Returning my new 15" PB due to display lines

[YunusEmre]

So I've had my new 15" PB for less than 2 weeks. I talked to Apple Care about the screen problem. They asked me to do a few things over the phone, none of which helped. So they advised me to take it back to the store where I got it from (together with the case #) and said they will either fix it (right ) or give me a new one. But I do not want to get a new one only to have the same problem. I want to return it (together with the additional Apple Care package $349) and get a refund. I have two questions:

1) what is the refund policy on these? Do you have any advice?

2) I had also bought MS Office software for mac, which I cannot use since this my only mac (unless I buy a mac mini soon). Can I return the software (already installed on the PB)? If not, can I use it one a different mac (since I already installed on a PB once) without performing any special procedure. The product is registered with my PB, so I am not sure how I am going to be able to use it on a different mac.

 

[deanwaterman]

Just get a new Powerbook... You know you want it!

So I've had my new 15" PB for less than 2 weeks. I talked to Apple Care about the screen problem. They asked me to do a few things over the phone, none of which helped. So they advised me to take it back to the store where I got it from (together with the case #) and said they will either fix it (right ) or give me a new one. But I do not want to get a new one only to have the same problem. I want to return it (together with the additional Apple Care package $349) and get a refund. I have two questions:

1) what is the refund policy on these? Do you have any advice?

2) I had also bought MS Office software for mac, which I cannot use since this my only mac (unless I buy a mac mini soon). Can I return the software (already installed on the PB)? If not, can I use it one a different mac (since I already installed on a PB once) without performing any special procedure. The product is registered with my PB, so I am not sure how I am going to be able to use it on a different mac.

Just get the new Powerbook.. I have no line problems on mine and I know many others who do not either. That or you could upgrade to the 17"

 

[YunusEmre]

Just get the new Powerbook.. I have no line problems on mine and I know many others who do not either. That or you could upgrade to the 17"

Thank you for your reply. My PB is new, it was produced on the 42nd week of 05. Did you return and got a replacement that did not have the problem? Can you post the first 5 characters of your 15" PB that does not show the problem? My serial number starts with: W85428

 

[QCassidy352]

Just get the new Powerbook.. I have no line problems on mine and I know many others who do not either. That or you could upgrade to the 17"

Just curious - could you post a high res picture of your screen (not a screen shot)? I ask because many people have reported that they do not have this problem, but I've yet to see a photo of a 15" screen that is actually perfect... no one seems to be able to come up with one. Not doubting you, I'd just like to see for myself that there are actually ok 15"ers. Thanks.

 

[ITASOR]

Just curious - could you post a high res picture of your screen (not a screen shot)? I ask because many people have reported that they do not have this problem, but I've yet to see a photo of a 15" screen that is actually perfect... no one seems to be able to come up with one. Not doubting you, I'd just like to see for myself that there are actually ok 15"ers. Thanks.

I looked at 3 15" PB's in Apple/CompUSA/another CompUSA stores and they ALL had the lines and the employees were aware of that. It was hard to stand back and watch people purchasing them when I knew they had these. Most people don't even notice them. My LCD has these lines when I put it on 60Hz instead of 75. It seems like Apple should just fix it before they get too into their mistake and loose tons of money.

You tell me the designers/lookeratters couldn't see that half of the pb's had these lines before shipping them out? What the heck...

 

[YunusEmre]

So I am going to un-install the MS office 2004 then erase the disk (after backing up my files) and take to the store. I am going to demand a refund, I am not interested in a new one that will show the same problem. Buf if they insist I'll take the new one home and as soon as I download the test picture and verify it has the same problem take it back and ask for a refund. I really like the PB, it is great and I was looking forward to throwing out my Windows PC. But I cannot live with this flaw. It looks like I'll suffer longer with my Windows PC

 

[stonyc]

My sister just got a new 15" powerbook last week, and using those images in the other thread I could not see any line defects on hers. I would return that PB for a new one, good luck.

 

[Chrispy]

If it has been less than two weeks you can return it for a refund if you argue your point about the lines. Good luck with whatever you do.

 

[motherduce]

I will be returning mine tomorrow. Very disappointed.

 

[YunusEmre]

mac-less

I will be returning mine tomorrow. Very disappointed.

I've just returned mine. I had to show the lines to a tech there. Once he saw the lines, he said yeah, it is DOA. We can give you a replacem,ent or a full refund, and I went with refund. Now I am mac-less Now the only question is should buy a mac mini or should I wait and see

 

[FocusAndEarnIt]

I'd get a G5 iMac

 

[EricNau]

I'd get a G5 iMac

I second that.
I have a rev. B and it was the coolest computer this world has ever seen - but then the rev. C came out.

You will not be disappointed with an iMac.

 

[YunusEmre]

Yes, I agree iMac is very tempting. But I am thinking the mini would be better fit for me. At least I can continue to use my current monitor, until it dies or something. Anyhow I'll have to see what happens at this sale event (just got an email from Apple about the sale event this Friday).

 

[YunusEmre]

Oh, I forgot to mention, while I was at the store I looked at one 12", 2 x 15" & 1 x 17" PBs. Both 15" PBs I checked had the problem. 12" and 17" did not have the problem and the 12" was manufactured 40th week and the 17" was manufactured 41st week of 05. Both 15" PBs were manufactured 42nd week of 5. Just thought I mention that.

 

[panda]

links

So I am going to un-install the MS office 2004 then erase the disk (after backing up my files) and take to the store. I am going to demand a refund, I am not interested in a new one that will show the same problem. Buf if they insist I'll take the new one home and as soon as I download the test picture and verify it has the same problem take it back and ask for a refund. I really like the PB, it is great and I was looking forward to throwing out my Windows PC. But I cannot live with this flaw. It looks like I'll suffer longer with my Windows PC

sorry to hear of your problem.

it is seriously not fun.

could you post the pic links you used... it may come in handy for me. thanks

 

[Whyapple]

Just HOW easy to see are these lines everyone here is reporting? (Incidentally, the other contentious issue of heat wasn't a problem either, as we picked several of the PB's up to check)

I looked at 6 new 15 " Powerbooks and a number of 12" & 17" pBs at a UK Apple store last week, and have failed to see any lines on the screens even studying them closely? I had two colleagues with me at the time, one who is an Apple imac owner who both also failed to see anything remiss!

 

[generik]

Just HOW easy to see are these lines everyone here is reporting? (Incidentally, the other contentious issue of heat wasn't a problem either, as we picked several of the PB's up to check)

I looked at 6 new 15 " Powerbooks and a number of 12" & 17" pBs at a UK Apple store last week, and have failed to see any lines on the screens even studying them closely? I had two colleagues with me at the time, one who is an Apple imac owner who both also failed to see anything remiss!

Apple has reportedly silently fixed the issue with the newer batches.

 

[rosalindavenue]

What a bummer

This reminds me of two years ago-- I was all set to buy a 15" powerbook between Thanksgiving and Christmas of 2003. I changed my mind after reading about display problems on mac rumors forums. Back then the problem was "white spots on screen." I didn't get a mac until this year.

 

[motherduce]

Apple has reportedly silently fixed the issue with the newer batches.

where did you hear this? where is proof?

 

[revisionA]

honestly

cant see the lines until I get close enough to count the pixels...

nonissue for anyone with astigmatism thats for sure!

$

 

[YunusEmre]

sorry to hear of your problem.

it is seriously not fun.

could you post the pic links you used... it may come in handy for me. thanks

I used this image: http://crankycat.com/pb15_problems.png

Note: it is easier to see the banding in the bottom left orange block. Once you see the banding on there, you will be able to spot it anywhere (I saw that same banding in many windows, eg. the Finder window). The diagonal lines are more difficult to see, but once you spot it, it is easier to see it the next time. At the store I showed them the banding on the orange block and how the banding remains stationary when you move the picture around, sugguesting there is something wrong with the display itself. It takes more pouring over the picture at different angles to spot the lines in the middle part and how the rigth side looks smooth even though there are 5% lines in it!

 

[YunusEmre]

Just HOW easy to see are these lines everyone here is reporting? (Incidentally, the other contentious issue of heat wasn't a problem either, as we picked several of the PB's up to check)

I looked at 6 new 15 " Powerbooks and a number of 12" & 17" pBs at a UK Apple store last week, and have failed to see any lines on the screens even studying them closely? I had two colleagues with me at the time, one who is an Apple imac owner who both also failed to see anything remiss!

How did you check them? Did you use different backgrounds? Try the image I mentioned, it is very easy to spot the problem with that image (I also created an orange block myself using a paint program, using that I could also see the problem). It does not have to be orange to see the problem. But I think it makes it easier to spot it. Try opening a Finder window and check out the whiteish background, you will see banding, just like in the orange block in that image. Only check the 15" PBs, I think the others do not suffer from the problem.

 

[panda]

thank you

I used this image: http://crankycat.com/pb15_problems.png

Note: it is easier to see the banding in the bottom left orange block. Once you see the banding on there, you will be able to spot it anywhere (I saw that same banding in many windows, eg. the Finder window). The diagonal lines are more difficult to see, but once you spot it, it is easier to see it the next time. At the store I showed them the banding on the orange block and how the banding remains stationary when you move the picture around, sugguesting there is something wrong with the display itself. It takes more pouring over the picture at different angles to spot the lines in the middle part and how the rigth side looks smooth even though there are 5% lines in it!

thank you for your advice. i really appreciate it.

my new 15er has arrived at an apple retailer today, but because i will be travelling from thursday, i decided to not pick it up till i'm back on monday.
i seem to have an agreement with the shop that if there are lines, i can return it the next day.
so, even though its hard to wait, i will, in order to be able to review the computer poropperly and not feel under time pressure. ooof