MacBook Screen Issues

[EdLee]

All,

This is a follow up thread from http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=466265 regarding MacBook Screens. I feel it should be brought out of that thread and into its own thread to maybe help people out when buying a new MacBook.

Currently, MacBooks come with one of four LCD panels:

9C5E/5E9C - Chi Mei N133I1
9C5C/5C9C - Au Optronics B133EW01
9C5B/5B9C - Samsung LTN133W1
9C5F/5F9C - LG Philips LP133WX1

You can find out which panel you have by doing the following:

System Preferences -> Display -> Color

Open the default LCD profile.

Scroll down to number 13 and you should see model number listed there.

In my experience, I have been through three black MacBooks over the last week due to panel 9C5B, the Samsung. I have also read through other threads discussing issues with the Samsung panel. Both laptops I had with the Samsung panels were made in the 12th week of 2008.

All the laptop displays show some amount of dithering, as they are 6-bit panels. I think we all know this, but it bears repeating. The Samsung panels are horrible with their dithering. All grays show severe banding and dithering, including the OS shadows, pull down menu transparancies, etc. If you're also running Windows, you can see the problem a bit better. With Windows, you can just go to the display control panel and take a look at the gray background of the panel. It looks like a very warped checkerboard.

My final swap gave me a great LG/Philips panel, with a MacBook manufacturing date in the 9th week of 2008. The LG and AUO panels seem to be fine, with Chi Mei showing some washing out. The Samsung is disgraceful.

It would be helpful to list your date code (found in the serial number) along with your panel type. This is only for regular MacBooks, and not the Pros.

As I've returned my problematic MacBooks, I don't have any screenshots but there are some which show the exact problem at http://homepage.mac.com/mlostracco/MacBook/PhotoAlbum174.html (which I found on Apple's forums.

I just want everyone to know that this is *not* how the screen is supposed to look!

[hexonxonx]

Manufacturer Date: C01D6580
LCD Panel: 00009C5F

I puchased my BlackBook last Wednesday from the Apple store and got it Thursday. Mine is the same panel is yours and is nearly perfect!

[CalmEnvy]

Model: 9C5B
Manufacture Date: C054C480

So that means I have the Samsung one, only thing is I don't seem to have this problem. At least I can't see it or anything, could you let me know how I may be able to or would it just be there? I haven't had any problems with Apple products so maybe I'm just lucky lol.

[EdLee]

Manufacturer Date: C01D6580
LCD Panel: 00009C5F

I puchased my BlackBook last Wednesday from the Apple store and got it Thursday. Mine is the same panel is yours and is nearly perfect!

sorry, should have been clearer. The first few digits of the MacBook serial number have the code.

Mine was something 8812, meaning 12th week of 2008. My new one had 8809.

[herman238]

Model: 00009C5B
Manufacture Date:C054C480

Guess i got a bad display, but tbh it's okay, just the vertical viewing angle sucks

[jay1097]

I have the LG display
model number: 00009C5F
Date: C01D6580
Purchased 3rd week of Jan/08

[hexonxonx]

sorry, should have been clearer. The first few digits of the MacBook serial number have the code.

Mine was something 8812, meaning 12th week of 2008. My new one had 8809.

I see, mine is 8813, so it is a week 13.

[asme]

9C5F
Date: C01D6580

Purchased this March 20th of 2007, which is a Week 10 of '07. The panel is bleedy, the backlighting is uneven, and it's getting discolored.

However, it was beautiful when it was new. That didn't last all too long. Wish it had though.

[EdLee]

Model: 9C5B
Manufacture Date: C054C480

So that means I have the Samsung one, only thing is I don't seem to have this problem. At least I can't see it or anything, could you let me know how I may be able to or would it just be there? I haven't had any problems with Apple products so maybe I'm just lucky lol.

Guess check the link I pasted in the first post. It shows what to look for.

The best way I found was either run windows, and if not, use the B&W background of the hazy beach. Pull down the apple menu and look at the transparency. You'll more than likely see dots through the transparency, and towards the top of the pulled down menu, you'll see the grey color actually be small x's.

That's the best way I found to see it.

Also, the shadows around all windows are badly banded.

[EdLee]

Also, for those posting the dates from ColorSync, unfortunately it's not the proper date. My Samsung's date from there was from Jan 06. :)

Use the third through fifth numbers of your serial number. Mine is 809, which is 2008, week 9.

Thanks,
Ed

[Bobioden]

I have a 9C5B screen made the 46th week if 2007, and the screen is excellent. No dithering what so ever.

It is a 2.2 Blackbook. Would it be the same screen that is in the 2.4?

[CREA]

I just received a replacement white MacBook 2.4 about 2 weeks ago for my older 2.2 (very, VERY long story) and have this same screen issue and mine is a 9C5B. Manufactured 15th week of this year.

I took it into the local authorized reseller/repair shop and they tried to pass it off as being "brighter" than the other computer screens and it was "normal."

I e-mailed my case manager that handled the replacement.. let's see what he says back. I referenced a few other links in my e-mail describing this problem, but it looks like I'll have another since I found this thread as well.

I'm glad I'm not the only one.

[rezonat0r]

I got a week 15 blackbook with the Samsung panel, and I have noticed some slight dithering (checkerboard pattern) in greys. But nothing remotely resembling the pics - that looks like the panel is running in 4-bit mode instead of 6 for some reason. Definitely defective and from a bad batch.

As said above the worst thing about this panel is the vertical viewing angle... is the LG any better? It seems hard to come by.

[hexonxonx]

I got a week 15 blackbook with the Samsung panel, and I have noticed some slight dithering (checkerboard pattern) in greys. But nothing remotely resembling the pics - that looks like the panel is running in 4-bit mode instead of 6 for some reason. Definitely defective and from a bad batch.

As said above the worst thing about this panel is the vertical viewing angle... is the LG any better? It seems hard to come by.

All Macbooks, not matter what display manufacturer used, have a bad viewing angle. It's mostly noticeable when viewing a bad angle and especially when viewing a movie. It's just how MacBooks are.

[CREA]

Spoke to Apple, and I think they're actually recognizing this as as a widespread problem. I referenced many links (including this thread) and they seemed very concerned. Perhaps a recall.. ? lol

They're sending a replacement computer. This'll be number three for me in a matter of a few months.. hopefully three's a charm?

[daneoni]

I have the 9C5E (Chi Mei)

It is a little washed out but its actually a pretty ok screen after calibration...no major faux pas that i can see anyway

[mosx]

All Macbooks, not matter what display manufacturer used, have a bad viewing angle. It's mostly noticeable when viewing a bad angle and especially when viewing a movie. It's just how MacBooks are.

Not my MacBook ;) But you and I don't need to go over this again, do we?

[msheldrick]

Mine is a 9C5B and my macbook is from week 7 2008, i can see the backlight from one side of my screen should i ring up apple?

[hexonxonx]

Mine is a 9C5B and my macbook is from week 7 2008, i can see the backlight from one side of my screen should i ring up apple?

It's your decision, your money, you decide.

[CREA]

Just got my replacement. It has the SAME exact display as my last one (9C5B Samsung) and all the problems that come with it.

This is the third MacBook I have had.. and I almost feel like just giving up. The whole sending it/getting the new one is getting terribly tiring.

I e-mailed my case manager yet AGAIN.. I feel like I'm going to get blacklisted or something or they simply think I'm entirely insane.

[daneoni]

The problem is Apple is making these systems cheaper by cheaping out on components which leads to bigger margins

Basically you're getting what you pay....or what Apple has paid for....crap screens, weak GPUs, basic Hard Drives

[CREA]

No, I certainly paid more than enough for a half-decent display.

This is just a wonderful example of Apple trying to get away with using cheaper products and people (mostly new users) not noticing because they haven't seen what the screen is supposed to look like.

My old MB 2.2 didn't have this issue. I'm almost tempted to just ask them to send me a refurb 2.2 because the screens were fine.

Currently, another "supervisor" is trying to find a way for to get me one so I don't repeatedly get the same display. You think it would be easy enough as opening the computer and looking at the display before shipping! Better yet, they could do the right thing, recognize this as a mass affecting problem, have a recall and discontinue using these ****** displays.

[Gokhan]

thank you thread starter i thought i was the only one with this problem but guess what i have the samsung panel and it sucks , it looks really bad but i did mange to calibrate it with a config in another thread , search napa colour profile and was living with it.

But now that you are confirming this is wide spread problem , well sir apple will get a visit from me , can i ask them to replace the screen with a different make ?? (wtf the **** apple first banding n the pb's then uneven and rubbish mbp displays and now thsi ?)

also can i ask for a replacement i have had mine for 4 months although at first i thought was acceptable and that these macbook screens were poorer compared with the mbp but now i see its a duff display can i request it be put right or replaced under uk law as the item is not performing to the required standards or purpose ?

[EdLee]

Gokhan,

I truly don't know if Apple will replace or not. I was lucky in that I was within 14 days of the problem and was able to swap it out (three times). I believe I read somewhere that they can only swap out a screen with a like one, and I don't know if the inverters are swapped at the same time, which means, more than likely, you'll get the same screen manufacturer as well.

Like I said, I'm not sure.

One surefire way to see what I was seeing (outside of the photos in the original post) is go into Boot Camp or VMWare with Windows (if you were inclined to install Windows) and go to the System Control panel. Let me tell you, you will see the problem I had with the Samsung panel. Blotchy and pixellated grays where it should look like one even gray color.

I do wish you luck in getting your problem resolved.

Ed

[Gokhan]

thanks

i will take it to the apple store direct and show them face to face and see how the manager will explain this away because the screen looks like diarea on its default colour profile and looks so much beter calibrated and yes i have windows installed so now i will demo this rubbish to them in store.

thanks for the heads up

[Mackan]

No, I certainly paid more than enough for a half-decent display.

This is just a wonderful example of Apple trying to get away with using cheaper products and people (mostly new users) not noticing because they haven't seen what the screen is supposed to look like.

My old MB 2.2 didn't have this issue. I'm almost tempted to just ask them to send me a refurb 2.2 because the screens were fine.

Currently, another "supervisor" is trying to find a way for to get me one so I don't repeatedly get the same display. You think it would be easy enough as opening the computer and looking at the display before shipping! Better yet, they could do the right thing, recognize this as a mass affecting problem, have a recall and discontinue using these ****** displays.

What about other well known issuses like: screen flicker, MagSafe melting (or getting loose), MacBook case cracking, hissing/popping audio, yellow tint on MBP LED screens, etc. Apple hasn't fixed or recognized any of them, despite most of them being there since 2006. So people still experience these problems from totally new machines bought today. And I am sure I have forgotten a few other issues.

My point is, either we are too picky, or Apple is just quite bad at QA for their notebook lines. Personally, I think Apple's choice of components and QA can be better...

[skye12]

I've got a new 2.4 MB...9C5B

8812/manufactured 12th week of 08...seems perfect.

[kabunaru]

I have 9C5E which is Chi Mei and is ok. I calibrated my MacBook with David's Profile and it's very good now.

[dcains]

thanks

i will take it to the apple store direct and show them face to face and see how the manager will explain this away because the screen looks like diarea on its default colour profile and looks so much beter calibrated and yes i have windows installed so now i will demo this rubbish to them in store.

thanks for the heads up

If it looks better calibrated, what's the problem then?

[Gokhan]

ok let me explain it this way if i had a ferrari that came dented out of the factory and i had to cover this dent with some graphics etc would that make it ok ?

no didnt think so, i pay top dollar for these products , so i expect perfection or as close as , not ****ing cheap parts hassed together.

I should not have to work out apple's q&a problems , as thier moto goes it should just work heheheh

for now i am not fussed as i have applecare but trust me they will get a visit from me in the near future

How can a £300 lenevo beat my macbook down in evey aspect apart from design ?

[dcains]

ok let me explain it this way if i had a ferrari that came dented out of the factory and i had to cover this dent with some graphics etc would that make it ok ?

no didnt think so, i pay top dollar for these products , so i expect perfection or as close as , not ****ing cheap parts hassed together.

I should not have to work out apple's q&a problems , as thier moto goes it should just work heheheh

for now i am not fussed as i have applecare but trust me they will get a visit from me in the near future

How can a £300 lenevo beat my macbook down in evey aspect apart from design ?

That's a completely stupid analogy. Maybe a better one would be you get the new car and one of the tires is underinflated. So, you put some air in and it's OK. Do you still need to be a pain in the ass at the car dealer? If your screen looks good calibrated, I'm still not seeing the issue. There's a reason they give you the option to calibrate it, and it seems to work.

[deannnnn]

I've got the LG =)

[rain5539]

May be in future we will use LED or OLED screen for notebook

[hans3185]

Is there a way to see what kind of display it'll have before opening the box?

[MacLadybug]

Is there a way to see what kind of display it'll have before opening the box?
Bought my BlackBook in May. It's the LG. My husband is thinking of getting a MacBook so I'd like an answer to the same question too.

[afireintonto]

my MB has the LG display, never had any problems. its perfect.

[hans3185]

Bought my BlackBook in May. It's the LG. My husband is thinking of getting a MacBook so I'd like an answer to the same question too.

Well I just got my Macbook about two weeks ago and its a Samsung...I'm going to replace it today because of a crack...but I don't want to open it and then go through this hassle again.

[mademan118]

Bought my BlackBook in May. It's the LG. My husband is thinking of getting a MacBook so I'd like an answer to the same question too.

I don't think so to be honest. I went through 3 total Macbooks, with my 3rd finally receiving the LG/Phillips screen. I will say this, it totally blows the Samsung and Chi-Mei displays out of the water.

My laptop serial is

W8824. Built on the 24th week of 2008.


White 2.4 Ghz Macbook.

[MacLadybug]

I don't think so to be honest. I went through 3 total Macbooks, with my 3rd finally receiving the LG/Phillips screen. I will say this, it totally blows the Samsung and Chi-Mei displays out of the water.

My laptop serial is

W8824. Built on the 24th week of 2008.


White 2.4 Ghz Macbook.
How can you tell the build week?

[MacLadybug]

I just have to read the threads. Duh. Now I just have to get my laptop out and check the serial number. Sorry again all.

[Macsforcollege?]

So it seems LG is the best. I want the LG screen. Is there any way the employees would know. WHen i get my macbook, would they be able to get me one with a lg screen? is there a pattern with the lg screen? as in when they come ship ones with lg screens??

[nron]

Just received a replacement MacBook with the same horrible Samsung screen. Tried swapping for a different one at the local Apple store, but all the floor units had the same Samsung part as well. Here is the story so far: http://www.trustedones.com/listing/view/a_wVfWwZ4r3zzBaocbDfzs

We'll probably try a few more times. If you know what an LCD screen should look like, you won't like the MacBook with the Samsung screen.

[hans3185]

Got my new Macbook, and it has the LG screen.

...and I don't really notice the difference, but okay lol.


But this one has a kinda hard trackpad to press...

[SilvorX]

I bought a new MacBook yesterday, finally, after many years of owning my trusting iBook G3, within the first 5 minutes of using my new MacBook, I was very displeased with it, the screen is angering me quite a bit mainly because it shows "dots" in quite a few areas, such as in menus and in some pictures. I don't know how to explain it but I took a picture of a menu in Safari, I took a screenshot but the problem didn't show up on my iBook (or parents iMac) at all. I later found out my MacBook is the 9C5B which is supposedly the worst MacBook screen. I'm ready to return the MacBook already

[kabunaru]

I bought a new MacBook yesterday, finally, after many years of owning my trusting iBook G3, within the first 5 minutes of using my new MacBook, I was very displeased with it, the screen is angering me quite a bit mainly because it shows "dots" in quite a few areas, such as in menus and in some pictures. I don't know how to explain it but I took a picture of a menu in Safari, I took a screenshot but the problem didn't show up on my iBook (or parents iMac) at all. I later found out my MacBook is the 9C5B which is supposedly the worst MacBook screen. I'm ready to return the MacBook already

And get the new MacBook when it comes out.

[smwatson]

My sister has a 9C5B Samsung, hers looks fine to me.

Hope I get an LG when mine comes...


Why does Apple use so many different LCD manufacturers? Why not just use the one that is clearly the best?

[Elven]

Mine is the Samsung screen and is perfect, the angles are not amazing but then since I am the only user of this Macbook, and it's angles suit me perfectly, the colors are spot on their is no problems like you guys report.

So not all of them are bad.

[*Sandy*]

9C5E/5E9C - Chi Mei N133I1
Love my Screen.

[SilvorX]

9C5E/5E9C - Chi Mei N133I1
Love my Screen.

Lucky.

I know the problem wouldn't bug me if I wasn't around two other Macs regularly, I called futureshop and told them the problem, they said they'll "get a technician to look at it", but I don't know what that will do.

I don't want to return it completely to just wait for a new Mac to be introduced since I got a free printer, Airport Express and iWork (but hasn't been shipped yet) with it, so if I had to return it, I would have to return the free goodies too

[jjahshik32]

I have to LG philips and it looks very vivid and saturated in colors. I'm very happy with it.

[abijnk]

I bought a new MacBook yesterday, finally, after many years of owning my trusting iBook G3, within the first 5 minutes of using my new MacBook, I was very displeased with it, the screen is angering me quite a bit mainly because it shows "dots" in quite a few areas, such as in menus and in some pictures. I don't know how to explain it but I took a picture of a menu in Safari, I took a screenshot but the problem didn't show up on my iBook (or parents iMac) at all. I later found out my MacBook is the 9C5B which is supposedly the worst MacBook screen. I'm ready to return the MacBook already

I got a macbook 8/22 and it has this exact same thing going on. In addition, the lower corners are darkened. It looks really weird. Seeing as how I am almost at the end of my 2 weeks I've decided I am not going to put up with it, but rather try and get it replaced.

What did you end up doing with yours? If you tried to get it replaced did they give you any grief over it?

[SilvorX]

I finally got my MacBook replaced by Futureshop after they were very reluctant to do so, saying that it was a "feature" of 10.5, we did comparison between my laptop and floor models and it was obvious that the problem only appeared on mine, after waiting 2 hours they replaced it and the model I got has an LG screen. 31st week of 08, and the quality is much, much better than the Samsung!

[BlackMax]

Why does Apple use so many different LCD manufacturers? Why not just use the one that is clearly the best?

Most companies try to go with two or more different suppliers for the same part so their supply chain doesn't dry up if one supplier goes under, has their factory burn down, etc.

[hekokimushi]

disregard

[mac jones]

hmm, I wonder what screen i have? Would it be foolish to go to Apple store and ask them to open the boxes until I get the perfect one?

After all I'm paying for perfection, why settle for less? Isn't it just economics?

nah

[Pedromiguel20]

9C89 is my screen - is it the bad one?

manufactured date C3B1A800

[Jollins]

9C89 is my screen - is it the bad one?

manufactured date C3B1A800
It's the one people are saying isn't the best out of the two kinds used in the alu macbook. It isn't "bad" though. Honestly I think the difference isn't noticeable and what some of the posters are saying is an example of the placebo effect in action.

[mac jones]

It's the one people are saying isn't the best out of the two kinds used in the alu macbook. It isn't "bad" though. Honestly I think the difference isn't noticeable and what some of the posters are saying about is an example of the placebo effect in action.

You mean mass hysteria :D

[iMac430]

I read that some of you who posted in this thread have the 9C5E screen. Would you be able to post your calibrations? I have that screen and after countless attempts with the built-in calibrator and SuperCal, I just can't get it right. Thanks a lot.

[pedestrian2019]

I bought a new MacBook yesterday, finally, after many years of owning my trusting iBook G3, within the first 5 minutes of using my new MacBook, I was very displeased with it, the screen is angering me quite a bit mainly because it shows "dots" in quite a few areas, such as in menus and in some pictures. I don't know how to explain it but I took a picture of a menu in Safari, I took a screenshot but the problem didn't show up on my iBook (or parents iMac) at all. I later found out my MacBook is the 9C5B which is supposedly the worst MacBook screen. I'm ready to return the MacBook already

This issue is definitely real. I have seen it myself on a MacBook with a 9C5B display. Whether it is the make of display that is at fault or a bad batch I couldn't say for certain.

Another MacBook owner who identified this issue...

http://homepage.mac.com/mlostracco/MacBook/PhotoAlbum174.html

It could possibly be a timing fault in the display which causes the dithering to be more obvious on some than others.

[nph]

I had some macbooks next to each other, one with 9C8C and two 9C89. To my eyes one of the 9C89 was slightly better but it was really hard to see a difference. (And I am somewhat of a perfectionist when it comes to the stuff I buy).
I thought the difference would be substantial based on all the issues I have read. However this was barely noticable!

MBP does have a substantially better screen but the lack of heat on the MacBook is a big selling point for me.

[cjmal]

Is this issue also present on the new unibody macbooks?

[butterflybanshe]

I'm a new macbook owner as of early october. Right away, I noted a problem with the screen's clarity. It's such a disappointment to spend this much money and have it not be right (I bought the 2nd level). Upon this post, I realized I have the samsung display. I took it into the store & they replaced the LCD. However, they replaced it with yet another samsung, so the quality is still poor. And in the process, the outside cover was scratched. I pointed out that this was a brand new macbook, not even 3 weeks old, so he offered to replace both the cover and LCD again. Which is great, except I really wish the product was right to start. What happened to quality control? He also said there was no way to specify what brand LCD they are getting. Thanks a lot to the person that posted the info. on how to look up your display info. and just for the record- this is a real problem and a significant one for anyone that does anything in the design field.

[molala]

Is it possible for them to change a Samsung 9C5B screen with a different one? Are the connectors the same as the LG?

I got a refurb Blackbook recently and got the Samsung screen. I didn't like the banding and dots either but otherwise the laptop is perfect and the screen is well-calibrated and very bright (I am coming from a 2004 model 12-inch Powerbook). Brought it to the Genius bar, they are going to replace my LCD. However, they suggested to do it at a later date (as the work would take 10-14 days right now, the store has a lot of repair backlog). If I can only get another Samsung screen, maybe I won't bother.

[shady825]

i have 9C89
what kind of display is that?

[butterflybanshe]

Just wanted to let you know that the 3rd time can be the charm. I dropped off the notebook 3 times. Each time, having to explain to the tech. the problem. After a bit, everyone of them noticed it too. They replaced the screen twice, but both times it was with another 9C5B Samsung (unless they didn't replace it all and just told me they did). Finally, the 3rd time after a lot of defending and convincing on my part they agreed to do it a 3rd time. I think if the computer is brought in a 3rd time for a repeating problem, they flag it b/c the 3rd time I had a lot of hoops to jump through. At any rate, happily I just picked it up tonight & could tell right away the difference! Sure enough, I checked the info. and it is the 9C5E Chi Me. So much better!!! I'm thrilled. I can't thank the person enough that wrote the info. on how to check the manufacturer,etc. b/c at the Mac Store they were trying to 'hide' that you can even check it. It's like getting a little piece of the inside scoop- so Thank You!

[CoreyMac]

I just recieved my 2.4 MB yesterday and it has a 9C8B screen of which was not mentioned in this post at all. My two cents, its the best one Ive seen. VERY even backlighting, good blacks....still crappy vertical viewing angles but thats to be expected, everything else about it is perfect.

[guthy-lux]

mine is 9C89.

Actually I got a replacement for defect. I don't remember what the old one was (maybe Philips?) but 9C89 is worse. about bottom 1/3 is brighter than top no matter how you change the viewing angle. (like viewing angle is 0) The old one also had bright bottom but not this much.

I wonder firmware can adjust this.

BTW, I got this one a few days ago at an apple store in LA. From the serial, it was built in the 40th week (2nd week of Oct?). a bit surprised this is made that before and still in store. I expected I could avoid the first lot if exchanged.

[Jiten]

Its sad that even for the relative premium price for a luxury consumer notebook such as a Macbook, getting a good screen is like playing the lottery. :(

I hope Apple gets enough feedback about this.

[divisionbyzero]

Run an ioreg querry:
http://www.eidac.de/?p=94

[phytonix]

so bad the mid 2009 Macbook still has this widespread problem. :mad: