Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
macbook, matte screen installed
- Thread starter 4JNA
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
i think that might be a ceiling fan....not to sure tho
Oh yeah, I think you're correct.
You really have to try it for yourself. I could never use my matte mbp outside on a sunny day, as you could hardly see anything. My new mbp with the glossy screen works much better outside. The same goes for a really bright office we have.
Tell Apple to return the matte choice for Macbook Pro
Tell Apple to return the matte choice for Macbook Pro:
http://www.apple.com/feedback/macbookpro.html
Tell Apple to return the matte choice for Macbook Pro:
http://www.apple.com/feedback/macbookpro.html
Too funny! (now)
Yeah. No. Sad.... (thanks other poster for that link to Apple feedback)
Well, everyone. Good news. A little more than two years later, we finally have our model number for a matte 13.3" screen compatible with Apple's MacBook.
I recently bought a 2.0ghz Core Duo MacBook with a broken screen off of eBay. When I removed the LCD panel, I got the stock make/model info from the back:
Chi Mei, N133i1-L04 Rev.C1 (glossy)
Scouring the internet and eBay, I called a few LCD vendors but no one had any idea where to find a matte version. Beware, too, that lots of sites will list 13.3" matte LCD's in stock, but few actually have them.
When I called LaptopLCDStore.com (who don't have them, BTW), the sales rep referred me to an individual LCD vendor in Texas who, unfortunately, doesn't have a website. But! He knew exactly what I was talking about and just happened to have one in stock! He went on to say that they are *extremely* rare and haven't been produced in two years. It was $168/shipped.
MacBook w/broken LCD ($430) + Matte LCD ($168) = MatteBook ($598)
The installation wasn't as difficult as I thought, but it was definitely no walk in the park. I followed these instructions and wound up not having to take everything apart -- Just the front bezel, hinge cover and LCD/iSight cradle. It took about two nerve-racking hours in total.
So, dear friends, with all the best of luck wished to you, here at last is the precious make/model number for a matte 13.3" LCD:
Chi Mei N133i1-L04 Rev.A3 (matte)
And, of course, here's a pic of my new, beloved, one-of-a-kind MatteBook.. Look at it shine! (or, rather, not-shine)
Attachments
What is the model # of this macbook? I know the 13.3 comes in a few models -- not all screens work on all the macbook models.
Also, how is the viewing angle? On the glossy, the screen has a very unforgiving viewable area that has to be within 15% or else the color shifts drastically. Is this the same with the matte screen you modded?
Also, how is the viewing angle? On the glossy, the screen has a very unforgiving viewable area that has to be within 15% or else the color shifts drastically. Is this the same with the matte screen you modded?
Judging by the pic, it's a Core Duo Macbook. The F-key layout & the enter key being to the right of the Command key. I believe they changed the layout with the introduction of the c2d.
This is purely awesome. This thread has always been my favorite in all my time at MacRumors. I CANNOT WAIT to try this!
Viewing angle is good. I would say the range is marginally better than its glossy counterpart. Definitely not as contrasty, thank God. That said, however, it's still nowhere near the quality of my MBP17's screen.
Also, the MacBook is a 1st Gen Core Duo 2.0ghz.
Good luck, guys!
Also, the MacBook is a 1st Gen Core Duo 2.0ghz.
Good luck, guys!
Hi all,
I am considering buying a MB with broken screen and installing a matte LCD.
First, can anyone verify that different MacBook revisions indeed use different screens, i.e. a screen compatible for original CD is not compatible with later versions? I would have expected them to stay the same. I think MBP screens are basically compatible across different versions, within the same backlight type (CCFL or LED.)
I would love to know the screen the OP installed, but that information seems hard to find. Besides disliking the glossy screen, I find the factory MB screen to simply be hard on my eyes (viewing angle, brightness, etc.) So the Chi Mei equivalent in matte is less desirable for me.
There is a seller on EBay that is selling matte MacBook LCD's for $85 shipped. Just search for 'matte Macbook LCD 13.3'.
Any feedback or other reports would be much appreciated. Thanks!
I am considering buying a MB with broken screen and installing a matte LCD.
First, can anyone verify that different MacBook revisions indeed use different screens, i.e. a screen compatible for original CD is not compatible with later versions? I would have expected them to stay the same. I think MBP screens are basically compatible across different versions, within the same backlight type (CCFL or LED.)
I would love to know the screen the OP installed, but that information seems hard to find. Besides disliking the glossy screen, I find the factory MB screen to simply be hard on my eyes (viewing angle, brightness, etc.) So the Chi Mei equivalent in matte is less desirable for me.
There is a seller on EBay that is selling matte MacBook LCD's for $85 shipped. Just search for 'matte Macbook LCD 13.3'.
Any feedback or other reports would be much appreciated. Thanks!
I tried a couple of different mattes and always wound up preferring the glossy.
It's not because I prefer the glossy finish, but rather because the original Samsung LCD(for the 13.3", not the 15.4" - the 15.4" samsungs were weird) looked so much better than the mattes I tried.
I typically prefer matte, but could never find one of comparable quality to the original Samsung model. Do Samsung or LG make a matte version of the LCDs used, or a similarly compatible model?
It's not because I prefer the glossy finish, but rather because the original Samsung LCD(for the 13.3", not the 15.4" - the 15.4" samsungs were weird) looked so much better than the mattes I tried.
I typically prefer matte, but could never find one of comparable quality to the original Samsung model. Do Samsung or LG make a matte version of the LCDs used, or a similarly compatible model?
I thought the original was a Chi Mei screen? Or maybe Apple uses multiple vendors.
The funny thing is that I really don't like the original MB screen, and was hoping to find a better screen (glossy or matte, but matte preferred). But part of it might just be that I'm used to LED backlit screens now, so regular CCFL simply isn't going to cut it for me anymore.
The funny thing is that I really don't like the original MB screen, and was hoping to find a better screen (glossy or matte, but matte preferred). But part of it might just be that I'm used to LED backlit screens now, so regular CCFL simply isn't going to cut it for me anymore.
I've seen LG Philips, Samsung, and AU Optronics, in that order of most occuring to least, but nothing Chi Mei. Maybe I missed something.
I think it's kind of like stereo gear. Once you hear upper end Axioms, Thiels, Vandersteens, or Quads, going back to the junk in the best buy speaker section makes one's ears quiver with distaste. This is a mass produced, popular, consumer device, and the LCD is rather cheap and made to run off low power. I am impressed with its quality under the circumstances, but understand one can do a lot better.
I think it's kind of like stereo gear. Once you hear upper end Axioms, Thiels, Vandersteens, or Quads, going back to the junk in the best buy speaker section makes one's ears quiver with distaste. This is a mass produced, popular, consumer device, and the LCD is rather cheap and made to run off low power. I am impressed with its quality under the circumstances, but understand one can do a lot better.
Just some observations for anyone thinking of doing a matte screen swap.I've done matte swaps on both my black macbook and my daughter's white core2duo . Got both screens off eBay , from 2 different vendors , several months apart . Neither screen had any identifying marks , just big 'Made in China' stickers . Both screens worked well . Mission:Repair seems to have matte screens also.
Before you start , check out the YouTube video from 'Small Dog' on replacing Macbook lcd screens . This is the method to use as you don't have to pull off the top cover , saving lots of time . Also , print out a copy of either the iFixit or Powerbook Medic disassembly guides .If you have a small digital camera , take pictures of each step as you do the take-apart . The pictures and printouts will save you if stuff goes wrong . The old panel comes off pretty easily , the hard part is getting the new panel's inverter cable plugged in . I was trying to use long tweezers to guide the cable in on my first swap , got pissed after 15-20 tries and pulled off the keyboard .My second swap , I used the end of a dental pick to guide the inverter cable in and had minimum problems . I used the following tools : 1/16 and 3/32 flat screwdrivers (use to pull off the bezel , start in the lower corner ,pry up and then pry around the perimeter), a pair of pointed tip tweezers to help remove/install screws , a dental pick (to guide the inverter cable into position) ,a manicure/pedicure stick( looks like a spudger/black stick ) but made out of wood, wife had them in the medicine cabinet ... use as a prying tool and to put wires into position, tape to hold the magnets in the lcd cover in place, an ice cube tray to hold all the parts you pull off, and a 0000 ( 4/0)
phillips head screwdriver . The manuals say use a 00 , but mine didn't fit right in the screw recesses , 0000 does . Sears sells them in their hardware departments , General also makes them . Hope this all helps .
Before you start , check out the YouTube video from 'Small Dog' on replacing Macbook lcd screens . This is the method to use as you don't have to pull off the top cover , saving lots of time . Also , print out a copy of either the iFixit or Powerbook Medic disassembly guides .If you have a small digital camera , take pictures of each step as you do the take-apart . The pictures and printouts will save you if stuff goes wrong . The old panel comes off pretty easily , the hard part is getting the new panel's inverter cable plugged in . I was trying to use long tweezers to guide the cable in on my first swap , got pissed after 15-20 tries and pulled off the keyboard .My second swap , I used the end of a dental pick to guide the inverter cable in and had minimum problems . I used the following tools : 1/16 and 3/32 flat screwdrivers (use to pull off the bezel , start in the lower corner ,pry up and then pry around the perimeter), a pair of pointed tip tweezers to help remove/install screws , a dental pick (to guide the inverter cable into position) ,a manicure/pedicure stick( looks like a spudger/black stick ) but made out of wood, wife had them in the medicine cabinet ... use as a prying tool and to put wires into position, tape to hold the magnets in the lcd cover in place, an ice cube tray to hold all the parts you pull off, and a 0000 ( 4/0)
phillips head screwdriver . The manuals say use a 00 , but mine didn't fit right in the screw recesses , 0000 does . Sears sells them in their hardware departments , General also makes them . Hope this all helps .
Just ordered a matte screen, should be arriving in the next few days, will let you guys know how it goes! I had an "LCD leak" on my glossy display.. took it to the Apple store and they said they wanted to charge me £200 (US$325) for a new LCD!! Screw them, bought a matte screen off ebay for £60 (US$97ish)
Ebay listing
Only one I could find that fitted MacBooks LCD requirements..
Ebay listing
Only one I could find that fitted MacBooks LCD requirements..
Total lie.
You don't even need to remove the cover over the inverter.
edit: Didn't notice this was an old thread.. how did this get bumped??
I think it depends on how well the matte screens on the 15" MBP sells. Apple is like any other company when it comes to market demands...in other words if it sells they will make more of it. That's why if a person really feels strongly about wanting a matte screen they should get the 15" MBP matte even if they want the 13".
This reminds me of fans of canceled TV shows trying to petition them to come back. They can petition all they want but if there are no viewer ratings then they won't bring them back. It's the same with matte screens. People can complain all they want on forums or to Apple but if they are not actually buying the matte screens then Apple won't take their complaints seriously.
p.s. It's an old thread but the problem is still here since matte screens are not available for 13" for people who want them.
My lovely matte MacBook
Here's the result! It really is stunning, and far nicer than the glossy one..
If anyone else has used the same display as me (LTD133EV2F), let me know and I'll happily give you the colour profile for the display. Without it, it has a really blue tint.
Here's the result! It really is stunning, and far nicer than the glossy one..
If anyone else has used the same display as me (LTD133EV2F), let me know and I'll happily give you the colour profile for the display. Without it, it has a really blue tint.