Before I buy Rev B - 9C8F screen model question

[NYU02]

Ok, so I really really want a rev b mba but what has kept me from buying one is the screen issue. I bought a MB and loved it but I gave it to my sister because her old mac died. I was searching through some previous posts and found that people with the 9C8F screen model didn't have the line issue. I went to the apple store and the ones there had the lines but at my local best buy the MBA on display did NOT have the lines.

My question is this:
Is there a way to check the box for the screen model # or is there a way to check before I leave the store what screen is on the comp?

Or
Are all new screens fixed?

Thanks,
NYU02

[nph]

As far as I know you can only check the scren if you turn it on. Btw I have 9C8F and it is perfect, best screen I have seen ever!

[NYU02]

Is there any way to check before I open the box? That way if I'm in a best buy or somewhere I can check the box before I leave.

Is the 9C8F screen model the newest model screen?

thanks,
NYU02

[fuz10n]

Is there any way to check before I open the box? That way if I'm in a best buy or somewhere I can check the box before I leave.

Is the 9C8F screen model the newest model screen?

thanks,
NYU02

I too would like to know this since I'm exchanging my rev a for a rev b on Monday at Best Buy. I suppose we can always get AppleCare to repair it.

[stoconnell]

Is there any way to check before I open the box? That way if I'm in a best buy or somewhere I can check the box before I leave.

Is the 9C8F screen model the newest model screen?

thanks,
NYU02

I think it varies. I have an early March (bought about 4 weeks ago) build with the 9c90 screen with what I believe is a mild case of the lines, so you still have a non-zero probability of encountering the issue.

[mhnajjar]

I have 9C8F after trying the other two models and it is the ONLY one withOUT lines. The others vary. And yes, 9C8F is the latest, but it is NOT used in all machines, since some later assembled machines use the other screen models. It seems that Apple is trying to phase out those other models slowly.

Unfortunately, there is NO way to tell what screen model you have without turning on the machine, unless you might be able to call Apple care and they help you with this (IF THEY KNOW HOW TO DO IT ... LOL) :D

[NYU02]

Where did you buy your computer? If the 9C8F screen model is the latest model, which retailer would have the highest probability of having this screen? A couple people bought from amazon and had no problem. I would think apple would have the newest but their return policy stinks....

Where did everyone get their 9C8F model screen?

Thanks,
NYU02

[NYU02]

also, what was the date of the build & purchase?

that can narrow down the hunt before I open as well.

Thanks,
NYU02

[nph]

Got mine from Amazon 2 weeks ago and it was build end of -08.

[NYU02]

I just got back from my local apple store and local best buy. The 4 MBAs at the apple store had the lines but were rev B models from when they first came out. NOW, I went to the best buy store and the MBA had ZERO lines (first time I saw that) and I checked the screen model and guess what, it was the 9C8F!!!
The serial number was W8853 so it was very very new. I'm assuming then that all the new models have the 9C8F screens.

I'm trying very hard not to get a bad screen! ha

NYU02

[zedsdead]

I just got back from my local apple store and local best buy. The 4 MBAs at the apple store had the lines but were rev B models from when they first came out. NOW, I went to the best buy store and the MBA had ZERO lines (first time I saw that) and I checked the screen model and guess what, it was the 9C8F!!!
The serial number was W8853 so it was very very new. I'm assuming then that all the new models have the 9C8F screens.

I'm trying very hard not to get a bad screen! ha

NYU02

I just got back with my second Rev B, and this one has the line issue as well. 4 out of 5 in the Apple Store had the lines, one was perfect. The Genius people thought I was crazy (although one said that the air they use looks worse), but they replaced it anyway. I really don't know what to do at this point.

I tried showing them the one Air they had was fine, and how different the screen looked, but all I got as a response was that the ones on the floor are calibrated differently. Of course, the other two floor models had the issue so that was a poor answer.

[fuz10n]

how do you find your MBA's screen model number anyway?

[NYU02]

Go to DISPLAY under System Preferences, then click on the COLOR TAB, then OPEN PROFILE, scroll down to the second to last line and click it. It shows the model.

I believe it is the second to last option, I'm on my GF's old MBP so its a little different but should be there.

BUT I must admit after reading some refurb rev A reviews, for 999 might just have to get that.

NYU02

[stoconnell]

I just got back with my second Rev B, and this one has the line issue as well. 4 out of 5 in the Apple Store had the lines, one was perfect. The Genius people thought I was crazy (although one said that the air they use looks worse), but they replaced it anyway. I really don't know what to do at this point.

I tried showing them the one Air they had was fine, and how different the screen looked, but all I got as a response was that the ones on the floor are calibrated differently. Of course, the other two floor models had the issue so that was a poor answer.

This is the reason why I have been reticent to try the return route. My 9C90 screen exhibits this behavior, but it is fairly mild. Short of forcing them to let you open and preview and reject each one they bring out, I am not sure how one can go through the exchange process with any degree of confidence of a good outcome. I would guess that one wouldn't fly.

I agree any arguments about screen calibration are bogus.

[stoconnell]

The serial number was W8853 so it was very very new. I'm assuming then that all the new models have the 9C8F screens.

Nope. The screen model varies. My MBA with serial number W8910 (10th week of 2009) has the 9C90 screen and lines (alas, sigh).

[NYU02]

So I finally decided to go to the best buy that had the 9C8F screen because the salesman mentioned they had 2 left from the same shipment and the demo was from. When I finally said I will purchase one, the idiot didn't realize that the 2 on the computer were in repair and not new and they didn't have any left!!!

Back to square one I guess!!!:mad:

Where are you 9C8F! haha

NYU02

[PaperMacWriter]

you could just ask the people at the apple store if they could get you one that had the 9c8f screen, open it there, and just keep getting a new one until you get it. I think they'd let you do that.... and if not, its under apple care, they'll replace it for you. Best of luck!
SG :apple:

[zedsdead]

They let me open this one at the store, but at that point, considering she did not really she the issue with the Air, I decided just to say I'll look into it at home. I have had the following issues:

(1) Rev A, bought day one, dead pixels in the screen. = Apple replaced it
(2) Rev A, late Feb, 08, Hard Drive deleted itself and had no free space = Apple replaced it.
(3) Rev A, march-april 09:
- Trackpad button scratched the bezel = Apple replaced the bezel
- Trackpad button got stuck in the down position = Apple replaced the button
- Macbook Air came back with a broken and lose hinge = Apple agreed to repair it, but I decided to wait because I needed the machine
- Last week, the Air got a bunch of flickering black lines on the left side of the display
- After 4+ hours both in store and on the phone, Apple agreed to replace the machine with a Rev B
(4) Rev B, last Thursday, had the gray line issue (I thought I was crazy until I looked it up) = Apple replaced it today, although the Genius' did not believe me.
(5) Rev B, present, has the Gray line issue, but it is less than the other one.

At this point I am not sure if I should keep it or just complain until Apple lets me trade it toward a Macbook Pro. I really love the Air for its size, and I don't want the Macbook due to the crappy screen. The 15" pro is really my only alternative. I might just decide to live with the issue, or go to the other Apple Store first in my area and see what they say about it.

For the record, Apple is not going to let you open countless Air's, especially on an issue that goes unnoticed by the Genius Bar. They will go for it once, but that's really it. Considering it seems to affect greater than 75% of the Air's, I have no confidence that if I trade this one in I will get a good one. I am just tired of all the issues I have had with the Air line. It is not ready.

Apple fixed a lot of issues with the Rev B, but this screen problem is ridiculously widespread, its just that many people can't notice it or we're all just crazy.;)

[NYU02]

Papermacwriter,
Is there a way to check the screen on the box?

that way I dont have to open it.

thanks,
NYU02

[zedsdead]

For the record, my screen is 9c9a, and it has the gray line issue, albeit less than my last one.

[stoconnell]

Papermacwriter,
Is there a way to check the screen on the box?

that way I dont have to open it.

thanks,
NYU02

I don't believe so, especially since there are at least three screen models on the Rev B, which Apple would treat as interchangeable and are all approved Rev B screen widgets.

[PaperMacWriter]

Papermacwriter,
Is there a way to check the screen on the box?

that way I dont have to open it.

thanks,
NYU02



Don't think so, but its worth asking the salesman if they can check anyway. What have you got to lose?
SG :apple:

[mhnajjar]

Go with Amazon, it is the best way and hassle free to return/exchange.

I think you would get the 9C8F from them since they had a little investigation around a month back and they stopped selling their MBA revB for few days.

Let us know and good luck :)

[NYU02]

mhnajjar,
Which MBA did you buy on amazon and how long ago? can you send a link?

thanks,
NYU02

[fuz10n]

I returned the mba rev.a today and took home a rev.b. grey lines. took it back, tried another, grey lines. Display model had grey lines. They probably thought I was crazy and had a manager tell me that they are all from the same batch (yeah right, like he'd know), so they are all going to have this imperfect screen.

I ended up getting the 2.4GHz unibody macbook, and i am very happy with it. It's not thin, but it has a drive, beautiful display, and damn powerful innards. Saved $200 bucks too. :D

[mhnajjar]

mhnajjar,
Which MBA did you buy on amazon and how long ago? can you send a link?

thanks,
NYU02

Both revBs are available on Amazon. If you buy it and it turns out to have the lines, they would exchange it without any issues. That is what happened to me.

nph got his from the first try ;) <--- one lucky dude.

I am sure it won't go wrong, the worst case, they would give you a full refund. It is way safer than eBay, BestBuy and even the Apple Store where jerks would treat you like an addict to perfection!

[tubbymac]

I ended up getting the 2.4GHz unibody macbook, and i am very happy with it. It's not thin, but it has a drive, beautiful display, and damn powerful innards. Saved $200 bucks too. :D

You should try watching a movie with a lot of black in it like Batman or Ironman before your return period is up. The Macbook screen has horrible blacks and really bad viewing angles compared to the Macbook Air screen.

Just giving you a heads up as the only way I can tolerate my unibody Macbook these days is by hooking it up to an external monitor. Otherwise the low quality display is infuriating to use.

[NYU02]

mhnajjar,
I went to amazon to check it out. Is this the computer people are having success with? http://www.amazon.com/Apple-MacBook-MB940LL-Laptop-Processor/dp/tech-data/B001GCTT80/ref=de_a_smtd

If so, it says the memory is DDR2? I thought the new MBAs had DDR3. Is that just their error?

Also, both the ssd and hdd version have been successful zero line purchases for people? Both say DDR2 as well. Strange.

Thanks,
NYU02

[mhnajjar]

http://www.amazon.com/Apple-MacBook-MB543LL-Laptop-Processor/dp/B001GCTT7Q/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=pc&qid=1240367071&sr=1-3

How about this? ;)

[NYU02]

still shows DDR2

[King t.]

i have the 9C8F as well and the screen is PERFECT :D

[NYU02]

king t.

where did you buy it and when?

thanks,
NYU02

[mhnajjar]

still shows DDR2

I don't know what you are on to dude, but DDR3 is all over that link I posted :eek:

[happyslayer]

Mine was built Mar. 8, with screen 9c90 - NO LINES! Incase it matters. If it is a big worry, make the Apple Store fire it up prior to you buying it. If you are getting it mail order, make sure the vendor will take a return if there are lines - (get that in writing/email from the sales person.)

[Scottsdale]

i have the 9C8F as well and the screen is PERFECT :D

Where did you buy yours? I have to rebuy an MBA as mine was stolen. After reading how great this display is in several threads, I want to get it. My original rev B MBA did not have lines, but no reason not to ensure the second time around is line free also.

Thanks...

[mhnajjar]

Where did you buy yours? I have to rebuy an MBA as mine was stolen. After reading how great this display is in several threads, I want to get it. My original rev B MBA did not have lines, but no reason not to ensure the second time around is line free also.

Thanks...

Go with Amazon, this is where I and nph got ours from :)

[King t.]

king t.

where did you buy it and when?

thanks,
NYU02

well since I'm from Germany. I bought mine in a so called "media markt store" it's the biggest electronic store in Germany.
My MBA was bought on the 13.03.2009.

[NYU02]

mhnajjar,
My confusion comes from the tech specs if you click on more info in the middle. It says DDR2 there but below it says DDR3. I'm sure it is their error. I will probably order one today and pray.

Thanks,
NYU02

[fr4c]

9C90 screen here, bought online from the Apple Store. Perfect screen, no lines whatsoever.

[Veinticinco]

9C90 screen here, bought online from the Apple Store. Perfect screen, no lines whatsoever.
Lucky you. Had two of those 9C90s, also bought online from Apple Store, both had screen lines. Third one a 9C9A (SSD this time) also had the issue.

Just wondering though, what's the temperature in HK right now? Mid-20s? High humidity yes? Was 80% or so when I was there around this time last year, hard to breathe. Just I recall Scottsdale I think suggesting a theory about ambient temps affecting the displays a little while back. I'm in temperately cool Europe but my MBAs were obviously assembled in Shanghai, same as yours.

[Veinticinco]

mhnajjar,
My confusion comes from the tech specs if you click on more info in the middle. It says DDR2 there but below it says DDR3. I'm sure it is their error. I will probably order one today and pray.

Thanks,
NYU02
Those amazon specs are probably written by PC monkeys. If it's an MBA with 120GBHDD or 128GB SSD (rev B) it has DDR3 RAM. No need to pray or obsess any further.

[fr4c]

Lucky you. Had two of those 9C90s, also bought online from Apple Store, both had screen lines. Third one a 9C9A (SSD this time) also had the issue.

Just wondering though, what's the temperature in HK right now? Mid-20s? High humidity yes? Was 80% or so when I was there around this time last year, hard to breathe. Just I recall Scottsdale I think suggesting a theory about ambient temps affecting the displays a little while back. I'm in temperately cool Europe but my MBAs were obviously assembled in Shanghai, same as yours.
I'm actually in the States right now, won't be back until the end of May. Temps here are in the mid 50's to 60's, but don't think that has really made any effects to the screen. Although what you say about the humidity does raise an interesting question.

Is there a specific way that makes it easier to check for the horizontal lines? Such as maybe a textured background or color, etc.

[Scottsdale]

Lucky you. Had two of those 9C90s, also bought online from Apple Store, both had screen lines. Third one a 9C9A (SSD this time) also had the issue.

Just wondering though, what's the temperature in HK right now? Mid-20s? High humidity yes? Was 80% or so when I was there around this time last year, hard to breathe. Just I recall Scottsdale I think suggesting a theory about ambient temps affecting the displays a little while back. I'm in temperately cool Europe but my MBAs were obviously assembled in Shanghai, same as yours.

My theory is humidity not temps affecting MBA displays. We have very low humidity here. Normally less than 15%. I really don't know. I just know that I see more MBAs without lines than with them by a large number. I have to believe that if the lines are in large numbers somewhere else there has to be a reason. Don't have any idea what the reason is. I do speculate, just based on the way the lines appear. Seems like pressure on the outer shell/plastic. Seems like humidity could cause that???

No scientific evidence... more of a hypothesis that has not been tested at all.