting this resolved quickly.

G4 MDD & MBP C2D Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Michael Kinzer



Posts: 89
From: Minnesota
Registered: May 13, 2005
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 17, 2006 7:41 PM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


So far, so great.

I bought my MBP yesterday, have had it on, doing pretty intense stuff. The screen (matte) is flawless and beautiful.

I'll knock on wood and hope it stays that way.

PowerMac G5, Dual 1.8, Raptor, Delta 44 Audio; iBook G4 1.33 Mac OS X (10.4.8) Mac owner since 1989
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tbirdparis



Posts: 980
From: paris / france
Registered: Oct 13, 2004
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 17, 2006 8:25 PM in response to: Michael Kinzer Reply Email


15" or 17"?

have you tried putting on a solid colour desktop (dark grey for example) and really looking closely at all the corners and edges to see if you backlighting doesn't pinch anywhere and truly is totally even?
if so, can you take some photos of your screen (with a solid colour desktop picture) with a digital camera and post them? I'd love to see for myself a good quality screen on these machines, have not seen one yet.

G5 2x2Ghz 4GB -- MBP C2D 17" 2GB 7200rpm Mac OS X (10.4.8) LP 7.2.3 /PT HD3 / UAD1 / digi192io
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PaulNYC



Posts: 387
Registered: May 31, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 17, 2006 11:41 PM in response to: tbirdparis Reply Email


> 15" or 17"?
>
> have you tried putting on a solid colour desktop
> (dark grey for example) and really looking closely at
> all the corners and edges to see if you backlighting
> doesn't pinch anywhere and truly is totally even?
> if so, can you take some photos of your screen (with
> a solid colour desktop picture) with a digital camera
> and post them? I'd love to see for myself a good
> quality screen on these machines, have not seen one
> yet.

Yes, if you do have a good screen, I'm sure many people would love to see it. I haven't seen one yet either, but would be happy to!

Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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thanon


Posts: 15
Registered: Feb 16, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 18, 2006 10:17 AM in response to: PaulNYC Reply Email


> > and post them? I'd love to see for myself a good
> > quality screen on these machines, have not seen
> one
> > yet.
>
> Yes, if you do have a good screen, I'm sure many
> people would love to see it. I haven't seen one yet
> either, but would be happy to!

I second this notion; like many others, I'm in need for the abilities of the MBP, but had to return mine for its display issues.
It sure would be great to see even one single proof of a MBP C2D with a decent screen.

G5 2.0 DP / MBP C2D 2.33 / iMac G5 20"
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MJWeb


Posts: 88
From: coast 2 coast
Registered: Nov 10, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 18, 2006 10:38 AM in response to: thanon Reply Email


Here are photos of my display.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12562277@N00/
Before giving me flack please read my post.
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=3651146#3651146
I don't believe a consumer digital camera can capture a LCD display with accuracy. My display looks a lot better in person than the photos of it.

MBP C2D Windows XP Pro


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William Davies



Posts: 43
Registered: Oct 15, 2001
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 18, 2006 12:25 PM in response to: MJWeb Reply Email


I'm not going to give you any flack for the pictures - you are right that it's not easy to take pictures of an LCD with a consumer camera. But in the pics the display looks no more evenly lit than mine, so I still haven't seen a picture that shows a satisfactory MBP screen. Which is frustrating...

What did strike me about your post in the linked thread was your comment: 'In my opinion the MBP 15” suffers from an extremely limited viewing angle. ' I'd agree completely with that statement, though I can see on my machine that that is not the only problem - it just makes things worse. However, Apple don't agree with either of us:

'The display features wide viewing angles of 130 degrees horizontal and 100 degrees vertical, so you can see onscreen work without having the computer directly in front of you. With a minimum of color shift, the display can be viewed from either the side or the top, which is particularly helpful in small-group situations where some people may need to view the display off -angle.'

(A quote from the display section of this document):

http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/MacBookPro_15inch_TechOverview.pdf

MacBook Pro C2D & G4 MDD Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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MJWeb


Posts: 88
From: coast 2 coast
Registered: Nov 10, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 18, 2006 5:39 PM in response to: William Davies Reply Email


'The display features wide viewing angles of 130 degrees horizontal and 100 degrees vertical, so you can see onscreen work without having the computer directly in front of you."

We all know that's baloney! On my display 20 degrees left or right of dead-bang-on grays turn beige and whites turn cream. As stated the viewing angle is the biggest Achilles heel.

MBP C2D Windows XP Pro


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limason


Posts: 39
From: france
Registered: Nov 26, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 18, 2006 6:15 PM in response to: MJWeb Reply Email


for a big complaint try to put a mail at some big heads at Apple, many people done it, even at Mr Jobs, they all know the problems now, but it seems difficult for them to fix it, it's seems to be due to a big command of parts for the MBPC2D, which is a big sell for Apple, nowadays and especially in this X-mas time. Apple didn't want to have delays with this great line of computers.
So I don't think Apple will be in capability to fix this problem or communicate on it unti after X-mas, many rumours say it waon't be fix until the Macworld expo.
In my experience, for my second unit, due principally to uneven backlighting and poor angle view, I'll try to wait until the last days of the month, to be in the 14 days of Apple's replacement new line, for command a new unit MBPC2D 17" matte display.
Remember the advertisment about the display of the MBPC2D,
Everything is illuminated
MacBook Pro makes your ideas more enlightening, with a sharp, high-resolution screen. See blacker blacks, whiter whites, and many more colors in between on a brilliant 15.4-inch, 1440-by-900-pixel or 17-inch, 1680-by-1050-pixel digital display. Enjoy a nuanced view simply unavailable on other portables.
For the moment MBP makes me some nightmares.....

G5 2X2,3 - MBP C2D 17" Mac OS X (10.4.8) FCS/LP/Aja Io/Mio
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tbirdparis



Posts: 980
From: paris / france
Registered: Oct 13, 2004
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 18, 2006 9:53 PM in response to: limason Reply Email


does anyone actually believe that steve jobs receives any of this mail people try to send? I find that a bit hard to believe.

btw, limason, on dit "order" pour dire "commande" en anglais.. just helping you out so people follow what you mean.

G5 2x2Ghz 4GB -- MBP C2D 17" 2GB 7200rpm Mac OS X (10.4.8) LP 7.2.3 /PT HD3 / UAD1 / digi192io
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limason


Posts: 39
From: france
Registered: Nov 26, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 19, 2006 10:05 AM in response to: tbirdparis Reply Email


Merci beaucoup Third PAris, thank you very much and sorry for my very bad English typing.

I believe Mr Jobs receive these mail because I wrote one to it on Friday, and on Monday I had a call from a power person of Apple who said to me: "Thank you for email your problem to our pdg Steve Jobs, he thank you and asked me to take contact with you to know what is exactly your problem and so, what is your serial number ? etc....etc.." I had too some mails from a technical head at Apple who had try to understand my problem but I ask a refund at Apple to wait until a fix appear and the unit was already gone. I send them the link of an annoucement of a site of rumour who said thar Apple stop the production of the display of the MBPC2D for faulty parts or a thing like that, no responses from them this time...

G5 2X2,3 - MBP C2D 17" Mac OS X (10.4.8) FCS/LP/Aja Io/Mio
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tonkatuph


Posts: 50
From: us
Registered: Dec 2, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 18, 2006 10:01 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


Has Apple publicly addressed the bright bottom screen, along width banding issues on the MBP C2D? I had to return mine because the battery was loose and the screen was awful. I should be getting a replacement soon, but I know its gonna have the same problem. I too want to keep mine till they fix the problem. I wonder if they will charge us for the fix? How would I go about expressing this to them that I want to hold my computer till they get it fixed?

macbook pro 17" cd2 Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Sarkastik



Posts: 152
From: Melbourne, Australia
Registered: Jun 29, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 18, 2006 6:53 PM in response to: tonkatuph Reply Email


Every other issue aside, the banding is not a defect as such. It's actually a feature

Serious, the banding is just a hardware limitation of the screens. For faster response times and possibly lower cost screens, Apple used 6 bit instead of 8 bit screens (don't get that confused with the 32 bit, 24 bit etc settings in preferences).

MacBook Pro 15" 2GHz, 2GB, Week 28 Mac OS X (10.4.8) AMD Desktop 2.1GHz, 512MB, WinXP (SP1)
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geyien



Posts: 79
From: Hong Kong
Registered: Jan 26, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 18, 2006 8:48 PM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


I had to send my Week 46 15" MBP back to Apple because it developed a kind of "burnt in" line on the top left-hand side of the screen which wouldn't go away.

They sent me a Week 50 replacement and it seems to have a better screen. The old one had light leakage in the bottom left-hand corner, this new one doesn't seem to have any light leakage anywhere so far. It does have the "grainy" effect which is noticeable but not a deal-breaker for everyday use (image pros may not like it though). The "number" of this screen is 9C57, and I think my last one was too. I've only had this new machine one day and the last screen developed its problems after about 10 days of use, so I'm just hoping this new one doesn't follow suit. But, so far so good and, on balance, I would say this new display is a better one than the old one.

Apart from screen issues, I have to say that these new C2D MBPs are much better built than the original CD ones, better "fit and finish" overall and much cooler running! I'm very pleased with the machine overall, just wish the screens were better quality and more "pro" - they look kind of "cheap" and dirty with the grainy effect.

MBP C2D 15" 2.33Ghz 3GB RAM 200GB HD Matte Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Martin Heidings...


Posts: 202
Registered: May 18, 2005
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 20, 2006 4:02 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


Just want to throw my three bucks in, so that apple takes care.
I am with my second replacement now. The first one had another issue but number 2 and number 3 suffer from bad lightning.
I receaved second my replacement mbpc2d on thursday 19 Dec after 2 1/2 weeks of waiting, maybee due to the production stop (Idon't really know).
The replaced one had the white gradient on the bottom and also some uneaven iluminated parts in the corers. The new one has exactly the same issue.
By reading this thread I can see this is a very widespread issue. Should I get another replacement, or have all the macbook pros so bad screens now?
I haven't seen this worse screens from any other vendor in this class. I mean I payed 2300€ and now my girlfriend has an better iluminated screen in her 2 year old iBook. Sorry Apple, but I can't take that. There must be something wrong.

MacPlus Mac OS 8.6 or Earlier
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William Davies



Posts: 43
Registered: Oct 15, 2001
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 20, 2006 5:28 AM in response to: Martin Heidings... Reply Email


Personally I think you should keep returning until you get a screen that meets the spec Apple themselves have given for the MacBook Pro.... but it's your time & effort.

I was interested that you only mentioned the display issues in regard to the 2nd & 3rd MPBs - what was the screen like on the first one?

MacBook Pro C2D & G4 MDD Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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tonkatuph


Posts: 50
From: us
Registered: Dec 2, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 20, 2006 7:21 AM in response to: William Davies Reply Email


I agree. I've lost track of how many i've had to get replaced. All together I think its about 8. All with uneven display. My last one had a display lighting issue at the bottom but i was really ready to overlook it and live with it, but then the battery was loose. So i returned it for a replacement. Now this replacement one I cannot live with the screen. It is awful!!! Very uneven all around, and the backlight is horrendous. If the next one i get is anywhere as bad as the one i have now. I'm going to buy and alienware arura with sli and two video cards.

macbook pro 17" cd2 Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Martin Heidings...


Posts: 202
Registered: May 18, 2005
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 20, 2006 8:54 AM in response to: William Davies Reply Email


The Display of my first one was ok. The first one had a very loud noise from where the mag safe goes in. It went away with photobooth, so I think it was the famous whine. All of the three had this but the first one was much louder than the others.
That gets a pain in my neck. I had nighmares like this since the last 1GHz Titanium Powerbook, with I had to return six times for several reasons of wich some where bad screens with shadows on it.
I also had to return the 17'' StudioDisplay of my mother four times.
Next time I bought a mac notebook was with the 2.16 GHz MBPCoreDuo of wich I had three because one whined like robert plant and the other ones had distorted speakers.
I dont think that's funny anymore especially because of the writing I have to do for school while my Computer is somwhere in an TNT Truck.
It's only ironically that one of the reasons I am with the Apple ProLine is because they normally have good screens.

MacPlus Mac OS 8.6 or Earlier
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thanon


Posts: 15
Registered: Feb 16, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 21, 2006 6:40 AM in response to: Martin Heidings... Reply Email


Today my MBP ( C2D ) 15" / 2.33 came back from repair.
The local Apple repair center has replaced the display.

Please take a look at the pictures ; they are shot with a high quality digital camera ( not that it matters ...) , 50mm lens ( equivalent to 35 mm film ) , placed to point straight at the center of the screen .

The top and bottom image show a tilt of approx. 15 degree.

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/5696/displaydr0.jpg


Note that the images are very close to what the screen actually looks like with a neutral grey as a background ( hardware calibrated ). The banding pattern is not visible to the eyes, though.

The screen it replaced looked pretty much the same, only the bleeding from the left is new. A feature, too ?

FWIW, the MBP is a week 37, the display a 9C60, though the replacement might have changed that.

This display can't hold a candle to my banged up Rev.B TiBook re. evenness of lighting and texture, and viewing angle. The MBP is a lot brighter, of course , but my usual setting is at 50-70% , any brighter and accuracy goes right out of the window.

If there are people who believe this particular top-of-line MBP monitor is fit for professional use with photo or video, then I am at a loss for words...

G5 2.0 DP / MBP C2D 2.33 / iMac G5 20"

G5 2.0 DP / MBP C2D 2.33 / iMac G5 20"


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tonkatuph


Posts: 50
From: us
Registered: Dec 2, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 21, 2006 9:51 AM in response to: thanon Reply Email


Hi thanon,
Nice pics. This is definately not top-of-line quality at all. I'm so disappointed with these screens. I haven't seen a good one yet. The so called geniuses at one apple store tried to convince me that nothing was wrong with my display. BS! I'm bringing this piece of junk back ASAP! They told me it had to warm up. I've let it sit for 5 hrs straight, nothing has changed.

Apple *****! Make some good quality displays worthy of $3000 or lower the price at least to be more competative with the pc market. Some of the lowest end pc laptops have better screens than macbook pros.

macbook pro 17" cd2 Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Shih-Peng


Posts: 65
From: New Haven, CT
Registered: Apr 25, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 21, 2006 11:26 AM in response to: thanon Reply Email


I would say your display is GOOD enough. There are many screens worse than yours.

MacBook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.8) 2.16G CPU 2G Ram 7200rpm 100G HD
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PaulNYC



Posts: 387
Registered: May 31, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 21, 2006 11:56 AM in response to: Shih-Peng Reply Email


> I would say your display is GOOD enough. There are
> many screens worse than yours.

I don't think it's THAT bad either, but obviously our standards are based on what Apple is offering right now rather than the industry as a whole. Objectively, it's pretty crappy in terms of uneven illumination and is definitely not a display I would want to work on since the differences between various parts of the screen make it difficult to get consistent results. However, when compared to other MBP displays - as Shih-peng pointed out - it's not bad at all.

I hope everyboy writes to Apple to complain. That's the only way things will change. If you're the least bit hesitant as to your display's quality, just write and let Apple know! A good display you look at and say "wow!" gorgeous colors, perfect brightness and contrast! It's a joy to use under lots of different lighting conditions and it NEVER gets in your way and prevents you from doing work.

Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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thanon


Posts: 15
Registered: Feb 16, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 21, 2006 1:30 PM in response to: Shih-Peng Reply Email


> I would say your display is GOOD enough. There are
> many screens worse than yours.

Like I said, the images are an attempt to imitate the look as seen with the eyes from a 'neutral', centered viewing point, and I tried to avoid making things look worse through a bad capture.
Almost every picture I have seen before of the 15" display looks worse, I agree on that.

When you actually use the comp, things do get worse, as the the usable viewing angle is best described as laughable.

Somewhat even illumination is present in about 2/3rds of the screen, even under the best of circumstances. Move your head in any direction just a little, and the flaws will become a lot more apparent.

I spoke to my dealer today, who had a long talk to some local Apple reps and techs ( no details, privacy and such ) , and he was told that they and Apple are well aware of issues with those displays, but does not have any solution whatsoever at present.
And the techs in question maintain mostly pro equipment, and do NOT deal with iPods and such .

As for GOOD enough , that lies in the eye of the beholder, and might explain how companies get way with faulty products .

G5 2.0 DP / MBP C2D 2.33 / iMac G5 20"
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Scott Slater



Posts: 117
From: Burnsville, MN
Registered: Sep 14, 2001
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 21, 2006 8:53 PM in response to: thanon Reply Email


I e-mailed the online reseller I bought my 17" MBP CD from the link to my photos and the RMA manager couldn't see a problem and stated that if I returned it I would probably be charged a restocking fee...***? It seems as all the "decision makers" simply can't see a problem...Ludachris...

I've pretty much determined that I guess I'm not a "Laptop Person"...I can't just settle for junk screens on high-end hardware...I don't care how FAST the machines are, until these ridiculous excuses for displays are put to rest, I recomend MBPs to no one, period.

Xserve Dual 2.3 GHz G5, old school G4 Towers, Rejected MBP C2D w/poor display Mac OS X (10.4.7)


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Shih-Peng


Posts: 65
From: New Haven, CT
Registered: Apr 25, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 22, 2006 1:51 PM in response to: thanon Reply Email


No offense.

I have ever replaced 4 MBPs and now I am looking at the third screen of the last replacement. I bought the CD MBP in April and was able to use it in Sept.

I learned one thing. Tolerance is part of the price to use MBP. Looking for a good display? Try Sony Vaio.

MacBook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.8) 2.16G CPU 2G Ram 7200rpm 100G HD
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MJWeb


Posts: 88
From: coast 2 coast
Registered: Nov 10, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 22, 2006 4:02 PM in response to: Shih-Peng Reply Email


Agreed! I made a similar post about the Vaio display last month. Sony has the best laptop screens on the market but they are the slimiest corporation I know of with the possible exception of Halliburton.

MBP C2D Windows XP Pro


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Andrei Bocharni...


Posts: 16
Registered: Aug 10, 2005
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 21, 2006 2:21 PM in response to: Shih-Peng Reply Email


hi, everibody out here

I just woandering how many problems people has with the MBP/C2D. I came here to ask about possible solutions about my problem and found that I am not alone. Just look at my pictures. Monitor showing palm-big bright spot in the first-third. It is not visible on other colors at all but on black. It is realy anoing if you working with photos, graphics or watching video with a lot of black area.

the spot visible most when you look on screen in 15-20 degree angle. if you looking straight then it almost unvisible but still there.



the spot is not the other light source reflecting on the screen. below is the photo which i made in completely dark room.



What do you think I have to do with all this frustration, shoud i bring it back to Apple?

hope to hear from you,
Andrew

Mac OS X (10.4.8) MBP 15" C2D, 2.33 Ghz, 2 Gb RAM ser.W8646...



G5, 2.7 Dual, 4.5Gb RAM


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NICKG117


Posts: 24
From: Philadelphia
Registered: Dec 17, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 21, 2006 5:19 PM in response to: Andrei Bocharni... Reply Email


Oh man, you got to return that asap!!


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tonkatuph


Posts: 50
From: us
Registered: Dec 2, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 22, 2006 5:28 AM in response to: Andrei Bocharni... Reply Email


WOW, I had that same problem in a 15" model. You couldn't see it when the screen was 90 degrees but any other time it was visible. But not so visible like yours. Just return it bro. It ain't worth keepin.

macbook pro 17" cd2 Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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macphin


Posts: 2
Registered: Dec 19, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 21, 2006 2:09 PM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


I went today to the local Apple Center(I'm from Europe)to see any MBP C2D, but they didn't get any yet. The guy told me that they're still waiting for the MPB C2D, while usual Macbooks are there. Also he told that this delay possible caused because of the display problem. Don't know how true is it, but, it's a fact.
Also, I thought, that this banding (or gradients) problem and grainy display maybe because Apple underclocked the ATI X1600 chip. Could it be? Is it possible to return it to normal state?




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MJWeb


Posts: 88
From: coast 2 coast
Registered: Nov 10, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 21, 2006 4:00 PM in response to: macphin Reply Email


The ATI x1600 is not under-clocked in the MBP C2D -- only in the original.

MBP C2D Windows XP Pro
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MJWeb


Posts: 88
From: coast 2 coast
Registered: Nov 10, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 21, 2006 4:04 PM in response to: macphin Reply Email


"Also, I thought, that this banding (or gradients) problem and grainy display maybe because Apple underclocked the ATI X1600 chip. Could it be?"

The ATI x1600 is not under-clocked in the MBP C2D -- only in the original.

MBP C2D Windows XP Pro
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thenorthman


Posts: 6
From: Anchorage, AK
Registered: Dec 12, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 21, 2006 10:35 PM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


Well I just got my laptop from the local applecare repair place here in Anchorage, AK.

When I took it in it was for a kernal panic..which they fixed NEW HARD DRIVE..but the same time I was showing them dropped pixels and they said okay. Well when I picked it up they said they don't deal with that stuff and conatact apple directly.

Well I will do that but I guess it is just general venting ince now I have to be with out the computer again for another fix rather than one time.

It dosn't sound exactly the same problem as the others though.

Sean

Macbook Pro 2.0ghz
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[Daniel75]

and ...

tonkatuph


Posts: 50
From: us
Registered: Dec 2, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 23, 2006 11:42 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


Mac genius'? My butt!!! They know just as much as you and i know. They just read a manual that tells them more about problems and how to trouble shoot them. Any joe off the stree can do that too. I think they're some of the worst people to deal with. Specially at the cambridge side galleria mall in cambridge, ma. They were rude and very didn't even consider my complaints.

I've had it with apple. Lousy display, bad quality customer service.

macbook pro 17" cd2 Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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etherealbeats



Posts: 80
Registered: Dec 25, 2004
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 25, 2006 12:12 PM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


Just received my week 47 MPB 17" C2D as a Christmas pressie, with a 9C61 display which is horrible. The laptop is a dream to work with, and very fast (with the exception of one random freeze earlier).

The display has the white strip at the bottom and seems to be a dull yellowy colour (recalibrating has sorted that last point).

One thing I noticed was a strip along the top of the display which was visible on the grey screen when OS X was loading up. It almost looks like screen burn as it is the same size as the OS X taskbar but it was the first time the laptop was powered up.

I'll try and get some pictures of this awful display. I have noticed grainyness but it does not affect my graphic design whatsoever.

MacBook Pro 17" Mac OS X (10.3.8)
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geyien



Posts: 79
From: Hong Kong
Registered: Jan 26, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 25, 2006 6:47 PM in response to: etherealbeats Reply Email


I had the same problem, see my thread here, including screenshots:

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=3650744&#3650744

I called Applecare and they arranged a replacement machine as I was within my two-week replacement period. The new screen is OK, has graininess but little to no light leakage and no white lines, so it's useable but not really that great or "pro".

MBP C2D 15" 2.33Ghz 3GB RAM 200GB HD Matte Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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fjp999


Posts: 106
From: PA,USA
Registered: May 2, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 25, 2006 9:25 PM in response to: etherealbeats Reply Email


Just showed my sis my MBP. She was on it for a few minutes and said that she would be unable to work on this.

She is a very average user, usually on internet for shopping and email and maybe watch a dvd...

She couldnt believe that the PowerBook was reduced to this!

She would not be impressed with the power or stability.

Just my sisters thoughts,
frank

MacBookPro2.2 C2D 2.16 GHz, 2GB, 667 MHZ, DDR2 SDRAM Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Graeme43



Posts: 261
From: Scotland
Registered: May 23, 2004
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 27, 2006 5:38 AM in response to: fjp999 Reply Email


I think it is kinda sad that macworld is coming soon again and the MBP is still not up to the standard the PB set. I was one of those who ordered a MBP a few days after it was announced to return it after being at applecare more than I had it due to issues with everything. The display was awesome though and I can't believe how the part that was perfect for most 11 months ago is now the part that is of suspect quality.

I want to get a MBP early next year but I am scared about screen issues and they have discontinued picking up Macs here in the UK for service. They expect me to buy the MBP from Apple Online Store then recieve it, have to take it to an AppleCare center for what will never be fixed just like last time? I hope they fix the screens for January

Because Apple like to pretend issues don't exist and won't fix them, I am scared to buy their Macs! Even I have persuaded people to switch and got the sale of 15 Macs so far, I love my PB and Mac Pro plus the rest of the Macs in the family. They are excellent but this is ridiculous!

PowerBook G4 Hi-Res (1.67GHz, 160GB HD, 1.5GB DDR2 R9700) Mac OS X (10.4.6) Mac Pro with Dell 2405FPW (2.66GHz, 1TB HD, 1GB FB-DDR2 7300GT)
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Friday Night



Posts: 9
Registered: Jan 12, 2005
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 25, 2006 7:45 PM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


My hope is that now that the holiday season is almost over, Apple will now address the display issue and let the upcoming Macworld excitement overshadow any bad press. I made a similar statement in another thread and had that post deleted.

1.67 GHz PowerBook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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etherealbeats



Posts: 80
Registered: Dec 25, 2004
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 26, 2006 2:24 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


Just a thought,

Have people who are experiencing colour problems, as in dirty looking whites etc tried recalibrating their display?

My MPB C2D came with an awful dull dirty looking colour profile and recalibrating has sorted my main problems and I can use the machine for my graphic design now. The white strip at the bottom isn't too annoying and the mark along the top that looks like screen burn is covered by the taskbar.

PowerMac G4 Mac OS X (10.3.8)
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William Davies



Posts: 43
Registered: Oct 15, 2001
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 27, 2006 3:26 AM in response to: etherealbeats Reply Email


> Just a thought,
>
> Have people who are experiencing colour problems, as
> in dirty looking whites etc tried recalibrating their
> display?

Most peoples issues relate to grain or uneven lighting, made worse by very limited viewing angles, (far less than Apple claim for these screens). In my case, hardware calibration will take a reading at 90 degrees to the screen, but if my viewing angle is slightly different (and it will be) I am seeing very different colours.... Your screen lighting must be pretty even if you can do graphic design work with it - on my machine I can't tell if a white background is evenly white or a grey - white gradient. Making choices between multiple images on the screen is impossible.

MacBook Pro C2D & G4 MDD Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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etherealbeats



Posts: 80
Registered: Dec 25, 2004
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 27, 2006 6:16 AM in response to: William Davies Reply Email


I'm not saying it's amazing for graphic design work and the viewing angle is not amazing, I use a 23" Apple cinema display and G5 mostly. But it is just about acceptable for when I'm working on the move. I don't think my problems are as bad as what you are experiencing.

PowerMac G4 Mac OS X (10.3.8)
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bis222


Posts: 9
From: Minnesota
Registered: Aug 29, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 27, 2006 10:31 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


I'm pretty satisfied with mine except for the graininess. I just wish they would come up with a fix for that issue already!! A year ago I returned my Powerbook due to the horizontal lines issue (although I'm glad I did now so I could get a Macbook Pro instead), and I'd hate to have to do that again.

MacBook Pro C2D 2.16GHz Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Jeff R



Posts: 48
From: San Diego
Registered: Nov 15, 2005
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 27, 2006 2:26 PM in response to: bis222 Reply Email


I just received my MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo, 15.4, 2.16GHz today. It is a week 49 build, and so far no problems. The screen is evenly bright, no bright bar along the bottom either. The screen does have barely noticeable grain, but it is the same as the level of grain on my PowerBook G4. You cannot even compare this screen to the one I had on the Core Duo refurbished I just returned. Airport has been solid and strong, and it runs much cooler than the Core Duo I had before as well. So far, I am very happy with the build quality of this computer.

MacBook Pro 2.16 GHz Core 2 Duo 15.4, 1.5GB Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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William Davies



Posts: 43
Registered: Oct 15, 2001
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Dec 27, 2006 2:35 PM in response to: Jeff R Reply Email


> I just received my MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo, 15.4,
> 2.16GHz today. It is a week 49 build, and so far no
> problems. The screen is evenly bright, no bright bar
> along the bottom either.

Great, I'm looking forward to getting mine replaced...

MacBook Pro C2D & G4 MDD Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Sarkastik



Posts: 152
From: Melbourne, Australia
Registered: Jun 29, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 1, 2007 7:14 PM in response to: Jeff R Reply Email


Could you please give us the model number of the screen?
thanks

MacBook Pro 15" 2GHz, 2GB, Week 28 Mac OS X (10.4.8) AMD Desktop 2.1GHz, 512MB, WinXP (SP2)
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gramels


Posts: 2
Registered: Feb 19, 2005
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 4, 2007 1:54 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


Hi,

I have the same issues and the first replacement did not fix it. For Details see https://gramelspacher.ch/blog/?p=1




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Doug Lerner2



Posts: 319
Registered: Jan 22, 2002
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 4, 2007 5:55 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


Mine is a week 48 build and the model is 9C61, manufacturer 610.

I think it all looks very evenly illuminated to me. I ran LCDTest so I could see it with different solid colors, and it looks fine.

This is a glossy screen, if that makes any difference.

doug

MBP C2D 17" Mac OS X (10.4.8) 2.0 GB RAM
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David Nightingale


Posts: 5
From: UK
Registered: Jan 5, 2007
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 5, 2007 8:50 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


I acquired a week 50 MacBook Pro 17" just before Christmas and found that the display was unevenly illuminated. The manufacturer code for the display is 610 and the model number is 9C61. Here's a rather poor photograph that illustrates the general unevenness of the display and the brighter band at the bottom of the screen:



I spoke to Apple and was sent a replacement that arrived this morning. This one is a week 52 machine and the manufacturer code for the display is 610 and the model number is 9C61; i.e. it's almost identical to the previous one. As you can see from the following photograph, the screen on the replacement machine isn't much better:



I spoke to level 2 tech support this afternoon who are going to investigate this further, but, as far as I'm concerned, this does indicate that Apple are shipping these machines with screens that are not exactly up to their usual standards. The support guy I spoke to was very helpful, and is going to look into this, but had no record of this being an identified issue. I pointed him in the direction of this discussion and expect to hear back from him early next week. In the meanwhile, I now have 2 laptops, neither of which I'm happy with.

17" MacBook Pro C2D Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Scott Slater



Posts: 117
From: Burnsville, MN
Registered: Sep 14, 2001
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 5, 2007 9:32 AM in response to: David Nightingale Reply Email


It burns me to hear them still claiming "no record of this being an identified issue"...what a JOKE...

Xserve Dual 2.3 GHz G5, old school G4 Towers, Rejected MBP C2D w/poor display Mac OS X (10.4.7)


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PaulNYC



Posts: 387
Registered: May 31, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 5, 2007 12:05 PM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


I agree. It's outrageous that a big company like Apple can continue to deny that there is a problem with so many professional customers complaining. That's what puts them apart from the big players. If they want to be taken seriously, they have to deal with these problems proactively on a large scale. Customers should not have to fight this hard to get Apple to recognise this problem and address it. I know there are those that claim that there is no problem, but just look at the pictures posted above. Surely nobody can claim that's a good display?

Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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etherealbeats



Posts: 80
Registered: Dec 25, 2004
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 5, 2007 12:42 PM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


It is a great shame to hear that Apple are still using the 9C61 display in their 17" laptops. I have a week 47 MBP 17" with the dreaded 9C61 display. It has the bright band at the bottom, and also the bottom corners of the screen have what I can only explain as dark triangles.

I haven't bothered going back to Apple because it seems they have not got passed the 9C61 displays so I will wait until they go onto a later model for the 17".

PowerMac G4 Mac OS X (10.3.9) MacBook Pro C2D 17" Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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PaulNYC



Posts: 387
Registered: May 31, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 5, 2007 1:00 PM in response to: etherealbeats Reply Email


yeah, it really is. Hopefully they'll get on top of this soon and those of us who don't like these displays can get them replaced with better ones. It's a great computer otherwise so it's a real shame to use such a crappy display. Unbelievable really.

Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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David Nightingale


Posts: 5
From: UK
Registered: Jan 5, 2007
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 5, 2007 1:22 PM in response to: PaulNYC Reply Email


> yeah, it really is. Hopefully they'll get on top of
> this soon and those of us who don't like these
> displays can get them replaced with better ones. It's
> a great computer otherwise so it's a real shame to
> use such a crappy display. Unbelievable really.

I agree. Other than the display issue I think this is a fantastic machine, but unless I can be reassured that this will be rectified at some point, I'm going to have to return mine and either stick with a desktop setup or get a PC laptop ... and I would really hate to have to do either of those.

17" MacBook Pro C2D Mac OS X (10.4.8)


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fjp999


Posts: 106
From: PA,USA
Registered: May 2, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 5, 2007 8:12 PM in response to: David Nightingale Reply Email


I was on the phone today with AppleCare for an iPhoto issue and while waiting for some tests to run I asked if the second agent had heard of a problem with the MBP display.

And WOW. He said that he had heard that there were "problems on a case by case" MBP machines' display.

Maybe one day Apple will acknowledge more of a specific issue with some specific displays since the word is going around that there is an issue!

good luck all,
frank

p.s. I was wondering if it would be wise to start a thread with all the case numbers for display issues. When one person called and asked if the agent had heard of a problem and they said "no" we could start quoting case after case number. But maybe the thread would get closed immediatly. Just a thought...

MacBookPro2.2 C2D 2.16 GHz, 2GB, 667 MHZ, DDR2 SDRAM Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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necronym



Posts: 255
From: UK
Registered: Feb 19, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 16, 2007 12:09 AM in response to: etherealbeats Reply Email


I too have a week 47 17 " 9C61 screen, which displays none of the issues you claim to be experiencing.

Even illumination, no dark triangles, no bright banding. It's an excellent screen much better than the 15 " MBP C2D display.

Not bothering to go back to Apple, just worsens the situation. This tolerance of poor quality is rediculous. Get back onto Apple and demand a replacement. You paid good money for your machine, if you're not happy with it demand a good one.

I can not believe how pathetic people are being with Apple. "I'll not bother getting back to Apple until they get new screens" How do you know they don't have new screens?

Millions of them sitting in boxes holding up Steve Jobs' desk?

PowerMac G5 Quad & Eizo CG220, Mac Pro 2.66, X1900XT, 6GB 2 x 20" Cinema LCD's Mac OS X (10.4.8) MacBook Pro C2D 17" 2.33GHz Quack! Quack!
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thanon


Posts: 15
Registered: Feb 16, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 16, 2007 12:30 PM in response to: necronym Reply Email


> Not bothering to go back to Apple, just worsens the
> situation. This tolerance of poor quality is
> rediculous. Get back onto Apple and demand a
> replacement. You paid good money for your machine, if
> you're not happy with it demand a good one.
>
> I can not believe how pathetic people are being with
> Apple. "I'll not bother getting back to Apple until
> they get new screens" How do you know they don't have
> new screens?

Trouble is , when you request a replacement, noone at Apple will make sure the new product doesn't have the issues which made you return your old MBP.

After returning my replacement, and having - without success - the display replaced on my original MBP C2D, I was adviced that there is no solution at the moment for people who are not ready to accept the shortcomings of the screen.
Hence I believe there are no new screens, and it is a waste of my time and money to keep trying to get a decent MBP at the moment.

G5 2.0 DP / MBP C2D 2.33 / iMac G5 20"
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Doug Lerner2



Posts: 319
Registered: Jan 22, 2002
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 5, 2007 7:39 PM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


I've been getting into examining this some more since reading this topic. Just a couple of observations:

(1) My MBP C2D has the 9C61 display (glossy). It really doesn't look bad to me, but since looking at other peoples' posted screen images I do see that mine experiences some of the unevenness that others are mentioning.

(2) My iMac G5 has a 9C51 display. Running LCDTest with that I see perhaps a slight unevenness, but it is much more uniform throughout the range in which I can tilt the display.

It seems that the main difference, though, is that the MBP is more sensitive to unevenness with small tilt angles, while the iMac keeps roughly the same even illumination throughout larger tilt angles.

Is there something inherent to the way the MBP is illuminated that makes it more sensitive to small tilt angles?

doug

MBP C2D 17" Mac OS X (10.4.8) 2.0 GB RAM
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William Davies



Posts: 43
Registered: Oct 15, 2001
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 6, 2007 3:19 AM in response to: Doug Lerner2 Reply Email


> Is there something inherent to the way the MBP is
> illuminated that makes it more sensitive to small
> tilt angles?
>
> doug

When you say 'tilt angles' are you talking about viewing angles? Sounds as though that's what you mean. Apple describe the viewing angles on the MBP range as large, and refer to them as being suitable for viewing by small groups of people - just as many professionals would use a laptop with clients. My MBP's screen has dreadful viewing angles, even for one person sitting in front of the screen it's not possible to see consistent colours/luminosity across the screen.

Hard to say if there is a particular reason for this, but I think Apple have gone for very bright screens in preference to evenly lit ones. Theoretically, the screens should look more like the Cinema displays - though I'd argue that that only applies to brightness & not colours, as the colours aren't even consistent across the MBP display...

MacBook Pro C2D & G4 MDD Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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thanon


Posts: 15
Registered: Feb 16, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 6, 2007 5:25 PM in response to: William Davies Reply Email


> Hard to say if there is a particular reason for this,
> but I think Apple have gone for very bright screens
> in preference to evenly lit ones. Theoretically, the
> screens should look more like the Cinema displays -
> though I'd argue that that only applies to brightness
> & not colours, as the colours aren't even consistent
> across the MBP display...

The funny thing is that the inceased brightness is good for nothing if you are a professional user. My MBP and the Cinema Displays I calibrated end up using about 40-50% of the available brightness.
Even in a brightly lit environment ( you need to shade the screen anyways for proper results ), 70% is all you can use for serious work, if that.

Any more, and you are bleaching out the colours or have too much light from your surroundings on the display to judge an image to begin with .

I can appreciate how a MacBook can be fitted with an extremely bright screen for the kids who want to use it in the park, loosing some performance on the way, but it seems it is the MacBookPro who got the worse display in the line.

G5 2.0 DP / MBP C2D 2.33 / iMac G5 20"
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JJSS09


Posts: 4
From: Boston, MA
Registered: Jan 7, 2007
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 7, 2007 10:32 PM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


Hey guys, I'm new to the boards here. Ive been planning on ordering a MBP 15'' mattee on Tuesday (after the keynote). However, I've been looking through this thread and have been wondering about the screen quality. My question to you guys is, is this issue affecting virtually every mbp or only a select few? Are there some MBPs that have absolutely no grain or uneven backlighting issues?

Also, is the frequency of very poor screens decreasing as time progresses?

Do you think I should perhaps wait longer for the issues to be sorted out? (though I'd really like it ASAP, especially as my second semester begins in two weeks and I've been wanting a laptop)

Edit: also, I saw a screenshot a while back (I believe on the macrumors forums) of a side by side of grain vs. nongrain (it was the upper left corner of a safari browser, I think). Was this an actual screen capture, or a photograph taken by the guy? so basically my question is, is the grain a product of the physical screen itself, or of the graphics card/os/software that powers it?

Other OS
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ashleyn


Posts: 47
From: VA
Registered: Sep 22, 2005
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 8, 2007 12:37 AM in response to: JJSS09 Reply Email


I have the same questions as you do. I have a MBP CD 17" that is perfect, but I wanted to get the Core 2 Duo because of the speed and the option to get a 200 gig hard drive since my MBP CD is running out of HD space. I was going to order it last week but I'm afraid they have a problem that they haven't addressed yet.

Of course, most people post if they're having a problem and not because everything is perfect. So it might not be as widespread a problem as it appears.

People say you shouldn't buy what is essentially a beta, but Apple seems to come out wth new products every 6 months.



MacPro 2.66ghz., Macbook Pro CD, Macbook, PowerMac G5 Dual Core Mac OS X (10.4.8)




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PaulNYC



Posts: 387
Registered: May 31, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 8, 2007 1:43 AM in response to: JJSS09 Reply Email


Regardless of what some users may say, the graininess affects ALL 15" MBPs core2duos. I've seen them in Apple Stores and resellers in NYC, San Francisco, Sweden and England. that;'s not just a bad bunch, unfortunately. For the casual average user, they're passable, but for any kind of professional graphics/photo work they're simply not up to snuff. I'm sure we'll be dazzled by the next generation.

Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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tonkatuph


Posts: 50
From: us
Registered: Dec 2, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 8, 2007 7:40 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


Hi Guys,
I just got my mbp c2d 17" last week. This is my 9th one, maybe 10th. I'm happy with it, to an extent.
It is a week 48 with a xx62 display.(x because i forgot the numbers, 90 or something like that)
I turned it on and to my dismay! Light leakage at bottom. But you know it wasn't as intense as my previous ones. And it didn't have the bright white light bar. I'm kind of happy with this one. Over all the lighting was very good all around, not dark spots, viewing angle was a lot better than other displays.
The other thing that was messed up was the battery was loose. I called applecare, they said as long as the connections from the battery to the macbook are ok then it shouldn't be a problem. I agreed.
I don't want to risk getting a worst display.
I'll post pics later.

macbook pro 17" cd2 Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Cheers!


Posts: 17
From: Toronto
Registered: Dec 11, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 8, 2007 8:37 AM in response to: tonkatuph Reply Email


I bite the bullet and ordered a New C2D MBP. 15.4" matte screen, 2.33 ghz std config on Jan 5, 06.

My home computer finally died (graphics card fried due to dead fan) and I needed a computer bad (home business).

I had originally purchased a CoreDuo 2.16 refurb MBP before x-mas. I returned it due to too many cosmetic irregularities. The display also had 1 dead pixel at the exact centre of the screen.

The new 2.33 C2D in summary is very very. Good. Display wise I do indeed see the graininess. It's no better or worse than my Dell 19" LCD monitor I use at work. So it's not bothering me as much... atleast the graininess is even across the screen instead of patches of graininess.

Light leakage... I don't have any... maybe I'm luckly. I ran LCD test on it and maybe very faintly can you see light leakage. Maybe less than 1/16" along the middle bottom where the dock is. However my gripe is that teh two bottom corners of the screen isn't lit properly. There are two small triangles about the size of a penny cut into 4 pieces. You can definitely see when you are displaying light colors. Blue/Green/Red you don't see it. But if you display pure white you see it good. Other than that the fan makes a bit of a hum sound at idle.

I tested the computer pretty good over the weekend. Zero'd the drive. Reinstalled everything. I also played Call of Duty 2 at 1440 res for 5 hours on Sat and 5 hours on Sunday. no issues. The computer remained quite cool too. Temp monitor peaked the CPU at 60C at peak.

15.4" MacBook Pro Core 1 Duo Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Jeff R



Posts: 48
From: San Diego
Registered: Nov 15, 2005
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 8, 2007 11:26 AM in response to: Cheers! Reply Email


How does one determine which screen version one has?

MacBook Pro 2.16 GHz Core 2 Duo 15.4, 1.5GB Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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docillenstein


Posts: 2
From: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Registered: Jan 23, 2007
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 23, 2007 11:22 PM in response to: Jeff R Reply Email


Displays > Color > Open Profile > Scroll Down to 'mmod' > click it > It shows you the monitor number

Mac Book Pro Mac OS X (10.4.8) C2D
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Adam Teale



Posts: 24
Registered: Mar 7, 2003
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 11, 2007 2:23 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


Well about 1 month ago my 17" display was replaced - with a display that is even worse. So I returned it to AppleCare HongKong and its been about 2 weeks since I heard from them.

I've owned the mac for 6 weeks - used it for 2.

When I returned the mac, I made sure to include a video trying to show what the issues are:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=YOn_zhY4tgU

Cheers

AT

MacBook Pro 2.33GHz Mac OS X (10.4.8) awesome! display illumination is weird though. 2GB RAM
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David Nightingale


Posts: 5
From: UK
Registered: Jan 5, 2007
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 11, 2007 9:16 AM in response to: Adam Teale Reply Email


> When I returned the mac, I made sure to include a
> video trying to show what the issues are:
>
> http://youtube.com/watch?v=YOn_zhY4tgU

Adam, I've just returned my 17" MacBook Pro C2D and asked for a refund. Well, I've just returned two of them, both with totally unusable screens.

After several discussions with tech support I was informed that the engineers did realise there was an "issue" with the display (as identified in your video), but that there was no guarantee that this "issue" would become recognised as a fault. I was given the choice of hanging onto my machine in the hope that the screen might be replaced in the future, but was warned that the engineer's might decide that these screens are within tolerance; i.e. I might have to live with the screen as it is.

Given the amount of money these machines cost, I'm both disappointed and angry. Disappointed that I now no longer have what in all other respects is a great machine, and angry that Apple seem to have totally lost the plot. These machines are marketed as professional level laptops, but there's absolutely no way that these screens are suitable for any sort graphics or photographic work.

I guess my only option now is to hang on for a few months in the hope that Apple will decide to either a) source a better screen for their high-end laptops, or b) do a serious review of their quality control procedures.

2 x 17" MacBook Pro C2D (both now returned) Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Doug Lerner2



Posts: 319
Registered: Jan 22, 2002
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 11, 2007 3:07 PM in response to: David Nightingale Reply Email


>"I guess my only option now is to hang on for a few months in the hope that Apple will decide to either a) source a better screen for their high-end laptops, or b) do a serious review of their quality control procedures."

I find my own screen perfectly ok for now, even though I see the uneven illumination issues pointed out by others when I turn my screen to solid colors and compare.

It would be nice if Apple does a "total recall" at some point and replaces everybody's screen. Expensive? Yes. But the machines are expensive too, and it might be necessary in today's competitive marketplace and for customer goodwill.

doug

MBP C2D 17" Mac OS X (10.4.8) 2.0 GB RAM
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David Nightingale


Posts: 5
From: UK
Registered: Jan 5, 2007
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 12, 2007 12:14 AM in response to: Doug Lerner2 Reply Email


> >"I guess my only option now is to hang on for a few
> I find my own screen perfectly ok for now, even
> though I see the uneven illumination issues pointed
> out by others when I turn my screen to solid colors
> and compare.

For everyday stuff - web development, email, word processing, and so on - it's fine; but for post-processing photographs it's almost totally useless, as the uneven illumination makes it impossible to judge accurately what the finished image will look like. In short, it's not a pro' spec' screen.

> It would be nice if Apple does a "total recall" at
> some point and replaces everybody's screen.
> Expensive? Yes. But the machines are expensive too,
> and it might be necessary in today's competitive
> marketplace and for customer goodwill.

Yep, it would be nice, but I don't imagine it's likely.

17" MacBook Pro C2D Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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CapKapak


Posts: 30
From: Malaysia
Registered: Apr 20, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 12, 2007 8:07 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


I just got my 17" C2D MBP yesterday. Bought it online from Apple Hong Kong.

Its the glossy but as I can see its model 9C62 now. Will try post some photos of the uneveness later.

MBP 15" CD 2.0Ghz, MBP 17" C2D 2.33Ghz Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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CapKapak


Posts: 30
From: Malaysia
Registered: Apr 20, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 12, 2007 8:34 AM in response to: CapKapak Reply Email


Here is a photo of the screen.



MBP 15" CD 2.0Ghz, MBP 17" C2D 2.33Ghz Mac OS X (10.4.8)


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Adam Teale



Posts: 24
Registered: Mar 7, 2003
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 12, 2007 7:03 PM in response to: CapKapak Reply Email


CapKapak your screen seems to look a lot better than mine.
off topic: how do you get your dock like that?

MacBook Pro 2.33GHz Mac OS X (10.4.8) awesome! display illumination is weird though. 2GB RAM
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CapKapak


Posts: 30
From: Malaysia
Registered: Apr 20, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 12, 2007 7:10 PM in response to: Adam Teale Reply Email


Use Cleardock to clear the background and Onyx to align it to the bottom.

MBP 15" CD 2.0Ghz, MBP 17" C2D 2.33Ghz Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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tonkatuph


Posts: 50
From: us
Registered: Dec 2, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 15, 2007 9:52 AM in response to: CapKapak Reply Email


You screen looks a lot better than a lot of the screens i've seen. I'd say yours is good compared to others. Mine has a little more light at the bottom but over all its usable.

macbook pro 17" cd2 Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Sungyub Han



Posts: 307
From: Strasbourg
Registered: Aug 16, 2003
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 15, 2007 8:21 AM in response to: CapKapak Reply Email


hi there...
i am in Costa Rica now... i visited 2 Apple Stores to take a look at the MBP screens.... 15 and 17"... they were ok... and i tried to find any of the things ppl have complained about... but seems like it is not all of them....
though im planning to get one back in LA....
so is the "week it was made" still a factor?

PowerBook 15" 1Ghz 1GB RAM Mac OS X (10.4.8) laCie 250GB FW 800
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Martin Heidings...


Posts: 202
Registered: May 18, 2005
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 18, 2007 5:33 AM in response to: Sungyub Han Reply Email


My third replacement arrived one day before christmass and still had the bright shadow on the bottom (light leakage).
Apple Care told me that they are only doing three replacements.
So I got the refound and ordered a new one on my own.
The fourth one arrived on Jan. 17 and also the bright bottom (light leakage) and the triangels at the bottom corners where also present this time.
I ordered when they came out and still don't have a working one.

MacPlus Mac OS 8.6 or Earlier
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picov


Posts: 4
From: Italy
Registered: Nov 17, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 22, 2007 8:08 AM in response to: Martin Heidings... Reply Email


Hi,
it seems that Apple is sleeping about this display quality issue so
what you think about starting an on-line petition?

We need a brief explanation text and two request for Apple:
1) Fix this problem in current configuration
or at least
2) Provide a build to order option for a "Pro Display" on Mac Book Pro laptop line

Could anyone write this (in correct english) and put it to
http://www.petitiononline.com

Bye.

Many Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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fjp999


Posts: 106
From: PA,USA
Registered: May 2, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 22, 2007 1:02 PM in response to: picov Reply Email


I finally found the time to try the Cupertino/Apple Inc. Headquarters number (408.996.1010) that turns out to be just another extension of their AppleCare with a few other options to speak to a corp. operator. The operator simply passed me onto a Customer Relations rep (it was a much shorter wait time this way).

The CR rep seemed concerned but was really unable to confirm an ongoing issue with the display. He took notes then passed me onto a MBP expert.

I immediately asked her if she was aware of an ongoing issue with the display. She said that there was on a case by case MBP but not within all the MBPs. We had a nice chat and I got her to acknowledge that the engineers were aware of a problem and that there is an ongoing INVESTIGATION as to what is causing the display issues.

She mentioned GRAINY, CRYSTLIZATION, LIGHTING UNEVENNESS, COLOR SHIFT and a few other terms being used on these boards (and now within Apple).

She also said that they were looking at the logic board possibly being the issue as well as explaining that they were looking at the numerous layers involved in making the display and if there is an issue what layer may be causing the problem.

She was extremely careful with her wording!

I explained that my concern was having this unit "CAPTURED" by the engineers again (which she was willing to do) but then getting another unit with the same problem or worse (I am on my second). I told her that I didn’t want to be playing games going thru 6 or 8 units as others have on this discussion! She completely understood and said it was probably a good idea to wait until a decision was made (she had no idea how long this would take).

Nearly got a guarantee that I would not be stuck with this unit as what I described were definitely not within specs and never would be considered within spec!

It was a pretty good conversation and I made sure that I got her extension and email as well as a new case number that I am calling INVESTIGATION/REPLACEMENT of MBP.

Hopefully this investigation will not take months and months but I am sure that no one is going to let this die.

Good luck all and keep calling Apple about this issue.

frank

MacBookPro2.2 C2D 2.16 GHz, 2GB, 667 MHZ, DDR2 SDRAM Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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chandiam


Posts: 153
From: U.S
Registered: Oct 29, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 22, 2007 2:13 PM in response to: fjp999 Reply Email


https://www.macrumors.com/pages/2007/01/20070121201428.shtml

maybe they solved it.

Macbook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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William Davies



Posts: 43
Registered: Oct 15, 2001
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 23, 2007 2:42 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


I collected my replacement MBP last week; same problem with the unevenly lit display, though the bright area at the bottom of the screen was far less noticeable. I called Apple again & the person in Tech Support said he needed to speak to someone & would call me back. When he did, he offered a repair, replacement or refund & seemed to be pushing the refund as the best option. I couldn't help getting the impression that they are used to MBP's being returned for this reason and just accept it without any 'within spec' nonsense.

I took the refund & decided to delay buying a laptop in the hope that Apple will sort this out. I went to the Apple store in London & looked at the MBP 17" machines on display. They all had uneven lighting. I spoke to someone about this & he said he'd heard nothing about it, so I selected a grey desktop & showed him. He agreed that the lighting was uneven & that it would be unsuitable for a professional photographer. He switched the desktop on his machine to grey & agreed it was just as bad, but said he'd never noticed it. He suggested I talk to their photography expert, but he was busy demonstrating Aperture & I thought it would achieve little.

I went around some shops to look at PC laptops & didn't see any that were obviously as bad as the MBP's - though they usually have very distracting desktop patterns, which tend to hide the problem. I saw some with very good screens. Right now I can't face up to buying my first PC in almost 15 years, & I'd rather use Aperture than Lightroom, but ultimately I'll need to get a new laptop. I know I can't work with Apple's current 'pro' models.

MacBook Pro C2D & G4 MDD Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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tonkatuph


Posts: 50
From: us
Registered: Dec 2, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 23, 2007 4:04 PM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


RUMOR has it that apple will be using LED back lighting for future displays. Supposedly LED are bright and more even that the current solution. My question is:

will apple replace my uneven back lit screen with a new LED one if it should ever come out?

I hope so. I'm buying apple care today!

macbook pro 17" cd2 Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Sarkastik



Posts: 152
From: Melbourne, Australia
Registered: Jun 29, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 23, 2007 8:06 PM in response to: tonkatuph Reply Email


1. It's a rumour, but quite possible as the industry adopts new technologies, let's hope Apple doesn't cut corners on this one again.

2. Remember Apple never rarely admit to problems, whether it be to flaws/bugs in the OS or problems with the hardware. "Think different, this is the ultimate lifestyle" etc. (And people swallow it).

3. "But, but, my screen still has issues, Apple isn't listening, please, please someone help!?" ......answer: look at number 2.

Personally I give up, I'm gonna live with my choice, as I still like OSX, but I'm not going to get myself bound to any one company. I like working on PC's, Macs, I like using *nix, M$, OSX, etc. My advice, and no offense, is to get over it people, if you want to make an impact vote with your wallet and stop whining. You're all adults, make some choices.

Phew, end of rant, I hope no one misunderstands, and yes I do have a glimmer of hope Apple will do something, ..maybe.

MacBook Pro 15" 2GHz, 2GB, Week 28 Mac OS X (10.4.8) AMD Desktop 2.1GHz, 512MB, WinXP (SP2)
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PaulNYC



Posts: 387
Registered: May 31, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 24, 2007 3:51 AM in response to: Sarkastik Reply Email


> 1. It's a rumour, but quite possible as the industry
> adopts new technologies, let's hope Apple doesn't cut
> corners on this one again.
>
> 2. Remember Apple never rarely admit
> to problems, whether it be to flaws/bugs in the OS or
> problems with the hardware. "Think different, this is
> the ultimate lifestyle" etc. (And people swallow
> it).
>
> 3. "But, but, my screen still has issues, Apple isn't
> listening, please, please someone help!?"
> ......answer: look at number 2.
> Personally I give up, I'm gonna live with my choice,
> as I still like OSX, but I'm not going to get myself
> bound to any one company. I like working on PC's,
> Macs, I like using *nix, M$, OSX, etc. My advice, and
> no offense, is to get over it people, if you want to
> make an impact vote with your wallet and stop
> whining. You're all adults, make some choices.
>
> Phew, end of rant, I hope no one misunderstands, and
> yes I do have a glimmer of hope Apple will do
> something, ..maybe.


Agreed. I'm learning to live it too, though I will never buy an apple laptop again unless they fix the display. I'lll prefer to go with a PC laptop and have a mac as my main computer on the desk. Apple desktops seem generally good.

I hope Apple will do something for all those who have put up with this. But I somehow doubt it. As you said, they seldom admit that anything wrong. Kind of like Bush.

Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Scott Slater



Posts: 117
From: Burnsville, MN
Registered: Sep 14, 2001
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 24, 2007 7:12 AM in response to: Sarkastik Reply Email


> Personally I give up, I'm gonna live with my choice,
> as I still like OSX, but I'm not going to get myself
> bound to any one company. I like working on PC's,
> Macs, I like using *nix, M$, OSX, etc. My advice, and
> no offense, is to get over it people, if you want to
> make an impact vote with your wallet and stop
> whining. You're all adults, make some choices.

I'm living with my choice only because mine is a work machine. I would have stopped at exchange #2 if it was my own hard-earned cash...They won't get my hard-*****d cash for a personal MBP until the shoddy screen issue is cleared up...

Sadly, I think most people think it's more trouble than it's worth dealing with Apple sans Computer and you know what? They're right...

It's fairly obvious to me that the "computer" in this equation is certainly being neglected. Reality ***** and reality is Apple is no longer the Apple I knew and loved...RIP

Edit:
I guess you can only use h a r d - e a r n e d once per post!

Message was edited by: Scott Slater

Xserve Dual 2.3 GHz G5, old school G4 Towers, Rejected MBP C2D w/poor display Mac OS X (10.4.7)
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Sungyub Han



Posts: 307
From: Strasbourg
Registered: Aug 16, 2003
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 25, 2007 5:24 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


i second u in the sense that Apple is no longer the same Apple Computer inc we used to know...
now with this ipod boomer generation and now the iphone thing....
even the CEO said in one of the presentations of the (previous) new monitor design that they 'chose the best in market' and the 'others used the ones they (apple) rejected..... (sort of the way it was said....)
i guess now we only can 'protest' by not buying items that have too many issues like this recent mbp...
honestly im planning to buy one mbp in the coming 1 or 2 years... i love my PB G4, but it will sooner be too slow to run some apps.... but i have no complaint at all about this PB G4... but im afraid that i could get one of those not so neat mbp's.... specially here in latin america, im afraid i could return the purchased item several times... as in US....

PowerBook 15" 1Ghz 1GB RAM Mac OS X (10.4.8) laCie 250GB FW 800
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Wei Yang


Posts: 11
From: New York
Registered: Jan 26, 2007
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 26, 2007 8:11 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


First time post here. I bought a brand-new C2D 2.33 MBP 15" glossy screen two weeks ago and wanted to share my experiences. This is the first Mac I've ever owned, and I was quite excited to make the switch. I absolutely love the MBP and Mac OS X, but issues with my display have soured what could've been a brilliant experience.

When I first got my laptop, I was aware of all the quality issues concerning the MBP, but I never thought it would be so prevalent. I usually think that people who complain do so loudly and thought I'd be in the majority of people who get a good screen.

When I first booted up, I noticed some unevenness in the backlight, but mainly in the corners: I could live with that. Then I noticed a small spot of light on one side of the screen. It wasn't a dead pixel as that area still reproduced the right color, but just at an exaggerated intensity. It looked like someone had poked a pinhole in a screen door.

Apple was gracious enough to replace the display, and they turned it around in 2 days. I was impressed and excitedly turned it on. After about 3 seconds, I noticed a horrendous issue with uneven backlighting. The whole right side of the screen looked like there was shadow cast on it. It was darker and had a metallic-blue sheen to it. I tried to tell myself I could live with it, but it proved to be incredibly distracting and impossible to concentrate while working. I couldn't get a good viewing angle on the whole right side of the screen. The only way is if I lined up my eyes at the bottom of the screen and looked up at the screen. Of course, the whole top half of the screen looked like rubbish.

AppleCare took in my laptop again and has begun repairing it, and of course, the part is on backorder. Gosh, I wonder why Apple would possible ever have a shortage on their MBP LCDs?

Even with the computer out for repair, I have very little confidence that the replacement LCD is going to be much better. I've braced myself to accept the fact that it will likely be going back for another screen.

Now, I'm not a professional photographer or graphic artist or anything. I'm not very particular about my displays. Heck, this cheap analog-only Dell LCD I have at work looks far better than my MBP screens ever did in terms of even illumination and viewing angle. So what exactly have I paid $2500 for? I've owned the computer for less than two weeks, and it's been gone for repair twice now.

This is a huge problem for me. I absolutely love the experience I've had so far with the whole Apple computing paradigm. It's a pleasure to ditch windows and enjoy a well-designed operating system and software. I'll just have to echo what everyone else has said. If we're paying such a high premium for this hardware, why are the parts not to the utmost standard? Or at least as good as Dell? I don't think we should have to ask such questions.

I've become increasingly convinced that this MBP display issue is not being exaggerating and if anything is understated. With the rumors of LED-backlighting hitting the MBP line soon, I sincerely hope Apple will make good for the terrible inconvenience they've caused their loyal customers.

I've already said that I want my family to convert over to Mac. But I cannot support a company with such low quality standards. C'mon, Apple, I'm trying to give you an entire generation of lifetime business! Just do a bit more and earn this!!

Macbook Pro C2D 15" Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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PaulNYC



Posts: 387
Registered: May 31, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 26, 2007 9:05 AM in response to: Wei Yang Reply Email


Thanks Wei Yang - very well put. I hope Apple changes display manufacturer soon and that those of us who have put up with inferior displays will have them replaced easily.

Please report back when you get the new display and let us know what model it is too - thanks!

Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Sungyub Han



Posts: 307
From: Strasbourg
Registered: Aug 16, 2003
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 26, 2007 9:47 AM in response to: Wei Yang Reply Email


hi wei yang...
thanks for ur input....
and welcome to the Apple family...
i 'converted' 4 yrs ago, i bought this Power Book G4 (Titanium) 15"...
and i did not have any complaint and i still don't have any, this is a long lasting high quality product... but it is a shame that in the recent last yrs Apple's high quality standard has come quite down...
but i am sure they will soon fix and become more serious again about these issues...

PowerBook 15" 1Ghz 1GB RAM Mac OS X (10.4.8) laCie 250GB FW 800
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Shih-Peng


Posts: 65
From: New Haven, CT
Registered: Apr 25, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 28, 2007 1:48 AM in response to: Wei Yang Reply Email


Hi Wei Yang,

if you are near NYC, try the Apple Store 5th Ave. They have an on-site repairing center and plenty of MBP15 screens. I just went to replace my screen--the left side went dark and shadowed.

I replaced twice since the first one had a dead pixel just at the center. Fortunately I got the second chance (it's an exception, thank you man!). The second one still has a dead pixel but on the edge. The other girl manager didn't allow me to replace again. Both of them are 9C56. Awesome except the dead pixel. I guess now they have some 9C56 screens after all. (yes...PaulNYC, now they have.....)

MacBook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.8) 2.16G CPU 2G Ram 7200rpm 100G HD
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PaulNYC



Posts: 387
Registered: May 31, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 28, 2007 5:45 AM in response to: Shih-Peng Reply Email


That's great news Shih-Peng! Too bad I'm now using a 17" MBP (which has an ok, but not great display) as the 15" is really what I want/need for portability.

Anyway, maybe rubbing that pixel will get rid of it? if not, at least it's on the edge.

Enjoy!

Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Wei Yang


Posts: 11
From: New York
Registered: Jan 26, 2007
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 28, 2007 10:34 AM in response to: Shih-Peng Reply Email


Thanks for the info, Shih-Peng. Were you able to request that specific model of the screen? How quickly did they repair it for you? Unforunately, AppleCare in Houston has my MBP right now and my repair is on hold for the part. I'm getting antsy and hoping they'll put a good screen in this time around. This will be my third LCD in 2 weeks. I'll report back with the results hopefully sometime this week!

Macbook Pro C2D 15" Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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PaulNYC



Posts: 387
Registered: May 31, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 28, 2007 12:58 PM in response to: Wei Yang Reply Email


When I went to get my 15" display replaced they told me they could not know which display it was until it was attached to the computer. They brought it out and I didn't see any sticker with manufacturer info on it. It may be different depending on if what they have are the simple LCD panels or if it's part of an assembly including part of the bezel, but I did feel that they were really trying to help so I trust them.

In any case, hope you all get the displays you deserve. If I knew that I could get one with a good display, I'd love to sell my 17" and get the smaller one, but it's just too uncertain still.

Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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PaulNYC



Posts: 387
Registered: May 31, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 29, 2007 6:56 AM in response to: Shih-Peng Reply Email


Hi again Shih-Peng,

Could you post a picture of your new display ? Something that shows the brightness distribution, like a medium gray background...

Would be nice to see a good screen.

Thanks!

Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Shih-Peng


Posts: 65
From: New Haven, CT
Registered: Apr 25, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 29, 2007 8:56 PM in response to: PaulNYC Reply Email


Hi PaulNYC,

Actually, my current screen is not perfect but good enough to me. The previous replacement is almost perfect but it has a dead pixel at the center. My current one is slightly uglier since I still can feel a little bit shadow and unevenness at the bottom and the bottom corners. It still has light leakage if you look at it from left or right side. However, there is not a solid bright strip. The light leakage is very smooth and I can't feel it when I just sit in front of the screen. It's a typical 9C56 pattern.

I adjust the exposure of my camera then it's easier to see the unevenness. With normal brightness, the unevenness is hardly seen. Much better than all 9C57 I ever had.

Here it is. Sorry for all Chinese characters you don't understand. I try to link the pic directly but the access is denied.

http://www.wretch.cc/album/album.php?id=ShihPeng&book=1

MacBook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.8) 2.16G CPU 2G Ram 7200rpm 100G HD
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Wei Yang


Posts: 11
From: New York
Registered: Jan 26, 2007
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 29, 2007 9:20 PM in response to: Shih-Peng Reply Email


Shih-Peng, from what I can tell, you have a great looking screen! Congrats and I'm glad that worked out for you. I see what you mean with the unevenness but that's by far the best 15" i've seen so far. I'm getting mine back in a day or two. I hope i'm as lucky as you are.

Macbook Pro C2D 15" Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Shih-Peng


Posts: 65
From: New Haven, CT
Registered: Apr 25, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 29, 2007 10:16 PM in response to: Wei Yang Reply Email


Hi Wei Yang,

Thanks! And I wish you have a good screen this time. I forgot to answer your question about if you can request a specific model of screen. Basically, the answer is no. In the Apple Store 5th Ave., they always replace the screen with the housing. There is no way to know the screen model before attaching. In Houston, they replace the LCD panel only. I think they may be able to see the sticker on the back of the panel (9C56 should have a Samsung sticker). So, if someone IN the Apple Care can check the screen model with the repairing center or other customers just got replacement from there, you will know they have 9C56 or not. Last time I got a 9C56 by that way. A specialist in the Apple Care asked another customer just received his repaired MBP15 from Houston and told me that's a 9C56. Then he arranged a mail-in repairing for me.

This time, since I got two 9C56 screens in a row from the Apple Store 5th Ave., I think they may have a batch now. I could be wrong though. But at least that's a hope for NYC people want to find a way out from horrible 9C57 screens.

The repairing in the Apple Store 5th Ave is fast. They told me they have many screens. I took my MBP in on Saturday Jan. 20 and got it on Jan 22. Since it had a dead pixel, I asked a further replacement immediately and got the current one the next day. I do have a ProCare membership but I don't think it really matters.

MacBook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.8) 2.16G CPU 2G Ram 7200rpm 100G HD
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Wei Yang


Posts: 11
From: New York
Registered: Jan 26, 2007
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 29, 2007 10:23 PM in response to: Shih-Peng Reply Email


Thanks Shih-Peng,

How recently did you get your screen replaced? I'm getting my mbp back from houston tomorrow so hopefully i'll get the 9c56. I'll post back soon. If I have a bad experience, I will definitely take your advice and bring my laptop in to the 5th avenue store. Luckily I work in lower Manhattan and can go during a lunch break. I really want to have a good display ready to go for my vacation to Mexico next Thursday. By the way, did you have to make a reservation at the Genius Bar to get your replacement LCD done? Thanks for all your help. I'm feeling hopeful this time around.

Macbook Pro C2D 15" Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Wei Yang


Posts: 11
From: New York
Registered: Jan 26, 2007
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 29, 2007 10:27 PM in response to: Wei Yang Reply Email


Sorry, I didn't realized you answered my question already. You can ignore that. I'm gonna get some sleep now

Macbook Pro C2D 15" Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Adam Teale



Posts: 24
Registered: Mar 7, 2003
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 27, 2007 4:13 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…………
I just got my MBP C2D 17" back.
And guess what?
The display is poor - although it might be a little better - but it's still easily noticeable.

They've replaced the display twice.
I bought this mid-November 06 - i've seen it for about 2 weeks.

I HAVE seen 15"MBP C2Ds in stores here in Hong Kong that look pretty perfect. SO I know they do exist somewhere.

I have been taking this into an Applecare branch called "Brilliant Ascent" (to disappointment) - so am going to try some other AppleCare outlet and see if they aren't as lame.

We should be making video podcasts of our experience with Apple - it seems there are quite a few of us who could make up a rather large subscriber base! ehhhhhhhh

MacBook Pro 2.33GHz Mac OS X (10.4.8) awesome! display illumination is weird though. 2GB RAM
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PaulNYC



Posts: 387
Registered: May 31, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 27, 2007 4:47 AM in response to: Adam Teale Reply Email


Hi Adam,

Sorry to hear about that. Can you post a picture with a neutral background and also tell us what model display it is?

Cheers,

Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Martin Heidings...


Posts: 202
Registered: May 18, 2005
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 29, 2007 7:49 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


Whats wrong. I allways get notified that there's a new post to this thread and when I go and watch for it there is no new nothing?

MacPlus Mac OS 8.6 or Earlier
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David DeCristof...



Posts: 1,476
From: Davis, CA
Registered: Aug 9, 2004
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 29, 2007 11:54 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


Woah...this is serious "deja vu". In mid 2004, after the release of the Alum. cinema displays, the Displays forum was inundated with thousands of posts complaining of poor color rendering, bad pixels, image sticking, light leakage, uneven backlighting and so on. The scary thing is that Apple never acknowledged any of these issues even after the sheer volume of complaints would have seemed impossible to ignore. But buyers were given the same useless, empty responses we are now seeing in regards to the MBP screens. "It's within spec...", "It's not considered a "flaw"... "It does not justify replacement...", and other clever ways of saying "Tough, we are not going to do anything about it." It's one thing when there are a few posts from a handful users who have the same problem but when the post counts start going into the thousands, hits in excess of 14,000, replies in the range of 4-500...IT"S AN ISSUE PEOPLE! And once again Apple is responding by ignoring the problem except in the most blatant situations (and even then, only when intense pressure is brought to bear), by deleting forum posts and blocking the most vocal contributors, and presuming that these tactics will be sufficient to ameliorate the problem. Unfortunately, (another word commonly used by Apple "support") the problem does not go away and those who feel burned are not generating good press for this company. This is another example of how a good company with basically great products and a mostly loyal customer base can shoot themselves in the foot by allowing a bad situation to become much worse.



Dual 2g G5, 2 GB RAM, 1X74 + 1X250 GB HDD (VIA Swift Data 200), 2X120 GB HDD Mac OS X (10.4.8) 17" MBP (Cube retired to "backup" status)
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Wei Yang


Posts: 11
From: New York
Registered: Jan 26, 2007
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 29, 2007 12:10 PM in response to: David DeCristof... Reply Email


Interesting perspective there, David. I'm an extremely new Mac user, and though I love OS X and the hardware in general, I have to say my experience so far has really soured the experience for me. It seems like the Apple userbase is fiercely loyal, and I wish Apple would reciprocate with a similar level of respect. After sending in my NEW macbook pro twice in 2 weeks for major LCD issues, I've become convinced that this isn't just a minor flukey set of defects. And my repair has been on hold for five business days now and counting due to a lack of the LCD part. It's alarming to me now, because it seems like there aren't enough LCDs out there to perform the numerous repairs that Apple is no doubt receiving. They've really dropped the ball on this part of the hardware, one of the most important components to a laptop, no less.

I would've expected a lot more from Apple, given its reputation, and I'm definitely having second-thoughts about my purchase. I just hope they'll get it back to me quickly. Using my old windows laptop is making me feel queasy these days. It's amazing how much windows users put up with just bc that's what they're used to. Hopefully Apple will step it up enough so I won't have to go back to computing in windows.

Macbook Pro C2D 15" Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Gazooks


Posts: 30
From: Virginia
Registered: Apr 28, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 29, 2007 3:17 PM in response to: Wei Yang Reply Email


I'm sympathetic to the frustration and disappointment you express, it's worth working through though in the long run.

It's incredibly time consuming to be repeating the same issues to the Applecare Rep's, but keep stating your case and insist on a replacement after two attempted repairs.

They must send you to a "higher" rep who actually has the authority to make your problem go away.

Now using my third Mac, I can tell you that my PC is now and forevermore a offline word processor, gaming platform, and storage device. There's no denying that Mac OS, and properly assembled Mac hardware are vastly superior to any current PC's and this lame OS imitation, memory sucking, new computer requiring, coming soon, ...but not just yet Vista. MS has made a giant mistake. They're accelerating their market loss, Apple's trying to keep up.

It's market share growing pains for Apple, with the attendant quality control issues in their Chinese assembly plants.

Persevere.

MacBook Pro 17"/ 2.16Ghz/ 100gb/ 7200rpm/ 2gb Mac OS X (10.4.8) Mac Mini 1.5Ghz/ 80gb/ 1gb/ Vaio 2.8Ghz/ 2gb/ 200gb XP Pro


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David DeCristof...



Posts: 1,476
From: Davis, CA
Registered: Aug 9, 2004
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 29, 2007 3:33 PM in response to: Gazooks Reply Email


"There's no denying that Mac OS, and properly assembled Mac hardware are vastly superior to any current PC's and this lame OS imitation, memory sucking, new computer requiring, coming soon, ...but not just yet Vista."

No doubt. A properly functioning Mac is a thing of joy. But this does not excuse Apple's lame service policy which is, without question, their "weakest link".



Dual 2g G5, 2 GB RAM, 1X74 + 1X250 GB HDD (VIA Swift Data 200), 2X120 GB HDD Mac OS X (10.4.8) 17" MBP (Cube retired to "backup" status)
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Wei Yang


Posts: 11
From: New York
Registered: Jan 26, 2007
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 29, 2007 3:34 PM in response to: David DeCristof... Reply Email


I've got no argument with you guys on this. The few days I actually got to use my MBP were an absolute joy. I'm typing this from my old Sony Vaio laptop on Windows XP and I really miss working in OS X. I'm already sold on the Mac experience, but the hardware was supposed to be one of Apple's greatest strengths, especially at the premium prices we pay for it. My laptop was repaired this afternoon so I may see it in the next couple of days. I will report back with comments on the quality of my new display. Until then, I have my fingers firmly crossed, hoping for an acceptable display. I'm not even shooting for perfect here. Just workable.

Macbook Pro C2D 15" Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Scott Slater



Posts: 117
From: Burnsville, MN
Registered: Sep 14, 2001
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 29, 2007 7:09 PM in response to: David DeCristof... Reply Email


> "There's no denying that Mac OS, and properly
> assembled Mac hardware are vastly superior to any
> current PC's and this lame OS imitation, memory
> sucking, new computer requiring, coming soon, ...but
> not just yet Vista."
>
> No doubt. A properly functioning Mac is a thing of
> joy. But this does not excuse Apple's lame service
> policy which is, without question, their "weakest
> link".
>
>
> src="http://www.daviddecristoforo.com/Misc/eaten.jpg">

Agreed...although I also believe every Apple eyeball that looks at their weak screens and says "That is to spec.", is a VERY WEAK link in the Apple family...

What are they? Freaking blind?!?



Xserve Dual 2.3 GHz G5, old school G4 Towers, Rejected MBP C2D w/poor display Mac OS X (10.4.7)


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PaulNYC



Posts: 387
Registered: May 31, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 29, 2007 7:15 PM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


It's insulting when the so called geniuses look at you and say that something so obviously defect is 'within spec'. When I told the genius that the much cheaper macbook had a better screen that the $2500 macbook 15", he said I couldn't compare them since it would be like comparing apples and oranges. Then I dragged him over to show him the difference between a 15" and 17" in terms of grain - he said that he saw something but then retracted that too. What an idiot and, above all, he was doing Apple a disservice by not taking the complaint seriously. If he couldn;t see the incredible difference, he shouldn't be working in a computer store.

Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Wei Yang


Posts: 11
From: New York
Registered: Jan 26, 2007
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 29, 2007 10:18 PM in response to: PaulNYC Reply Email


well, folks.. i've got a tracking number now so i'll have my mbp back in my home tomorrow (tuesday 1/30) evening.. it's a sort of unsettling feeling i have right now bc i don't feel any confidence that i'm going to be happy with the display and worse, i'm worried i'll have to spend more time without my mac.. if apple would just respond to us and let us know they're working on the display issue and working to give us quality replacements, then i could rest a bit easier while waiting to boot up my laptop again.. but alas, i'll have to make it through another work day, fretting over what should've been a worthwhile $2500 investment in a brilliant piece of technology... this taste in my mouth is sour indeed

here's to hoping i won't be sending her back again after tomorrow

Macbook Pro C2D 15" Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Wei Yang


Posts: 11
From: New York
Registered: Jan 26, 2007
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 30, 2007 6:56 PM in response to: Wei Yang Reply Email


this situation is getting absolutely ridiculous for me.. i checked my tracking this morning to find that DHL was stating "No Status Available. Please call us." When I called DHL, they told me they hadn't picked up the package yet. Rang up AppleCare to be told that the package was ready to be shipped but just wasn't picked up yet and would go out tonight. Well the night has passed and my tracking still shows the same status. I called DHL and they confirmed to me that they don't have possession of the package. So now I'm left to wonder who exactly has my laptop. Or has AppleCare just misplaced it? In any case, I'm terribly upset about the situation. How difficult could it be to just put a box on a truck? I'm still holding out hope that maybe it got put on the truck after all. But I'm getting sick of waiting. I'm going to be asking for a replacement soon if they don't step up with this situation. I've owned this laptop for less than 3 weeks and AppleCare has had it for more time than I have..

sigh.. wish me luck..

Macbook Pro C2D 15" Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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David DeCristof...



Posts: 1,476
From: Davis, CA
Registered: Aug 9, 2004
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 30, 2007 11:27 AM in response to: PaulNYC Reply Email


"When I told the genius that the much cheaper macbook had a better screen that the $2500 macbook 15", he said I couldn't compare them since it would be like comparing apples and oranges.

"Apples and Oranges"??? Was that supoposed to be some kind of pun? What a crock. I have a 17" MBP. My daughter has a Mac Book. The screen on her Mac Book simply blows the MBP's screen away in terms of...well in terms of everything. It's just way better which makes sense because the Mac Book is a lower priced "consumer" computer and the MBP is "professional" grade unit. No wait, that's backwards. I mean...um er well aah forget it.

***???



Dual 2g G5, 2 GB RAM, 1X74 + 1X250 GB HDD (VIA Swift Data 200), 2X120 GB HDD Mac OS X (10.4.8) 17" MBP (Cube retired to "backup" status)
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PaulNYC



Posts: 387
Registered: May 31, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 31, 2007 6:26 AM in response to: David DeCristof... Reply Email


> "When I told the genius that the much cheaper
> macbook had a better screen that the $2500 macbook
> 15", he said I couldn't compare them since it would
> be like comparing apples and oranges.
>
> "Apples and Oranges"??? Was that supoposed to be some
> kind of pun? What a crock. I have a 17" MBP. My
> daughter has a Mac Book. The screen on her Mac Book
> simply blows the MBP's screen away in terms of...well
> in terms of everything. It's just way better which
> makes sense because the Mac Book is a lower priced
> "consumer" computer and the MBP is "professional"
> grade unit. No wait, that's backwards. I mean...um er
> well aah forget it.
>
> ***???
>
>
> src="http://www.daviddecristoforo.com/Misc/eaten.jpg">


I was amazed at his reasoning too, and he was serious about it. Even when I took the macbook out of equation and asked him to look at a 15" and 17" side by side to see what I'm talking about, he just didn't acknowledge it. The problem with the genius system is that these guys are not professionals and don't see the problems professionals would see. Sadly, they are the gatekeepers and are authorized to make these decisions. To them, anything that they see everyday - like uneven backlighting and grain - is 'normal' by virtue of being common, not by virtue of more independent, objective quality standards.

Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Adam Teale



Posts: 24
Registered: Mar 7, 2003
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 31, 2007 8:06 AM in response to: PaulNYC Reply Email


I am running into these same walls. Come on Apple folk, can you please hear a our pleas for urgent help & satisfaction!

MacBook Pro 2.33GHz Mac OS X (10.4.8) awesome! display illumination is weird though. 2GB RAM
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tonkatuph


Posts: 50
From: us
Registered: Dec 2, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 31, 2007 5:26 AM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


Would my current MBP C2D be compatible with an LED screen? I want to know because I'm hoping apple will replace my screen with and LED one when it becomes available if at all.

macbook pro 17" cd2 Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Wei Yang


Posts: 11
From: New York
Registered: Jan 26, 2007
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 31, 2007 3:57 PM in response to: Scott Slater Reply Email


I'm treading a scary road here.

I just got my laptop back an hour ago. And just got off the phone with AppleCare again. Once again, I'm experiencing significant contrast and color issues between the left and right side of the screen. The replacement screen is 9C60. So I didn't get very lucky with that.

Spoke with a Macbook Pro specialist named Todd who was very understanding of the situation. I guess we have to understand that these techs can only go so far and we'll only look crazy if we start yelling and screaming and asking for things they may not be able to do for us. He decided to rebuild an identical MBP for me and replace my old one completely. It's a bit of a pain for me because I'll have to back up all of my data again and prepared to set up a brand new machine. But it's my 3rd screen and I have no idea what could be causing this. It may be some warping in the LCD mounting or bezel or frame causing the screen to bend.

So.. that's the next chapter in my saga. I'll be holding onto this laptop for another two weeks until after I travel overseas for a quick trip. And I'll send off my computer and hope that a brand new MBP from the factory will resolve things for me.

I'm a bit tired of pointing fingers. I do think Apple could do more to communicate with us and let us know they're working to solve the situation. But I've got to also take a realistic approach and get my issue resolved. I know everyone is doing what they can to get good screens on their laptops. So, we can only help each other out as much as possible.

I do have a question to y'all out there. I have a glossy screen. I may not have mentioned that before. What do y'all have? Especially to you guys who have a 9C56 screen. Is that a glossy screen or a matte screen or can it be both?

So that's the end of my story for now. I'm a little bit resigned... who knows what my next machine is going to look like? I know y'all have had bad experiences with replacements, too.

I'll be back in a couple of weeks with how things turned out for me. I wish you all the best of luck with your macs. We all deserve high quality screens and here's to hoping we'll all get them soon.

For now, I'm going to try and enjoy myself

Macbook Pro C2D 15" Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Doug Lerner2



Posts: 319
Registered: Jan 22, 2002
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 31, 2007 4:17 PM in response to: Wei Yang Reply Email


>
I do have a question to y'all out there. I have a glossy screen. I may not have mentioned that before. What do y'all have? Especially to you guys who have a 9C56 screen. Is that a glossy screen or a matte screen or can it be both?

I have a glossy screen on my MBP 17". It is 9C61, week 48. I think it looks great.

doug

MBP C2D 17" Mac OS X (10.4.8) 2.0 GB RAM
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Wei Yang


Posts: 11
From: New York
Registered: Jan 26, 2007
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 31, 2007 4:26 PM in response to: Doug Lerner2 Reply Email


Well, I'm asking specifically about the 15" screen. Glad you've had good luck with your 17". Most people are getting better results with those.

Anyone else have any insight about the model numbers between glossy and matte screens for 15" screens?

Macbook Pro C2D 15" Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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PaulNYC



Posts: 387
Registered: May 31, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 31, 2007 4:51 PM in response to: Doug Lerner2 Reply Email


> >
> I do have a question to y'all out there. I have a
> glossy screen. I may not have mentioned that before.
> What do y'all have? Especially to you guys who have a
> 9C56 screen. Is that a glossy screen or a matte
> screen or can it be both?
>
> I have a glossy screen on my MBP 17". It is 9C61,
> week 48. I think it looks great.
>
> doug

Hi Doug,

Would it be possible for you to post a picture of your display with a background that shows how even the backlight is? I have the 9C62 and although it's OK, it is definitely unevenly illuminated with the right side brighter than the left. Curious if yours is similar?

Thanks!

Mac OS X (10.4.8)
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Shih-Peng


Posts: 65
From: New Haven, CT
Registered: Apr 25, 2006
Re: IMHO, MBP C2D - Suspect Quality Part 2
Posted: Jan 31, 2007 11:53 PM in response to: Wei Yang Reply Email


Wei Yang, sorry to hear that. If I were you, I would ask a full refund and wait the next generation MBP equipped with a LED backlight display. For now, there are only three companies making 15.4 inches WXGA+ 1440x900 panels. They and their panel models are:

Samsung: 00009C56, factory model LTN154X7
Chi-Meng: 00009C57, factory model N154C1
AUO: 00009C60, factory model B154PW01

They all have similar spec like this:
http://www.samsung.com/Products/TFTLCD/NotePC/LTN154X7/LTN154X7.htm

You may google other two factory model numbers.

Too bad they all have 45% color saturation and the number of colors is only 262k, meaning they are 6-bit panels, not 8-bit (16.7 million colors). Please see this: http://compreviews.about.com/od/multimedia/a/LCDColor.htm

Recently, AUO updates its panel to B154PW03. (http://www.auo.com/auoDEV/products.php?sec=notebook&func=info&product_id=19&items_id=2)
It does improve a little, including color saturation (45% to 90%), backlight (1 CCFL to 2CCFL) and response time (25ms to 8ms). I don't know if your 9C60 is the new one. If you want to check, install a software called "Advanced System Information Tool" in Windows if you have.

My feeling is that regardless the spec the most important thing is at least the screen should show evenness (I'd already given up grainy look and color banding!). I don't know the new AUO panel but I think by now the Samsung one is the best, or I should say acceptable. However, it seems 9C56 only appears on very early built of Core Duo MBP 15 or old stock of screen replacement. My current 9C56 was made in Jan. 2006 (Yes, I can check the information by the software I just mentioned.) I am afraid that you may have another whole new machine with a 9C60 (perhaps new version).

Anyway, this is my 5th CD MBP and I replaced the screen on this machine for four times. If after several months this 9C56 fails, it seems I should ask Apple to built a whole new C2D MBP with a new LED backlight screen for me. Hehe.....

MacBook Pro Mac OS X (10.4.8) 2.16G CPU 2G Ram 7200rpm 100G HD
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[piwi]

Thanks for the info!

As a matter of fact my screen also has poor viewing angles and is grainy.

I have another problem now. I need to get my MBP fixed but can't have no computer.
So instead of selling my old PC laptop and unlock the cash in it, I will have to keep both of them... And have a pretty hard month!