New Aluminum Macbook - Dust Under Glass

[pcguru83]

Anyone else get one with this issue? I spotted it as soon as the Macbook booted up for the first time--it's very obvious on grey or white images. At first I thought it was just something on the screen, but it's definitely a dust speck under the glass. Not a dead pixel either, as you can tell that it arcs at an angle between several pixels.

Just curious if I'm unique in my issue here. I've got an appt at the Genius Bar this evening, so we'll see how it goes. Other than this though, the Macbook is perfect.

[pcguru83]

So I must have the worst luck on the face of the planet. Apple swapped out my original Macbook with no questions asked. I booted it up in the store, and the screen looked perfect.

After using it for a couple hours now, I just noticed what appears to be a very minute scratch underneath the glass on the right half of the screen. I'm 99% sure it's not dead pixels--if it is, it's a very small grouping of them because it's definitely affecting at least 2-3 pixels.

What gives? Am I the only one having the physical display imperfections? Dead/stuck pixels are one thing, but this seems to be something entirely different.

Anyone?

[danielforman]

I think you will find it hard to get one without a bit of dust under the glass. I have just got a new MacBook and it has a bit under the glass. Some dust also managed to get under my iMac glass and every iPhone 3G I have had has had a bit of dust under the glass. Yes dust can be very annoying but it's just one of those things. It's hard to get something that is perfect and you will probably just have to live with it.

[drew0020]

So I must have the worst luck on the face of the planet. Apple swapped out my original Macbook with no questions asked. I booted it up in the store, and the screen looked perfect.

After using it for a couple hours now, I just noticed what appears to be a very minute scratch underneath the glass on the right half of the screen. I'm 99% sure it's not dead pixels--if it is, it's a very small grouping of them because it's definitely affecting at least 2-3 pixels.

What gives? Am I the only one having the physical display imperfections? Dead/stuck pixels are one thing, but this seems to be something entirely different.

Anyone?

Im 5/5 now with pixel problems. Join the club. Im sure some people dont care about 1 dead pixel, but I have a feeling based on my observations that there are more people with dead pixels then we hear on these boards.

[taeclee99]

The first macbook I bought last week had three specks of dust under the glass.
I exchanged it for a new one. The replacement's screen was chipped at the top bezel so I returned that one too. This new one has one speck of dust under the glass right in the middle of the screen. I agree that it is going to be hard to find a perfect screen so I might as well keep this one.

[drew0020]

The first macbook I bought last week had three specks of dust under the glass.
I exchanged it for a new one. The replacement's screen was chipped at the top bezel so I returned that one too. This new one has one speck of dust under the glass right in the middle of the screen. I agree that it is going to be hard to find a perfect screen so I might as well keep this one.

I decided to return mine until Apple gets it right. We shouldnt have to settle on a $1,599 computer. You think there would be more outrage over Apple quality control (or lack thereof).

It is so disappointing how these computers with obvious physical defects and dead pixels made it into consumers hands!

[taeclee99]

I decided to return mine until Apple gets it right. We shouldnt have to settle on a $1,599 computer. You think there would be more outrage over Apple quality control (or lack thereof).

It is so disappointing how these computers with obvious physical defects and dead pixels made it into consumers hands!

I am pretty sure Apple will give me a replacement as along as I am in the 14 day period. I am afraid that the next one will have more dust than this one under the screen. A large number of these screens probably have dust trapped underneath. After the 14 day period, I doubt apple care will cover an led with one dust pixel.

These are my options as I see it.

1. Exchange it once again - hoping that it is perfect (not likely)
2. Get a refund (pay the restocking fee) and buy a last generation macbook pro from amazon
3. Keep it and deal with the imperfections.

I am not sure what I am going to do. I have until Thursday to decide.

[impreza98]

exchange it, i had dust under my screen.
they took it back now i have a perfect macbook.

even the function keys are straighter.

[andiwm2003]

ok, that is now an idea for people who like to experiment and can afford an expensive repair:

take an ultrasonic toothbrush and hold it against the screen where the dust spec is. it should shake it lose and it would fall down where it doesn't bother you (the dust speck, not the screen). i have no Glassbook or iMac so I can't try it but that's how digital cameras shake dust off the sensor.

is anybody willing to try it?

[taeclee99]

Upon careful inspection, I found a second trapped dust particle. It seems that the first dust speck has found a little brother.

[danielforman]

Some of the dust that I thought was under my screen was in actual fact really stuck on to the outside. Took a bit of getting off but did come off in the end. Think it was just that some dust was inside the packaging and has been pressed against the glass while in shipment.

However, there is still one bit of dust that I can see but I have to look pretty hard for it so I'm not too worried about that. Not worth a return and dust gets everywhere no matter how hard you try get rid of it.

[illu]

I think it's safe to say that the chances of getting a perfect MacBook are extremely thin. And if you manage to get your MacBook exchanged for a new one, keep in mind that it may be worse. So if you can't live with a few dead pixels and dust, especially on a $1500+ laptop, then I would not recommend the MacBook.

Personally, I can live with the imperfections I have (a lit pixel at the bottom right of the screen and a little dust under the glass) since they're not too visible. It sucks to have paid this much money but I guess nothing in life is perfect...

[CaptainCaveMann]

You guys who always want these things to be perfect will sadly be disappointed time and time again. There will always be room for error in everything. Store your treasures in heaven, it's the only place where perfection exists. Your chasing an illusion. That's my 2 cents. :cool:

[drew0020]

You guys who always want these things to be perfect will sadly be disappointed time and time again. There will always be room for error in everything. Store your treasures in heaven, it's the only place where perfection exists. Your chasing an illusion. That's my 2 cents. :cool:

I agree that nothing is perfect but I never had these problems with the white MacBook, MacBook air, my cheap dells and hp computers.

[taeclee99]

I think it's safe to say that the chances of getting a perfect MacBook are extremely thin. And if you manage to get your MacBook exchanged for a new one, keep in mind that it may be worse. So if you can't live with a few dead pixels and dust, especially on a $1500+ laptop, then I would not recommend the MacBook.

Personally, I can live with the imperfections I have (a lit pixel at the bottom right of the screen and a little dust under the glass) since they're not too visible. It sucks to have paid this much money but I guess nothing in life is perfect...

I think that are right. The chances of me getting a perfect macbook are slim.
I decided to deal with the imperfections and be happy with the macbook that I got. Dust and all, it still is the best laptop that I have ever owned.

[danielforman]

I agree that nothing is perfect but I never had these problems with the white MacBook, MacBook air, my cheap dells and hp computers.

Did any of these computers have glass fronted screens?

The dust is not a problem on normal screens but add the layer of glass and you end up with a space in which dust can get into. But you cant get in to clean, unless you remove the glass. But then you can end up getting more trapped inside once you have removed the glass, clean it and put it back on.

Although it can be annoying it is just something you have to live with. Generally I have only known dust to show up when screens are off and when the light is shining directly on them. But sometimes you may get the odd occasion when you can see the speck show up when the screen is on.

[illu]

I think that are right. The chances of me getting a perfect macbook are slim.
I decided to deal with the imperfections and be happy with the macbook that I got. Dust and all, it still is the best laptop that I have ever owned.

Exaclty, I'd take my new slightly dusty MacBook over a PC any day.

Oh and btw, Avatar ftw.

[MacsBestFriend]

jeez now im scared to get a macbook! but if i have a pixel problem, im going to use the toothbrush thing the other guy was talking about...

[Dybbuk]

Exaclty, I'd take my new slightly dusty MacBook over a PC any day.

Oh and btw, Avatar ftw.

yes avatar owns except for deus ex machina lion turtle

I had a small speck of dust under my screen, sent it back. Not acceptable in any way.

[Jpoon]

Jeez, how much more anal could you guys be?

In before, "I paid over FIFTEENTH HUNDRED DOLLARS for this laptop."

If dust is getting in the screen that easily and so many times, just live with it, or get a different version.

There was a little scuff mark on the keyboard of my Santa Rosa when I got it. You had to shine light on the right way to actually see it though. The battery didn't seem to set right. I could have sworn there was a dead pixel. There was a tiny scratch on the top case when I pulled it out of the protective bag the first time. I kept finding more and more things wrong with it and trying to come up with more and more reasons why I should take it back or why it wasn't working.

In my opinion, just use the laptop. And stop freaking out over minute imperfections, that will inevitably happen. *Except for the dead pixels* That one is annoying.

[Dybbuk]

Mind explaining what the practical difference between unremovable dust covering pixels and dead pixels is? Why is one acceptable but the other not acceptable? Both interfere with the screen.

The dust gets into the screen as it is assembled. There is no way to separate the glass from the screen so it cannot be removed. It's just as bad as a dead pixel.

I tried to live with it, but it was just too irritating to see this random dot no matter what page I was on. So I sent it back. If you're happy with your expensive electronics having glaring flaws, more power to you, enjoy wasting your money.

[Ryan T.]

Mind explaining what the practical difference between unremovable dust covering pixels and dead pixels is? Why is one acceptable but the other not acceptable? Both interfere with the screen.

The dust gets into the screen as it is assembled. There is no way to separate the glass from the screen so it cannot be removed. It's just as bad as a dead pixel.

I tried to live with it, but it was just too irritating to see this random dot no matter what page I was on. So I sent it back. If you're happy with your expensive electronics having glaring flaws, more power to you, enjoy wasting your money.

I wouldn't say "wasting" -- this isn't exactly a problem that prohibits usage.

[CaptainCaveMann]

Jeez, how much more anal could you guys be?

In before, "I paid over FIFTEENTH HUNDRED DOLLARS for this laptop."

If dust is getting in the screen that easily and so many times, just live with it, or get a different version.

There was a little scuff mark on the keyboard of my Santa Rosa when I got it. You had to shine light on the right way to actually see it though. The battery didn't seem to set right. I could have sworn there was a dead pixel. There was a tiny scratch on the top case when I pulled it out of the protective bag the first time. I kept finding more and more things wrong with it and trying to come up with more and more reasons why I should take it back or why it wasn't working.

In my opinion, just use the laptop. And stop freaking out over minute imperfections, that will inevitably happen. *Except for the dead pixels* That one is annoying.

Well, plus it's like great you get one PERFECT out of the box. In two weeks it won't be perfect anymore who ****** cares dude. Get a life, I mean go outside and play with your friends or something jeez haha. I mean anyone here with sense get what I'm saying? At the end of the day it's just a computer man, it's not the end of the world. And if it is, then you have more serious ISSUES to worry about rather than a scratch on your computer.

Dead pixels? I had a couple on my TiBook that I bought used. It was a little annoying but I figured hey I bought it second or third hand and I paid 600 bucks, I used it for about a year, and sold it for 450. I just don't really think it mattered. If it was Brand New, yea I'd take it back until I got one with no dead pixels. That's really the only thing that would probably bother me though. To each his own I guess...

[illu]

Well, plus it's like great you get one PERFECT out of the box. In two weeks it won't be perfect anymore who ****** cares dude. Get a life, I mean go outside and play with your friends or something jeez haha. I mean anyone here with sense get what I'm saying? At the end of the day it's just a computer man, it's not the end of the world. And if it is, then you have more serious ISSUES to worry about rather than a scratch on your computer.

Dead pixels? I had a couple on my TiBook that I bought used. It was a little annoying but I figured hey I bought it second or third hand and I paid 600 bucks, I used it for about a year, and sold it for 450. I just don't really think it mattered. If it was Brand New, yea I'd take it back until I got one with no dead pixels. That's really the only thing that would probably bother me though. To each his own I guess...

I think you're contradicting yourself a bit...

[drew0020]

Did any of these computers have glass fronted screens?

The dust is not a problem on normal screens but add the layer of glass and you end up with a space in which dust can get into. But you cant get in to clean, unless you remove the glass. But then you can end up getting more trapped inside once you have removed the glass, clean it and put it back on.

Although it can be annoying it is just something you have to live with. Generally I have only known dust to show up when screens are off and when the light is shining directly on them. But sometimes you may get the odd occasion when you can see the speck show up when the screen is on.

You are just making excuses for Apple. If you can't make a dust free glass screen with zero dead pixels then don't make the computer. I realize this is am Apple board but I still expect more out of Apple.

[tiartrop]

I got some dust trapped inside the glass when I cleaned it for the first time, but none visible on the screen so far, or at least I hope so. No dead pixels either so I guess I've been pretty lucky.

This is rather unrelated, but when I bought my mobile phone recently (Nokia), I exchanged the first unit because it was lemon, the replacement unit had this HUGE black dust trapped underneath the glass. I went back Nokia Centre to get it replaced but apparently they just got the technician to disassemble it and clean it. I got it back with several more dust trapped inside, but this time they're white and unnoticeable, I could live with that. I wonder if Apple would do the same thing? Although looking at the construction of this machine, it's perhaps rather impossible.

[darkguy]

I've got the same annoying problem.
Some dust particles are trapped beneath the glass screen of my brand new macbook.

Some of them are quite invisible, but there is big triangular dust particle (or a tiny scratch on the glass...i can't figure out) on the center-left side of the screen tha is driving me mad.

Now i don't know what to do. I'm temped to ask for a replacement, but i'm afraid that the next could be worse :(

[miamialley]

You guys who always want these things to be perfect will sadly be disappointed time and time again. There will always be room for error in everything. Store your treasures in heaven, it's the only place where perfection exists. Your chasing an illusion. That's my 2 cents. :cool:

No perfection in heaven or earth. Both illusions.

But I do expect a mostly perfect Macbook.

...runs away...

[Floris]

I've got the same annoying problem.
Some dust particles are trapped beneath the glass screen of my brand new macbook.

Some of them are quite invisible, but there is big triangular dust particle (or a tiny scratch on the glass...i can't figure out) on the center-left side of the screen tha is driving me mad.

Now i don't know what to do. I'm temped to ask for a replacement, but i'm afraid that the next could be worse :(

You could just ask .. because you already have no .. not asking keeps no - no , for certain.

[MacsBestFriend]

ok, that is now an idea for people who like to experiment and can afford an expensive repair:

take an ultrasonic toothbrush and hold it against the screen where the dust spec is. it should shake it lose and it would fall down where it doesn't bother you (the dust speck, not the screen). i have no Glassbook or iMac so I can't try it but that's how digital cameras shake dust off the sensor.

is anybody willing to try it?

i tried it on my acer laptop! it worked!:eek: your a genius! thanks!:D

[BS85]

a macro shot of dust under the glass on my exchanged mbp. hopefully the third one will be better than the first and second. i had a bad feeling that i should have lived with the problems of my first mbp.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandonshigeta/3028102502/

[FrankieTDouglas]

You CAN expect perfection when you pay that much for a machine. Don't settle. Keep going back until you get the machine you expect to have.

[roland.g]

Oh no, invisible dust particles under the glass. :eek:

[ThomasJL]

You guys who always want these things to be perfect will sadly be disappointed time and time again. There will always be room for error in everything. Store your treasures in heaven, it's the only place where perfection exists. Your chasing an illusion. That's my 2 cents. :cool:

No. The more people who follow fanboy advice to settle for minor problems, the more Apple will continue to skimp on quality control.

If people keep returning defective MacBooks until they get a perfect one, then it may finally send a message to Apple that cutting costs on quality control is not the financially profitable thing to do. The only language Apple understands is $$$. Do not reward Apple for intentionally trying to screw you over!

[drew0020]

i tried it on my acer laptop! it worked!:eek: your a genius! thanks!:D

Does this really work? I just noticed a big particle of dust trapped under my screen ugh! Right in the middle of the screen of course and appears to cover 2 pixels wide.

[therealdt]

No. The more people who follow fanboy advice to settle for minor problems, the more Apple will continue to skimp on quality control.

If people keep returning defective MacBooks until they get a perfect one, then it may finally send a message to Apple that cutting costs on quality control is not the financially profitable thing to do. The only language Apple understands is $$$. Do not reward Apple for intentionally trying to screw you over!

No, I think the more returns, they more faster they'll make it to the refurb shop. Let's be real, the markup on these laptops is very, very, very decent, and the markup on a refurb is decent. It's not hurting Apple one bit.

[Formativeyears]

Does this really work? I just noticed a big particle of dust trapped under my screen ugh! Right in the middle of the screen of course and appears to cover 2 pixels wide.

Your mileage may vary. There is a piece of dust behind the screen of my plasma TV and one teeny tiny almost invisible piece of dust under the screen of my new aluminum macbook. I tried the toothbrush thing on both for long periods of time and neither particle budged even slightly. I've just decided to live with the "macbook" dust particle. I only notice it when I look for it, so it's not that big of a deal.

[drew0020]

Your mileage may vary. There is a piece of dust behind the screen of my plasma TV and one teeny tiny almost invisible piece of dust under the screen of my new aluminum macbook. I tried the toothbrush thing on both for long periods of time and neither particle budged even slightly. I've just decided to live with the "macbook" dust particle. I only notice it when I look for it, so it's not that big of a deal.

Mine is a huge piece of dust noticeable in all conditions not just a white screen.

[Creditcard]

Today I discovered a dust particle inside my 5th macbook pro screen.