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2011 MBA - Faint 'white' horizonatal lines middle of screen
- Thread starter minnus
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What precautions have to taken to prevent damage to the replaced screen?
I can't decide if I want to just sell it -_-
Well, I presumed they were correct even though I couldn't think of any example - but now I am just ultra careful to avoid sandwiching the MBA between anything (i.e. my back and whatever else may be in a bag). Some people go for the screen protector stickers, but I'm too paranoid about applying them perfectly!
So far, I've had great success with using a Razer Kabuto mouse pad. I can't comment on any other clothes as I've never used them though. I went with the Kabuto mouse pad because it was only $13 shipped, versus others that are in the lower 20s.
Yep, I carry it around in a messenger bag. I am also super paranoid though, which might attribute to my success in not damaging the screen. I am always conscious of how my bag is positioned and how much pressure is on the MBA. The moments when I do forget though (like putting down the bag with the MBA on the bottom), the cloth saves the day.
I just saw this thread now after I had my problem resolved--wish I saw it earlier to confirm I wasn't imagining things!
I had this exact same problem with my refurb 2010 Macbook Air 13" base model last fall. They replaced the screen as well as the case since it was slightly warped. After I got it back, I noticed the white lines on the screen again as if nothing had changed. I also was having keyboard problems where some of the keys on the left side were not responding 100% of the time. Over the next two months the laptop was taken into repair three more times (once again for the screen, twice for the keyboard), and by then I had had enough. I was polite yet persistent, and after speaking with the manager, the genius was generous enough to give me a brand new 2011 Macbook Air Ultimate model! I know I was extremely lucky that Apple went above and beyond what I expected to resolve my issue. I subsequently kept up my end of the bargain and told everyone I know about Apple's customer service.
I had this exact same problem with my refurb 2010 Macbook Air 13" base model last fall. They replaced the screen as well as the case since it was slightly warped. After I got it back, I noticed the white lines on the screen again as if nothing had changed. I also was having keyboard problems where some of the keys on the left side were not responding 100% of the time. Over the next two months the laptop was taken into repair three more times (once again for the screen, twice for the keyboard), and by then I had had enough. I was polite yet persistent, and after speaking with the manager, the genius was generous enough to give me a brand new 2011 Macbook Air Ultimate model! I know I was extremely lucky that Apple went above and beyond what I expected to resolve my issue. I subsequently kept up my end of the bargain and told everyone I know about Apple's customer service.
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I just saw this thread now after I had my problem resolved--wish I saw it earlier to confirm I wasn't imagining things!
I had this exact same problem with my refurb 2010 Macbook Air 13" base model last fall. They replaced the screen as well as the case since it was slightly warped. After I got it back, I noticed the white lines on the screen again as if nothing had changed. I also was having keyboard problems where some of the keys on the left side were not responding 100% of the time. Over the next two months the laptop was taken into repair three more times (once again for the screen, twice for the keyboard), and by then I had had enough. I was polite yet persistent, and after speaking with the manager, the genius was generous enough to give me a brand new 2011 Macbook Air Ultimate model! I know I was extremely lucky that Apple went above and beyond what I expected to resolve my issue. I subsequently kept up my end of the bargain and told everyone I know about Apple's customer service.
Make sure you start using that cloth!
I had to go to the Apple store as much as 5 times in a specific week. I honestly much rather this issue never occurring - than experiencing Apple's customer support.
This issue could have been prevented had they made it apparent that the screen is very vulnerable to flexing and to ensure optimal condition - use a cloth between the keyboard and the screen.
I just noticed this on my 6 week old 2011 MBA (13")
Really annoying seeing as I have a hard case for it (Booq Viper) and rarely stick it in a bag where it is compressed. I'm surprised how fast this happened.
It's only visible on a dark background at certain angles. I noticed it today for the first time when I had it hooked up to my TV watching a movie and the screen was kind of gray/dark but at full brightness. It's definitely not a smudge or anything. At least I can't see it when I'm actually using it, but it's still disappointing how little usage it took to get these marks.
Dark, horizontal lines just above the cursor:
EDIT: See my post here. Apple replaced my MBA today with a brand new one because of this issue.
Really annoying seeing as I have a hard case for it (Booq Viper) and rarely stick it in a bag where it is compressed. I'm surprised how fast this happened.
It's only visible on a dark background at certain angles. I noticed it today for the first time when I had it hooked up to my TV watching a movie and the screen was kind of gray/dark but at full brightness. It's definitely not a smudge or anything. At least I can't see it when I'm actually using it, but it's still disappointing how little usage it took to get these marks.
Dark, horizontal lines just above the cursor:
EDIT: See my post here. Apple replaced my MBA today with a brand new one because of this issue.
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My 2-month old 13" MBA (mid-2011) base model has exactly the same problem. Presenting this thread to Apple Care guys is a great help to grant me a screen replacement.
I'm in China and when I showed those lines to guys at the authorized repair center in my town today, I was told that Apple China WILL reject my replacement application by saying "it's user's fault to press the screen too hard", as they did in prior cases that "I've seen in a couple of Air's" - said by one of the repair guys.
But when I came back to office I filed a question on Apple support page included with LINK to THIS THREAD and got a phone call from Apple Care. Over the phone they asked me to describe the problem, then they said they had viewed this thread and agreed to grant me a one-time-only free replacement of the entire screen unit (upper half of my MBA) because "there are cases closed with screen replacement in the thread".
I'm taking my MBA for screen replacement tomorrow and will update with further progress.
MacRumors RULE!
[UPDATE] Today, which is three days later, my MBA is back and things are back to normal. The upper half was replaced free of charge, and I plan to stick with the Razer-kabuto solution. Thanks a bunch for this thread, minnus.
I'm in China and when I showed those lines to guys at the authorized repair center in my town today, I was told that Apple China WILL reject my replacement application by saying "it's user's fault to press the screen too hard", as they did in prior cases that "I've seen in a couple of Air's" - said by one of the repair guys.
But when I came back to office I filed a question on Apple support page included with LINK to THIS THREAD and got a phone call from Apple Care. Over the phone they asked me to describe the problem, then they said they had viewed this thread and agreed to grant me a one-time-only free replacement of the entire screen unit (upper half of my MBA) because "there are cases closed with screen replacement in the thread".
I'm taking my MBA for screen replacement tomorrow and will update with further progress.
MacRumors RULE!
[UPDATE] Today, which is three days later, my MBA is back and things are back to normal. The upper half was replaced free of charge, and I plan to stick with the Razer-kabuto solution. Thanks a bunch for this thread, minnus.
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Hmm ok thanks. The idea to be a week away from my new MBA is not very appealing. Maybe I should wait a bit, wait for the screen to get worse, the replacement would make me a brand new machine in 6 months...
But isn't it annoying that Apple did nothing since the MBA 2011 - which had the same problem?
I guess most of the people simply don't care, and keep the white lines.
In my case, I own it for a week! Of course I used it every day, and moved it to several locations. But the MBA is kept vertical, in a protective case, and I don't know where it could get some pressure enough to damage the screen?!
But isn't it annoying that Apple did nothing since the MBA 2011 - which had the same problem?
I guess most of the people simply don't care, and keep the white lines.
In my case, I own it for a week! Of course I used it every day, and moved it to several locations. But the MBA is kept vertical, in a protective case, and I don't know where it could get some pressure enough to damage the screen?!
Hmm ok thanks. The idea to be a week away from my new MBA is not very appealing. Maybe I should wait a bit, wait for the screen to get worse, the replacement would make me a brand new machine in 6 months...
But isn't it annoying that Apple did nothing since the MBA 2011 - which had the same problem?
I guess most of the people simply don't care, and keep the white lines.
In my case, I own it for a week! Of course I used it every day, and moved it to several locations. But the MBA is kept vertical, in a protective case, and I don't know where it could get some pressure enough to damage the screen?!
Hi root ~ The best thing to do is to bring it their attention as soon as possible. The longer you have it, the more likely they will attempt to pawn it off as 'accidental' damage.
You're right in that some people just don't care about their screens. I was at an airport, and I took out my Air. Someone walks up to me and asks why I had a cloth between the screen. I gave him the short story of how light pressure can cause permanent damage to the screen. He was like, oh *#@#, pulls out his Air and examines his screen. I died a little when I saw it - chips from the keys, scratches from the compression points - but hey, if he never noticed them, more power to him! I wish I could ignore it, lol.
Just FYI, still no issues with the cloth! I use it for everything now, including the rMBP i recently purchased (people have already encountered similar 'pressure' issues /sigh) and it keeps the screen immaculate.
Its been mentioned previously, but I try not to overstate it as the only option (which is why I generally just say 'cloth').
I use the Razer Kabuto. It is a small/thin mousepad that was designed to fit between the keyboard and screen of most laptops. I prefer this one over others because it is a tad thicker than those specially designed for the Air. Since this is all about pressure damage, the extra thickness provides a nice cushion.
I use the Razer Kabuto. It is a small/thin mousepad that was designed to fit between the keyboard and screen of most laptops. I prefer this one over others because it is a tad thicker than those specially designed for the Air. Since this is all about pressure damage, the extra thickness provides a nice cushion.
So now I am noticing these lines, too And my MBA is now just over a year old (warranty has expired). Think I'll have any luck getting it fixed?
Also, I am wondering if leaving the case open and relieving the pressure on the screen will help the lines go away. Has anyone tried this? Any luck?
And my MBA is now just over a year old (warranty has expired). Think I'll have any luck getting it fixed?Also, I am wondering if leaving the case open and relieving the pressure on the screen will help the lines go away. Has anyone tried this? Any luck?
So now I am noticing these lines, too
Also, I am wondering if leaving the case open and relieving the pressure on the screen will help the lines go away. Has anyone tried this? Any luck?
Ouch! It seems like Apple would have very little reason to fix this for you at this point
Afterall, most of us did struggle to get it fixed UNDER warranty. But it couldn't hurt if you had the time right?Good luck!
Ouch! It seems like Apple would have very little reason to fix this for you at this point
Good luck!
Yeah...I never noticed it before - don't watch many movies
ON the phone with Mac right now, they seem quite pleasant.I spoke too soon....they are saying tough cookies because the warranty period is over (my fault for not watching movies on my MBA I guess) - further, they essentially told me that they think all of you are full of crap (when I mentioned this forum, and this thread) they said "Anyone can write whatever they want on the Internet - we have no record of screen issues with the MBA").
I love my NBA - and I consider myself a convert (was always a PC guy until my MBA) - but I do have to mention that Samsung fixed my laptop a year and a half past warranty expiration because the problem was obviously not something I did - and they did it gladly. Something to think about for my next purchase
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