Hi all - well, after two-plus years of happy MBP Retina ownership, I find myself with a display functioning so poorly that the laptop is literally impossible to use unless hooked up to an external monitor (which isn't feasible for me 99% of the time). I've been doing my homework since it went out and know about the whole Samsung vs. LG display issue, as well as general problems with screens having strange hues, fuzzy lines, and ghosting.
I am reasonably sure my own problem is specific to the display part, since the computer works perfectly if hooked up to a monitor via HDMI port (and none of the laptop screen issues are mirrored onto it). I have the first-gen 13" MBR Retina that debuted in mid-late 2012, and I gather from the copious posts online about both it and its 15" big brother that the pre-2013 models are infamous for having various display problems.
Although I searched for threads on this specific topic, I didn't find any. My Mac didn't sustain any sudden fall or damage; the screen simply started going on the fritz about a week ago, and it got worse and worse as the days passed. (I have, admittedly, had a handful of *minor* mishaps over the past couple of years, but nothing that dented or even *scratched* the housing, nor anything that caused any immediate problems.) I've also never spilled anything on the keyboard, nor did I ever have any issues with missing pixels, mysterious overheating, inability to power on or off, or any issues whatsoever with the keyboard, memory or SSD.
Also, it seems like many folks have problems beyond the display itself, e.g. motherboards and graphics cards. (AFAIK, mine are fine, judging from the lack of problems when my laptop is plugged into a monitor.) It's also not a software issue, which was my initial thought seeing as the problems began shortly after I upgraded to Yosemite; every diagnostic I've run has come out clean.
So - it sounds like I'm left with three options, though PLEASE correct me if I'm missing something:
1. Take it to my local Mac specialist. Given that my previous experience with Apple Stores suggested that it would be by far the priciest repair option -- though I admittedly based that assumption on their $250 repair estimate for a broken iPhone screen that I ultimately paid $100 to fix -- I visited an indie Mac repair shop today. They quoted me $650 (!!!!) to replace the screen and its housing, which I gather are effectively inseparable. Considering I can purchase a new 13" MacBook Air for only $300 more than that, factoring in my student discount, I found the price shocking, to say the least.
2. Find an identical model being sold for parts, but with a fully functional screen/housing. But where should I look, assuming I go in this direction? On eBay all I saw while searching were copious sketchy displays sourced from China, which for all I know could be terrible knockoffs. (Rather "conveniently," it can take over a month for them to arrive, which I believe nullifies eBay's buyer protection insurance.) They also appeared to lack the rear aluminum housings. Searches of various used Mac parts websites also yielded no fruit. Do I dare try Craigslist??
3. Apple Store. As I said, I initially assumed this would be the most expensive option, but then I started reading posts about their "depot flat rate repairs." Are such rumors true? Can I simply drop off my MacBook at an Apple Store for them to send in to their "depot"? How much *is* this "flat rate," considering I have a Retina screen? Less than the $650 I was quoted by the indie shop? *Much* less?? (I read in one online comment that all 11" and 13" MacBooks were charged the same rate for this service, but I think it may have predated the launch of the 13" Retina.) Will they actually fix *other* stuff as well, including problems I'm not yet aware of? How long does it take to complete a repair?
Any and all insight will be much appreciated!!
I am reasonably sure my own problem is specific to the display part, since the computer works perfectly if hooked up to a monitor via HDMI port (and none of the laptop screen issues are mirrored onto it). I have the first-gen 13" MBR Retina that debuted in mid-late 2012, and I gather from the copious posts online about both it and its 15" big brother that the pre-2013 models are infamous for having various display problems.
Although I searched for threads on this specific topic, I didn't find any. My Mac didn't sustain any sudden fall or damage; the screen simply started going on the fritz about a week ago, and it got worse and worse as the days passed. (I have, admittedly, had a handful of *minor* mishaps over the past couple of years, but nothing that dented or even *scratched* the housing, nor anything that caused any immediate problems.) I've also never spilled anything on the keyboard, nor did I ever have any issues with missing pixels, mysterious overheating, inability to power on or off, or any issues whatsoever with the keyboard, memory or SSD.
Also, it seems like many folks have problems beyond the display itself, e.g. motherboards and graphics cards. (AFAIK, mine are fine, judging from the lack of problems when my laptop is plugged into a monitor.) It's also not a software issue, which was my initial thought seeing as the problems began shortly after I upgraded to Yosemite; every diagnostic I've run has come out clean.
So - it sounds like I'm left with three options, though PLEASE correct me if I'm missing something:
1. Take it to my local Mac specialist. Given that my previous experience with Apple Stores suggested that it would be by far the priciest repair option -- though I admittedly based that assumption on their $250 repair estimate for a broken iPhone screen that I ultimately paid $100 to fix -- I visited an indie Mac repair shop today. They quoted me $650 (!!!!) to replace the screen and its housing, which I gather are effectively inseparable. Considering I can purchase a new 13" MacBook Air for only $300 more than that, factoring in my student discount, I found the price shocking, to say the least.
2. Find an identical model being sold for parts, but with a fully functional screen/housing. But where should I look, assuming I go in this direction? On eBay all I saw while searching were copious sketchy displays sourced from China, which for all I know could be terrible knockoffs. (Rather "conveniently," it can take over a month for them to arrive, which I believe nullifies eBay's buyer protection insurance.) They also appeared to lack the rear aluminum housings. Searches of various used Mac parts websites also yielded no fruit. Do I dare try Craigslist??
3. Apple Store. As I said, I initially assumed this would be the most expensive option, but then I started reading posts about their "depot flat rate repairs." Are such rumors true? Can I simply drop off my MacBook at an Apple Store for them to send in to their "depot"? How much *is* this "flat rate," considering I have a Retina screen? Less than the $650 I was quoted by the indie shop? *Much* less?? (I read in one online comment that all 11" and 13" MacBooks were charged the same rate for this service, but I think it may have predated the launch of the 13" Retina.) Will they actually fix *other* stuff as well, including problems I'm not yet aware of? How long does it take to complete a repair?
Any and all insight will be much appreciated!!