New 13” M3, marks on the screen

[usmaak]

It started with an M4 iPad Pro but I had to return that because it was hurting my eyes. I decided to get a new MBA 13” instead of going back to an M2 iPad Pro. The computer is nice, but I’ve noticed that it has marks on the screen, like little lines. It is really only noticeable when on a dark screen with a light source behind me. As I mostly use dark mode and have a window behind me where I sit during the day and a lamp at night, I see it. They are in the center of the screen. It looks like smears that would happen when cleaning the screen with a cleaning solution but I hadn’t cleaned the screen when I noticed them. I did take a slightly damp microfiber cloth and try to wipe it down but it made no difference. They don’t seem like scratches, but flaws in the screen itself.

I took these pictures with a flashlight as the light source. Not because I’m staring at the screen looking for flaws but because it does a good job of simulating a light source behind me. Are lines like this a normal occurrence? I just checked my 2021 MBP work machine and it has no marks on the screen at all.

 

[Iwavvns]

I've owned three MacBooks since 2020 and I've never seen marks on any of the screens. My current MBA M1 (2020) has a flawless screen. It could be a defective screen and needs to be returned for a new machine.

 

[usmaak]

I've owned three MacBooks since 2020 and I've never seen marks on any of the screens. My current MBA M1 (2020) has a flawless screen. It could be a defective screen and needs to be returned for a new machine.

Thanks. I already ordered another one from Best Buy and will bring this one back when it arrives. It’s such a nice little machine but it’s not cheap and I don‘t want to pay that $$ for something defective. Other than the marks on the screen, I’ve had no problems.

Between returning the iPad and this machine, Best Buy is probably sick of my returns.

 

[Iwavvns]

It’s such a nice little machine but it’s not cheap and I don‘t want to pay that $$ for something defective. Other than the marks on the screen, I’ve had no problems.

And powerful, don't forget powerful. I've seen videos of people editing 4K video on MacBook Air models from a couple years ago and these machines can handle the work.. this was why I bought a MBA over the MBP. I'm not going to be editing 4K video, but if the machine can handle that workload, then it can handle anything I will throw at it.

 

[Bazza1]

Beyond the apparent screen flaws you have there, I have a keyboard skin for my Air (keeps crumbs, dust and any splashed liquids away from internals - as well as easier to clean as far as skin oils are concerned), and I use a sheet of tissue (or the same that might have come with the Air) when the device is closed - all to help prevent marks on the screen. I realize using both is a bit 'belt and suspenders', but it beats constantly wiping down the screen - or worse.
No adverse effects from this otherwise.