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speekez

macrumors 6502
Nov 19, 2003
350
2
Chrispy,

Congrats!

Did you get your Macbook replacement from Maconnection as well or somewhere else?

If I read it right, you went from the Macbook pro to the macbook ;)
 

Chrispy

macrumors 68020
Dec 27, 2004
2,270
524
Indiana
Chrispy,

Congrats!

Did you get your Macbook replacement from Maconnection as well or somewhere else?

If I read it right, you went from the Macbook pro to the macbook ;)

Thanks! Actually, I got my MacBook from the Apple store in Indianapolis. I wanted to check out the computer first after the trouble I had with my MBPs. I was there so soon after hearing they were announced that the employees were still setting up the new display models haha!
 

Zadillo

macrumors 68000
Jan 29, 2005
1,546
49
Baltimore, MD
When I got home tonight I decided to take a really close look at my matte C2D MBP screen.

As I mentioned before, I have been able to vaguely notice that it is a shade or two darker in the lower left-hand corner (although it isn't very noticeable, and even at that I can only notice it when using a solid color background and not having anything displayed...... or a white background, like a finder window).

It isn't nearly as bad as the photos people have posted here, but certainly it is there.

But the interesting thing that I noticed is that if I tilt my MacBook a bit so I am looking straight on at the left-hand corner of the screen, that same area is just as bright as the rest of the screen.

I think that someone else here had mentioning viewing angles, and it seems like that might be what I am noticing. Under normal viewing angles, that area does seem a bit darker, but when I tilt it to look straight at it, it's just as bright as anything else.

And it doesn't seem to be a backlight bleeding issue (which I do have on my Dell 2005fpw, and which I had on my Toshiba P105-S9722 and Sony Vaio S360)...... when I do play a movie or show a completely black screen (like while a game is loading), the screen is pretty much perfectly evenly lit.

I don't think this helps the other people here, as clearly the problem goes beyond viewing angles, etc. but it seems like it is at least a factor in the lesser issue I have noticed on my own system.

In practical use though, it doesn't affect me since it isn't noticeable in any actual use conditions that I use my MBP for.
 

ventro

macrumors 6502a
Sep 23, 2006
692
0
Supposedly the word going around is that Apple is using a much cheaper LCD panel on the C2D MBP than the CD MBP. Presumably to save on costs (since all the other new parts special to the C2D carry a hefty price tag).

If we all complain about it, maybe Apple will take notice and stop ripping us off.

http://www.apple.com/feedback/macbookpro.html
 

Val-kyrie

macrumors 68020
Feb 13, 2005
2,107
1,419
When Come the LEDs???

Just curious if anyone knows when LEDs will become more common in notebooks. I remember reading about a Windows notebook that used LED technology instead of the common and current LCD display, but I haven't kept up with the trends. Does anyone know if it is expected anytime soon?
 

speekez

macrumors 6502
Nov 19, 2003
350
2
Zadillo, thanks for following up with a few details on your display. Like you said, if it doesn't interfere with your daily needs, it doesn't seem like much to worry about at all.

Ventro, yes I heard that as well... not sure if it's just rumor or not. If true, I think it's most unfortunate.
 

Jiddick ExRex

macrumors 65816
May 14, 2006
1,469
0
Roskilde, DK
Just curious if anyone knows when LEDs will become more common in notebooks. I remember reading about a Windows notebook that used LED technology instead of the common and current LCD display, but I haven't kept up with the trends. Does anyone know if it is expected anytime soon?

You mean OLED?
 

macman2790

macrumors 6502a
Sep 4, 2006
716
1
Texas
Supposedly the word going around is that Apple is using a much cheaper LCD panel on the C2D MBP than the CD MBP. Presumably to save on costs (since all the other new parts special to the C2D carry a hefty price tag).

If we all complain about it, maybe Apple will take notice and stop ripping us off.

http://www.apple.com/feedback/macbookpro.html

ventro, i hear you man great idea. heres my feedback; I don't even own a c2d mbp yet, but i really, really want one soon.

feedback said:
Alright I've been on many discussion threads and lurked the apple support discussion threads and I have a url right here for the apple support discussion thread http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=720138&tstart=0

In the new core 2 duo macbook pro's just about every one i've heard from on macrumors.com and the apple support site has an uneven backlighting issue. Users are reporting that the left side of the screen is brighter than the right, the corners being dimmer, and other various uneven LCD back lighting issues.

I plan on purchasing a Macbook pro and have been eager to switch from pc to mac since i was in 10th grade. I want a confirmation from you that if i have this issue with the macbook pro that i purchase that:
1) My display will be replaced.

2)A full refund without the restocking fee and the ability to purchase again if issues are reported resolved later. Or a replacement machine; if that machine has the same problem;another one and so on.

3) Admit to the general public that there is in fact a problem with the LCD displays and post something similar to the battery replacement program you have. This is ridiculous for a $2500-$3500 machine. People have also compared the core 2 duo Macbook pro LCD side-by-side with a core duo macbook pro. The core duo macbook pro does not suffer from this issue.

I'm an student ADC member, and I'm looking forward to purchasing within the next week or so and starting my development on the mac platform. But, I will not purchase without a confirmation that issues will be taken care of if i receive an unevenly backlit LCD on my macbook pro.

When i see the apple logo, i see quality. I want to continue seeing that. I have seen your company grow within this past year and I'm excited about getting my new macbook pro. I have read that Apple has outstanding customer service, please show it by at least responding to my comments and confirming to me in the email that it will be resolved if I receive a faulty display on my macbook pro that's unevenly backlit. If i have no response, i will simply not buy. I don't mean to rant or be rude, i just want to be assured that i will be receiving a quality display on my macbook pro.

thank you.

i hope people will follow through and do exactly as i have done and give them feedback.
 

DHagan4755

macrumors 68020
Jul 18, 2002
2,270
6,157
Massachusetts
Okay guys,

Here's another 2¢...

The MacBook Pro design must be costing Apple a fortune. I think the user's inability to easily replace the hard drive is very costly not only for the customer but for Apple who has to replace it. Nevermind the lengthy process needed to quickly and easily access other internal components.

I think the reason the displays suck is a combination of design, cost, and overall product design. In the design aspect, perhaps Apple can't engineer in a decent display because its inhibited by the overall design (product thickness). In relationship to the rest of the computer's components, I speculate that Apple may be trying to cut a corner here in tradeoff for specs that look good on paper.

If you recall the images I posted earlier, the one on the left was pretty uniformly lit. This screen is a 9C60. Whereas the one on the new Core2 Duo (right) was a 9C62, if memory serves. I sent it off with our Apple repair tech, who was going to have it examined. Needless to say the screen in the left model was sent away for the same thing and it came back much much better almost perfect...it is a glossy, the one on the right is a matte. So I wonder if the Core2 Duo model comes back repaired and looks good whether it too will be a model 9C60 as well. I will keep you all abreast.

In looking at all of the Apple displays I have lying around here in the office :D, the screen on two 20-inch Cinema Displays is a model 9222; it's evenly backlit. On the MacBook Core Duo, it's a model 9C5E. So the model of the screen *definitely* has an impact on the quality of the display.
 

miniguu

macrumors regular
Jun 16, 2005
160
0
DHagan, so are you saying that the 9C60s aren't so bad? Mine is a 9C60s, exhibits a little darkening on the bottom and right edge on a light background, but it's not noticable during normal use.
 

brikeh

macrumors 6502a
Jan 24, 2006
845
1
DHagan, so are you saying that the 9C60s aren't so bad? Mine is a 9C60s, exhibits a little darkening on the bottom and right edge on a light background, but it's not noticable during normal use.

Is it matte? Do you find it "grainy"?
 

macman2790

macrumors 6502a
Sep 4, 2006
716
1
Texas
Okay guys,

Here's another 2¢...

The MacBook Pro design must be costing Apple a fortune. I think the user's inability to easily replace the hard drive is very costly not only for the customer but for Apple who has to replace it. Nevermind the lengthy process needed to quickly and easily access other internal components.

I think the reason the displays suck is a combination of design, cost, and overall product design. In the design aspect, perhaps Apple can't engineer in a decent display because its inhibited by the overall design (product thickness). In relationship to the rest of the computer's components, I speculate that Apple may be trying to cut a corner here in tradeoff for specs that look good on paper.

If you recall the images I posted earlier, the one on the left was pretty uniformly lit. This screen is a 9C60. Whereas the one on the new Core2 Duo (right) was a 9C62, if memory serves. I sent it off with our Apple repair tech, who was going to have it examined. Needless to say the screen in the left model was sent away for the same thing and it came back much much better almost perfect...it is a glossy, the one on the right is a matte. So I wonder if the Core2 Duo model comes back repaired and looks good whether it too will be a model 9C60 as well. I will keep you all abreast.

In looking at all of the Apple displays I have lying around here in the office :D, the screen on two 20-inch Cinema Displays is a model 9222; it's evenly backlit. On the MacBook Core Duo, it's a model 9C5E. So the model of the screen *definitely* has an impact on the quality of the display.

can you give us a link, i can't find them on this thread.
 

Zadillo

macrumors 68000
Jan 29, 2005
1,546
49
Baltimore, MD
DHagan, so are you saying that the 9C60s aren't so bad? Mine is a 9C60s, exhibits a little darkening on the bottom and right edge on a light background, but it's not noticable during normal use.

I just checked, mine is also 9C60.

And as I said, it is pretty much fine.

But now we have posts demanding Apple does a recall, and saying that Apple is using lower quality LCD's across the board?

This is what I'm talking about; really, people need to calm down I think. If Apple was using lower quality LCD's across the board, shouldn't every LCD have poor quality?

In particular, as I mentioned, the only "unevenness" I could even see, as slight as it was, seemed to have more to do with viewing angle than anything. In the case of a true uneven lighting issue, it seems like the bottom left portion of the screen would have to be physically darker no matter what; but it isn't. It's lit just as bright as anything else on the screen.... it just doesn't look as bright as the rest of the screen from certain viewing angles.

I don't know what controls viewing angles, but I don't think there's a problem with the backlighting itself.

-Zadillo
 

Zadillo

macrumors 68000
Jan 29, 2005
1,546
49
Baltimore, MD
Okay guys,

Here's another 2¢...

The MacBook Pro design must be costing Apple a fortune. I think the user's inability to easily replace the hard drive is very costly not only for the customer but for Apple who has to replace it. Nevermind the lengthy process needed to quickly and easily access other internal components.

I think the reason the displays suck is a combination of design, cost, and overall product design. In the design aspect, perhaps Apple can't engineer in a decent display because its inhibited by the overall design (product thickness). In relationship to the rest of the computer's components, I speculate that Apple may be trying to cut a corner here in tradeoff for specs that look good on paper.

If you recall the images I posted earlier, the one on the left was pretty uniformly lit. This screen is a 9C60. Whereas the one on the new Core2 Duo (right) was a 9C62, if memory serves. I sent it off with our Apple repair tech, who was going to have it examined. Needless to say the screen in the left model was sent away for the same thing and it came back much much better almost perfect...it is a glossy, the one on the right is a matte. So I wonder if the Core2 Duo model comes back repaired and looks good whether it too will be a model 9C60 as well. I will keep you all abreast.

In looking at all of the Apple displays I have lying around here in the office :D, the screen on two 20-inch Cinema Displays is a model 9222; it's evenly backlit. On the MacBook Core Duo, it's a model 9C5E. So the model of the screen *definitely* has an impact on the quality of the display.

Except that my C2D MBP has a model 9C60 display and looks just fine. All this stuff about how the design can't handle a good quality display is ridiculous. The 96C0 display in my C2D MBP looks better and more uniform to me than my Dell 2005fpw desktop monitor.\

Your post only makes sense if it was true that every C2D MBP display sucked, and that is demonstratively false.
 

brikeh

macrumors 6502a
Jan 24, 2006
845
1
I just checked, mine is also 9C60.

And as I said, it is pretty much fine.

But now we have posts demanding Apple does a recall, and saying that Apple is using lower quality LCD's across the board?

This is what I'm talking about; really, people need to calm down I think. If Apple was using lower quality LCD's across the board, shouldn't every LCD have poor quality?

-Zadillo

Where do you check? About this mac?
 

brikeh

macrumors 6502a
Jan 24, 2006
845
1
You open up the Displays control panel in your system preferences, go to Colors, open your Color Profile, and go down to the 13th item, which includes the display code.


Oh, thanks...must check it out once I get home.
 

miniguu

macrumors regular
Jun 16, 2005
160
0
Is it matte? Do you find it "grainy"?

Brikeh, I have a glossy. No graininess. The viewing angle is much much better than my 12" PB's, but that's all I have to compare with.

Zadillo..do you really think the MBP's screen looks better than the 2005fpw? I have both (MBP glossy and the dell panel) and the Dell is better illuminated, but then again it's like 2 inches thick. :) My Dell has light leak issues too, but that's another story.

My MBP display isn't perfect, but I bet if I took it to the local Apple genius they would just tell me it's all in my head. And I guess the slight darkness I can certainly live with, since the ONLY time I see it is during the grey Apple boot up screen.
 

Zadillo

macrumors 68000
Jan 29, 2005
1,546
49
Baltimore, MD
Brikeh, I have a glossy. No graininess. The viewing angle is much much better than my 12" PB's, but that's all I have to compare with.

Zadillo..do you really think the MBP's screen looks better than the 2005fpw? I have both (MBP glossy and the dell panel) and the Dell is better illuminated, but then again it's like 2 inches thick. :) My Dell has light leak issues too, but that's another story.

My MBP display isn't perfect, but I bet if I took it to the local Apple genius they would just tell me it's all in my head. And I guess the slight darkness I can certainly live with, since the ONLY time I see it is during the grey Apple boot up screen.

In terms of normal usage, I actually think both the MBP screen and my Dell 2005fpw look fine (by normal usage I mean stuff like web browsing, e-mail, word processing, etc.). I don't notice a real difference.

Where I notice a difference is when watching movies and TV shows with dark scenes. On my MBP screen (matte no less), I was really happy to find that the darks and blacks are all consistently dark and black, whereas on my Dell 2005fpw the darks and blacks are obviously and clearly illuminated. With a fully dark or black scene, there are significant chunks of my Dell 2005fpw that are clearly not black, but instead show clear backlight bleeding, while my MBP screen is perfectly even. I was really surprised by this especially since I was thinking that for a really good "black" black, I would need a glossy display.

Surprisingly, I noticed more of a backlight bleeding problem with my glossy MacBook screen..... it was most obvious to me when doing the Windows XP boot up (the black screen with just the Windows logo). In that case, it was very obvious that there was backlight bleeding, etc.

I also have this problem with my Samsung 23" LCD HDTV (a great display, btw, but also shows blotches of backlight bleeding in dark scenes).

I don't think I would find the level of unevenness in the pictures people have posted to be acceptable. The main point I've been trying to make is just that not every display is that bad (I am only even saying this based on some of these posts about how the quality across the board has dropped, or that Apple can't use higher quality LCD's to keep costs down).

As a general point, at least with the more subtle unevenness, like what I've seen in my case, I still can't totally explain it, but it does seem to have something to do with viewing angles. It seems like if that portion of the screen were just physically darker or less illuminated, then it would be dark no matter how I looked at it..... but looking at it head on, the area that looks a shade darker otherwise is just as bright as the rest of the screen.
 

DHagan4755

macrumors 68020
Jul 18, 2002
2,270
6,157
Massachusetts
Zadillo: I'm saying that 9C60 screens don't look that bad at all. It seems that all of the issues with the display are of model 9C62 (both 15.4" and 17).
 

brikeh

macrumors 6502a
Jan 24, 2006
845
1
Zadillo Im gonna ask you too since you have the matte display, do you find it grainy at all?
 

Zadillo

macrumors 68000
Jan 29, 2005
1,546
49
Baltimore, MD
I'm saying that 9C60 screens don't look that bad at all. It seems that all of the issues with the display are of model 9C62 (both 15.4" and 17").

Ahh, gotcha..... earlier (maybe on the Apple Discussion threads, not here), someone had said that the 9C60 displays seemed to be problematic (at least on the original CD MBP's).
 

Zadillo

macrumors 68000
Jan 29, 2005
1,546
49
Baltimore, MD
No, I mean LED. It uses LED technology instead of an LCD bulb. I read about one laptop that uses it--Acer, if I remember correctly. I don't expect OLED anytime soon.

Sony also uses this on some of their premium laptops..... the TX series I believe uses LED lighting, and the premium SZ models (i.e. the SZ360 and SZ370, but not the SZ320 and SZ330)) use it as well.
 

Zadillo

macrumors 68000
Jan 29, 2005
1,546
49
Baltimore, MD
Zadillo Im gonna ask you too since you have the matte display, do you find it grainy at all?

Not sure, doesn't seem specifically grainy to me (I recall someone posted a picture earlier here with a comparison and the grainyness noted definitely was noticeable). If I get really really close to the screen though I think I can notice perhaps a bit of grain, but it isn't any more than I notice on my matte Dell 2005fpw, and it isn't noticeable from normal viewing distances.

-Zadillo
 
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