Comparing LEDs to Rev. B MBP screens

[bmat]

So much of the discussion is about the yellow tint, flicker, and other problems. And I saw some immediate discussion about this right after the rev. c MBPs were released. But after some use, I'm curious if anyone who has upgraded from rev. B to rev. C on a 15 inch MBP really has noticed a difference in the screen quality -- i.e., those who have not had LED screen issues or got them resolved. Is it a substantial viewing difference, or more a long terms benefit of a bit more battery life and longer life for the screen.

I was going to by a macbook, but then decided I'd rather have a MBP to complement my Mac Pro (mainly for pro photo aps). So, if the screen is much better, I'd rather just get the 15 inch basic model. If the LED screen isn't much better, then I'd probably opt for the non-hi res 17 inch model. I don't think I'd get the high end 15-inch model under any circumstances (the real estate is the real reason for the increase for me, and the $$ justification).

I've gone to the Apple Store, and can see the difference in person to some degree. But it's really hard to discern in the light they keep the machines in. I'll never be working in that type of lighting environment, so I don't know what to make of the difference.

I'll be moving up from a 15 inch 1.67 PB, second to last revision, so I know that either screen is going to be much better than what I have now.

 

[PDE]

So much of the discussion is about the yellow tint, flicker, and other problems. And I saw some immediate discussion about this right after the rev. c MBPs were released. But after some use, I'm curious if anyone who has upgraded from rev. B to rev. C on a 15 inch MBP really has noticed a difference in the screen quality -- i.e., those who have not had LED screen issues or got them resolved. Is it a substantial viewing difference, or more a long terms benefit of a bit more battery life and longer life for the screen.

I was going to by a macbook, but then decided I'd rather have a MBP to complement my Mac Pro (mainly for pro photo aps). So, if the screen is much better, I'd rather just get the 15 inch basic model. If the LED screen isn't much better, then I'd probably opt for the non-hi res 17 inch model. I don't think I'd get the high end 15-inch model under any circumstances (the real estate is the real reason for the increase for me, and the $$ justification).

I've gone to the Apple Store, and can see the difference in person to some degree. But it's really hard to discern in the light they keep the machines in. I'll never be working in that type of lighting environment, so I don't know what to make of the difference.

I'll be moving up from a 15 inch 1.67 PB, second to last revision, so I know that either screen is going to be much better than what I have now.

I've had both and I do think there is a substantial difference:

1. Regardless of what Apple claims, the new SR MBP LCDs are brighter

2. The new LCDs are much more evenly illuminated

3. the new LCDs have none of the graininess that plagues the old ones

4. The new LCDs have slightly better viewing angles, eliminating the kind of shadows due to limited viewing angles we saw in the old ones

5. The new LCDs don't require warm up and are instantly at max brightness.

6. The new LCDs are more energy efficient, resulting in slightly better battery life

7. Last, but not least, they don't have mercury and are therefore more environmentally friendly!


So, yes, there is a big difference. Personally, I LOVED my old 1.67ghz screen and felt it was of higher quality than the MBPs up until the SR versions, albeit not as bright.

 

[rhcp128]

I just brought in my c2d 15 mbp for uneven backlighting and they told me they'll replace the screen. Apparently they are out of stock on replacement screens. Do you think they might replace the screen in my rev b. mbp with an led screen from the new ones if they are out of stock on the new ones?

that be sweet

 

[djinn]

I have a Rev B. and I don't see a problem with my screen. I see a little grain but my Samsung external monitor has the same grain. I'm pretty happy with my LCD that came with my MBP.

 

[netdog]

+1 great Rev. B 15" screen.

 

[PDE]

I have a Rev B. and I don't see a problem with my screen. I see a little grain but my Samsung external monitor has the same grain. I'm pretty happy with my LCD that came with my MBP.

Yes, my external samsung has some 'grain' too, but most laptops don't and the new ones don't. And, in my personal experience, the combination of grain, poor viewing angles and uneven illumination made for a very inconsistent display that I really could not be satisfied with no matter how much I tried. I know a lot of people are fine with it, so this is just my opinion based on my experience with other displays and the expectations that created.

 

[milky23]

Do not, under any circumstance, get the non hi-res 17" display. It is of poor quality, in my opinion. It is very much worth it to shell out the extra $100 for the hi-res.

 

[Infinity]

Do not, under any circumstance, get the non hi-res 17" display. It is of poor quality, in my opinion. It is very much worth it to shell out the extra $100 for the hi-res.

Out of curiosity, what evidence suggests that the non high-res 17inch screens are of poorer quality?

 

[Flyinace2000]

Hey, i have the same powerbook and i will be getting a MBP very soon from apple care. So in about 5 or 7 days i will be able to tell you directly how our generation screens compares to the new LED based screens.

 

[xpovos]

Do not, under any circumstance, get the non hi-res 17" display. It is of poor quality, in my opinion. It is very much worth it to shell out the extra $100 for the hi-res.

I personally wouldn't go so far as to say the non-hi-res 17" display is of "poor" quality---especially when compared to a previous-gen 15" with the grainy display (like the 15 I own)---but I agree the high-res is definitely worth the extra $100. I've owned both, and the hi-res is most definitely a much nicer display.

Also my opinion: while the LED 15" display is MUCH nicer than the previous generation's display (assuming you get one minus the issues), the differences between the current LED 15" and the current high-res 17" (non-LED, of course) are not nearly as pronounced as I had expected. After comparing the h-r 17 to the LED 15, I chose the 17 on the basis of screen real estate, feeling that it was more important than what I deemed a marginal improvement due to LED backlighting.

 

[bmat]

I don't want the hi-res for two reasons.

1) my wife doesn't want the extra real estate/smaller font.

2) the cost is about $400 more, when you account for the lowest price mail order with rebate versus going to an apple brick & mortar (or apple.com).

---

It seems like people with rev. B are satisfied with the LCDs, and the people who had a rev. B and have a LED think they are improved (in this incredibly small sample).

I guess that means I should just get one and not look back, because I will be happy either way.

I do wonder when the 17 inch will be upgraded to LEDs. Although I strongly believe you get what you need, when you need it (my PB doesn't cut it, so I guess I need the MBP), I'll wish that I had a 17 inch LED if it is released in the Fall.