Horizontal Lines in New Powerbooks

[thairs]

Re:

I happen to be a new employee to a newly opening apple store, I actually haven't started training yet. would it be smart to get one of the genius bar guys to take a look at it, or to just call applecare to solve the issue?

 

[iGav]

where I can check out for that information?

I'll second that.

Just received my machine back from Amsys and the screen is now completely line free and passes the 'desktopsplit.png' test perfectly.

There was no repair sheet (I presume that is because this is a final resolution replacement machine) so I'm not aware of what model the screen, is nor it's serial/batch number.

System Profiler draws a blank.

But yes... it would now seem that line free screen batches are making their way out into the world, so hopefully those with the same issues can now demand that their machines are replaced with acceptable screens and that this isn't a 'characteristic' of the 15" D/L SD PowerBook.

Have to say though, Apple and Amsys have been REALLY exceptional in dealing with his problem, big thumbs up from me. Though it's sad to read on here and the Apple discussion pages that people aren't receiving the same levels of service.

G

 

[DIXIE]

Mystery Laptop???

There was no repair sheet (I presume that is because this is a final resolution replacement machine) so I'm not aware of what model the screen, is nor it's serial/batch number.

System Profiler draws a blank.

But yes... it would now seem that line free screen batches are making their way out into the world, so hopefully those with the same issues can now demand that their machines are replaced with acceptable screens and that this isn't a 'characteristic' of the 15" D/L SD PowerBook.
G

Am I reading you right ..... when you click on System Profiler there IS NO SPECIFICATION INFORMATION about that replacement/repaired Laptop?

NO SERIAL NUMBER?? (first five characters ONLY, please)

No RAM details, hard drive info, graphic card, etc.........???

Was the hard drive empty???

Does this mystery 15" ALPB G4 have a pulsating glow in the dark?


DIXIE

 

[iGav]

Am I reading you right ..... when you click on System Profiler there IS NO SPECIFICATION INFORMATION about that replacement/repaired Laptop?

I was just wondering if you could find the serial/part number for the display, like you can the HD. But you can't.

 

[DIXIE]

OK ... no mystery!

Sorry I misunderstood ... now I realize you were referring to the DISPLAY ONLY.

The more recent AL PB do include more specs in the Profiler than earlier versions, but I do not believe display part#s are one of them.

Would you please confirm whether just the DISPLAY or the entire PB was replaced. If the latter, what are the first five characters (only) of the serial #.

You are another Apple lottery winner!!


DIXIE

 

[iGav]

Would you please confirm whether just the DISPLAY or the entire PB was replaced. If the latter, what are the first five characters (only) of the serial #.

Just the display was replaced... the new PowerBook was issued by Apple a couple of weeks ago (2nd Feb I think) as a replacement for my TiBook.

I declined a replacement machine because they're still shipping with the faulty screens so it was unlikely I'd have received a line-less screen.

W8552

You are another Apple lottery winner!!

No lines... though it's just developed a 'Red' stuck pixel. *sighs*

 

[DIXIE]

No lines... though it's just developed a 'Red' stuck pixel. *sighs* [/QUOTE]

Doctor DIXIE has just the cure!

Try the following Rx:

http://itasor.com/pixelmurder.mov


Instead of just clicking the link, CTRL-click and download the file. Then open, set it to loop in View menu of Quicktime, and place the window behind the stuck pixel (you can resize it). It rapidly cycles through many colors/shades, and the idea is that it can force a stuck pixel to change.

Apple lottery winners deserve to have total success.

DIXIE

 

[sebpayne]

Reasons I am thinking of getting a PowerBook instead of a MacBook:

1. It is tried and tested
2. I do a lot of work in CS2 - I don't want to wait until late this year to get a decent speed version
3. Ditto for Microsoft Office
4. Revision A - my Rev A iBook G4 has had 9 repairs and 21 new parts!
5. Price - They are cheaper with or without an educational discount
6. Availability - I could order a MBP and not get it to late-March. I can get a PowerBook within a few days
7. Local Store - If I buy it from my local department store, I get an extra years warrenty. They won't be getting MBP until April at least!
8. USB Ports - It has more of them
9. Superdrive - No more needed

If the MBP was available in a few weeks, it might be a different matter but to be honest, a PowerBook looks sexy, faster than my current machines, will run all my software for a good three years (hopefully!) and is available in different sizes.

Thanks

Seb

 

[G4scott]

I just got my PowerBook back from Apple, and I am glad to say that it is line free. It still has some weird diagonal moving lines in certain colors when viewed at an extreme angle, but don't bother me otherwise. Yet.

I can confirm that they replaced the screen, old part 646-0267 with new part 646-0324.

So, if you want a lineless screen, call AppleCare and tell them you see faint white horizontal lines, and you want the screen replaced with part number 646-0324. The reported problem box on the repair sheet mentioned the working part number, so Apple knows about this, and they are fixing it, although they haven't publicly said anything about it.

Good luck for all those who are still trying to get their screens fixed.

Now, for this stupid audio stuttering bug...

 

[obilix]

Clean!

Got my PB back from servicing and no lines! Excellent!

Like others, the new part number:
646-0324: DSPL,15.2,WXGA++,SAMSUNG,Q16C

But they also changed this part:

614-0354: ASSY,INVERTER,NEC-TOKIN,PB15"

Anyone know what this one is about?

 

[aristobrat]

So has anyone in the US had a successful screen swap-out?

 

[himedc]

I just got mine back with a line free screen.

part# 646-0324

 

[obilix]

So has anyone in the US had a successful screen swap-out?

count me in as one! My PB got sent to CTS in Houston, TX via DHL NextDay.
Shipped the PB on last Thursday in the Apple supplied carrier and
got it back today!

Looks like it took CTS something like two hours to fix and ship.
It is really a fast turn around.

 

[aristobrat]

Thanks for the US update (and also to QCassidy352 for the 12"/17" answer).

 

[Chipi]

Am i qualified to get my PBG4 (dual layer) screen replaced? I just had it returned from repair - and they could not see my problem...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chipi/99487524/

I just got mine back with a line free screen.

part# 646-0324

 

[G4scott]

I happen to be a new employee to a newly opening apple store, I actually haven't started training yet. would it be smart to get one of the genius bar guys to take a look at it, or to just call applecare to solve the issue?

If you're a new employee, I'd shy away from these boards. I don't mean to discourage you, but make one slip up, and say something Apple doesn't want you to say, and no more job for you. Be careful...

And to those who asked, yes, people in the US are successfully getting their screens replaced.

 

[zzzippp]

I can confirm that they replaced the screen, old part 646-0267 with new part 646-0324.

So, if you want a lineless screen, call AppleCare and tell them you see faint white horizontal lines, and you want the screen replaced with part number 646-0324. The reported problem box on the repair sheet mentioned the working part number, so Apple knows about this, and they are fixing it, although they haven't publicly said anything about it.

I just got my 15" Powerbook back today, and it is also lineless - on the first try!

G4scott's recommendation is confirmed by my experience. My replacement screen part number was 646-0324.

However, my Powerbook was sent back to me with a USED battery - not the new one that was in it when I took it to the Apple Store. To read about ALL of the DETAILS of how I got my Powerbook screen replaced with a working one, and also about this battery debacle, read my blog:

Here.

My Powerbook was also sent to the CTS Houston repair center, and the replacement took a week. I can't say if any international Apple repair centers are up to speed on the correct screen replacement part and/or procedure. Proceed carefully, and best of luck!

Keith

 

[Spectrum]

Excellent, I'm going to deal with mine soon. I'm finally confident that it WILL get fixed

Intrigued by the second repair - I believe this is the inverter board or something related to it, that controls the switching between phases on the LCD.

I wonder - aswell as not showing the horizontal lines, does your screen also NOT now show the moving interference lines in the oranges of e.g. Crankycat ?

Got my PB back from servicing and no lines! Excellent!

Like others, the new part number:
646-0324: DSPL,15.2,WXGA++,SAMSUNG,Q16C

But they also changed this part:

614-0354: ASSY,INVERTER,NEC-TOKIN,PB15"

Anyone know what this one is about?

 

[obilix]

Excellent, I'm going to deal with mine soon. I'm finally confident that it WILL get fixed

Intrigued by the second repair - I believe this is the inverter board or something related to it, that controls the switching between phases on the LCD.

I wish I knew what this change was as well. I haven't seen anyone remark about their being changed out. I have to give the apple support boards a look.

I wonder - aswell as not showing the horizontal lines, does your screen also NOT now show the moving interference lines in the oranges of e.g. Crankycat ?

Both Crankycat and one other jpg test image comes out perfect.

 

[luke23]

Hi,

my ref. 661-3749 of display. Good luck for everyone, looks like Apple is repairing this issue.

 

[VisualForces]

Wow...Thanks to everyone keeping this going and banging on Apple's door...looks like it paid off!

I'll be sending mine back tomorrow for the third, and hopefully last, time!

almost 100,000 page views...heh

 

[vvx]

So has anyone who ordered a new PowerBook (or chose to replace the whole machine) got a line-free display yet? I'm not going to order one until I can be sure that I don't have to send it back for display replacement immediately after it arrives here...

 

[JonathanK81]

I will let you know soon, I'm waiting for the store to get them in stock. I'm worried as heck that I'll get the defective display.

 

[iGav]

Instead of just clicking the link, CTRL-click and download the file. Then open, set it to loop in View menu of Quicktime, and place the window behind the stuck pixel (you can resize it). It rapidly cycles through many colors/shades, and the idea is that it can force a stuck pixel to change.

I already tried that fella... to moderate success though.

I managed to 'massage' the pixel out, only for it to return on restart, then I massaged it out again and it began to faintly flicker, but kept coming back.

I can live with it, but I have to put it in context... this is a replacement machine for a 3 year old TiBook so the way I'm looking at it... this is essentially a free machine, so I'm not going to be ultra anal about a pixel, I'm well aware that LCD manufacturing is flakey, and even that stuck/dead pixels can occur whilst it sits overnight doing sod all.

The lines WERE a massive problem, and thus unnacceptable, but a stuck pixel... I can live with it. I just hope it dies, it'd be less noticable then.

Apple lottery winners deserve to have total success.

There's not such thing in my experience... out of about 10 PowerBooks, all of them to some degree have had some kind of screen problem, dead pixels, stuck pixels, localised uneveness of lighting, flickering, washed out contrast etc etc... so as of yet, I've yet to have a PowerBook with a perfect screen, it's kind of my holy grail so to speak.

 

[Spectrum]

I wish I knew what this change was as well. I haven't seen anyone remark about their being changed out. I have to give the apple support boards a look.

Both Crankycat and one other jpg test image comes out perfect.

Even when you tilt the screen right back and look at it from a low angle?

No wavyness at all in the oranges? I note that G4Scott still sees these wavy lines, but not the horizontal lines anymore with the new screen.