Horizontal Lines in New Powerbooks

[Sic]

you'll be covered by a guarantee, but that's only against a mechanical defect. if they've never heard of the problem, direct them to this thread and the one buttercup mentioned earlier and tell them that you don't want to send it in for a repair until they're absolutely certain there's a fix and can tell you (within their company policy) what that fix entails.

the only thing that stopped me sending mine back today was the guy in-store telling me that the screen part number hadn't changed.

 

[buttercup]

i he also told me that the part number for the defective LCDs has NOT changed. ie, if you send your powerbook in, you're going to get the same type of LCD back. make of that what you will.

Damn Damn damn. I totally was wondering about this. Grrr.... I have to go in to the local apple guy today anyways, and I will talk to him about it then. If its the same part number then of course it won't fix the problem. Luckily for me (kind of) since I am in Canada I can't send it in to apple but instead have to have it fixed locally - the upside is that last time I dropped it off at 10:30 and picked it up at 2pm the same day. So I am willing to be a bit of a guinea pig about these things.

Rah. Sorry for all the false hope everyone.

 

[powerhd]

I too, bought a 15’ powerbook on the first day they were released (serial number W8540). I am now quite certain that it did not have any of the display issues. It did, however, have problems with dropping airport connections and I made the mistake of having it replaced by Apple. The new PB ( W8544) still has the airport problems and you guessed it (also, both of the bottom corners of the display are black on this PB). I called Apple in early Dec. about this and the second level tech support guy said “ that he had seen the http://crankycat.com/pb15_problems.png image and that the “engineers are working on it”. He also said that he would contact me in 3-4 days. It had been almost 2 weeks and I had not heard anything. I called tech support again and talked to someone else in tier 2 support, this guy said that he could setup a replacement but it was likely that the new PB would be any different and to call back Jan. Called back talked yet another tier 2 support guy (this guy was a bit of a jerk) he said that they could repair the PB. I decided that I could not trust this guy (if one the first two guys had told me this, I would have believed it) and told him that I was not convinced that the problem would be fixed. He told me that this was what Apple was prepared to do at this point and that he was now taking over the case and that I would deal with him exclusively from this point forward. The next day I called Apple customer service in Canada and told them that this was my second DOA PB and that I have been with Apple since my first SE and was very disappointed and wanted to return the PB. The customer service person said that she was sorry to hear this and gave me a full refund (after I return it of course). I have now ordered a MacBook.

 

[buttercup]

full refund?

I too, bought a 15’ powerbook on the first day they were released (serial number W8540). I am now quite certain that it did not have any of the display issues. It did, however, have problems with dropping airport connections and I made the mistake of having it replaced by Apple. The new PB ( W8544) still has the airport problems and you guessed it (also, both of the bottom corners of the display are black on this PB). I called Apple in early Dec. about this and the second level tech support guy said “ that he had seen the http://crankycat.com/pb15_problems.png image and that the “engineers are working on it”. He also said that he would contact me in 3-4 days. It had been almost 2 weeks and I had not heard anything. I called tech support again and talked to someone else in tier 2 support, this guy said that he could setup a replacement but it was likely that the new PB would be any different and to call back Jan. Called back talked yet another tier 2 support guy (this guy was a bit of a jerk) he said that they could repair the PB. I decided that I could not trust this guy (if one the first two guys had told me this, I would have believed it) and told him that I was not convinced that the problem would be fixed. He told me that this was what Apple was prepared to do at this point and that he was now taking over the case and that I would deal with him exclusively from this point forward. The next day I called Apple customer service in Canada and told them that this was my second DOA PB and that I have been with Apple since my first SE and was very disappointed and wanted to return the PB. The customer service person said that she was sorry to hear this and gave me a full refund (after I return it of course). I have now ordered a MacBook.

Wow, I cant believe you got a full refund for it. I am torn, I really don't think I want a Rev A intel...

 

[powerhd]

Wow, I cant believe you got a full refund for it. I am torn, I really don't think I want a Rev A intel...

My guess is that Apple would not want bad press from the first MacBook and that they were working on the MacBook even before Steve made the Intel announcement and that the release date was always supposed to be Jan 2006. So, I believe that the MacBook was not pushed up for expo. I am, therefore, (perhaps naively) hoping that were won’t be too many big problems with it.

 

[buttercup]

My local apple service rep confirmed that the part # the apple product specialist was referrring too was the lcd I already have.

This really is annoying.

 

[Wombert]

My local apple service rep confirmed that the part # the apple product specialist was referrring too was the lcd I already have.

This really is annoying.

Maybe they changed the part silently without updating the part number

 

[ybakos]

Got mine back (funny)

I got my (already replaced) Powerbook back from AppleCare and the tech note is "couldn't duplicate issue."

I immediately called AppleCare to see what was going on, and the tech did some research and apologetically told me that whoever serviced it never even turned it on.

*sigh* Another box is being sent out...

 

[buttercup]

Maybe they changed the part silently without updating the part number

Possible. However, the rep did talk to apple directly and was not told that. He specifically said it was the same lcd they put on my computer two days ago - and that it was "within spec".

 

[bug]

Maybe they changed the part silently without updating the part number

That's what I was thinking.

So what are the options if they aren't really moving on this? Currently it seems the best form of protest is just to get your screen replaced on a monthly basis as this will surely end up costing them quite bit (although it is certainly a pain for everyone with the laptop). At what point is it appropriate to bring up the dreaded 'class action' option?

(no, I don't actually have this problem, but lets just say I have a vested interest in having it fixed as one of the other posters on this thread lives with me and I'll never hear the end of it otherwise )

 

[buttercup]

(no, I don't actually have this problem, but lets just say I have a vested interest in having it fixed as one of the other posters on this thread lives with me and I'll never hear the end of it otherwise )

Now now, play nice

 

[DIXIE]

Big disappointment

What a let down!!

After "buttercup" and "spectrum" were given an encouraging story by the Apple Gang that can't shoot straight, we're back to square one!

A word of warning to you bait nibblers of the Mac... Book... Pro, what makes you believe the same production/quality clowns that has given the World the "China Lines" will not produce a sequel?

It's really sad.... all my computers were assembled in Taiwan and I've never had a hardware problem from day one.

I get the unhappy feeling that Apple Steve wants to relegate as much of the Computer hardware design (Intel) & production (China) to maximize profit, while he concentrates on the BIG, CONTINUOUS, and PROFITABLE money stream from the iPod and all its spin-offs.

I think the golden age of Apple Computer hardware is becoming a memory.

DIXIE

 

[bug]

I think the golden age of Apple Computer hardware is becoming a memory.

Honestly I think the issue is that the quality of the entire industry has fallen substantially, and the quality of Apple products have fallen a comparable amount. I have had some hardware failures myself lately, but when looking into the matter I was amazed that ~1/5 laptops need servicing, and with apple products it is closer to ~1/6. I would imagine that the 'relative' quality between the industry and apple has remained about the same, but quality as a whole is declining.

I'm a bit of a tech junky, and while I love Apple products, I have a lot of products from other companies as well. Things are no better on the other side. The only positive thing I have to say about it all is that I've had some amazing customer experiences with BenQ. Frankly, I think their gear is a bit low end, but they do amazing things to make you happy - and so I at least come away feeling like they stand behind their products. Any time I talk to Apple I feel like I'm trying to communicate with some large domestic Soviet agency who's job it is to keep me pacified and in the dark. Ocationally you find someone who wants to help you, but they are quickly silenced by the politiburo.

 

[tribe3]

That's what I was thinking.

So what are the options if they aren't really moving on this? Currently it seems the best form of protest is just to get your screen replaced on a monthly basis as this will surely end up costing them quite bit (although it is certainly a pain for everyone with the laptop). At what point is it appropriate to bring up the dreaded 'class action' option?

(no, I don't actually have this problem, but lets just say I have a vested interest in having it fixed as one of the other posters on this thread lives with me and I'll never hear the end of it otherwise )

Is there a "Lemon Law" in Canada?

 

[MRU]

A word of warning to you bait nibblers of the Mac... Book... Pro, what makes you believe the same production/quality clowns that has given the World the "China Lines" will not produce a sequel?

It's not that i'm convinced there wont be problems, but whats to lose? Seriously if they can't get a Rev E powerbook sorted then is there any real difference being a guninea pig for Rev A intel mac?

 

[buttercup]

Is there a "Lemon Law" in Canada?

Not that I am aware of....

 

[aristobrat]

A word of warning to you bait nibblers of the Mac... Book... Pro, what makes you believe the same production/quality clowns that has given the World the "China Lines" will not produce a sequel?

I think that Apple is well aware that the MacBook Pro will be under the media microscope WAYYYYYYYY more than the last PowerBook was (I'd be surprised if any magazine even went as far as to buy a 15" 1.67 w/ the new screen since there was so little of a bump), so hopefully they'll pay more attention to the quality.

 

[ybakos]

Different Serial - Same Lines

Just fyi, I got a 15" Powerbook today from the local CompUSA, serial number QP54708KSWZ and yes, it has the lines.

 

[tribe3]

^^^^^^
So week 47 but from another factory...

My advice to you is to "edit"> delete all after 47. No need to post your serial on the World Wide Web

 

[Soccertess]

A CALL for CLASS ACTION

Ok guys, this sucks! still no f%%% fix. I talked to a rep last week and said they would replace my screen. He didn't even know about the line issue so i don't think a screen replacement with the same defective part will be the solution. ANY lawyers out there want to start a class action???? IF Apple won't even admit there is a screen problem lets see how ANOTHER class action will get them to focus on the problem.

Jobs, your screens suck. MY nano screen broke, , and now by rev e powerbook screen is also defective!

CLASS ACTION!

 

[aristobrat]

Class action lawsuit? I don't need another $50 of iTunes gift certificates.

 

[Soccertess]

Class action lawsuit? I don't need another $50 of iTunes gift certificates.

LOL

but what i really want is a screen that doesn't have horizontal lines going through IT!!

CLASS ACTION Lawsuit!.. F*(&.. why didn't i go to law school

 

[Temujin]

I'm a proud owner of "new" 15" PB, with lines that is. At first I didn't really notice the lines, and it doesn't really bother that much that I now do. But the product i paid top dollar to get is flawed. Now that bugs me. I'll be getting more into digital photography, which might make the lines a bigger problem.

I might try getting a full refund, if possible, and get the Mac Book Pro instead.
Removing the extra pixels might have solved the problem. But then again I might find something different wrong with the rev. A.

What do you guys think, should I go for it or keep my, not counting the line problem, perfect PB?

 

[aristobrat]

What do you guys think, should I go for it or keep my, not counting the line problem, perfect PB?

Like you said, who knows what issues the Mac Book Pro will have? Maybe they'll be perfect. Maybe they won't.

If you want to gamble on that, return your G4 PB and roll the dice on a new Mac Book Pro.

Or if you really want to come out on top, return your G4 PB now, do nothing until a few weeks after the MBPs have been out. If there aren't any major issues, buy a MBP. If there are MBP issues, buy another G4 PB.

 

[DavidCL23]

So, what's the final consensus, does the latest 17" PB have a screen issue too?
Thanks