Help! New MBP LED Screen Issues

[mark-itguy]

I need help. Just picked up a new MacBook Pro last night. The new release, Santa Rosa, LED, etc... The base $1,9999 model with matte screen.

The problem is, when the brightness is set to between about 40% and 99%, I can see the scan lines on the screen. I don't see every single scan line obviously, but the effect looks like when you see a TV on a TV show, except here the scan lines are very thin. It looks worst on the default wallpaper that has a lot of blue in it. It doesn't look as bad on white, like on a blank Web page. I have calibrated it.

So, is this typical of all MacBooks, LED or otherwise? Or is it a new problem stemmed from the fact it is using LED's? I wouldn't say it makes it unusable, but if I were to dim the brightness to say 80%, having the wallpaper on either side of an open app to appear to be pulsating at 60 hertz is very distracting!

Pls. provide feedback, as I make my living with my laptop. And if this is typical, would it be less obvious on a glossy display? At this point, I'd be better off paying 10% re-stock for an exchange, so I can get back on the clock fast.

 

[munckee]

Its probably a little early to tell if this is "normal", though it certainly doesn't sound like it. Your best bet is to take it back to the store and show them the problem. You shouldn't get stuck with a restocking fee if they replace it, and if they all do that, you could probably "discuss" your way out of the fee.

 

[Airforce]

Take the crap back. You pay $2,000 for a computer (which is more than I ever would) and it should be flawless!

 

[BlackMax]

This is not typical of older MBPs and it is too early to know whether it is typical of the new SR LED MBPs.

Take your new MBP into your closest Apple store and show them the issue. Perhaps they can exchange it right there on-site for you if the issue cannot be corrected.

 

[mark-itguy]

1st Update

Thanks. I did not want to even call if this was semi-normal. Sounds like it's not. I called the Apple Store I bought it from, and much to my surprise, they said since I just got it yesterday they'd exchange it, without the re-stock fee. I know, that's how it outta be, but based on the horror stroies I've heard, I was plesantly surprised. I'll post back when I get the new one, as to whether it does it or not...

 

[mags631]

Glad to hear it! I hope mine has no issues (once it comes), because the nearest Apple Store is 1.5 hours away and I hate the thought of having to wait for it to be repaired/replaced.

 

[alwaysaangel]

Yeah that doesn't seem normal - I don't have that problem on my new LED mac.

 

[mark-itguy]

Update 2

OK, so I went to the Apple Store I bought it from. Apparently it is at the discretion of the store manager, but in my case, she authorized an outright exchange, withOUT the re-stocking fee, making a tech analyze it, or any other delays... All they did was boot it up to confirm it was bad enough as to be a no-brainer. Then they just had to print a new receipt. I guess I really lucked out, and the fact it was like 18 hours old probably helped.

I opened it up & turned it on there at the store, just long enough to get through the initial steps & get to the desktop. As far as I can tell, this MBP does Not have the issue!! There is always a chance it does, but at a much lesser rate. If I find that when I get home I'll re-post. [Lighting at work is poor]. But it appears to be resolved. I'd like to think mine was a one-off, and thus far, would not advise anyone use this issue as a deciding factor.