15inch PowerBook Display Issues?

MacRumors · Nov 2, 2003, 11:35 PM

After complaints about white spots appearing on the most recent 15" PowerBook G4s, Apple issued a statement on the issue:.

Quote:

"The new 15-inch PowerBook has been a big hit with customers since its introduction last month. However, some customers are reporting the appearance of faint white spots on their displays after using the system for a short period of time, and Apple is investigating these reports right now. Any customers experiencing this problem should contact AppleCare."

The appearance of the spots appears to be variable, and may develop over time. According to one user, the spots may be due to "spacers" built into the LCD screen.

withnail · Nov 2, 2003, 11:38 PM

Hadn't heard about these...what is "faint"? I mean, in comparison to the spots over the sleep LED on some Titaniums...

theipodgod16 · Nov 2, 2003, 11:41 PM

not that i have one, but are they going to fix it under warrenty, or is it just going to be your typical "Rev A" problem. (like my Rev A ibook having cracks around the LCD)???

ITR 81 · Nov 2, 2003, 11:42 PM

I hope this means they will fix all first production runs with the white spotted screens.

I believe the screen just needs to have more support so it's rigid enough to resist dents and the dreaded white spots.

But it's good to see an offical statement from Apple. I don't have one of the new 15 inchers so I guess I'm lucky.

coumerelli · Nov 2, 2003, 11:42 PM

sounds about right to me....I've got one with about four or five of those spots...here's what I've been thinking...with the Al casing, it can get impressed so that it presses onto the LCD from behind. Don't like it, but thrilled to hear apple is checking into it.

[edit for dumb spelling errors

]

ITR 81 · Nov 2, 2003, 11:43 PM

I would say since they are all under a yr old Apple should cover them under warranty.

brettsea · Nov 2, 2003, 11:47 PM

My 15" PB has then and they are getting bigger. My Australian reseller says that Apple will replace the screen for me as soon as they have fixed the problem and have stocks of the replacement screens.

gwuMACaddict · Nov 2, 2003, 11:48 PM

sounds like it's time for a G5 revision

supercres · Nov 2, 2003, 11:49 PM

Well, I've got the spots. Not as bad as some people, but I still plan on sending it back when i can afford not to have a computer for a few weeks. Probably next summer.

No problem, though, since I'm on Applecare protection plan.

Powerbook G5 · Nov 3, 2003, 12:01 AM

I don't have the spots but it isn't comforting to hear that they could develop over time.

Foxer · Nov 3, 2003, 12:09 AM

Yep. I'm in the market for one of these, but even the display model at the local apple store had them. I'll hold out a little while. I'll be ordering off the website anyway, where there is a three week wait.

Why didn't this problem crop up with the 17 or 12 inchers?

nacl99 · Nov 3, 2003, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by supercres
Well, I've got the spots. Not as bad as some people, but I still plan on sending it back when i can afford not to have a computer for a few weeks. Probably next summer.

No problem, though, since I'm on Applecare protection plan.

If you have an apple store near you, they will send it in overnight, then fix it and send it back, I was told the process would only take 3-4 days tops.

As of now Apple Store guys have no official thing to tell us, but to file a report, and then maybe send it in and have them decide. I'd rather wait for something more definitive.

neutrino23 · Nov 3, 2003, 12:34 AM

Mine developed this after five weeks. It is not usually noticeable. It does affect a few things.

I called Apple and they agreed to fix it immediately. No questions asked. I'll get it repaired in a few weeks after I finish travelling.

Even if you don't plan to fix this till later it might be a good idea to call AppleCare now and get a case number so there will be no confusion later.

beefstu01 · Nov 3, 2003, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by nacl99
If you have an apple store near you, they will send it in overnight, then fix it and send it back, I was told the process would only take 3-4 days tops.

As of now Apple Store guys have no official thing to tell us, but to file a report, and then maybe send it in and have them decide. I'd rather wait for something more definitive.

Apple has had my laptop for over two weeks waiting for the LCD to come in.

Porshuh944turbo · Nov 3, 2003, 12:39 AM

Got mine replaced.. took about 5 days - a week cause they were out of stock on screens for a couple days.. but it was overnighted both ways...

now my new screen was perfect.. no spots.. no stuck pixels (my original one had 1), but now I am seeing spots in it again....

definately something that has developed over a couple weeks.. i'll call apple again about it this week to get it documented, but probably won't send it in until they come up with a real solution.

EZRyde · Nov 3, 2003, 12:56 AM

So does this mean the 10-15 day ship time on 15" PB is because of this reason?

tizza · Nov 3, 2003, 01:11 AM

Well I haven't seen the spots yet on my new 15" but I'm getting a bit nervous now about what I may see in time

I've been lucky so far ... no dead or stuck pixels at all.

timbloom · Nov 3, 2003, 01:11 AM

As an owner of an affected 15", and I have been following this issue left and right, I would suggest anyone that wants to have this fixed, wait a couple weeks, and you will have a better chance of a timely repair.

I have had my machine in for almost a week now and it is still "waiting for repair" and people at Apple saying that the part is already there. But some people are also being told 2 weeks for the repair, while they're telling me a couple more days and I should have it back (confusing me). If the technician I had talked to didn't assure me that they had a real fix for it last monday, I would not have sent it in, but (to me) it seems as though they may still be waiting for revised parts to be delivered, or to catch up with demand.

My point being: If you notice these spots, and you can not be without your machine for more than the 3-5 business days that it usually takes them, (normally I am very pleased with a timely return), I would recommend you wait for a couple or more weeks until they have received an adequate supply of new parts, and wait out the initial rush for these parts. Your machine will get back to you in the timely manner Apple usually does, and most likely the techs will have done enough of them to do them in their sleep, so less worries about a second repair.

timbloom · Nov 3, 2003, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by EZRyde
So does this mean the 10-15 day ship time on 15" PB is because of this reason?

I am almost 100% positive that the machines are being held up for this reason.

BaDBoY · Nov 3, 2003, 01:20 AM

actually... i had the problem on my 17" PB (the older one). Well i really didnt mind it at first. well.. heres the story...

i was using my comptuer one night.. and the spots were already there.. they did annoy me a bit but i tried not to.. but anyway i was using my PB like usual then the sound just went kerplunk. no more sound came out.. tried everything, did system restore, and all these other methods...then i used apple hardware test to check the hardware and there was a defect on the logic board! it gave me an error.. so i called apple up and they did ask me if there was anything else wrong with teh comptue r.. and rep mentioned the LCD, so i knew i had a chance to get it fixed. i sent it in on a thursday, got my PB back on tuesday. i was happy.. its flawless now.

i think they will fix it as long as its under teh waranty, but i hate teh fact that i have to go to the hassle of getting it fixed for a defective LCD screen

actionslacks · Nov 3, 2003, 01:40 AM

15 PB 1.25

Spots started 3 weeks after i recived it. I called Apple and they said that they can fix it, but I would advise all to wait a month or so until they have a premanent solution.

There are many people who have sent there PBs in and gotten one with spots in return.

itsbetteronamac · Nov 3, 2003, 01:57 AM

Hey is it just me or has there been more problems in the last few monthes with apple products than everbefore. Seriously, I love apple to death, but there starting to sound like M$. Well I hope all fixes the displays and does a little better with quality control. But, to all you out there don't get me wrong. It's ok that apple's having a bad streak, but i hope apple dosn't continue down this path.

sethypoo · Nov 3, 2003, 01:58 AM

It's times like these I'm glad I have my 12" PowerBook G4.....

But for those of you who have the 15" PowerBook G4's, wait a little while, live with the white spots, and send your machine in when Apple has this figured out.

sethypoo · Nov 3, 2003, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by itsbetteronamac
Hey is it just me or has there been more problems in the last few monthes with apple products than everbefore. Seriously, I love apple to death, but there starting to sound like M$. Well I hope all fixes the displays and does a little better with quality control. But, to all you out there don't get me wrong. It's ok that apple's having a bad streak, but i hope apple dosn't continue down this path.

Exactly. I suppose releasing so many different products and updates as fast as Apple has would cause this. Give them time to catch up with themselves, they've been at it hard!

zync · Nov 3, 2003, 02:48 AM

This is not just a 15" problem nor a powerbook problem or even an apple problem. I had spots like this on an old dell, just as I do on this 15" I'm typing from. I think on the 15" it's caused by the way you pick up your powerbook (my spots are where my fingers are when I pick it up) or by, as some have already noted, spacers between the LCD and the back of the lid. I've opened up many laptops and the spacers that some companies put back there could cause this problem. I've never opened a new powerbook but this may definitely be something apple does. It all depends on the thickness of the LCD and lid. Apple LCDs actually seem to thin to warrant spacers AFAICT though. Hopefully this problem will be resolved and we can all get replacements. I only hope this doesn't affect prices for new powerbook buyers in the future because plenty of people are having these problems and these LCDs can no longer be sold or used in anything not labeled refurb.

Nov 2, 2003, 11:38 PM	#2
withnail macrumors member Join Date: Feb 2003	Hadn't heard about these...what is "faint"? I mean, in comparison to the spots over the sleep LED on some Titaniums... __________________ "He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man." - Dr. Johnson

Nov 2, 2003, 11:42 PM	#4
ITR 81 macrumors 65816 Join Date: Oct 2003	Great news! I hope this means they will fix all first production runs with the white spotted screens. I believe the screen just needs to have more support so it's rigid enough to resist dents and the dreaded white spots. But it's good to see an offical statement from Apple. I don't have one of the new 15 inchers so I guess I'm lucky.

Nov 2, 2003, 11:42 PM	#5
coumerelli macrumors 6502 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: state of confusion.	sounds about right to me....I've got one with about four or five of those spots...here's what I've been thinking...with the Al casing, it can get impressed so that it presses onto the LCD from behind. Don't like it, but thrilled to hear apple is checking into it. [edit for dumb spelling errors ] __________________ They say that if you play a Microsoft CD in backwards it plays Satanic music....That's nothing. If you play it forward it installs Windows!!!

Nov 2, 2003, 11:48 PM	#8
gwuMACaddict macrumors 68040 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: washington dc	sounds like it's time for a G5 revision __________________ *"if everyone is thinking alike, then someone isn't thinking"*

Nov 2, 2003, 11:49 PM	#9
supercres macrumors member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Philadelphia, PA	Well, I've got the spots. Not as bad as some people, but I still plan on sending it back when i can afford not to have a computer for a few weeks. Probably next summer. No problem, though, since I'm on Applecare protection plan. __________________ visit... supercres.net

Nov 2, 2003, 11:41 PM	#3
theipodgod16 macrumors 6502 Join Date: Aug 2003	not that i have one, but are they going to fix it under warrenty, or is it just going to be your typical "Rev A" problem. (like my Rev A ibook having cracks around the LCD)???

Nov 2, 2003, 11:43 PM	#6
ITR 81 macrumors 65816 Join Date: Oct 2003	I would say since they are all under a yr old Apple should cover them under warranty.

Nov 2, 2003, 11:47 PM	#7
brettsea macrumors newbie Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Melbourne, Australia	My 15" PB has then and they are getting bigger. My Australian reseller says that Apple will replace the screen for me as soon as they have fixed the problem and have stocks of the replacement screens.

Nov 3, 2003, 12:01 AM	#10
Powerbook G5 macrumors 68040 Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: St Augustine, FL	I don't have the spots but it isn't comforting to hear that they could develop over time. __________________ iMac, therefore, iAm.

Nov 3, 2003, 12:09 AM	#11
Foxer macrumors 65816 Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Falls Church, VA	Yep. I'm in the market for one of these, but even the display model at the local apple store had them. I'll hold out a little while. I'll be ordering off the website anyway, where there is a three week wait. Why didn't this problem crop up with the 17 or 12 inchers? __________________ Luck is the residue of design. - Branch Rickey 24" iMac - MacBook Air - Apple //c "I'll buy almost anything if it is shiny and made by Apple."

Nov 3, 2003, 12:34 AM	#13
neutrino23 macrumors 6502 Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: SF Bay area	Mine developed this after five weeks. It is not usually noticeable. It does affect a few things. I called Apple and they agreed to fix it immediately. No questions asked. I'll get it repaired in a few weeks after I finish travelling. Even if you don't plan to fix this till later it might be a good idea to call AppleCare now and get a case number so there will be no confusion later.

Nov 3, 2003, 12:39 AM	#15
Porshuh944turbo macrumors regular Join Date: Jun 2003	Got mine replaced.. took about 5 days - a week cause they were out of stock on screens for a couple days.. but it was overnighted both ways... now my new screen was perfect.. no spots.. no stuck pixels (my original one had 1), but now I am seeing spots in it again.... definately something that has developed over a couple weeks.. i'll call apple again about it this week to get it documented, but probably won't send it in until they come up with a real solution.

Nov 3, 2003, 12:56 AM	#16
EZRyde macrumors newbie Join Date: Oct 2003	So does this mean the 10-15 day ship time on 15" PB is because of this reason?

Nov 3, 2003, 01:11 AM	#17
tizza macrumors regular Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Brisbane, Australia	Well I haven't seen the spots yet on my new 15" but I'm getting a bit nervous now about what I may see in time I've been lucky so far ... no dead or stuck pixels at all.

Nov 3, 2003, 01:11 AM	#18
timbloom macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jan 2002	As an owner of an affected 15", and I have been following this issue left and right, I would suggest anyone that wants to have this fixed, wait a couple weeks, and you will have a better chance of a timely repair. I have had my machine in for almost a week now and it is still "waiting for repair" and people at Apple saying that the part is already there. But some people are also being told 2 weeks for the repair, while they're telling me a couple more days and I should have it back (confusing me). If the technician I had talked to didn't assure me that they had a real fix for it last monday, I would not have sent it in, but (to me) it seems as though they may still be waiting for revised parts to be delivered, or to catch up with demand. My point being: If you notice these spots, and you can not be without your machine for more than the 3-5 business days that it usually takes them, (normally I am very pleased with a timely return), I would recommend you wait for a couple or more weeks until they have received an adequate supply of new parts, and wait out the initial rush for these parts. Your machine will get back to you in the timely manner Apple usually does, and most likely the techs will have done enough of them to do them in their sleep, so less worries about a second repair.

Nov 3, 2003, 01:20 AM	#20
BaDBoY macrumors member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: California	actually... i had the problem on my 17" PB (the older one). Well i really didnt mind it at first. well.. heres the story... i was using my comptuer one night.. and the spots were already there.. they did annoy me a bit but i tried not to.. but anyway i was using my PB like usual then the sound just went kerplunk. no more sound came out.. tried everything, did system restore, and all these other methods...then i used apple hardware test to check the hardware and there was a defect on the logic board! it gave me an error.. so i called apple up and they did ask me if there was anything else wrong with teh comptue r.. and rep mentioned the LCD, so i knew i had a chance to get it fixed. i sent it in on a thursday, got my PB back on tuesday. i was happy.. its flawless now. i think they will fix it as long as its under teh waranty, but i hate teh fact that i have to go to the hassle of getting it fixed for a defective LCD screen

Nov 3, 2003, 01:40 AM	#21
actionslacks macrumors regular Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: LA	15 PB 1.25 Spots started 3 weeks after i recived it. I called Apple and they said that they can fix it, but I would advise all to wait a month or so until they have a premanent solution. There are many people who have sent there PBs in and gotten one with spots in return.

Nov 3, 2003, 01:57 AM	#22
itsbetteronamac macrumors regular Join Date: Apr 2003	Hey is it just me or has there been more problems in the last few monthes with apple products than everbefore. Seriously, I love apple to death, but there starting to sound like M$. Well I hope all fixes the displays and does a little better with quality control. But, to all you out there don't get me wrong. It's ok that apple's having a bad streak, but i hope apple dosn't continue down this path.

Nov 3, 2003, 01:58 AM	#23
sethypoo macrumors 68000 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA, USA	It's times like these I'm glad I have my 12" PowerBook G4..... But for those of you who have the 15" PowerBook G4's, wait a little while, live with the white spots, and send your machine in when Apple has this figured out. __________________ Weeeeeee!

Nov 3, 2003, 02:48 AM	#25
zync macrumors 68000 Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Tampa, FL	Not just a 15" problem... This is not just a 15" problem nor a powerbook problem or even an apple problem. I had spots like this on an old dell, just as I do on this 15" I'm typing from. I think on the 15" it's caused by the way you pick up your powerbook (my spots are where my fingers are when I pick it up) or by, as some have already noted, spacers between the LCD and the back of the lid. I've opened up many laptops and the spacers that some companies put back there could cause this problem. I've never opened a new powerbook but this may definitely be something apple does. It all depends on the thickness of the LCD and lid. Apple LCDs actually seem to thin to warrant spacers AFAICT though. Hopefully this problem will be resolved and we can all get replacements. I only hope this doesn't affect prices for new powerbook buyers in the future because plenty of people are having these problems and these LCDs can no longer be sold or used in anything not labeled refurb. __________________ gra-phix 15" PowerBook G4 1.25/1.25GB/80GB/64MB \| 24" iMac C2D 2.16/2GB/500GB/256MB \| 16GB black iPhone

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