So... about that Macbook screen wash-out

[nemein]

I was just over at my local Apple store and got the chance to see for myself if the screens between the MB and the MBP/MBA were really that different.

Here is what I tested - I opened all 3 computers' Safari and went to a website that was completely black (I used Blackle for this test). The blacks for the MBA were the darkest, but quite similar to that displayed by the MBP - a really, really dark hue, you don't see a "glow" at all. The blacks were dark enough to look like the screen's been turned off. For the MB, the blacks looked worst than my 2.5 year old Dell Inspiron - upon closer look the blacks were almost greyish. This "black" screen probably could have lit up a pitch-black room enough to see in. Its like the 3.5 edition of "Darkness" in DnD compared to the 3rd edition. Okay, bad analogy.

My question is would this condition be at least partially fixable through calibration, or if this is a permanent hardware difference between the lines? This is a deal breaker for me - I wanted to change computers because 1) my 17" Dell is too large and 2) my Dell's screen sucks. I'm not going to buy a new MB if the screen turns out the same or worst than my Dell's aging LCD.

[Eidorian]

I use a custom display profile on my MacBook right now. You might want to look into making one.

[w00tini]

its not fixable completely. between my macbook air and my aluminum macbook, there is a big difference that i cannot totally squash by tweaking any settings on the macbook.

[NC MacGuy]

Agreed. The display is the glaring problem with the new MB's.

Had Apple given it the Air's panel, it'd be a home run.

[PresentACat]

Agreed. The display is the glaring problem with the new MB's.

Had Apple given it the Air's panel, it'd be a home run.

Is it THAT bad? I have one on order.
Am I going to look at it and think "That is at least average notebook quality" or am I going to be hankering for my old laptops screen?
Is it a case of looking bad in comparison to excellent screens, or just being awful?

[mattnxtc]

Is it THAT bad? I have one on order.
Am I going to look at it and think "That is at least average notebook quality" or am I going to be hankering for my old laptops screen?
Is it a case of looking bad in comparison to excellent screens, or just being awful?

I actually look at them most days when I go by apple on my lunch break...It is a pretty noticeable downgrade between the air and the MBP.

[gwmac]

Is it THAT bad? I have one on order.
Am I going to look at it and think "That is at least average notebook quality" or am I going to be hankering for my old laptops screen?
Is it a case of looking bad in comparison to excellent screens, or just being awful?

I think sometimes it is like listening to the high fi guys. There comes a point in high end high fi that one becomes more interested in the quality of the sound than the music they are listening to.
I bought one of the 2.4Ghz alubooks for my daughter and I thought the display was fabulous - but I make do with my 2.0Ghz whitebook (I love it really, I'm going to run it into the ground for the same reason I buy my BMWs new and sell them after 100,000)

[daneoni]

Is it THAT bad? I have one on order.
Am I going to look at it and think "That is at least average notebook quality" or am I going to be hankering for my old laptops screen?
Is it a case of looking bad in comparison to excellent screens, or just being awful?

It can be that bad...just make sure not to look at a MBA/MBP screen after you receive it or you'll be pretty miffed. I love my MB but the screen really isn't great TBH. I also have an Air with me and i REALLY considered returning my MB and sticking with the Air but the Air has been giving me Kernel Panics and i cant be bothered to start fixing it so i'm returning the Air and sticking with the MB

Will probably get an external display or an iMac sometime later on

The only reason im still using the MacBook is because i calibrated the screen and came up with a decent profile which somewhat mitigates things

[DaveOZ]

I received my new MacBook yesterday. I have been using a MBPro 17 with LED HD screen plugged into ACD 24" at work and Air as portable. I found having 2 computers was a pain and the 17" was too big to lug around. I'm hoping the new MB will serve as my only computer.

So far I am happy.

1. It's just as fast as my MBPro so all good there.
2. The screen is not as good as either of the other 2, a bit blurry BUT after playing with calibrations and getting the tilt angle right is is quite usable. I'll give it a week.
3. I'm not sure if it's just my imagination but the new MB does not not seems to drive my ACD24" as crisply as the old MBPro. I'll give it a week.
4. Viewing angles are crap compared to the Air but this doe not concern me as I always sit in front of it.
5. It is obviously heavier than the Air but not much bigger. I'm very happy with it's portability.

I really hope this works out because it is the ideal setup for me and I have other plans for the 17" and the Air.

[iCries]

Went to a store today and watched both the new Alu MB and the MBP and I also watched the air.

My god. The Macbook screen is utter crap if you ask me, the difference between it and the MBP screen is like day and night, thats a deal breaker for me, I was going to get the Macbook but now I'm going for the low end MBP.

[NC MacGuy]

The new MB display is better than last MB generations. It's still subpar if you compare it to the Air or MBP's.

If you're getting a MB and you don't have a MBP or MBA or are upgrading from an older MB, you probably will think it fine.

[theoski]

I agree it is crap. Even with the best profiles it is blurry. Not acceptable for prolonged use.

[Jalbuke]

I agree it is crap. Even with the best profiles it is blurry. Not acceptable for prolonged use.

:apple:New Macs, same old crap!
Do we have a taste for suffering?:confused:

[PresentACat]

I agree it is crap. Even with the best profiles it is blurry. Not acceptable for prolonged use.

Blurry? I hadn't heard this before......

I suspect I'm not going to find it nearly as bad as some people are making out.

[theoski]

The sad thing is that if that screen was sharper it would be a beautiful machine.
13 inch. Perfect size for me. Runs VMWare like a champ. Temp always at 60. Never hear a fan. Quicktime h264 totally mind blowing.

I am always laughing at my co-workers who use PC. When they do anything their fan kicks in and hard drive goes crazy. Each time I say. Oh oh. Reactor meltdown. Hahaha.

[NC MacGuy]

I just had a thought - I have a nice brighty MBA and a washed out new AlumiBook. They are essentially the same size and design for display and lid. Hmmm. If they could be swapped I'd have an awesome machine! Really.

[sammy2066]

I got my new MacBook today, and the display sucks just as I had expected it to. I want to know if APple is sourcing the MacBook displays from multiple vendors. If so, I will return this one and try getting a better one.

Here's the details on my MacBook.

Manufacturer: 00000610
Model: 00009C89
Serial Number: 00000000
Manufacture Date: C3B1A800

This is my dad's hard earned money, and I cannot compromise on a display this bad in an already overpriced computer like the MacBook.

So please post your display details ASAP.

Cheers,
Sam

[Doublewire]

Blurry? I hadn't heard this before......

I suspect I'm not going to find it nearly as bad as some people are making out.

I concur.
I saw the Aluminum Macbok in the store for the first time with no comparison, no MBP or anything and I didn't notice anything. If it is as awful as you all are making it out to be, I think I would have noticed. I think you're just comparing it to the MBP and saying it sucks.

[GUILTIE]

Im not a hifi person but the screen oesn't bother me. It's certainly not as good as the MBP or AIr, but if you don't look at them side by side it's not bad. The vertical viewing angle is ****, but with a good screen calibration its fine for me. Of course this is my first Mac and first laptop actually, so I don't have much to compare it to besides seeing the other laptops in the apple store.

[GUILTIE]

I got my new MacBook today, and the display sucks just as I had expected it to. I want to know if APple is sourcing the MacBook displays from multiple vendors. If so, I will return this one and try getting a better one.

Here's the details on my MacBook.

Manufacturer: 00000610
Model: 00009C89
Serial Number: 00000000
Manufacture Date: C3B1A800

This is my dad's hard earned money, and I cannot compromise on a display this bad in an already overpriced computer like the MacBook.

So please post your display details ASAP.

Cheers,
Sam

I looked on the system profiler but couldn't find this info. Where is it at?

[sammy2066]

I looked on the system profiler but couldn't find this info. Where is it at?

You need to go start ColorSync Utility in Utilities. Then select your display profile form the left bar and double click open it. Then scroll down to number 13, and you will see the information.

[apolloa]

@Sammy2006 -- as said try calibrating the screen to see if it helps you?


I concur.
I saw the Aluminum Macbok in the store for the first time with no comparison, no MBP or anything and I didn't notice anything. If it is as awful as you all are making it out to be, I think I would have noticed. I think you're just comparing it to the MBP and saying it sucks.

That's EXACTLY what I did. My sister is thinking of buying my now last gen Mac Book Pro but I'm trying to convince her to go for a new Mac Book as it's just as fast or faster and smaller and will fit her needs much better for what she will use it for. So I have told her to go and look at the screens herself, because everyone has different eye's.

[sammy2066]

@Sammy2006 -- as said try calibrating the screen to see if it helps you?




That's EXACTLY what I did. My sister is thinking of buying my now last gen Mac Book Pro but I'm trying to convince her to go for a new Mac Book as it's just as fast or faster and smaller and will fit her needs much better for what she will use it for. So I have told her to go and look at the screens herself, because everyone has different eye's.

Hey,

I've been trying to calibrate this damn display since I got it. I'm just very spoilt when it comes to hardware. I might have a hard time trying to put up with this monstrosity of a display Apple decided to put in a beautiful computer like this. I feel I'm not getting the right contrast and the display is just too washed out. I think the one I saw at the store was a better display than the one I have. I just want to make sure that there are/ are not other better displays that Apple is using.

Cheers,
Sam

[apolloa]

Oh sorry Sam. Hmm, I have no doubt they use a couple of manufacturers as they always have and when you make them in mass amounts your not going to rely on one supplier of screens. A quick google shows nothing though on the subject.
Maybe give it a week and see how you go? If it's a stock machine take it back and request to see the screen of the replacement before taking it away? Or have a look at the LCD panel codes of the screens in the display machines to see if they differ?

[NC MacGuy]

I got my new MacBook today, and the display sucks just as I had expected it to. I want to know if APple is sourcing the MacBook displays from multiple vendors. If so, I will return this one and try getting a better one.

Here's the details on my MacBook.

Manufacturer: 00000610
Model: 00009C89
Serial Number: 00000000
Manufacture Date: C3B1A800

This is my dad's hard earned money, and I cannot compromise on a display this bad in an already overpriced computer like the MacBook.

So please post your display details ASAP.

Cheers,
Sam

I have a 9C89 model also. I downloaded Eldorian's profile and his comes up as a 9C5E. Both manufacturer 610.

[Eidorian]

I have a 9C89 model also. I downloaded Eldorian's profile and his comes up as a 9C5E. Both manufacturer 610.Note, my MacBook is the Late 2007 one. I bought it the day of release. When I get home I'll get my display information and post it here.

The default profile is miserable in my opinion and I got my updated one off of another user on MacRumors. I have a friend with an identical MacBook bought in late January of 2008 and they're using my profile as well.

If anyone is going to try it on a new Aluminium Macbook how is it compared to the default Apple one?

[sammy2066]

Note, my MacBook is the Late 2007 one. I bought it the day of release. When I get home I'll get my display information and post it here.

The default profile is miserable in my opinion and I got my updated one off of another user on MacRumors. I have a friend with an identical MacBook bought in late January of 2008 and they're using my profile as well.

If anyone is going to try it on a new Aluminium Macbook how is it compared to the default Apple one?

I tried your profile on my macbook, and it was still a little too blue and washed out for my taste. I mean, we can't really make a bad panel good just by calibration. This needs to be taken to the next level, because this screen is a rip-off!

Anybody up for signing petitions?

[Eidorian]

I tried your profile on my macbook, and it was still a little too blue and washed out for my taste. I mean, we can't really make a bad panel good just by calibration. This needs to be taken to the next level, because this screen is a rip-off!

Anybody up for signing petitions?Yeah it looks like it only really works on the Late 2007 MacBook then. Thanks for trying it out though. I get similar results using it on my 20" iMac at work.

The MacBook panels have always been of a lower quality in general. Apple really wants to push you to the MacBook Pro for a better LCD.

[bluesTank]

Compared to what I am used to, the colors on my new macbook are magnificent and I love it.

I don't know what you all are talking about it being a rip off. It looks incredible, and my wife was amazed when we first took it out and turned it on.

I don't understand what the problem is?

[Eidorian]

Compared to what I am used to, the colors on my new macbook are magnificent and I love it.

I don't know what you all are talking about it being a rip off. It looks incredible, and my wife was amazed when we first took it out and turned it on.

I don't understand what the problem is?Have you tried different color profiles on your new MacBook? Do you have another Mac to compare it to?

Unless you're spending money on calibration hardware then a lot of this depends on your eyes and interpretation of a display.

I'm a big fan of reading newspapers and other paper media since a displayed version doesn't seem as real to my eyes.

[poozer115]

I'm envious of all these people buying Macbook's for their daughters, and having their Macbook paid for with their "dad's hard earned money" =(. I'm sixteen and it's going to take me another whole year before I can pay for one of these machines (jealous expression).

[eye.surgeon]

I'm coming off a Sony TZ with an LCD screen largely considered one of the best in the industry. I find the screen on my MB to have a fairly limited viewing angle but when positioned correctly it's fine. I'm OK with that in fact it works like a privacy screen which I need at times anyways.

[sammy2066]

Have you tried different color profiles on your new MacBook? Do you have another Mac to compare it to?

Unless you're spending money on calibration hardware then a lot of this depends on your eyes and interpretation of a display.

I'm a big fan of reading newspapers and other paper media since a displayed version doesn't seem as real to my eyes.

Well put. There are some people (like me. and many others on this forum) who expect nothing short of the best from Apple. I've been a loyal Apple user for years now, and I've seen the company become what it is today. Quality used to be Apple's strong points, but it seems the profits have given way to value engineering and economies of scale.

My primary work monitor is a Dell 2005FPW, which has brilliant viewing angles and color reproduction. My bar was already set too high it seems.

[Eidorian]

Well put. There are some people (like me. and many others on this forum) who expect nothing short of the best from Apple. I've been a loyal Apple user for years now, and I've seen the company become what it is today. Quality used to be Apple's strong points, but it seems the profits have given way to value engineering and economies of scale.

My primary work monitor is a Dell 2005FPW, which has brilliant viewing angles and color reproduction. My bar was already set too high it seems.I'm moving from iMacs and a wonderful Dell 2407 at another job. The MacBook is much more bearable when using the customized profile that I posted earlier. Even then I can't guarantee it's calibrated in any way. The colors and contrast is a remarkable improvement to my eyes over what Apple ships as the default profile for my MacBook.

Sadly the MacBook is shipping with a much more inferior LCD panel then the MacBook Pro. You can only make an inferior panel look so much better. There is some investment in a panel with a wider viewing angle and color gamut.

The viewing angle on my MacBook does annoy me from time to time but it usually doesn't take much more then a quick adjustment to rectify it. It's great for privacy but poor for multiple viewers or movie playback.

[hazoomeh]

I just turned this new glassbook baby on a few mins ago. The display I think is nice but the text is somewhat out of focus. It seems more like a calibration issue. After all, apple didn't tell us they are using a different technology between the new MB and MBPs.. Perhaps the screen size just makes calibration difficult??

[Cabbit]

How is the new macbook display compared to the GMA 950 era macbook, my friend has the SR MB and it is no ware near as nice as the display on this on, hers has a noticeable grid a bit like a television and she can only look at it from limited angles.
My one i can look at it from every angle and even from a good distance and it is still showing sharp color and images without any of that ghost type view were everything looks inverted like her one and a lot of the newer macbooks i have seen.

[bluesTank]

So why are we comparing this macbook to the macbook pro? Obviously the pro will be better, otherwise it wouldn't be more expensive?

I think a fair comparison would be to the old macbook, or even the old macbook pro.

If you can tell me that this new aluminum macbook has a worse display then the old macbook, then THAT is a problem and it would be logical to complain. Didn't the previous gen. macbook pro have a better screen then the plastic macbook? What is the difference now?

I am saying all this assuming that the new gen macbook display HAS been upgraded from the old macbook. If not...then I will shut up and complain with you all.

Also I am curious as to whether there has been an improvement on this macbook over the previous gen MB pro? Anyone know?

[DaveOZ]

I've calibrated mine 3 times now and it's at the point where I'm happy.

Calibration makes a massive difference to text on white readability. I don't think sharing calibrations is the way to go. Use expert mode and really take the time to get it right. I use the suggested method of sitting back about 1m and sort of squinting. I also found it easier to use a mouse and turn the speed right down while you do it.

Good luck.

[sammy2066]

I'm still fiddling with my MB ... I've just gotta live with it till December. Then I take it back to India for my Dad, and I get to use his MacBook Pro. :cool:

[hazoomeh]

I've calibrated mine 3 times now and it's at the point where I'm happy.

Calibration makes a massive difference to text on white readability. I don't think sharing calibrations is the way to go. Use expert mode and really take the time to get it right. I use the suggested method of sitting back about 1m and sort of squinting. I also found it easier to use a mouse and turn the speed right down while you do it.

Good luck.

Which part of the calibrations affect display sharpness? A little over my head here.

[DaveOZ]

Contrast.

[nemein]

Thanks for the replies guys. Were any of you able to make pure black colors to not glow on the screen? I get this awful feeling whenever I see a black on the screen that turns out grey, so that you never actually see true "black".

As to why we're comparing screens of the different laptops, bluesTank - I did it to get a scope of the MB screen's quality. Its not about a change of quality, but about the quality of the screen right now; its like using a benchmark. Without comparing the screens, you'd never even know they WERE different based on the minimal specs Apple provides on their LCD (no contrast ratios, or brightness levels given... store reps were completely clueless as well). And that I think is pretty deceptive of Apple. I shouldn't "expect" a worst screen on a laptop just because it is a consumer laptop at a lower price point - the Air's got the same bloody screen technology (or even better, from what I've seen) as the Pro and it is definitely cheaper.

[jade]

I think side by side comparisons are tricky. The screen is superior to the outgoing macbook certainly. The insiron 640m i am typing this on has better viewing anges, but isn't as bright. Fonts are a little fuzzy sometimes. The macbook, the fonts look great. In terms of color (based on the computer I am sitting in front of right now.) The MacBook has far better color reproduction, and the images are much crisper. So the macbook has a nice LCD. Not as nice as the MBP. But absolutely usable in fact it is really bright and crisp. Unless you are looking at the vertical viewing angle.

If you are skeptical, go to your local apple dealer and look EXCLUSIVELY at the MB screen in the typical way you'd use it. Try some movie trailers and judge for yourself. (it is a huge improvement over the Dell i use at work, my old ibook and the outgoing macbook model.) That's good enough for me. :D

[mac jones]

Well I'm going to keep as it's pretty cheap.

As I recall the original Macbooks screens were not the greatest and that didn't seem to bother anyone except the hardcore nit-pickers (like myself).

But if the buzz get's seriously bad maybe Apple will start spending a little more on the better 13" screens and we can change them later if we are desperate.

Mind you, I have an Air and it's screen is best screen i've ever seen on a laptop.

On second thought, I doubt Apple will do anything.

If people want better screens they pay more for the 'Pro'.

[bluesTank]

Yes I don't think apple will do anything about this OR the firewire problem.

Apple customers are STILL going to by these laptops no matter how much they complain. These things just encourage them to buy a more expensive laptop, which is in no way bad for apple.

[nemein]

Actually in my case I'm considering the Sony Z at the moment. There ARE people that want a 13" with a good screen (and decent performance)...

[pw1388]

Sorry pls don't flame me but is there a way to calibrate your screen when u run vista?

[Slurpy2k8]

It's not the fact that the MB's screen is inferior to the Pro that really grates me. That was to be expected. It's that it's visibly inferior to that of the Air. Why, Apple, Why? The screens are the exact same size, same resolution, LED, and the air came out close to a year ago. Why couldn't they have at least kep that quality, instead of intentionally crippling it and putting in an inferior display? It's absolutely ridiculous, and a massive disappointment from Apple. I had no doubt I was going to purchase this before comments about the display started sprouting up from reviews, and its really turned me off. Its not just the issue itself, but the rationalization that Apple must have made to come to this decision. It's just utterly insulting, and extremely frugal, especially for a $1400 laptop.

[mcdj]

I use a custom display profile on my MacBook right now. You might want to look into making one.

I like this profile very much. Not too cool, like the other one called "Perfect" posted in this thread, and no where near as washed out as the default. Thanks for sharing.

*EDIT* After some more experimenting, I find this profile to be too contrasty. Shadow details, especially in B&W photos are lost.

[Moks]

I've just ordered one of the 'old' macbook 2.4 Ghz's from refurb store. As long as the screen no worse than my iBook G4's I'll be happy. That has very limited vertical viewing angles in my opinion, but it's been fine for me for four+ years.

[jade]

I've just ordered one of the 'old' macbook 2.4 Ghz's from refurb store. As long as the screen no worse than my iBook G4's I'll be happy. That has very limited vertical viewing angles in my opinion, but it's been fine for me for four+ years.

The new MB has a way better screen than the ibooks. :D

[months]

I use a custom display profile on my MacBook right now. You might want to look into making one.

Hey guys, just got the 2.4 ghz alu macbook yesterday, I love it and this is my first mac

but sorry, how do i make a custom display profile/use yours? i downloaded your file but i don't know how to use the program that opened up

[Eidorian]

Hey guys, just got the 2.4 ghz alu macbook yesterday, I love it and this is my first mac

but sorry, how do i make a custom display profile/use yours? i downloaded your file but i don't know how to use the program that opened upColor profiles go in /Library/ColorSync/Profiles/Displays/

After that it'll show up in System Preferences -> Displays -> Color.

Keep in mind my color profile is for the Late 2007 MacBook. It looks like it doesn't hold over on the new Aluminium MacBooks.

[Greystorm]

Here's the details on my MacBook.

Manufacturer: 00000610
Model: 00009C89
Serial Number: 00000000
Manufacture Date: C3B1A800


That's interesting. My MacBook says the following under Color Profiles:

Manufacturer: 00000610
Model: 00009C8C
Serial Number: 00000000
Manufacture Date: C3C41D00

It looks like there are at least two models out there. I wonder what the difference is?

[fuzzielitlpanda]

well i've tried to calibrate the screen myself, but i honestly think the stock setting looks the best.

[CoreyMac]

I went to the apple store today AGAIN....second time in the past week to play with the new MacBook as Im considering purchasing one (2.4)....and I gotta say, the screen complaints are overblown.....yes the viewing angles from top and bottom are kinda shoddy, but the side viewing angles arent too bad....also I played with the calibration utility in expert mode in the store and made it look significantly better than the stock settings with the 1.8 Standard Gamma etc.

For those of you afraid that the screen is awful....its not. People on this board are just far more nitpicky than the average consumer. You will only notice any color difference if you have the MB and the MBP side by side once you're all calibrated.

[MontrealMonger]

I went to the apple store today AGAIN....second time in the past week to play with the new MacBook as Im considering purchasing one (2.4)....and I gotta say, the screen complaints are overblown.....yes the viewing angles from top and bottom are kinda shoddy, but the side viewing angles arent too bad....also I played with the calibration utility in expert mode in the store and made it look significantly better than the stock settings with the 1.8 Standard Gamma etc.

For those of you afraid that the screen is awful....its not. People on this board are just far more nitpicky than the average consumer. You will only notice any color difference if you have the MB and the MBP side by side once you're all calibrated.

That's great to hear. How would you say the screen would fare for watching DVDs?

[NC MacGuy]

It's not horrid. Really. I think I've been spoiled by my Air and MBP's.

Best cal. effort so far:

[lidomkj]

I have 9c8c. no complaints on screen here. I have a macbook air and I do not see any difference in screens. Maybe there are issues with the other model number?

[sammy2066]

That's interesting. My MacBook says the following under Color Profiles:

Manufacturer: 00000610
Model: 00009C8C
Serial Number: 00000000
Manufacture Date: C3C41D00

It looks like there are at least two models out there. I wonder what the difference is?

I think that might be the better screen. I will go to my Apple store tomorrow and find out if I can get a replacement.

This screen is soo terrible, I can't take it anymore.

[Halsey12]

Buy a Pantone Huey. Best 90 bucks I spent on my computers. Even with the glass over the screen, it should make a world of difference.

[fuzzielitlpanda]

Buy a Pantone Huey. Best 90 bucks I spent on my computers. Even with the glass over the screen, it should make a world of difference.

does it calibrate automatically or does it take you through steps where you adjust manually?

[tfstone]

I am quite sad that the quality is not on par with the Air display. I had an Air and do currently own a 24 iMac. Both have impressive displays IMHO. I am switching out my early 2007 (non LED) work Macbook Pro for the 2,4 Macbook as I travel a lot. The configuration is just what I need.

I am thrilled to see how the new Macbook compares against the non LED Macbook Pro screen. Can someone enlighten me?

I any case I guess I will find out on Monday when it arrives.

[consumedsoul]

The new MacBook displays are definitely better than the previous gen displays (small viewing angle) but are definitely worst quality than the new MacBook Pro displays. I went into the store SET on purchasing the 2.4 MB until I looked more closely and compared side-by-side with the MPB displays. While improved overall, it's more 'washed-out', with less viewing angle than the MBP displays. Purchased a 2.4 MBP and am happy w/ the choice (display = very important to me as I'm doing client presentations at coffee shops for my photo work, etc.).

[fewture]

I think sometimes it is like listening to the high fi guys. There comes a point in high end high fi that one becomes more interested in the quality of the sound than the music they are listening to.
I bought one of the 2.4Ghz alubooks for my daughter and I thought the display was fabulous - but I make do with my 2.0Ghz whitebook (I love it really, I'm going to run it into the ground for the same reason I buy my BMWs new and sell them after 100,000)

After your irrelevant posts in another thread, completing missing the point of the OP, I don't trust your judgment.

[applestew]

I find that just changing the gamma really improves on things.

For those who just want to try this without tweaking around can try this profile. Just unzip and place the icc file into Library/ColorSync/Profiles.

[kasakka]

I went to the apple store today AGAIN....second time in the past week to play with the new MacBook as Im considering purchasing one (2.4)....and I gotta say, the screen complaints are overblown.....yes the viewing angles from top and bottom are kinda shoddy, but the side viewing angles arent too bad....also I played with the calibration utility in expert mode in the store and made it look significantly better than the stock settings with the 1.8 Standard Gamma etc.

For those of you afraid that the screen is awful....its not. People on this board are just far more nitpicky than the average consumer. You will only notice any color difference if you have the MB and the MBP side by side once you're all calibrated.

I have to agree with you. Today I looked at the new Macbook, MBP and Air side by side and while the MBP and Air definitely do have better screens, I didn't think the MB screen was as bad as some say and I consider myself a bit of a monitor nazi.

Viewing angles horizontally were perfectly fine, no problems there. It was the vertical angles where the problems were and I felt the new MBP had some slight problems here as well (mainly color shifting). I used lagom.nl's test images to check out the viewing angles and even on the MBP the "viewing angle" test images showed shifting colors, not something I see on my S-PVA panel desktop monitors. When it comes to the Macbook, I feel that it really only requires you to play with the screen angle more if you want good colors.

I played with the calibration slightly as well and felt I could easily get better colors with that. The new Macbook screen is definitely an improvement over the old white MB.

[manny23lakeshow]

I initially bought the 2.0 macbook, the day of release. This was before they had the models out on the apple store tables for display. Stupid decision on my part, but I am an impatient person who was waiting without a laptop for a long time. When I brought it home, I was pleased with the display initially, but I found myself having to constantly shift the screen up or down to get good color. I ended up having a loose battery cover, and the next day I noticed the spotlight effect on the bottom of my screen. Took it back to the apple store the other day, and the other macbooks on display did not have this. they let me exchange for no restocking fee, but I fell in love with the Macbook pro's display. It is amazing, and much better then the old pro's display. I ended up paying the difference to get the base mbp.

Overall, the screen in the macbook is decent, if you are comparing to the old macbooks, it is an improvement, as I had a first get whitebook. The only way you will nit pick, is if you set the mackbook right next to the pro or even the MBA, and will see the differences. The black levels on my MBP are amazing, as well as the viewing angles. Colors pop and I am not adjusting my screen all of the time

However, I miss the size of my MB.

[mac jones]

i don't think it's a good idea to compare side by side.

As an example of this. I have a MBA which has a fantastic screen and is painfully bright-you wouldn't want it brighter.

But I started using it with amy 24" Westinghouse monitor that has an outrageous 500nits brightness (way too bright but I've gotten used to it)

and the Air looks dim beside it! .

It's an psycho-optical (you can quote me :D ) effect that can distort your prerception and ultimatley your purchasing decision (apparently), especially when you have a prescribed budget and form factor when you go to the Apple store.

best to just get the thing and see if you warm to it.

But have said that, i've had a few screens myself that I can't warm to
; such as a first gen. MBP with a backlight that progressively got dimmer until it started to bug me.

[duffyanneal]

That's interesting. My MacBook says the following under Color Profiles:
Model: 00009C8C

It looks like there are at least two models out there. I wonder what the difference is?

Yeah there are at least two different screen vendors. The 9C89 is what I had in my MB. It is manufactured by LG and is a decent screen. Comparing the 9C89 to a 9C8C the later is a little better. The 9C8C has less backlight bleed so the bottom third is less washed out than the 9C89. The 9C8C seems to have a little better viewing angle as well.

[sammy2066]

Yeah there are at least two different screen vendors. The 9C89 is what I had in my MB. It is manufactured by LG and is a decent screen. Comparing the 9C89 to a 9C8C the later is a little better. The 9C8C has less backlight bleed so the bottom third is less washed out than the 9C89. The 9C8C seems to have a little better viewing angle as well.

I'm definitely pushing for a replacement ... how do you think I should proceed?
I have a 9C89 and I hate it. I need a 9C8C.

[duffyanneal]

I'm definitely pushing for a replacement ... how do you think I should proceed?
I have a 9C89 and I hate it. I need a 9C8C.

I swapped my MB for a MBP but the same may apply to you. I just put up a black background and moved a white icon around the screen in front of the manager. The icon would start out white at the bottom and start to disappear near the top. If you can show a manager that you might be able to convince them to give you an exchange.

[NC MacGuy]

I swapped my MB for a MBP but the same may apply to you. I just put up a black background and moved a white icon around the screen in front of the manager. The icon would start out white at the bottom and start to disappear near the top. If you can show a manager that you might be able to convince them to give you an exchange.

But you exchanged for a MBP... Is the other display model really that much better to risk getting another MB with some other flaw?

I have the 89 model too. Even after I get the thing relatively calibrated I'm constantly having to adjust angle. I'm going to see if I can be happy with it and if not either try another or beg to apply purchase price towards a new Air - assuming they didn't cheap out that display in Rev. 2.:rolleyes:

[Philflow]

I'm definitely pushing for a replacement ... how do you think I should proceed?
I have a 9C89 and I hate it. I need a 9C8C.

You think it's going to be much better but I'm not sure. I don't think it's going to be like the Air for example.

[mcdj]

I'm definitely pushing for a replacement ... how do you think I should proceed?
I have a 9C89 and I hate it. I need a 9C8C.

ugh. here we go. this is starting to remind me of the iphone threads from last year..."week 36 iphones are the best!"

how do you know you "need" a 9C8C if you haven't even seen one?

if you think you're going to have a Genius open 5 boxes to find the screen you "need", you are in for a disappointment. don't take a couple of users' words for it. their eyes may be more or less sensitive than yours. there are so many factors as to why 2 screens, even with the exact same part number, may look different. it's not an exacting science. these are consumer notebooks.

[NC MacGuy]

ugh. here we go. this is starting to remind me of the iphone threads from last year..."week 36 iphones are the best!"

how do you know you "need" a 9C8C if you haven't even seen one?

if you think you're going to have a Genius open 5 boxes to find the screen you "need", you are in for a disappointment. don't take a couple of users' words for it. their eyes may be more or less sensitive than yours. there are so many factors as to why 2 screens, even with the exact same part number, may look different. it's not an exacting science. these are consumer notebooks.

I agree with you to a point. Until you actually see the other display and even take yours in and set it right down next to it and make sure it's significantly better, you won't know if you need it or not.

I do take issue with your "consumer notebooks" thought though. At $1600 these are hardly cheap. I would think at that price I would have an above average display.

[mcdj]

I do take issue with your "consumer notebooks" thought though. At $1600 these are hardly cheap. I would think at that price I would have an above average display.

Never said they were cheap. A Canon 5D is not cheap, but it is still a consumer level camera. That's not to say pros don't use them. But compared to a professional Canon, there are corners that have been cut. (weather sealing, etc.)

I don't recall anywhere near this amount of noise about the screens of the previous Macbooks. People back then compared them to iBooks and Powerbooks and were very happy. Now the differences are not large enough between the previous gen and the aluminum models, so people are shifting their comparisons to the Air and MBP. Those are simply spendier machines. The MBP is pro level, and the Air is a luxury product. It stands to reason their screens would be different, and better.

In a month, this will all die down as people stop obsessing and get back to computing.

[sammy2066]

ugh. here we go. this is starting to remind me of the iphone threads from last year..."week 36 iphones are the best!"

how do you know you "need" a 9C8C if you haven't even seen one?

if you think you're going to have a Genius open 5 boxes to find the screen you "need", you are in for a disappointment. don't take a couple of users' words for it. their eyes may be more or less sensitive than yours. there are so many factors as to why 2 screens, even with the exact same part number, may look different. it's not an exacting science. these are consumer notebooks.

I just saw a 9C8C screen at my campus Apple store ... it's definitely better than the 9C89 ...

[mac jones]

I just saw a 9C8C screen at my campus Apple store ... it's definitely better than the 9C89 ...

It think

that you're obsessive. :o

[joegomolski]

I agree with you. There seem to be a lot of folks posting who expect a LCD on a 1299 laptop to be the same as a much more expense laptop, re the MBP and MBA. Have you complainers ever taken a course in Economics? Geez
I don't recall anywhere near this amount of noise about the screens of the previous Macbooks. People back then compared them to iBooks and Powerbooks and were very happy. Now the differences are not large enough between the previous gen and the aluminum models, so people are shifting their comparisons to the Air and MBP. Those are simply spendier machines. The MBP is pro level, and the Air is a luxury product. It stands to reason their screens would be different, and better.

In a month, this will all die down as people stop obsessing and get back to computing.

[NC MacGuy]

Never said they were cheap. A Canon 5D is not cheap, but it is still a consumer level camera. That's not to say pros don't use them. But compared to a professional Canon, there are corners that have been cut. (weather sealing, etc.)

I don't recall anywhere near this amount of noise about the screens of the previous Macbooks. People back then compared them to iBooks and Powerbooks and were very happy. Now the differences are not large enough between the previous gen and the aluminum models, so people are shifting their comparisons to the Air and MBP. Those are simply spendier machines. The MBP is pro level, and the Air is a luxury product. It stands to reason their screens would be different, and better.

In a month, this will all die down as people stop obsessing and get back to computing.

I've had Apple laptops since Apple first started making them including all you've mentioned. The display on the new MB's is different in a way that has been hard to put my finger on - or get used to. Out of the box it's not usable for me which is saying quite a bit since I'm fairly tolerant. The canned display color profiles with the limited viewing angle compounded for an unpleasant extended computing experience. Bluer than blue.... I felt like I'd been taking Viagra every stinking day since I bought it. Headaches and seeing blue tinted everything.:eek:

I'm not talking just shiny, reflections or can't get colors right in Photoshop or Aperture or the matte vs. glossy never ending story. This thing was downright unbearable for typical "stuff." The newest color profile truly seems to have helped. If I was a real whiner or obsessor, I'd have taken it back last week but I'm trying to make it usable since it's my only gripe with the machine. (or maybe I'm just too lazy to go through "genius" appt. BS.)

The new MB display as far as I saw it was a downgrade from previous models where everything else was upgraded to maintain Apples price point. $1600 is quite a bit these days for a "consumer" machine. Had it been $800, I wouldn't say a peep and just returned it.

[sammy2066]

I agree with you. There seem to be a lot of folks posting who expect a LCD on a 1299 laptop to be the same as a much more expense laptop, re the MBP and MBA. Have you complainers ever taken a course in Economics? Geez

Last time I checked, $1299 is a lot of money. A Dell and HP computer for $1299 has better specs than the MacBook. It only has 2 USB ports, no FireWire, and only 2GB RAM, and no option for a 7200rpm HDD.

A Dell or an HP configured for the same price is a much better value.

And seriously, please enlighten me as to what aspect of Economics you are referring to here ... I'd really like to know.

I don't think it is unrealistic to expect a decent LCD on a $1299 laptop. Except, the LCD on the MacBook is dismal, way worse than decent.

[sammy2066]

It think

that you're obsessive. :o

I actually did a side-by-side comparison with my laptop. It was definitely better.

[foudordi]

OK,

I'm really peaced off because to me, the higher price and LED display of macbooks meant a display quality finally equal to macbook pro's.

But I went to the App store the morning and made a comparison between my current white macbook and the new macbooks / pro / Air.

The unibody macbook's screen is definitely better backlight than my macbook, but the colors are blueish and cold.
What really bothered me, however, is that while the quality seems better on regular use (with photos, word processing, etc...), the quality dropps enormously when you use dark materials, especially movies. Then, I swear the blacks are far less black than my current macbook. It's got a white reflection that we used to see on old laptops.
Once again, Apple tries to make some extra money on a machine that is already way more expensive than comparable laptops.

The macbook pro's screen, on the other hand, is gorgeous. But I didn't want to have a big and heavy laptop.
With Apple's strategy, you can't have a decent machine under 15,4" screen: the macbook's screen sucks, and the macbook air is limited to 2GB of memory (so it's basically already obsolete).

Maybe the best solution is to try and install mac os on a PC... Asus has very nice machines for half the price.

[OnEMoReTrY]

Sorry to interrupt this thread but, where in the world do you find what kind of display it is? I've looked everywhere. Thanks.
Edit: Nevermind found it. My replacement has 9C89 just like I suspected =(. The macbook I had originally was amazing looking but it stopped getting power while plugged in so I had to get it replaced. I immediately noticed the difference on my replacement. Sigh. My touchpad is also significantly harder to click then my last one or any in the simply mac store near my house. My thumb has actually started to get really sore and develop a blister from clicking with it =/

[duffyanneal]

\My touchpad is also significantly harder to click then my last one or any in the simply mac store near my house. My thumb has actually started to get really sore and develop a blister from clicking with it =/

Try this.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=6498630#post6498630

[bidwalj]

I compared the screens today at the apple store between all 3 laptops

At the perfect angle, the new macbook easily looks like the Airs. The Air screen is better from all angles, but the macbook can achieve it by tilting the screen to the right spot.

The pros screen were a different story, they are clearly better but is justified. It is a pro machine and costs much more.

[OnEMoReTrY]

Try this.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=6498630#post6498630

Awesome! Sounds promising :)! I'll give it a shot when I get home later tonight and post back. Thanks so much.

[duffyanneal]

At the perfect angle, the new macbook easily looks like the Airs. The Air screen is better from all angles, but the macbook can achieve it by tilting the screen to the right spot.

Yeah, I owned a couple of MBA's when they were first released. I really haven't seen the current MBA screens, but the original MBA screens were nice but they were far from perfect. They didn't have the best viewing angles and they suffered from dark blotches and dark vertical stripes. I finally gave up finding a good display. Contrast that with the new MB displays and they aren't that bad. The viewing angle isn't the best but at least it isn't blotchy and stripped.

[Greystorm]

The more I use this machine for day to day use the more I'm growing to like the screen.

I set up iPhoto last night and imported my old photos into it. They looked amazing compared to how they looked on my old Dell notebook. So much more pop and colour impact. It's hard to describe.

The vertical viewing angle isn't great, but when you're sitting down looking at the screen in normal use it's no where near as bad as some people are making it out to be.

[bidwalj]

The more I use this machine for day to day use the more I'm growing to like the screen.

I set up iPhoto last night and imported my old photos into it. They looked amazing compared to how they looked on my old Dell notebook. So much more pop and colour impact. It's hard to describe.

The vertical viewing angle isn't great, but when you're sitting down looking at the screen in normal use it's no where near as bad as some people are making it out to be.

exactly. the screen is quite good when set at the direct view angle. It easily looks good as the Airs. I dont know why someone would want to view the screen from different angles, but its not that hard to adjust.

For the average consumer, the screen is quite good.

[NC MacGuy]

exactly. the screen is quite good when set at the direct view angle. It easily looks good as the Airs. I dont know why someone would want to view the screen from different angles, but its not that hard to adjust.

For the average consumer, the screen is quite good.

Try and watch a movie with a lot of dark scenes and get the screen angle so you have black blacks from top to bottom.

It's not easily as good as the Airs - I have one of each and know.

[MacJenn]

I got the new 2.4 one last week and I'm taking it back and getting the Pro. The screen is just horrible and for the price it is a rip off. My friends have the Air and Pro and their screen are so much better than this one. My friends $700 Dell is better than this one. This isn't acceptable. I sold my loved blackbook because I wanted a better screen. This one is better, but not better like some of you are saying. If you want a decent screen and stay with Apple, then this Macbook isn't for you.

[bidwalj]

Try and watch a movie with a lot of dark scenes and get the screen angle so you have black blacks from top to bottom.

It's not easily as good as the Airs - I have one of each and know.


fair enough, for that it might not be as good but I dont think many primarily watch dark scene movies all the time on their macbook. When that need arises, I'm sure the macbooks screen will be adequate for that situation.

People having been ripping the screen on here to great lengths as if its leaps and bounds inferior to the air. other than more viewing angles, the Air's screen is not THAT much better where the macbooks doesnt get the job done.

[MacJenn]

fair enough, for that it might not be as good but I dont think many primarily watch dark scene movies all the time on their macbook. When that need arises, I'm sure the macbooks screen will be adequate for that situation.

People having been ripping the screen on here to great lengths as if its leaps and bounds inferior to the air. other than more viewing angles, the Air's screen is not THAT much better where the macbooks doesnt get the job done.


My brother has the Air and he is right here with me. We are looking at my new 2.4 and his Air and his looks wayyyyyyyyyyyyyy better. Nice try though.

[NC MacGuy]

fair enough, for that it might not be as good but I dont think many primarily watch dark scene movies all the time on their macbook. When that need arises, I'm sure the macbooks screen will be adequate for that situation.

People having been ripping the screen on here to great lengths as if its leaps and bounds inferior to the air. other than more viewing angles, the Air's screen is not THAT much better where the macbooks doesnt get the job done.

Or go to a website with a dark background and try to differentiate blacks/grays/browns. Oh, yeah, got to readjust the screen - again!

[ptsube]

Screen calibration site.

http://epaperpress.com/monitorcal/index.html

[bidwalj]

Or go to a website with a dark background and try to differentiate blacks/grays/browns. Oh, yeah, got to readjust the screen - again!

If you have the angle set correctly, I feel the screen revivals that on the Air. I dnt think you need to re-adjust more than once in one sitting. Have it set at the setting you feel works best and the blacks, darks all look great.

[NC MacGuy]

If you have the angle set correctly, I feel the screen revivals that on the Air. I dnt think you need to re-adjust more than once in one sitting. Have it set at the setting you feel works best and the blacks, darks all look great.

Do you have one? Do you have an Air?

Very curious to know.

[MacJenn]

Do you have one? Do you have an Air?

Very curious to know.

no he owns a new macbook probably and wants it so desperately to be as good as the screen on the air and pro.. it is a stupid argument to make. it is a lot worse.

[OnEMoReTrY]

Awesome! Sounds promising :)! I'll give it a shot when I get home later tonight and post back. Thanks so much.

omg it works perfectly now! I think I can finally start enjoying this macbook :) thanks again.

[sammy2066]

Increasing the contrast from the Universal Access seems to mitigate the problems of this screen substantially.

[Ironduke]

It's not the fact that the MB's screen is inferior to the Pro that really grates me. That was to be expected. It's that it's visibly inferior to that of the Air. Why, Apple, Why? The screens are the exact same size, same resolution, LED, and the air came out close to a year ago. Why couldn't they have at least kep that quality, instead of intentionally crippling it and putting in an inferior display? It's absolutely ridiculous, and a massive disappointment from Apple. I had no doubt I was going to purchase this before comments about the display started sprouting up from reviews, and its really turned me off. Its not just the issue itself, but the rationalization that Apple must have made to come to this decision. It's just utterly insulting, and extremely frugal, especially for a $1400 laptop.

The probably bought a cheaper LED screen then the air one, for the profit

[SILENTMAC]

I watch Apple Insiders RSS Feed and the following article popped up:

"MacBook buyers sound off against questionable screen quality
from *AppleInsider* | *Apple Insider* News and Analysis
For all its structural and performance improvements, the new MacBook and Apple are facing sharp criticism from some owners and would-be buyers who say the LCD appears to have a blue tint and doesn't solve some problems with earlier generation designs."

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/10/24/macbook_buyers_sound_off_against_questionable_screen_quality.html

When I tried to access the article it seems to be empty...anyone else notice this? Maybe the article will be up in a few days.

[NC MacGuy]

MB screen issues aren't limited to MR users:

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1757089&tstart=0

Just a bunch of whiners ehh? I think not..

May very well go see if mr. applegenius will give me credit for a gen. 2 Air.

[vincenz]

Increasing the contrast from the Universal Access seems to mitigate the problems of this screen substantially.

If people haven't already tried this, do so. I'm not as picky as others are (not that there's anything wrong with being so), but I upped the contrast a little using this method and it looks substantially better.

[mcdj]

Increasing the contrast from the Universal Access seems to mitigate the problems of this screen substantially.

shadow details in B&W photos disappear when you do this.

[vincenz]

shadow details in B&W photos disappear when you do this.

Not if you adjust it only VERY slightly. I only went about 1/3 of the way from the left of the first "segment". If you do it more than that, yes you might lose out on some details in b&w images.

[daneoni]

I watch Apple Insiders RSS Feed and the following article popped up:

"MacBook buyers sound off against questionable screen quality
from *AppleInsider* | *Apple Insider* News and Analysis
For all its structural and performance improvements, the new MacBook and Apple are facing sharp criticism from some owners and would-be buyers who say the LCD appears to have a blue tint and doesn't solve some problems with earlier generation designs."

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/10/24/macbook_buyers_sound_off_against_questionable_screen_quality.html

When I tried to access the article it seems to be empty...anyone else notice this? Maybe the article will be up in a few days.

I noticed this as as well. Go figure

[Stebus]

I just wanted to ask, this screen is better than the previous gen Macbook? I don't care how it compares to the Air or Pro, that isn't relevant to me. If it was worse than the previous gen then i'd have a hard time justifying buying one, however it sounds like it's better.

Honestly I've never had a problem with my Blackbook screen, I don't understand all this screen nazi-ism. Also you can't blame Apple for trying to make a profit, blame the corrupt economy. Honestly I'm getting tired of people blaming companies for not giving you the absolute best product they can give. What do they have to gain from that? Nothing.

[HoldFastHope]

I just wanted to ask, this screen is better than the previous gen Macbook? I don't care how it compares to the Air or Pro, that isn't relevant to me. If it was worse than the previous gen then i'd have a hard time justifying buying one, however it sounds like it's better.

Honestly I've never had a problem with my Blackbook screen, I don't understand all this screen nazi-ism. Also you can't blame Apple for trying to make a profit, blame the corrupt economy. Honestly I'm getting tired of people blaming companies for not giving you the absolute best product they can give. What do they have to gain from that? Nothing.

+1

I'm using an earlier MacBook right now. If I sit it next to a $4000 laptop, it'll look washed out.

If I'm sitting on the couch, watching tv and reading forums, it does it's job perfectly. From what I've heard, the newer screen is better than this.

[NC MacGuy]

I just wanted to ask, this screen is better than the previous gen Macbook? I don't care how it compares to the Air or Pro, that isn't relevant to me. If it was worse than the previous gen then i'd have a hard time justifying buying one, however it sounds like it's better.

Honestly I've never had a problem with my Blackbook screen, I don't understand all this screen nazi-ism. Also you can't blame Apple for trying to make a profit, blame the corrupt economy. Honestly I'm getting tired of people blaming companies for not giving you the absolute best product they can give. What do they have to gain from that? Nothing.

The alumiMB screen is better in brightness than the previous generation - no doubt. Out of the box it has very cold blue cast about it that I found difficult to calibrate out. There is an icc profile posted here that tremendously helps that issue.
Issue 1 pretty much solved.

Okay, now issue 2 - the blacks can be washed out and are not consistent from top to bottom. There is an extremely small viewing angle where it almost works but you have to constantly adjust the display if you move or move the computer in the least. A little too much back angle and blacks go "negative" and a little too much forward there are no blacks. You almost have to tilt the screen a little towards you from 45º. This isn't apparent as much until you go to a dark web page or watch a video. Things I'm sure no one with a new MB would ever do, right.:rolleyes:

So, even though the previous generations display may not have been as bright or LCD backlit, it had a more useable display. I never had a problem with old MB displays. They were okay but not great. I think you have to actually have the new one in your lap for a week or so to appreciate how craptatstic they actually are.

[jessica.]

Normally I do not buy into the hyper over some OCD issue. However, I was very curious. I was told "watch a movie" and I'll see. Now my color for some reason doesn't seem to be as bad as some or at least I cannot see it. Interestingly enough what I'm about to show is a comparison between a PB 1.67 Rev D screen calibrated using Spyder2 Pro and the MB using the Super Cal Glassbook profile as provided in the other thread "Post your screen calibrations!"

The only photo you see here are of the two side by side sat in a dark room with no light hitting either display. Both settings are the same, brightness, auto-dim turned off it I could (yes the PB runs Tiger), and the keyboards were both lit the same. I tried to compare the two equally. I've watched movies on my PB quite a bit and found the screen to not be bright enough at times. Specifically I remembered I just watched Iron Man a couple of weeks ago on it. So I of course took the Iron Man movie and put them up.

I've posted the photos on flickr (the rest of them) but I'll post the comparison of the two notebooks, the movie in one of it's darkest scenes with the brightness turned up to 4 notches on the bar (sorry I don't know how to explain that one) and then full brightness.

I think the only other thing to mention is I was sitting in the same position taking photos from eye level. This is the only way I can possibly imagine to show the difference or perhaps the "issues" with the new displays. I believe the photos showed exactly what I saw.
Higher Res Flickr photos can be seen here. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31751808@N05/?saved=1)

Edit: I recall this being an issue in the iPhones. Does anyone recall if that was a software or hardware fix?

In addition, I am going to assume that most who see the photos are viewing them on their MB's. If this is the case then I bet they look worse. I'm currently viewing them on my MB and my 30" ACD connected to my MacPro. There is a huge deterioration of quality between the two making my photos look worse than they really are. However, they are bad ... the blacks I mean.

[Stebus]

The alumiMB screen is better in brightness than the previous generation - no doubt. Out of the box it has very cold blue cast about it that I found difficult to calibrate out. There is an icc profile posted here that tremendously helps that issue.
Issue 1 pretty much solved.

Okay, now issue 2 - the blacks can be washed out and are not consistent from top to bottom. There is an extremely small viewing angle where it almost works but you have to constantly adjust the display if you move or move the computer in the least. A little too much back angle and blacks go "negative" and a little too much forward there are no blacks. You almost have to tilt the screen a little towards you from 45º. This isn't apparent as much until you go to a dark web page or watch a video. Things I'm sure no one with a new MB would ever do, right.:rolleyes:

So, even though the previous generations display may not have been as bright or LCD backlit, it had a more useable display. I never had a problem with old MB displays. They were okay but not great. I think you have to actually have the new one in your lap for a week or so to appreciate how craptatstic they actually are.

Thank you for that review, it's a lot more helpful than "the Air's is better".

Jessica, I was pleased until i saw that last photo, thats from a normal viewing angle? Kinda scary, its making me lean towards a MBP...

[jessica.]

Thank you for that review, it's a lot more helpful than "the Air's is better".

Jessica, I was pleased until i saw that last photo, thats from a normal viewing angle? Kinda scary, its making me lean towards a MBP...

Yes, check the flickr photos to see the angle as it is (I used a flash to light up the notebooks a bit). Then every photo you see while the movie is playing was taken with the camera lens at eye level. I do not sit high or low in a chair. I'd say it'd be a pretty standard viewing angle for many. The screen slightly slanted and me sitting back in a chair. Actually, it nearly mimics how I'd sit on a plane ... which was my intent.

[bidwalj]

no he owns a new macbook probably and wants it so desperately to be as good as the screen on the air and pro.. it is a stupid argument to make. it is a lot worse.

I had the Air, sold it for the Macbook due to the many issues I had with the Air.

Again, I did not deny the Air's screen isnt better nor the Pros. The macbooks screen is getting bashed too much to the point where people saying the Air's screen is bounds and leaps better where you just cant have the macbooks screen.

for your average needs, the average consumer (who outside of here will buy this machine) will not be affected by the screen.

[Philflow]

The macbooks screen is getting bashed too much to the point where people saying the Air's screen is bounds and leaps better where you just cant have the macbooks screen.


True. I had my MB today next to my friends MBA and it made me wonder what all the fuzz is about. Ok the MBA is a bit better, but the MB looks fine after using the right profile.

[NC MacGuy]

I had the Air, sold it for the Macbook due to the many issues I had with the Air.

Again, I did not deny the Air's screen isnt better nor the Pros. The macbooks screen is getting bashed too much to the point where people saying the Air's screen is bounds and leaps better where you just cant have the macbooks screen.

for your average needs, the average consumer (who outside of here will buy this machine) will not be affected by the screen.

I seriously wanted this MB to replace my Air for travel. I knew the screen wouldn't be as good as the MBA/MBP but assumed it couldn't be worse than the last gen. MB. - WRONG. It is.

The average consumer wouldn't want to use that DVD drive to watch a DVD then? Seriously, the screen can't handle a dark scene without adjusting constantly and never even top to bottom. It's a black thing and viewing angle issue. You think it's just people here - follow this link my friend:

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1757089&tstart=0

[bidwalj]

I seriously wanted this MB to replace my Air for travel. I knew the screen wouldn't be as good as the MBA/MBP but assumed it couldn't be worse than the last gen. MB. - WRONG. It is.

The average consumer wouldn't want to use that DVD drive to watch a DVD then? Seriously, the screen can't handle a dark scene without adjusting constantly and never even top to bottom. It's a black thing and viewing angle issue. You think it's just people here - follow this link my friend:

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1757089&tstart=0


I'm not going to argue the angle issue as that has been stated many times but the angle issue doesnt bother me to the point where I do not like the machine. As for the previous gen screen, no way that is good as this one. My main reason to get the Air and Pro last year were for the LED screen since the previous gen macbook was so washed and dull.

[MacJenn]

I'm not going to argue the angle issue as that has been stated many times but the angle issue doesnt bother me to the point where I do not like the machine. As for the previous gen screen, no way that is good as this one. My main reason to get the Air and Pro last year were for the LED screen since the previous gen macbook was so washed and dull.

I can't tell much of a difference between my previous blackbook and this new 2.4 macbook's screen (I owned both). The new one's screen is sightly better overall (I do a lot of work with photographs), but the blacks in it are awful like many have said. I understand many want to bash the last generation Macbook because it makes them feel better about the one they bought (not saying you), but in reality, well in my opinion, it isn't that great of a change. Graphics it is better I guess, but then again I'm not stupid enough to buy a Macbook for games. That is what my Playstation using my plasma tele is for (play games on that and the Macbook looks like a Dollar Store toy).

Both laptops are good anyways.

[NC MacGuy]

I'm not going to argue the angle issue as that has been stated many times but the angle issue doesnt bother me to the point where I do not like the machine. As for the previous gen screen, no way that is good as this one. My main reason to get the Air and Pro last year were for the LED screen since the previous gen macbook was so washed and dull.

You will like it if you don't watch movies. Try and watch the cave scenes in Iron Man and see anything. Well, you can adjust it back to see the top - oh, then adjust it forward to see the bottom. Come on - it's plain unacceptable. I know you want so hard to love it but I'm just speakin' the truth.

So you do actually own one? What model screen do you have if I may ask?

[bidwalj]

You will like it if you don't watch movies. Try and watch the cave scenes in Iron Man and see anything. Well, you can adjust it back to see the top - oh, then adjust it forward to see the bottom. Come on - it's plain unacceptable. I know you want so hard to love it but I'm just speakin' the truth.

So you do actually own one? What model screen do you have if I may ask?

True, I do not watch movies. I haven't even put in a disc in the drive and have little use for it (hence why the Air was perfect for me if not for the heat and core shutdowns with basic tasks). I have the 2.4 for the backlit keyboard.

[NC MacGuy]

True, I do not watch movies. I haven't even put in a disc in the drive and have little use for it (hence why the Air was perfect for me if not for the heat and core shutdowns with basic tasks). I have the 2.4 for the backlit keyboard.

Then you'll be fine. The newer Airs I'm sure will run cooler and many of the issues from first rev sorted out.

I ran out of disk space on my Air and while traveling, it'd be nice to pop in a DVD. So what the heck, I bought the new MB. As I said, the issues are the unobtainable uniform black level from top to bottom given any angle. As long as you're not full screen or using mostly white backgrounds, it's adequate - with a different display calibration to compensate for cold screen tone.

I think there are a lot more people who will watch a movie on their MB than not and it's a good thing to know before they purchase it.

[bidwalj]

Then you'll be fine. The newer Airs I'm sure will run cooler and many of the issues from first rev sorted out.

I ran out of disk space on my Air and while traveling, it'd be nice to pop in a DVD. So what the heck, I bought the new MB. As I said, the issues are the unobtainable uniform black level from top to bottom given any angle. As long as you're not full screen or using mostly white backgrounds, it's adequate - with a different display calibration to compensate for cold screen tone.

I think there are a lot more people who will watch a movie on their MB than not and it's a good thing to know before they purchase it.


I agree with what your saying though. Viewing blacks on the full screen will casue problems. tested a dvd and see what everyone is fussing about. I still want an Air. I am waiting for the next revision though. Hopefully by then they have fixed all the issues and updated the look to the rest of the lineup.

[sammy2066]

We're being fussy? If you're willing to accept a crappy screen in a $1600 machine, then you're exactly the kind of suckers Apple is looking for.

IMHO, this screen is an abomination. I will return my laptop if I don't get it replaced w/ a 9C8C screen or an MBP.

[ibosie]

Edit: I recall this being an issue in the iPhones. Does anyone recall if that was a software or hardware fix?

It wasn't fixed to my knowledge - i bought 2, one good screen one bad but although Apple twice swapped it out the screen remained poor by comparison. Genius said my good one had components from a different manufacturer.

[dcorban]

I'm not sure what all this FUD is about, especially from people just passing through the Apple store and glancing at the different models.

I snagged the new MacBook. The screen is much improved over my 2007 MacBook. The viewing angles are about the same, but the brightness is much better. The screen surface is much better. The clarity is vastly better. There is no blurring, even when I scroll. The pixel response time is clearly and significantly improved. I have zero problems with glare, even when sitting next to a sunny window. I can't see myself in the screen while using it, even if I try.

It's just the usual haters crapping on things they don't even plan on buying in the first place.

[NC MacGuy]

I'm not sure what all this FUD is about, especially from people just passing through the Apple store and glancing at the different models.

I snagged the new MacBook. The screen is much improved over my 2007 MacBook. The viewing angles are about the same, but the brightness is much better. The screen surface is much better. The clarity is vastly better. There is no blurring, even when I scroll. The pixel response time is clearly and significantly improved. I have zero problems with glare, even when sitting next to a sunny window. I can't see myself in the screen while using it, even if I try.

It's just the usual haters crapping on things they don't even plan on buying in the first place.

Try to watch a dark movie and try to get even blacks from top to bottom. Then you'll see what all the FUD is about. If yours looks good, please let me know what type of display you have. I'd much rather exchange mine for a good one than go through refund headache.

Oh, I've had mine since the 15th so not a typical hater... 2.4GHz, 4GB RAM.

[MacJenn]

I'm not sure what all this FUD is about, especially from people just passing through the Apple store and glancing at the different models.

I snagged the new MacBook. The screen is much improved over my 2007 MacBook. The viewing angles are about the same, but the brightness is much better. The screen surface is much better. The clarity is vastly better. There is no blurring, even when I scroll. The pixel response time is clearly and significantly improved. I have zero problems with glare, even when sitting next to a sunny window. I can't see myself in the screen while using it, even if I try.

It's just the usual haters crapping on things they don't even plan on buying in the first place.

I'm typing on a new aluminum 2.4 Macbook and the screen is horrible as is my friends new aluminum 2.0 Macbook. The new one is slightly better than my previous blackbook, but not by much. The blacks in the new one are the worse I have ever seen on a modern computer.

So to answer your question many people own the current one and hate the screen.

[ptsube]

Edit: I recall this being an issue in the iPhones. Does anyone recall if that was a software or hardware fix?


I think that had something to do with yellow tint(1G) vs. blue tint(2G).

[Apple addict]

Okay, now issue 2 - the blacks can be washed out and are not consistent from top to bottom. There is an extremely small viewing angle where it almost works but you have to constantly adjust the display if you move or move the computer in the least. A little too much back angle and blacks go "negative" and a little too much forward there are no blacks. You almost have to tilt the screen a little towards you from 45º. This isn't apparent as much until you go to a dark web page or watch a video. Things I'm sure no one with a new MB would ever do, right.:rolleyes:



I have posted in other threads on my experience with the Alum MB but I think for me NC MacGuy sums it in his issue two quote above. I fixed the problem today. Returned the MB to BB. Wanted to look at the MBPro's there but they had none on display. I drove about 40 miles to an Apple Store and spent about 90 minutes using various MB and MB pros.

There did seem to be a differrence with screens between some of the MB's but none of them were absent of the issues quoted above (IMHO). The MBPros on the other hand looked great.

I spent more money :( and added a pound to the notebook carrying weight but walked out with a MBPro 2.4. Have spent the last hour at home installing software and visiting various web pages. What a great display.
YMMV

Gary

[CaptainCaveMann]

I have posted in other threads on my experience with the Alum MB but I think for me NC MacGuy sums it in his issue two quote above. I fixed the problem today. Returned the MB to BB. Wanted to look at the MBPro's there but they had none on display. I drove about 40 miles to an Apple Store and spent about 90 minutes using various MB and MB pros.

There did seem to be a differrence with screens between some of the MB's but none of them were absent of the issues quoted above (IMHO). The MBPros on the other hand looked great.

I spent more money :( and added a pound to the notebook carrying weight but walked out with a MBPro 2.4. Have spent the last hour at home installing software and visiting various web pages. What a great display.
YMMV

Gary

Great you have a nice display now, but what about the size? If size didn't matter to you why didn't you just buy the Pro in the first place? Just curious...

[phobic99]

I have posted in other threads on my experience with the Alum MB but I think for me NC MacGuy sums it in his issue two quote above. I fixed the problem today. Returned the MB to BB. Wanted to look at the MBPro's there but they had none on display. I drove about 40 miles to an Apple Store and spent about 90 minutes using various MB and MB pros.

There did seem to be a differrence with screens between some of the MB's but none of them were absent of the issues quoted above (IMHO). The MBPros on the other hand looked great.

I spent more money :( and added a pound to the notebook carrying weight but walked out with a MBPro 2.4. Have spent the last hour at home installing software and visiting various web pages. What a great display.
YMMV

Gary

That's quite disappointing. I've almost clicked "Order Now" twice today but I can't pay $1300+ and get a subpar product. Buying a new MPB is completely out of the question since I don't want a laptop that big & powerful since I already have a quad-core gaming PC.

Apple, why? :(

[manny23lakeshow]

I am another convert to the pro, and I am still adjusting to the size. The screen is gorgeous, and I am having a great time utilizing this extra screen space, and horsepower on top of that... at first I had not planned on doing my video editing on my notebook, as I usually use my desktop, but now I am using this mbp for everything now!

For the people thinking of returning macbook for the mbp, the size /weight difference is really noticeable. In the store it may not seem like that, but once I brought it home, i really noticed the bulk of the mbp. It's a period of adjustment that I am happy to make.

[NC MacGuy]

I went to my friendly neighborhood Apple store today in search of this elusive but supposedly superior 9c8c MB display panel. They had six systems set up and they were all 9c89. The 89 display also looks much better under their heavy lighting and the MB - MBA - MBP were strategically placed so you couldn't make a display to display comparison without having that stupid alarm thingy go off. I hate those things...

Does anyone in fact have a 9C8C panel or beyond one person, know they actually exist? I've been given until Wednesday to return it without restocking fee and I don't really want to lug around a MBP.

[LushMojo]

Can someone explain where the the screen model number is located that some have posted about? I've looked in System Profiler and don't seem to see one of the two that people have been referring to (i.e. - 00009C8C or 00009C89 for Model).

I'm one of the number of previous Air owners that's trying to decide if I can live with this screen.

[jessica.]

I'm not sure what all this FUD is about, especially from people just passing through the Apple store and glancing at the different models.

I snagged the new MacBook. The screen is much improved over my 2007 MacBook. The viewing angles are about the same, but the brightness is much better. The screen surface is much better. The clarity is vastly better. There is no blurring, even when I scroll. The pixel response time is clearly and significantly improved. I have zero problems with glare, even when sitting next to a sunny window. I can't see myself in the screen while using it, even if I try.

It's just the usual haters crapping on things they don't even plan on buying in the first place.
If you go back enough and do a bit of research you'll see photos (not screen shots) of the black issue. I think if you search the net you will find other apple forums discussing the very same issue. Now we have an actual owner (NC MacGuy) who confirms the 9c89 panel seems to be the panel of choice and they are all bad. Fact of the matter is, I think we can all agree that a good panel may not exist. Please post your panel number. Perhaps you've been blessed with a different one.

Finally, if you read ... even the first page, you'll see that these are people who appear to be true owners. Sorry we don't all list our inventory in our sigs to prove it.

[jessica.]

Can someone explain where the the screen model number is located that some have posted about? I've looked in System Profiler and don't seem to see one of the two that people have been referring to (i.e. - 00009C8C or 00009C89 for Model).

I'm one of the number of previous Air owners that's trying to decide if I can live with this screen.

You'll find that information right here in this thread (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=6485986&postcount=21). You gotta do some of the work around here. ;)

[LushMojo]

You'll find that information right here in this thread (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=6485986&postcount=21). You gotta do some of the work around here. ;)

Jessica, thanks for the link. Being a 37 year old med student with a kid and pregnant wife, research work, clinical work and studies out the wazoo, I try to "do some of the work", but I must admit I missed the info in that thread.

Looks like I have 9C8C. It looks really decent, but as many have already opined the viewing angle is less than that of the Air or the Pro. I'm thinking the display is good enough though. The more I work with it and the less I think about threads like this the happier I am with it.

Thanks again for the info.

[ptsube]

I went to my friendly neighborhood Apple store today in search of this elusive but supposedly superior 9c8c MB display panel. They had six systems set up and they were all 9c89. The 89 display also looks much better under their heavy lighting and the MB - MBA - MBP were strategically placed so you couldn't make a display to display comparison without having that stupid alarm thingy go off. I hate those things...

Does anyone in fact have a 9C8C panel or beyond one person, know they actually exist? I've been given until Wednesday to return it without restocking fee and I don't really want to lug around a MBP.

I have a 9C8C. Manufacture 610, manufacture date C3C41D00. It was ordered from Amazon.

I'm not sure how it compares to others, but I don't have the overall quality problems many have had. No nicks or scratches. No slanted keys. No loose battery cover. But the screen is for the most part okay once I applied a new profile, but the blacks are still in the grey area. Using the default Leopard wallpaper, the subtle differences in blacks on my MBP are not there on my new MB. Comparing side by side with my Yonah MBP, playing an HD Harry Potter OotP trailer, I could tell the difference. My two year old MBP won hands down. Generally speaking, a two year old technology at the pro level should be at least standard on a current consumer level notebook.

I'm pretty happy with mine, but about 10% of me wants to send it back and get a 2.4GHz, 4GB, Blu-ray, Sony Vaio with a better screen for the same price. I don't know, is it worth all this just to have OS X?

[EricJD]

I went to my friendly neighborhood Apple store today in search of this elusive but supposedly superior 9c8c MB display panel. They had six systems set up and they were all 9c89. The 89 display also looks much better under their heavy lighting and the MB - MBA - MBP were strategically placed so you couldn't make a display to display comparison without having that stupid alarm thingy go off. I hate those things...

Does anyone in fact have a 9C8C panel or beyond one person, know they actually exist? I've been given until Wednesday to return it without restocking fee and I don't really want to lug around a MBP.
I do have a 9C8C panel. I haven't seen the difference between the MBA & MPB and this new MacBook, but my screen looks fine. No complaints here :)

http://content.screencast.com/users/ejxsd_kay/folders/Jing/media/aa2a1e47-c680-40cc-8009-dcf6df05222c/00000003.png

[NC MacGuy]

I have a 9C8C. Manufacture 610, manufacture date C3C41D00. It was ordered from Amazon.

I'm not sure how it compares to others, but I don't have the overall quality problems many have had. No nicks or scratches. No slanted keys. No loose battery cover. But the screen is for the most part okay once I applied a new profile, but the blacks are still in the grey area. Using the default Leopard wallpaper, the subtle differences in blacks on my MBP are not there on my new MB. Comparing side by side with my Yonah MBP, playing an HD Harry Potter OotP trailer, I could tell the difference. My two year old MBP won hands down. Generally speaking, a two year old technology at the pro level should be at least standard on a current consumer level notebook.

I'm pretty happy with mine, but about 10% of me wants to send it back and get a 2.4GHz, 4GB, Blu-ray, Sony Vaio with a better screen for the same price. I don't know, is it worth all this just to have OS X?

My MB is flaw free too. My only issue is the display and from what I gather it's not an issue just an inferior panel. After using yours and Jessica's profile, my colors are much better. Thank you for the good work. I tried at least half a dozen times to get rid of the coolness without success.

I'd like to try and get another MB but have a feeling it won't be any better and don't want to push my luck. I'll try another Apple store tomorrow and see if they have any of the 9C8C's. If I can't find another to see if perhaps the viewing angle and blacks are better, I'll get a refund or store credit for the next gen. Air or MBP. I'm tired of fidgeting with the display angle to see darks in pictures depending on their location on the screen.

I did demonstrate the issue today to a genius with my MB playing the same video as theirs and it's certainly not my machine. When full screen, they couldn't get an angle that gave them uniform color - especially darks - top to bottom. He was surprised but didn't seem too much so. All of their panels were same manufacture date and model as mine. Since I bought this the day they were available, I'm wondering if they didn't start using the other panels later and they are a bit better??

I understand economics but to cripple such an otherwise great machine with this cheap display is a travesty. Oh, it is bright with vibrant colors (just not black)... and perfectly fine for viewing white pages, but for $1600 it's not worth it to me. I would like to view a movie every now and then with it & if not, may as well have an Air.

[jessica.]

... I'm wondering if they didn't start using the other panels later and they are a bit better?? ...

I am unsure about this. I purchased mine on the 16th. Maybe that was still too soon, but I'd venture to guess I didn't get the first shipment.

I agree with all other statements from you ... as you know. ;) I just don't know how I'd be able to stand there and open notebook after notebook to get the one I want with the other panel if it does exist and if it is in fact better. I'd throw myself out too if I were to do that.

[tringo]

Here's the solution;

Ready,


Get an external display!
Simple as that. I use my laptop at home 90% of the time and my 20 inch external lcd looks great.

[HoldFastHope]

Has anyone in Sydney noticed this? I just got back from the Apple Store and was comparing viewing angles, IMO the new MB looked almost identical to the old MB, and the MBP looked more or less the same just bigger.

I tried a video (trailer for fast & furious off the apple site) and didn't see anything out of the ordinary during dark scenes. Took a look for the display numbers but couldn't find them.

It may be that I'm not looking for the right thing, I'm just not noticing it, or we have different stock. Can anyone recommend a good pic/video available on the net to compare for next time?

[NC MacGuy]

Here's the solution;

Ready,


Get an external display!
Simple as that. I use my laptop at home 90% of the time and my 20 inch external lcd looks great.

Brilliant!

I'll remember to bring one with me on my next flight..:rolleyes:

[jessica.]

Brilliant!

I'll remember to bring one with me on my next flight..:rolleyes:
Nc: 1
Tringo: 0

Seriously tringo, if you think the answer to fixing the display on a portable is to only use it with an external display then I must ask why did you bother buying a notebook? Who wants to have to depend on an external display when they have a notebook. Seems mildly counter intuitive to me.

[ptsube]

My MB is flaw free too. My only issue is the display and from what I gather it's not an issue just an inferior panel. After using yours and Jessica's profile, my colors are much better. Thank you for the good work. I tried at least half a dozen times to get rid of the coolness without success.

I'd like to try and get another MB but have a feeling it won't be any better and don't want to push my luck. I'll try another Apple store tomorrow and see if they have any of the 9C8C's. If I can't find another to see if perhaps the viewing angle and blacks are better, I'll get a refund or store credit for the next gen. Air or MBP. I'm tired of fidgeting with the display angle to see darks in pictures depending on their location on the screen.

I did demonstrate the issue today to a genius with my MB playing the same video as theirs and it's certainly not my machine. When full screen, they couldn't get an angle that gave them uniform color - especially darks - top to bottom. He was surprised but didn't seem too much so. All of their panels were same manufacture date and model as mine. Since I bought this the day they were available, I'm wondering if they didn't start using the other panels later and they are a bit better??

I understand economics but to cripple such an otherwise great machine with this cheap display is a travesty. Oh, it is bright with vibrant colors (just not black)... and perfectly fine for viewing white pages, but for $1600 it's not worth it to me. I would like to view a movie every now and then with it & if not, may as well have an Air.
I've actually switched over to Jessica's second profile. I think this is about as good as it's going to get, unless Apple puts five geeks in a room with thousands of dollars of equipement and tells them to come up with the best profile they can make. But I'm not sure that would make a difference.

[sammy2066]

That's quite disappointing. I've almost clicked "Order Now" twice today but I can't pay $1300+ and get a subpar product. Buying a new MPB is completely out of the question since I don't want a laptop that big & powerful since I already have a quad-core gaming PC.

Apple, why? :(

This pretty much sums it up for me ...

[sammy2066]

Also, I have done a side-by-side comparison of my 9C89 vs a 9C8C display at my campus Apple store. The latter is definitely better. I just want to return this MB w/o a restocking fee at this point, because the chance of getting a 9C8C is just too slim.

[jessica.]

I've actually switched over to Jessica's second profile. I think this is about as good as it's going to get, unless Apple puts five geeks in a room with thousands of dollars of equipement and tells them to come up with the best profile they can make. But I'm not sure that would make a difference.
It could be the late hour but somehow I LOL'ed at this.
How many geeks does it take to calibrate a screen?

[Apple addict]

Great you have a nice display now, but what about the size? If size didn't matter to you why didn't you just buy the Pro in the first place? Just curious...

Actually the size did matter along with the weight and that is why I initially chose the MB. I could not accept the screen issue with the MB however and that is why I went with the MBP.

The perfect MAC note book for me would be the MB with the MBA screen :)

Gary

[NC MacGuy]

Actually the size did matter along with the weight and that is why I initially chose the MB. I could not accept the screen issue with the MB however and that is why I went with the MBP.

The perfect MAC note book for me would be the MB with the MBA screen :)

Gary

100% AGREE! Mines going back tomorrow. I'll be back on the old Air until the new one comes out.

[jessica.]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5F136 Safari/525.20)

Actually the size did matter along with the weight and that is why I initially chose the MB. I could not accept the screen issue with the MB however and that is why I went with the MBP.

The perfect MAC note book for me would be the MB with the MBA screen :)

Gary

100% AGREE! Mines going back tomorrow. I'll be back on the old Air until the new one comes out.

Normally I would try to stick it out but after spending the day yesterday messing with the screen I am very sad to say it's going back tomorrow. My biggest reservation is the laptop is amazing otherwise. I will be getting store credit towards an Air. I don't want the larger display of the pro. I'm sure Apple will quietly update the screens and my fear is if I keep this due to everything else being awesome, I'll be pissed when they do admit to the issue and fix. When the next rev comes out I'll sell the Air and go back to this otherwise amazing machine.

I'm bummed though for sure. That glass trackpad and the design was so easy to fall in love with. Back to the old powerbook until I get the air.

[daansum]

Today I went to an Apple dealer in Amsterdam to check out the new Macbooks. The two versions of the Macbook were available in the showroom to play around with. I noticed immediately that the screen of the 2.4ghz Macbook looked totally washed out, while the screen of the 2.0ghz version looked absolutely fine (although not as good as the macbook pro, but really fine). The difference was quite big, it was especially apparant with the leopard desktop background and white letters appeared too fuzzy. I asked an employee to explain this to me. He thought at first that a setting was wrong, but we checked it and the settings were exactly the same. He couldn't change the washed out look and didn't have an explanation. He agreed with me that the 2.4ghz screen looked quite terrible, but he hadn't heared anything from Apple or costumers before. We checked the screen version and the washed out one was 00009C8C, and the good one was a 00009C89, so apparently this doesn't say anything.

It seems to me Apple is having problems with the display quality of the Macbook because such a big difference can't be a normal deviation. That would also explain the different opinions about the screens of the new Macbooks. The employee actually discouraged me to buy a Macbook now, because he couldn't garantee a refund if my Macbook was also washed out, because, as he said, they relied on Apple's guidelines and hadn't heared about any production errors yet.

[NC MacGuy]

Okay so before I take this sucker back to Steve's boys, I took some pic's of the craptastic display. I've done everything possible to make it work but clearly anyone can see the the non-existent resolution in this dark scene. Both same file and brightness max.:

[Nykwil]

I too have a 9c8c display and the video looks pretty good on it.

Was watching some HD animal podcasts and it looks pretty decent

dont notice any negative blacks viewing headon as bad as the pics posted up there though

[MacJenn]

I have the 9C89 (just checked because 2 people PM'd me asking) which is supposed to be the better one and it is still horrible. It has nothing to do with manufacturer, but Apple going cheap because they can.

[Nykwil]

I have the 9C89 (just checked because 2 people PM'd me asking) which is supposed to be the better one and it is still horrible. It has nothing to do with manufacturer, but Apple going cheap because they can.

did u try any of the color profile floating around?

My panel doesn't look nearly as bad as the pic posted


edit* oh woops wrong display model sorry

[NC MacGuy]

I too have a 9c8c display and the video looks pretty good on it.

Was watching some HD animal podcasts and it looks pretty decent

dont notice any negative blacks viewing headon as bad as the pics posted up there though

The pic's actually have very little neg. black at that angle. It's the reflective screen. What you can see is Tony Stark's face is almost the only light parts of that scene and there are a lot of other details there but they are dark and plain just not there.

I've got someone here who's got a glossy HP that's four years old and his display shows all the details but not as well as the Air - but you can see them.

[Nykwil]

The pic's actually have very little neg. black at that angle. It's the reflective screen. What you can see is Tony Stark's face is almost the only light parts of that scene and there are a lot of other details there but they are dark and plain just not there.

I've got someone here who's got a glossy HP that's four years old and his display shows all the details but not as well as the Air - but you can see them.

hmm i was watching an underwater scene with lots of dark color in the background but everything came out clear...

I'll test it with more vids if i can and try and post pics when i get home

[jessica.]

Okay so before I take this sucker back to Steve's boys, I took some pic's of the craptastic display. I've done everything possible to make it work but clearly anyone can see the the non-existent resolution in this dark scene. Both same file and brightness max.:
Similar to what I posted myself. Mine's going back tomorrow at lunch.
did u try any of the color profile floating around?

My panel doesn't look nearly as bad as the pic posted


edit* oh woops wrong display model sorry
Sorry but a negative black issue won't be solved by any calibration profiles. The only thing we'll get from that perhaps are colors that are more true.

[Dybbuk]

NC MacGuy, that is really truly inexcusably awful.

[bidwalj]

The pic's actually have very little neg. black at that angle. It's the reflective screen. What you can see is Tony Stark's face is almost the only light parts of that scene and there are a lot of other details there but they are dark and plain just not there.

I've got someone here who's got a glossy HP that's four years old and his display shows all the details but not as well as the Air - but you can see them.

That is horrid. Mines is not that bad. If mines was like that, it would be going back as well! I am a big screen person as well (hence getting the pro led and air when they came out).

I dont have those white glares when viewing directly.

[daansum]

I'm pretty sure that the screens of the new Macbooks come in different qualities. I saw a Macbook today with a damn fine screen and one with a really bad one (see my earlier post). Behind the good Macbook was an Imac and on the table next to it stood a new Macbook pro and a Macbook Air and the difference in screen quality was only minor. The bad Macbook had a screen that was hardly better or even worse than the Whitebook. Isn't that weird??

A theorie: The one with the good screen was actually a 2.0ghz Macbook and I've noticed that almost everyone complaining has the 2.4ghz. Does this mean that... or doesn't it?? I surely hope not, because I want to buy a 2.4ghz Macbook soon.

[MacJenn]

I'm pretty sure that the screens of the new Macbooks come in different qualities. I saw a Macbook today with a damn fine screen and one with a really bad one (see my earlier post). Behind the good Macbook was an Imac and on the table next to it stood a new Macbook pro and a Macbook Air and the difference in screen quality was only minor. The bad Macbook had a screen that was hardly better or even worse than the Whitebook. Isn't that weird??

A theorie: The one with the good screen was actually a 2.0ghz Macbook and I've noticed that almost everyone complaining has the 2.4ghz. Does this mean that... or doesn't it?? I surely hope not, because I want to buy a 2.4ghz Macbook soon.


My friends 2.0 new one sucks as bad as my new 2.4 one.

[PresentACat]

I'm expecting my 2.4 to come soon, I'm in the UK and used the online Apple Store.

If it is a PoS and I want to get rid of it, can I take it to a local Apple store for a refund instead of going through that awfully slow website?

[daansum]

My friends 2.0 new one sucks as bad as my new 2.4 one.

Ok, bad theory. But I want to know why some (or many) screens are that bad and some (or many) are quite good.

[bidwalj]

mines a 2.4 and the screen is not bad. When i compare mines to the the Air, other than more viewing angles, it is about the same. The pro is much sharper and brighter.

[NC MacGuy]

Ok, bad theorie. But I want to know why some (or many) screens are that bad and some (or many) are quite good.

This really isn't a good screen and from what I saw yesterday, I think all six at my local store are as bad. When comparing my MB to theirs, they were very similar. Only when comparing the same vid. scene on another computer - PC or Mac - do the deficiencies really become apparent.

[sammy2066]

So apparently, the 9C89 screen is a LG-Philips 13.3" LCD Panel w/ LED Backlighting. It's the only one they make.

LG-Philips LP133WX2-TLC1

This is the crappy panel. I need someone to see if 9C8C has the same panel.

1. Open Terminal
2. Paste this

ioreg -lw0 | grep IODisplayEDID | sed "/[^<]*</s///" | xxd -p -r | strings -6

This will give you the exact panel model number.

Also, I am definitely returning this machine. I got it from my Campus Apple Store, but I don't want to pay the restocking fee. Any suggestions on how to avoid it would be most appreciated! :)

[mac jones]

Yikes!

Somethings not right here. From those screenshots it appears you could not even what a DVD on this -which is just hard to believe.

I haven't gotten mine yet so I'm just going to wait and see. I also have an Air and as i'm pretty certain it's not going to be comparable, I do expect to at least be able to watch a DVD with discernible details.

[Nykwil]

So apparently, the 9C89 screen is a LG-Philips 13.3" LCD Panel w/ LED Backlighting. It's the only one they make.

LG-Philips LP133WX2-TLC1

This is the crappy panel. I need someone to see if 9C8C has the same panel.

1. Open Terminal
2. Paste this

ioreg -lw0 | grep IODisplayEDID | sed "/[^<]*</s///" | xxd -p -r | strings -6

This will give you the exact panel model number.

Also, I am definitely returning this machine. I got it from my Campus Apple Store, but I don't want to pay the restocking fee. Any suggestions on how to avoid it would be most appreciated! :)

P .00 6
B133EW04 V0 ?

AU Obtronics?
http://www.auo.com/auoDEV/products.php?sec=notebook&func=info&product_id=83&items_id=2

[NC MacGuy]

So apparently, the 9C89 screen is a LG-Philips 13.3" LCD Panel w/ LED Backlighting. It's the only one they make.

LG-Philips LP133WX2-TLC1

This is the crappy panel. I need someone to see if 9C8C has the same panel.

1. Open Terminal
2. Paste this

ioreg -lw0 | grep IODisplayEDID | sed "/[^<]*</s///" | xxd -p -r | strings -6

This will give you the exact panel model number.

Also, I am definitely returning this machine. I got it from my Campus Apple Store, but I don't want to pay the restocking fee. Any suggestions on how to avoid it would be most appreciated! :)

LP133WX2-TLC1
Color LCD

Whatever that is????

[sammy2066]

P .00 6
B133EW04 V0 ?

AU Obtronics?
http://www.auo.com/auoDEV/products.php?sec=notebook&func=info&product_id=83&items_id=2

Very nice!

Now go to ColorSync under Utilities.
Under user, find the color profile you're using and open it.
Go to #13 and report your Model Number.

You are on an Aluminum MacBook right?

[sammy2066]

LP133WX2-TLC1
Color LCD

Whatever that is????

My guess is,

9C89 = LG Philips
9C8C = AU Optronics

Yes?

[Nykwil]

comparing specs both models seem the same?:confused:

[Nykwil]

Very nice!

Now go to ColorSync under Utilities.
Under user, find the color profile you're using and open it.
Go to #13 and report your Model Number.

You are on an Aluminum MacBook right?

Yeah I have the 9c8c panel

[sammy2066]

WTF?!?

Size 13.3"

Model B133EW01

Resolution (pixel) WXGA (1280 x 800)

Aspect Ratio 16 : 10

Active Area (mm) 286.1 x 178.8

Pixel Pitch (mm) 0.2235

Mode TN

=====> Backlight 1 CCFL <======

Aren't MacBooks supposed to be LED?

[Nykwil]

WTF?!?

Size 13.3"

Model B133EW01

Resolution (pixel) WXGA (1280 x 800)

Aspect Ratio 16 : 10

Active Area (mm) 286.1 x 178.8

Pixel Pitch (mm) 0.2235

Mode TN

=====> Backlight 1 CCFL <======

Aren't MacBooks supposed to be LED?

they are...but its probably with the ccfl replaced with an LED backlight.

I can tell it's LED cuz it doesnt suffer from a warm up period. Bright from the minute it turns on

[sammy2066]

Yeah I have the 9c8c panel

EDIT:

Actually, another website lists a number of AUO Panels. W01 - W06. So the later models may have LED backlighting.

[NC MacGuy]

My guess is,

9C89 = LG Philips
9C8C = AU Optronics

Yes?

Here's an interesting twist, this is my Air's number:

B133EW03 V0
Color LCD

[Nykwil]

So, anybody ready to sue Apple?

9C8C AUO Panel w/ CCFL Backlighting

9C89 LG-Philips Panel w/ LED Backlighting

:eek:

dont jump the gun man I just said i dont notice a warmup period when the lcd turns on, which is an inherent trait of ccfl back lit lcds

[sammy2066]

Here's an interesting twist, this is my Air's number:

B133EW03 V0
Color LCD

They go from B133EW01 - B133EW06. The AUO website only shows the first one.

Weird.

[NC MacGuy]

So, anybody ready to sue Apple?

9C8C AUO Panel w/ CCFL Backlighting

9C89 LG-Philips Panel w/ LED Backlighting

:eek:

To be honest, I'd like the better display and if it means having a ccfl backlight, I'd take it to keep the MB. I like absolutely everything else about it except the display.

[mac jones]

Ya know it just boils down to an el cheapo panel in their low end models.

If you don't like it your going to have to fork over $$ to upgrade to an Air or Pro.

(Or that other alternative I won't speak of. :D )

[sammy2066]

To be honest, I'd like the better display and if it means having a ccfl backlight, I'd take it to keep the MB. I like absolutely everything else about it except the display.

Yeah, the MBP is just waaaay too big. Is it possible to retrofit a MB with a better display?

[Nykwil]

looking at the other models with "V0" numbers they have LED backlighting...so I'd say it's safe to assume V0 stands for LED backlight


oh nevermind theory backfired..there was a 17inch model with V0 in it and it is CCFL

[mac jones]

Yeah, the MBP is just waaaay too big. Is it possible to retrofit a MB with a better display?

Very unlikely.

[NC MacGuy]

So is the LG Phillips panel the el crappo? The AUO the decent one? I'm taking mine back tomorrow and I guess I'll take my copy of Iron Man with me on thumb drive and test their machines..

I have a Phillips LCD TV and it's great.:)

[sammy2066]

So is the LG Phillips panel the el crappo? The AUO the decent one? I'm taking mine back tomorrow and I guess I'll take my copy of Iron Man with me on thumb drive and test their machines..

I have a Phillips LCD TV and it's great.:)

I got mine from the Campus Authorized Reseller. I don't know if they will give me a replacement unit.

[ptsube]

So apparently, the 9C89 screen is a LG-Philips 13.3" LCD Panel w/ LED Backlighting. It's the only one they make.

LG-Philips LP133WX2-TLC1

This is the crappy panel. I need someone to see if 9C8C has the same panel.

1. Open Terminal
2. Paste this

ioreg -lw0 | grep IODisplayEDID | sed "/[^<]*</s///" | xxd -p -r | strings -6

This will give you the exact panel model number.

Also, I am definitely returning this machine. I got it from my Campus Apple Store, but I don't want to pay the restocking fee. Any suggestions on how to avoid it would be most appreciated! :)
Mine is:
P .00 6
B133EW04 V0
Color LCD

Overall it's a good screen, but the blacks, especially on the bottom half of the screen, are more grey.

Edit: Maybe I'm being to critical. I'm comparing to a two year old MBP, but you would think it would be in the ballpark. This panel doesn't seem to be able to distinguish blacks as well as my MBP.

[ubercool]

Post deleted.

[jessica.]

I'm uber-picky when it comes to screens and this thread reeks of trolls. My MB display is superior to my previous MBA and far superior to my IceBook, so I have no clue why everyone is carping on this. :rolleyes:

My sense is a lot of jealous people here. :p

My sense is you did not bother to read the whole thread.
If I am a troll then I am a troll who owns the MB and has dealt with it for over a week ... for you who may be slow, it means I am a user/owner. I am a troll who has owned numerous other Apple products and continues to use them (IE: phones, displays, desktops). If I am troll then I am a troll who is also a user.

Again, you may not be experiencing what we are. If not, then great for you. However, my guess is once the buyer's glow wears off your face you'll find not all of us are trolls. Trolls usually aren't long time buyers of Apple products kiddo. ;)

[NC MacGuy]

I'm uber-picky when it comes to screens and this thread reeks of trolls. My MB display is superior to my previous MBA and far superior to my IceBook, so I have no clue why everyone is carping on this. :rolleyes:

My sense is a lot of jealous people here. :p

I think you need to go back and look at some of my screen to screen comparison pictures.

At least I won't be a whiner when they upgrade the panels to something adequate and kicking myself in the ass wishing I would have returned it when I could have. Jealous of that I'm sure..:rolleyes:

Nice try. But it's horrid.

[ubercool]

I think you need to go back and look at some of my screen to screen comparison pictures.

At least I won't be a whiner when they upgrade the panels to something adequate and kicking myself in the ass wishing I would have returned it when I could have. Jealous of that I'm sure..:rolleyes:

Nice try. It's horrid.

Yes, you're right, I just read some of the back pages. Looking forward to having you sort this out. ;)

[Nykwil]

Came home decided to do some comparison shots against my 20" dell lcd

The really dark scenes did have a hard time with details

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/2979821258_94370e55b5_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/2979820994_4065c8222f_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/2978964429_b359e57973_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3055/2979820256_4194f37c16_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3276/2978963609_840fb269f9_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2273/2978965457_e0c91d6b89_o.jpg

[NC MacGuy]

Yes, you're right, I just read some of the back pages. Looking forward to having you sort this out. ;)

I'm all over it.

Glad I'm not the one saying it's 110% Apple greatness right now.:rolleyes:

$1600? I think not.

Enjoy:

[staccato83]

Wow NC Macguy

You just made my decision between these two so much easier. Just curious though, was that after you already calibrated your screen?

Thanks

[NC MacGuy]

Wow NC Macguy

You just made my decision between these two so much easier. Just curious though, was that after you already calibrated your screen?

Thanks

Absolutely! Calibrated or not, it won't help what you see there. The calibration took out the nasty blue cast to the display and warmed it up with real whites but the lack of dark hues can't be helped with any calibration.

It's going back tomorrow. If you want any more pic's or info on the MB side be happy to share before its premature departure.

[8theapple]

NC, I compared TrunksGoku to your pictures and TrunksGoku's screen seems to display the blacks much better than yours with less washout affect. An average user could easily live with Trunk's screen.

So the theory that Sammy has started is the 9C8C panel is better than the 9C89 panel?

Or is this just a quality control issue?

[ptsube]

Came home decided to do some comparison shots against my 20" dell lcd

The really dark scenes did have a hard time with details
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/2979820994_4065c8222f_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/2978964429_b359e57973_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3055/2979820256_4194f37c16_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3276/2978963609_840fb269f9_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2273/2978965457_e0c91d6b89_o.jpg

The backlighting on the MB display is very uneven. That's my gripe. Look at the black bars on the top and bottom. The top is actually pretty black, the bottom is grey. The last picture shows this perfectly. Bottom half, crappy. Top half, quite good.

[BoingoBongo]

I had two different machines with 9c89 panels, and they were very different. The first was gorgeous. It did have a limited viewing angle, but that was to be expected. The colors were vibrant, and the whole thing really "popped."

It had a dead pixel though, and the screen of the replacement was washed out and yellow. Absolutely terrible. I just ended up getting my money back.

I don't know what that means, but that's my story.

[NC MacGuy]

NC, I compared TrunksGoku to your pictures and TrunksGoku's screen seems to display the blacks much better than yours with less washout affect. An average user could easily live with Trunk's screen.

So the theory that Sammy has started is the 9C8C panel is better than the 9C89 panel?

Or is this just a quality control issue?

My plan for tomorrow is to put Iron Man on a thumb drive and when I return it to Apple try the same seen w. different MB's. If it looks better, I'll request an exchange. If not, take the offered store credit for new Air or I may be coaxed into another MBP but they're so freakin' heavy... I'll post back on what I see and either it'll be one last "glad I'm done with the MB" or "mine was a lemon, this ones better." fingers crossed... I really do love everything else about it. Really. The display just breaks it for me and as much of the shiny niceness is awesome, I can't handle looking at that everyday.

[mac jones]

Try to get the spec and screen numbers etc, for all us hapless users :D

[Nykwil]

My plan for tomorrow is to put Iron Man on a thumb drive and when I return it to Apple try the same seen w. different MB's. If it looks better, I'll request an exchange. If not, take the offered store credit for new Air or I may be coaxed into another MBP but they're so freakin' heavy... I'll post back on what I see and either it'll be one last "glad I'm done with the MB" or "mine was a lemon, this ones better." fingers crossed... I really do love everything else about it. Really. The display just breaks it for me and as much of the shiny niceness is awesome, I can't handle looking at that everyday.

I need to get a copy of iron man and give that scene u have a try cuz the MBA screen looks really really good

[mac jones]

A question

Will an Apple store do an exchange if you bought it third party (as a warrenty issue), if I want another screen?

...that is, if we isolate an acceptable replacement version.

cuz I haven't received mine yet but I don't think I could use a notebook with images such as NC has posted or the ones on Gizmodo.

Some of the other variants look ok though.

[jessica.]

This is my panel: P .00 6
LP133WX2-TLC1
Color LCD

Clearly it's the LG.

[NC MacGuy]

Try to get the spec and screen numbers etc, for all us hapless users :D

I was in yesterday and went to all six on display and they were all the 9C89 panels. Now it looks like even though they may have the same model #, they may have different manufacturers. I didn't check the actual manufacturer details in terminal but I will tomorrow if I find they're better.

So far it looks like LG's are more crappy? Jessica has the same number as I do and so does Sammy.

[8theapple]

Forgive me in advance but Sammy posted the instructions on an earlier page. I'm currently a Windows user and looking to switch to Mac. I'm not familiar with the Utilities part of the computer she is referring to. How do you get there? Is it under System prefs? I want to know so that I can check up on some Macbooks here in Canada at the Apple Store.

[jessica.]

Forgive me in advance but Sammy posted the instructions on an earlier page. I'm currently a Windows user and looking to switch to Mac. I'm not familiar with the Utilities part of the computer she is referring to. How do you get there? Is it under System prefs? I want to know so that I can check up on some Macbooks here in Canada at the Apple Store.

Do you mean the terminal command? That is under Applications>Utilities>Terminal
Then you would paste the aforementioned command.

[8theapple]

Do you mean the terminal command? That is under Applications>Utilities>Terminal
Then you would paste the aforementioned command.

Thanks.

These were Sammy's instructions: "You need to go start ColorSync Utility in Utilities. Then select your display profile form the left bar and double click open it. Then scroll down to number 13, and you will see the information."

Is the ColorSync utility in Utilities or do I have to open up Terminal?

[steve31]

I just got my new MB. Very happy but I now understand what everyone on this thread is saying about the washed out screens. I also have the new MBP and the pro screen is much better. Also I have 1 dead pixel on my MB:mad: anyone know if there is any fix for this? Not bad...I will live with it if I have too. Here's a quick pic:p:D

[ptsube]

Thanks.

These were Sammy's instructions: "You need to go start ColorSync Utility in Utilities. Then select your display profile form the left bar and double click open it. Then scroll down to number 13, and you will see the information."

Is the ColorSync utility in Utilities or do I have to open up Terminal?

Yeah, ColorSync is under utilities as well.

[uncleSmurf]

Absolutely! Calibrated or not, it won't help what you see there. The calibration took out the nasty blue cast to the display and warmed it up with real whites but the lack of dark hues can't be helped with any calibration.

It's going back tomorrow. If you want any more pic's or info on the MB side be happy to share before its premature departure.

Thanks NC MacGuy....

These pics are really gonna help out. I can't afford the pro and doubt I would throw 1600 or the 2.4, would you still recommend the base model? Of course I would be comming from the M1330 which has a nice LCD but i've been thinking of buildng a desktop and getting a nice LCD to go with that while having a macbook just for web, music, email, etc.

[HLdan]

Sorry, I'm late to this thread, does anyone know how to check what version number my panel is in my new Alu Macbook? I haven't noticed anyone explain how to do that.

[NC MacGuy]

Thanks NC MacGuy....

These pics are really gonna help out. I can't afford the pro and doubt I would throw 1600 or the 2.4, would you still recommend the base model? Of course I would be comming from the M1330 which has a nice LCD but i've been thinking of buildng a desktop and getting a nice LCD to go with that while having a macbook just for web, music, email, etc.

Don't get me wrong, the MB's are nice machines. The 2GHz model will do all the things you want to and more. Before I put a movie in or watched some trailers on it, the only issues I ever noticed was adjusting the screen a bit much to lighten up dark pictures.

[bidwalj]

after doing more tests, mines "sucks" too. On the fence about this now. I think im going to take it in and see if they allow me to return it with no restock fee and wait for the new MBA. If the problems are fixed on that, then ill stick with that.

[NC MacGuy]

after doing more tests, mines "sucks" too. On the fence about this now. I think im going to take it in and see if they allow me to return it with no restock fee and wait for the new MBA. If the problems are fixed on that, then ill stick with that.

That's the whole point. You've got 14 days to try it and make sure you like it and if not, attempt to get Apple to refund your money without a restocking fee. If everyone with a crappy display went and said so, all MB fans would be better off in the grand scheme of things.

Unfortunately for most, they'll accept it and regret it. After the door is shut and your stuck with substandard, high dollar crap you'll be reading these same boards looking for the "new, better MB displays on the horizon" thread.

[8theapple]

All the pictures we have seen here have been comparisons between the new MB and another montior which isn't a fair comparison.

Anyone here have the older generation MB and wants to do a comparison on the monitor quality (with pics of course)?

I think that's a more valid comparison.

[hogfaninga]

I tested my blackbook (I know this thread isn't about that one, but I want to compare the blacks) and my blackbooks screen isn't too bad with the blacks compared to my LCD Dell (which is pretty nice--I tested it out on 3 movies side by side). I don't see the problems some of you are having with the new ones with my blackbook. My friends new 2.0 colors pop a little better on his, but is also having some of the black problem you guys (some of you) are having. He is also using the one (model) you guys are claiming might be better. His isn't.

I going to sell my black Macbook next year and I hope they fix this problem by then and add FW.

As we all know Apple has always used different companies to make their screen on their Macbook. I think on the last gen they used 4 different companies and each one varied as far as quality. Samsung made the worse one last gen and I luckily didn't get that one. Mine isn't bad at all. I don't care about graphics b/c I don't really use anything that requires good graphics (nice to have though and I'm glad Apple did better with the new one).

[NC MacGuy]

What part of this would give anyone the feeling that they have to accept the display as low-end Mac and that's what you get? Read how Apple is portraying the display. Anyone paying a restocking fee because the display isn't what Apple advertised is crazy "Movies and video offer rich colors and fine details":

[HLdan]

Could somebody please be kind enough to explain to me how to find the version number of my screen on my MacBook?

[ptsube]

Could somebody please be kind enough to explain to me how to find the version number of my screen on my MacBook?

It's on the first page of this thread, towards the bottom.

[8theapple]

What part of this would give anyone the feeling that they have to accept the display as low-end Mac and that's what you get? Read how Apple is portraying the display. Anyone paying a restocking fee because the display isn't what Apple advertised is crazy "Movies and video offer rich colors and fine details":

Are you for real? I understand you hate the screen. Just go and exchange it tomorrow.

Is that your approach to everything in life? I guess you must not eat out at restaurants or fast food at all because you'd end up returning your food because it doesn't look the same in real life than on the tv screen or in the advertisements.

Do you ask for refunds on your Big Macs?

[jessica.]

Here's the deal. The MB is a winner ... clearly, aside from the display. To be complacent with the display is acceptable to some, but not for me. I'm not expecting the quality I have from my ACD even even the Air. I'm asking for acceptable. That is it.

I went to the Fashion Island store today where some kid was extraordinately sweet to me. He was chatty and I just adored his attitude. Then I got to the Genius who, in my opinion, was nothing more than an arrogant person who was adament to make sure I knew I was wrong.

I said, "look, I'm not trying to be a problem, but this is now a widely talked about issue on Apple's boards and beyond. Boards I am sure you probably know about." He replies with, "no not necessairly." Fair enough I thought. Another line was "this screen (mine) looks like this one (theirs) therefore, it is within spec." I said, "yes but they're the same panels and Apple is clearly using at least two different ones." His reply, "I wouldn't know that."

Oh really I thought. OK fair enough.

I said, well look. I'm clearly unhappy and there's no talking me out of it. I have to view it just a little tilted towards me. He replies with, "these have to be viewed head on." Ok fair enough ... then it is not within spec on the website.

So now we get to the return without restocking. He tells me adding ram exposed the logic board and therefore it's not a user-upgradable feature. I said, "ok but why do they show you how to do it in the owner's manual?" He said, "I wouldn't know what they show you, I haven't seen the user manual ... I have my own." "Well ok, then perhaps if you're citing something based on a confidential manual then how can we be certain the ram upgrade voided my warranty?"

These are just a few, the rest was piddly crap that I frankly didn't care for. However, Jon, the manager is willing to give me store credit but not another MB. He said I will most likely be unhappy with the next. Fair enough in my book. I did however drive all the way to the store just to recall I had forgotten about my memory so I am now back, having a drink, and I'm returning it tonight.

I'm sad, it's truly a remarkable machine otherwise.

BTW, the genius agreed the blacks aren't black but said it was within spec. All displays looked like mine.

All in all I'm pleased to know I get a full refund in the form of store credit. Jon and this other kid (who I will find his name out when I return) made it great. The genius may have not been as harsh as I believed him to be and I'm sure he was doing his job, but there's a way to approach it and I felt as though he was speaking as though I was nuts. Which I may very well be. ;)

[ptsube]

Are you for real? I understand you hate the screen. Just go and exchange it tomorrow.

Is that your approach to everything in life? I guess you must not eat out at restaurants or fast food at all because you'd end up returning your food because it doesn't look the same in real life than on the tv screen or in the advertisements.

Do you ask for refunds on your Big Macs?

There's a difference between a $1 BigMac and a $1300 Macbook.

[staccato83]

So it kind of seems that watching movies on the new macbook is a terrible experience, but how is the screen when surfing the web? Do the darker websites give you more trouble?

[NC MacGuy]

Are you for real? I understand you hate the screen. Just go and exchange it tomorrow.

Is that your approach to everything in life? I guess you must not eat out at restaurants or fast food at all because you'd end up returning your food because it doesn't look the same in real life than on the tv screen or in the advertisements.

Do you ask for refunds on your Big Macs?

Hey Bud - do you even own a Mac? A MB? A MBA? A MBP? Well, I've had multiples of each (one Air) including some PB's.

What are you even doing here? At least I put my money where my mouth is.

I do believe that is what this thread is about - washed out MacBook screens.

[jessica.]

Are you for real? I understand you hate the screen. Just go and exchange it tomorrow.

Is that your approach to everything in life? I guess you must not eat out at restaurants or fast food at all because you'd end up returning your food because it doesn't look the same in real life than on the tv screen or in the advertisements.

Do you ask for refunds on your Big Macs?

You are insanely erratic in your postings. I'm thinking stirring the pot is acceptable to you, which is fine if you want to roll that way really.

The fact is, I think a lot of us are just trying to show ... with photos, that there's a problem that we're having a hard time living without. You, my friend, haven't even bought one but have asked a number of questions that suggest you'll be buying one or going to look at them and check out whether or not the issues are as they're being presented (where's the terminal display #, where's color sync etc.). You get my drift?

BTW one never returns food at a restaurant unless it has something on the plate that could kill them. That's just a general no-no overall ... I've seen Waiting. ;)

Hey Bud - do you even own a Mac? A MB? A MBA? A MBP? Well, I've had multiples of each (one Air) including some PB's.

What are you even doing here? At least I put my money where my mouth is.

I do believe that is what this thread is about - washed out MacBook screens.
Actually he puts it better. Put your money where your mouth is and then we'll talk 8thapple. ;)

[hogfaninga]

To the guy that asked: I read 8theapple post history and he has never owned an Apple computer.

[8theapple]

There's a difference between a $1 BigMac and a $1300 Macbook.

Really? lol.

My point is that NC was stating that Apple is somehow advertising the display as super beautiful on their advertisements.

Is that really any different than what any other company out there does for marketing and advertising? Whether you buy a car, the car brochures always have the nicest pictures and some brochures contain specs of cars from another country etc. Does anyone honestly expect Apple to advertise the new MB screen to be washed out on their advertisements?

I brought up the Big Mac analogy as a literal comparison but I guess you took it at face value.

[daneoni]

Is it weird that i'm kinda getting used to the screen thanks to the calibration profile i'm using. Yes the blacks are horrible (i just watched transformers and it wasn't the best of experiences) but when i actually get down to doing some work like a spreadsheet and general surfing, i find i forget about the issue...temporarily. However sooner or late my head starts screaming "crap display!"

The blue tint/grey blacks really annoys me and as soon as background light hits it (display), the mirror effect takes place

Suffice it to say i like the screen 50% & hate it 50% so i'm torn. Keeping my Air means i'd need to have it's logic board replace first due to faulty RAM/Airport which will take a few days. Even then there's no guarantee Apple will get it right...it might come back with another issue for all i know. Whereas the GlassBook is pretty much perfect sans display. Also 47GB of HD space (with all junk stripped) is REALLY tight compared to 250GB. I'd have about 10GB left after transferring my core stuff on the Air and would need to keep everything else on an external whereas the GlassBook can hold everything i have

The question on my mind is do i live with the seriously subpar screen and enjoy a more 'practical' laptop that may or may not screw up my vision due to its crappy display or do i make the tougher decision and return the GlassBook, fix the Air and enjoy the superior screen but readjust for the limited/choking storage till i get an iMac

Sigh...

PS my screen is the El Crapness:

P .00 6
LP133WX2-TLC1
Color LCD

Here's the deal. The MB is a winner ... clearly, aside from the display. To be complacent with the display is acceptable to some, but not for me. I'm not expecting the quality I have from my ACD even even the Air. I'm asking for acceptable. That is it.

I went to the Fashion Island store today where some kid was extraordinately sweet to me. He was chatty and I just adored his attitude. Then I got to the Genius who, in my opinion, was nothing more than an arrogant person who was adament to make sure I knew I was wrong.

I said, "look, I'm not trying to be a problem, but this is now a widely talked about issue on Apple's boards and beyond. Boards I am sure you probably know about." He replies with, "no not necessairly." Fair enough I thought. Another line was "this screen (mine) looks like this one (theirs) therefore, it is within spec." I said, "yes but they're the same panels and Apple is clearly using at least two different ones." His reply, "I wouldn't know that."

Oh really I thought. OK fair enough.

I said, well look. I'm clearly unhappy and there's no talking me out of it. I have to view it just a little tilted towards me. He replies with, "these have to be viewed head on." Ok fair enough ... then it is not within spec on the website.

So now we get to the return without restocking. He tells me adding ram exposed the logic board and therefore it's not a user-upgradable feature. I said, "ok but why do they show you how to do it in the owner's manual?" He said, "I wouldn't know what they show you, I haven't seen the user manual ... I have my own." "Well ok, then perhaps if you're citing something based on a confidential manual then how can we be certain the ram upgrade voided my warranty?"

These are just a few, the rest was piddly crap that I frankly didn't care for. However, Jon, the manager is willing to give me store credit but not another MB. He said I will most likely be unhappy with the next. Fair enough in my book. I did however drive all the way to the store just to recall I had forgotten about my memory so I am now back, having a drink, and I'm returning it tonight.

I'm sad, it's truly a remarkable machine otherwise.

BTW, the genius agreed the blacks aren't black but said it was within spec. All displays looked like mine.

All in all I'm pleased to know I get a full refund in the form of store credit. Jon and this other kid (who I will find his name out when I return) made it great. The genius may have not been as harsh as I believed him to be and I'm sure he was doing his job, but there's a way to approach it and I felt as though he was speaking as though I was nuts. Which I may very well be. ;)

Argh its one of those ones isn't it. They think they are somehow better than you because they work for Apple. Highly irritating. FWIW i think you handled the situation pretty well. Hopefully if i decide to return mine goes better

[ptsube]

You are insanely erratic in your postings. I'm thinking stirring the pot is acceptable to you, which is fine if you want to roll that way really.
I would agree with that. One second he is asking for help, the next he is insulting that persons judgement.

[pratap21]

Hey guys,

I'm due to get my 2.0 MB in 2 days. It would be great if NC Mac or someone could post a screenshot/capture from IronMan..etc that is used to show the difference between a good screen and the bad screen?

Just want to reaffirm the following-
1) 9C8C panel has all the problems solved?
2) After applying the SuperCal profile, have the blacks begun to look better?

Thanks
Pratap

[NC MacGuy]

^^^^ Wow! Sorry they gave you a hard time. Hopefully mine will be easier tomorrow. Since I've already been there and spoken to my resident genius who said use it until the 14th day and it won't be a problem, crossing fingers it won't be.

After 23 computers and over 100 ipods bought at the same store with only one MB & one touch returned before this, they better be nice to me!

Oh and to mr ate the apple or whatever, Apple is advertising it as such:

"Movies and video offer rich colors and fine details"

Sorry to disappoint but if I can't see normal details let alone fine, I have issue.

[hogfaninga]

Hey guys,

I'm due to get my 2.0 MB in 2 days. It would be great if NC Mac or someone could post a screenshot/capture from IronMan..etc that is used to show the difference between a good screen and the bad screen?

Just want to reaffirm the following-
1) 9C8C panel has all the problems solved?
2) After applying the SuperCal profile, have the blacks begun to look better?

Thanks
Pratap


1. My friend has that display model on his and it is bad on the blacks also.

2. Nothing can be done to make the blacks better through calibration. It is a hardware issue.

[8theapple]

I would agree with that. One second he is asking for help, the next he is insulting that persons judgement.

I'm looking to buy a new macbook and trying to do some objective research on the product so when I purchase it I know more than I do now aobut Apple products. But when I come on the boards like this one and there are people who just constantly bash on a certain characteristic (to OCD levels) that they don't like about the new product it becomes a tedious affair.

For a new Apple consumer, if they were to come onto the boards then they would probably form the opinion the screen is complete garbage which is what some of you post ad nauseum about.

If there is a problem, why can't you just return it or exchange it instead of posting 24/7 about the problem? If the macbok isn't up to your super standards, then that's the more productive course of action.

That is why I'm so erratic. I take time to read these forums. And when it comes to reading good posts full of valuable knowledge followed by posts by NC, etc complaining for the 34th time about the bad display it becomes annoying.

[hogfaninga]

I'm looking to buy a new macbook and trying to do some objective research on the product so when I purchase it I know more than I do now aobut Apple products. But when I come on the boards like this one and there are people who just constantly bash on a certain characteristic (to OCD levels) that they don't like about the new product it becomes a tedious affair.

For a new Apple consumer, if they were to come onto the boards then they would probably form the opinion the screen is complete garbage which is what some of you post ad nauseum about.

If there is a problem, why can't you just return it or exchange it instead of posting 24/7 about the problem? If the macbok isn't up to your super standards, then that's the more productive course of action.

That is why I'm so erratic. I take time to read these forums. And when it comes to reading good posts full of valuable knowledge followed by posts by NC, etc complaining for the 34th time about the bad display it becomes annoying.

There is a thing called the ignore button so you can block the posters you don't want to read. You are now on my ignore list. It is really easy to use also. Instead of complaining about people who actually own Macs, you can ignore the ones you don't like.

[NC MacGuy]

I'm looking to buy a new macbook and trying to do some objective research on the product so when I purchase it I know more than I do now aobut Apple products. But when I come on the boards like this one and there are people who just constantly bash on a certain characteristic (to OCD levels) that they don't like about the new product it becomes a tedious affair.

For a new Apple consumer, if they were to come onto the boards then they would probably form the opinion the screen is complete garbage which is what some of you post ad nauseum about.

If there is a problem, why can't you just return it or exchange it instead of posting 24/7 about the problem? If the macbok isn't up to your super standards, then that's the more productive course of action.

That is why I'm so erratic. I take time to read these forums. And when it comes to reading good posts full of valuable knowledge followed by posts by NC, etc complaining for the 34th time about the bad display it becomes annoying.


Then go over to the Aluminum MacBook thread and be happy. I bought one, I have problems relating to this thread and this IS the place to post about them.

Once you pony up $1600+tax for something come on back and post here.

[sammy2066]

All I care about at this point is that Apple is indulging in such lowly cost cutting activities.

Since the MBA and MB *can* use the same panels, why such a stark difference in quality?

This means Apple, knowing fully well that the customers will disregard the LCD in lieu of all the other great features made a rational decision to use a crappy batch of LCDs that LG and AUO may have had lying around. They may have gotten them for half price too.

I'm seriously beginning to lose faith in Apple at this point.

[ptsube]

I'm looking to buy a new macbook and trying to do some objective research on the product so when I purchase it I know more than I do now aobut Apple products. But when I come on the boards like this one and there are people who just constantly bash on a certain characteristic (to OCD levels) that they don't like about the new product it becomes a tedious affair.

For a new Apple consumer, if they were to come onto the boards then they would probably form the opinion the screen is complete garbage which is what some of you post ad nauseum about.

If there is a problem, why can't you just return it or exchange it instead of posting 24/7 about the problem? If the macbok isn't up to your super standards, then that's the more productive course of action.

That is why I'm so erratic. I take time to read these forums. And when it comes to reading good posts full of valuable knowledge followed by posts by NC, etc complaining for the 34th time about the bad display it becomes annoying.

I understand where you are coming from. I bought mine through Amazon, so if I want to return it I'm out $195. To me the display isn't up to snuff, but it's not worth $195 to return it.

I also read a lot about the problems with the keys and the display and so forth before I bought mine, but I too figured they were all OCD. And now I'm posting saying I don't entirely care for the display. Take everything on these forums with a grain of salt, but don't disregard them.

[hogfaninga]

I understand where you are coming from. I bought mine through Amazon, so if I want to return it I'm out $195. To me the display isn't up to snuff, but it's not worth $195 to return it.

I also read a lot about the problems with the keys and the display and so forth before I bought mine, but I too figured they were all OCD. And now I'm posting saying I don't entirely care for the display. Take everything on these forums with a grain of salt, but don't disregard them.


I thought you can return a computer to Amazon within 30 days for free. I have never bought a computer from them, but I though I read somewhere you could do that.

[ptsube]

I thought you can return a computer to Amazon within 30 days for free. I have never bought a computer from them, but I though I read somewhere you could do that.

You can return a computer within 30 days, but if it is open there is a 15% restocking fee. Which, of course, you need to open it just to see the display. Pretty lame.

[8theapple]

I understand. I'm not trying to come off as abrasive. I apologize if I do. I'm learning alot about the new Macbooks and just trying to efficiently sift through the information.

Case in point look at hogfaninga's post regarding patrap21's new purchase. Even before he or she has received their new macbook he's already bashing the display of the macbook.

1. My friend has that display model on his and it is bad on the blacks also.

2. Nothing can be done to make the blacks better through calibration. It is a hardware issue.

I digress though. Maybe I'll just lurk from now on because there isn't really true discussion that happens on boards like this because you have posters such as Hogfaninga who can't be mature and man up. He was cussing out another poster on another thread regarding the new Nvidia chip. I simply pointed out the fact that Snow Leopard would take advantage of the new Nvidia graphics cores.

And to the other users who hate the new screen like it was an abomination from Satan himself, then simply return the macbook. Case closed. But because the screen doesn't meet your specifications doesn't mean that it won't for another user.

But please compare apples to apples. The most valid comparison would be last gen MB vs the new Alu Mb.

[jessica.]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5F136 Safari/525.20)

The saga continues.
I just returned my mb for full store credit. Jon, the manager said, "so I took a survey and they say you're right.". I said oh really!? As I stood there at the counter I looked at the MB's on display and sure as **** negative black! This was before I was informed I am not crazy!

I am sad that it has to go, but this mb instilled a confidence in build (unibody) quality that means comes rev b I am buying one. I'm going home to buy the air I think online. I haven't decided if I'll order online.

Point here is the manager was nice enough to tell me there is a common opinion on the screen and was über nice to wave the restocking fee.

I showed him my flickr photos and he was or at least appeared shocked.

[sammy2066]

I'm all over it.

Glad I'm not the one saying it's 110% Apple greatness right now.:rolleyes:

$1600? I think not.

Enjoy:

Glossy Screen + Glass = An even worse display? Glossier?

Damnit Apple!

[NC MacGuy]

I understand. I'm not trying to come off as abrasive. I apologize if I do. I'm learning alot about the new Macbooks and just trying to efficiently sift through the information.

Case in point look at hogfaninga's post regarding patrap21's new purchase. Even before he or she has received their new macbook he's already bashing the display of the macbook.



I digress though. Maybe I'll just lurk from now on because there isn't really true discussion that happens on boards like this because you have posters such as Hogfaninga who can't be mature and man up. He was cussing out another poster on another thread regarding the new Nvidia chip. I simply pointed out the fact that Snow Leopard would take advantage of the new Nvidia graphics cores.

And to the other users who hate the new screen like it was an abomination from Satan himself, then simply return the macbook. Case closed. But because the screen doesn't meet your specifications doesn't mean that it won't for another user.

But please compare apples to apples. The most valid comparison would be last gen MB vs the new Alu Mb.

I did. The last gen. while not as bright was actually better at showing fine details than the new one. I'm not sure if it's the glass or what. Just didn't take pictures.

Who would have thought that while upgrading graphics, beautiful chassis, much better speakers and great trackpad that they'd throw in a very cheap display.

I find it hard to return but I need to do what's right - it is plain bad for the applications I've stated in the ways I've stated.

[ubercool]

You can return a computer within 30 days, but if it is open there is a 15% restocking fee. Which, of course, you need to open it just to see the display. Pretty lame.

Well, Apple charges the same 15%; you only have 14 days to return, plus sales tax. :eek:

[BoingoBongo]

All I care about at this point is that Apple is indulging in such lowly cost cutting activities.

Since the MBA and MB *can* use the same panels, why such a stark difference in quality?

This means Apple, knowing fully well that the customers will disregard the LCD in lieu of all the other great features made a rational decision to use a crappy batch of LCDs that LG and AUO may have had lying around. They may have gotten them for half price too.

I'm seriously beginning to lose faith in Apple at this point.

Me too.

What makes Apple great is the marriage of form and function. That's what we're paying for, and when it works like it should, it's a great thing. But Apple seems to be having some serious growing pains. Their software is still second to none, but their hardware is really starting to suffer.

It seems like they make these products that are absolutely perfect except for one or two serious defects that never get sorted out. So lame.