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Goodbye MBA, Welcome MBP 17 review

Demosthenes X said:
A MacBook Air with SSD would have cost about the same as a 17" MBP when introduced, I think. So all those saying "what great customer service"... it's an exchange for the same (roughly) value of product. Good customer service, yes, but not much better than had they simply exchanged it for another Air.

Not to knock your service - it's very good that Apple will do what it takes to make their customers happy, even when that means offering them a different product. Seems like an odd offer for an Air, but the 17" Pro is a brilliant machine, and it sounds like you're enjoying it, so that's great. :)
Click to expand...

The point of Apple was, that the MBA could be possible to light for my needs. They never truly acknowledged the problem in the REV.A towards me but put the issue in the middle in the sense that the MBA might be to light for my deeds and to prevent I get issues again with the 5th MBA he offered me the 17" CTO.

My opinion is that the MBA REV A is simply a design failure in more then one way. I wouldn't want to argue anymore and said yes :D

I paid more for the MBA REV A SSD then the CTO 17" is sold for now indeed.

With best regards,
Bas
 
Unprocessed1 said:
It is just a little odd they randomly offered to exchange it for a 17" MBP of all products....

EDIT: I forgot the OP is from Holland. We all know what the customer service rep was smoking that day.
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Yeah.. :D Only is the customer relation team not located in the Netherlands but in Ireland :D But don't ask what I smoked.... ;) :D
 
niuniu said:
Excellent outcome, though what about portability - you didn't mention that after you received the 17incher!
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I have the machine to short to really comment on that, but I let you know during the week. Starting tomorrow it will be with me on walks and short trips all the time.

With best regards,
Bas
 
Sound Evolution said:
The point of Apple was, that the MBA could be possible to light for my needs. They never truly acknowledged the problem in the REV.A towards me but put the issue in the middle in the sense that the MBA might be to light for my deeds and to prevent I get issues again with the 5th MBA he offered me the 17" CTO.

My opinion is that the MBA REV A is simply a design failure in more then one way. I wouldn't want to argue anymore and said yes :D

I paid more for the MBA REV A SSD then the CTO 17" is sold for now indeed.

With best regards,
Bas
Click to expand...

Ah, okay. I read that, but I really have no idea what kind of processing power your work requires. And I agree, the Rev. A Air was not the best machine... the Rev. B and especially C seem much better, though. :)

In any event, it sounds like Apple took care of you properly and made sure you had the right machine in the end, and that's what matters. :)
 
Dear All,

Sadly enough I have to tell that since this afternoon a stucked red pixel appear in the middle of my screen :(

It sucks and bother me, but I won't send this unit back. I don't want to bother Apple anymore, and I also don't want to be without computer anymore.

I think this issue is not a quality control problem either, since the screen was perfect for while. The stucked pixel came just today.

For now I am trying to run JScreenFix and see if it resolve anything (which I think not since such a programs never solved anything for me.)

Any way I keep this unit, and sell it as soon there will be a new revision and hope then I buy one back which is near perfect ;)


EDIT: Now it are 2 stucked red pixels... what is going on here! I get insane.

With best regards,
Bas
 
Sound Evolution said:
Yes I noticed this sound twice today. But my old powerbook G4 had the same and the drive never died.

With kind regards,
Bas
Click to expand...

Thanks your story really got me focus on the 17" MacBook Pro now. I been wanting that since revision in January. I wanted the MacBook Air for alternative purposes but what kill that pursuit was the release of the 13" MacBook Pro with Firewire 800, Memory Upgrade up to 8GB DDR3, and 500GB HDD I wanted 512GB SSD but currently Super Talent's is 12.5mm in height I don't think it will fit and I don't know if it will fit the 17" and still looking for Toshiba's 512GB SSD. I want the 17" and the 13" MacBook Pro but I'm just get a CTO 17" 3.06GHz Core Duo 2, 8GB DDR3 and 500GB 7200rpm with business discount that's $3657. The reason I was considering the 13" is because I can buy 17" & 13" for the price of one sup up 17". Now reading I think I'm just go with the sup up 17" then go from there. :D
 
Sound Evolution said:
Dear All,

Sadly enough I have to tell that since this afternoon a stucked red pixel appear in the middle of my screen :(

It sucks and bother me, but I won't send this unit back. I don't want to bother Apple anymore, and I also don't want to be without computer anymore.

I think this issue is not a quality control problem either, since the screen was perfect for while. The stucked pixel came just today.

For now I am trying to run JScreenFix and see if it resolve anything (which I think not since such a programs never solved anything for me.)

Any way I keep this unit, and sell it as soon there will be a new revision and hope then I buy one back which is near perfect ;)


EDIT: Now it are 2 stucked red pixels... what is going on here! I get insane.

With best regards,
Bas
Click to expand...

Damn I just finish posting you already got problems. DO anyone else got issues like this in the US. It may be quality control issue in the region your in. :confused:
 
I am about to purchase a 17" MBP next week.

Your post got me very excited about the purchase -- but not
the pixel issue that suddenly came up.
 
LEStudios said:
Damn I just finish posting you already got problems. DO anyone else got issues like this in the US. It may be quality control issue in the region your in. :confused:
Click to expand...

Dear,

Not that I want to defend Apple, but honesty I think this is not Apple's fault. Let's assume they have a quality control for the screens according dead pixels, in that case my MBP17" passed the test since it worked perfect till today. You can't expect a mass production manufacture to fire up and check the screens 24 hours.

Also, I think not matter which macbook you buy, or which brand of Laptop.. the risk of dead pixels is always there.

Anyone knows if there is a way to cure it with software?

I will post back again tonight according portability. I have to walk a lot later today in Amsterdam with it.

With best regards,
Bas
 
Portability

Dear All,

I tried to run the fast changing colors pixel fix programs for about two hours but it didn’t worked yet ☹ How long you have to run such a program, All night? Does any one here ever got any success with such a software pixel fix application?

Portability

Today I wanted to type something about the portability of the MBP 17”

I am a looser of 28 without drivers license :D So I go by foot and public transport all day. Yesterday I had a hard real life test. I needed to walk a lot through Amsterdam and change many trains. All of this with my new macbook pro.

Let me start at first that you have to be smart in saving weight. My new bag is 60% lighter then the Bag I used for my macbook air.

I think (see photos) that I have an incredible sturdy and neat bag solution.

The first protection for my MBP 17” is the Waterfield sleeve. I had this type of sleeve also for my MBA. It is very protective, it don’t scratch and is very strong. In a year with my MBA the sleeve had zero wear and tear signs. I highly recommended this for every MB, MBP or MBA. The fit is perfect!

http://www.sfbags.com/products/sleevecases/sleevecases.htm



The MBP in its waterfield sleeved is then placed the Samsonite unity ICT 17” laptop bag/case. To good to be truth this fit so perfect! This is an awesome bag, because it is so light and sturdy. It has the look of a nice suitcase, but much lighter. I love the “hard” handgrip.

https://www.shopbags.com/Laptop-Cases/Samsonite-Unity-ICT-Office-Case-Plus-17.asp

So with this set I walked around for some hours. On occasion I had to run through the mass to catch my train. And now is the bomb! There where moments I totally forget the fact that I carry a huge desktop replacement 17” with me. With the weight savings in the bag it is near as light as my MBA. The 17” is incredible light for such a machine. It proofed to be very portable for me, and nowhere I had the impression or feeling I carry around a huge laptop. In comparison with most 15” PC laptops the MBP 17” is even thinner and just as small.

The MBA 17” is a revolution on it’s own in the 17” category. I don’t regret it going from the MBA to the MBP. Highly recommended also for people who demand portability. Just make sure you take the right (light) bag.

With best regards,
Bas
 

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Sound Evolution said:
Anyone knows if there is a way to cure it with software?
Click to expand...
No, there is none.
A dead pixel stuck on always lighting in a specific color is beyond the reach of any software.

Think about it. In an LCD a backlight always shines through the back of the LCD panel. Unless an LCD pixel blocks it. That's how the screen turns darker all the way to black. If that LCD pixel is dead in its off state it no longer turns darker, i.e. the backlight will always pass through as the pixel no longer reacts to any control current.
How can software fix this? It can't ever. If due to a faulty contact current no longer reaches the LCD pixel (as it needs current to turn block light, i.e. turn the screen pixel darker), no software can re-connect that faulty contact.

However, some people have reported success with other means, like gently 'massaging' the pixel area.
Do a search on these forums for 'dead pixels' and you will find a few tips.

But whatever it is, a software fix is impossible.
 
Dreamail said:
No, there is none.
A dead pixel stuck on always lighting in a specific color is beyond the reach of any software.

Think about it. In an LCD a backlight always shines through the back of the LCD panel. Unless an LCD pixel blocks it. That's how the screen turns darker all the way to black. If that LCD pixel is dead in its off state it no longer turns darker, i.e. the backlight will always pass through as the pixel no longer reacts to any control current.
How can software fix this? It can't ever. If due to a faulty contact current no longer reaches the LCD pixel (as it needs current to turn block light, i.e. turn the screen pixel darker), no software can re-connect that faulty contact.

However, some people have reported success with other means, like gently 'massaging' the pixel area.
Do a search on these forums for 'dead pixels' and you will find a few tips.

But whatever it is, a software fix is impossible.
Click to expand...

I know dead pixels are not fixable, but this are "stucked" (suck! :D) pixels.

To be honest... (be down to earth here) Everytime I have to search for them to see if they are still there... so in absolute sense it don't bother me as much as I though it would be. I am still very happy with the machine. The only thing I fear more for is, that if I sell the machine I get less for it because of this.

With best regards,
Bas
 
That's a great upgrade. I got the older mac. I kinda don't like the keyboard of the new macs. I tried using it and something about it i just don't click in with. :confused:
 
Sound Evolution said:
Dear All,

Thanks for the nice responses... hwahwahw filming the whole event. I love it! :D

To be honest, I never had the intention or even the thought about the 17" MBP when I wrote to Customer relations. After reading all the stories about the broken screens which didn't get fixed under warranty my biggest wish and concern that time was to get a screen fix and a new good working logic board. This offer I couldn't even dream of. To be honest I never considered the 17" MBP.. and now I regret that since I experience how great this machine is.

My point I also wanted to make in this post is, that there will be always a good solution from Apple if you are just honest, straight mature and polite about your situation, and stay reasonable. To often I read reactions here from people who totally freak out, or start to write the sjobs@apple.com right away. sorry guys but that isn't the way. Try to solve it with your local Apple service. Call them and if they can't satisfy you ask for Apple customer relations. But then again also the normal procedure of calling Apple and start by the first stage, was really good with kind and easy going people.

The feeling I always had is that Apple want YOU to be happy and excited. I know I read different horror stories especially with genius bars.

Everybody have fun with your Macbook pro's, Have to say the new 13" MBP is gorgeous as well, and I am glad you can buy a "pro" now at a more affordable level. I think a very good move from Apple. It also makes me suspect that there will be coming something new in the non pro range starting at $600 just my feeling.. ;) :D

With best regards,
Bas
Click to expand...


Hey Bas,

What number did you call for customer relations? The only numbers I can see are for applecare...
 
Sound Evolution said:
It sucks and bother me, but I won't send this unit back. I don't want to bother Apple anymore, and I also don't want to be without computer anymore.

EDIT: Now it are 2 stucked red pixels... what is going on here! I get insane.
Click to expand...

Bas, if the 14-day exchange period still applies to your machine then have it swapped for another one. Don't look at Apple as a friend or any other real live person for that matter. The person you'll get on the phone won't even know of your previous MBA problems and how Apple responded to that, so go ahead and get another machine if these faulty pixels really bother you (who knows how many more pixels will fail on you).

From my own experience I can tell you that it only takes two to three days after your call for the new machine to arrive, and you can still use your current machine while you wait for the new one to arrive.
 
Sound Evolution said:
I know dead pixels are not fixable, but this are "stucked" (suck! :D) pixels.

To be honest... (be down to earth here) Everytime I have to search for them to see if they are still there... so in absolute sense it don't bother me as much as I though it would be. I am still very happy with the machine. The only thing I fear more for is, that if I sell the machine I get less for it because of this.

With best regards,
Bas
Click to expand...


i feel your pain...im on my 3rd mba ....this one came with huge scratches oout of the box....im not as luck as you...i had to pay 360$ cad to get the 17" from the 2.13mba....

ill carry around a 6.5lbs laptop if it means it working to perfection....

i cant wait :D
 
I must of hit the Apple Lottery as my purchase of my MBA at our local Apple store it came out of the box perfect, no dents, scratches, clear screen. I do have the good screen as I looked it up. I guess all these MBA seem to have damage from shipping I bet. Every thread I read is a "Shipped" Mac. My MBA was flawless and continues to be flawless 9 months later. Just as Fast as the day I bought it, Can't wait for Sept and SL to get a new machine for $30. :)

Congrats on your MBP.
 
bbotte said:
I must of hit the Apple Lottery as my purchase of my MBA at our local Apple store it came out of the box perfect, no dents, scratches, clear screen. I do have the good screen as I looked it up. I guess all these MBA seem to have damage from shipping I bet. Every thread I read is a "Shipped" Mac. My MBA was flawless and continues to be flawless 9 months later. Just as Fast as the day I bought it, Can't wait for Sept and SL to get a new machine for $30. :)

Congrats on your MBP.
Click to expand...

i wish i could have gotten a 13" mba flawless....i would have loved to keep it...it was nice and small.

i want to be on either extreme....super small....or super big.

maybe i should try another mba....lol

heat is not a issue with mine....the screen is solid but the scratches are crazy.
 
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