New MBP Owners (since 8/13/07), Do You Have The Bottom 3rd Yellowing Issue?

[gpeden]

Huh? What? Oh, I made it to the end of this thread Between this and another long thread, it was like reading a melodrama with me involved (my 9C6D manufacturer not revealed until near the end). I really feel for some of you folks who've had to endure multiple returns and by reading all of this I will hopefully have the perspective/patience to drop off my MBPro for a DVD drive replacement. After all, that's just a simple mechanical issue.

With my recent MBPro purchase, irony was used to ensure a perfect screen. You see, I have access to an employee purchase plan but made the choice to pay full price at a retailer that offers a 15 day satisfaction (no questions) return policy. Where I live in Alberta, there's two companies that I know of that have this policy - London Drugs (where I purchased) and Future Shop. The reason I did this is that I suffered bad screens with my first new laptop purchase a long, long time ago, a PB1400, when I wound up asking for the first machine I returned because it was better than the different machines I subsequently tried This time around, I figured that if I wound up with one bad pixel in the middle of the screen, I'd be stuck with it due to Apple's return polices requiring certain numbers or placement of the dead ones. I wish I'd thoroughly tested the DVD drive though, because I discovered that issue after about a month. Oh wait - had I returned the machine, there's a good chance I would have gotten one with a crappy screen. I didn't realize how lucky I was to get a very nice screen! For the sake of offering another data point:

Week of manufacture of PB: 42
screen manufacturer: 9C6D

The screen seems perfect except for a couple of inches of a small brighter band at the very top left of the screen (don't notice during normal use) and very slight brightness banding across the screen in two locations (hard to see it). And I'm fussy too. Heck, I even brought back a small Dirt Devil vacuum a couple of times

I'm wondering if you guys in the USA have Apple resellers with this no-hassle, no need to prove an issue, return policy? I think it's worth finding one to purchase from in the case of a laptop. No need to talk to a tech to get approval for a return.

Cheers!

Glen

 

[queshy]

Huh? What? Oh, I made it to the end of this thread Between this and another long thread, it was like reading a melodrama with me involved (my 9C6D manufacturer not revealed until near the end). I really feel for some of you folks who've had to endure multiple returns and by reading all of this I will hopefully have the perspective/patience to drop off my MBPro for a DVD drive replacement. After all, that's just a simple mechanical issue.

With my recent MBPro purchase, irony was used to ensure a perfect screen. You see, I have access to an employee purchase plan but made the choice to pay full price at a retailer that offers a 15 day satisfaction (no questions) return policy. Where I live in Alberta, there's two companies that I know of that have this policy - London Drugs (where I purchased) and Future Shop. The reason I did this is that I suffered bad screens with my first new laptop purchase a long, long time ago, a PB1400, when I wound up asking for the first machine I returned because it was better than the different machines I subsequently tried This time around, I figured that if I wound up with one bad pixel in the middle of the screen, I'd be stuck with it due to Apple's return polices requiring certain numbers or placement of the dead ones. I wish I'd thoroughly tested the DVD drive though, because I discovered that issue after about a month. Oh wait - had I returned the machine, there's a good chance I would have gotten one with a crappy screen. I didn't realize how lucky I was to get a very nice screen! For the sake of offering another data point:

Week of manufacture of PB: 42
screen manufacturer: 9C6D

The screen seems perfect except for a couple of inches of a small brighter band at the very top left of the screen (don't notice during normal use) and very slight brightness banding across the screen in two locations (hard to see it). And I'm fussy too. Heck, I even brought back a small Dirt Devil vacuum a couple of times

I'm wondering if you guys in the USA have Apple resellers with this no-hassle, no need to prove an issue, return policy? I think it's worth finding one to purchase from in the case of a laptop. No need to talk to a tech to get approval for a return.

Cheers!

Glen

+1
Great advice!!

 

[steve77uk]

I don't believe it!!! Grrrr

Well with much anticipation, I have waited paitentily for my MBP (the 2nd one) and it is still using Samsung's naff screen and the top white box is brilliant white and the bottom one is a mucky dirty white...

On the phone to apple again...

 

[Creibold]

Mine came back today also, with a brand new LG screen installed - and it still has yellowing. I'm sorry, but Apple's quality control sucks, I have half a mind to take this back and get that new Dell machine. Sure it looks great and all, has a back-lit keyboard, but what does that matter if the screens in these things are all shuddy? This one looks worse than my last one!!!! God damn I'm upset.


EDIT allright, maybe I over reacted. I just want a computer I can keep for awhile and not have problems. Othere than a slight yellowing (almost not noticeable here) everything seems A-Ok with this machine so far. Maybe I'm just wanting something to be wrong with this laptop. Anyways - now I can play WoW again so I'm not that upset.

Could it be these screens just need "broken in"??

 

[RichardF]

Hadn't had time to deal with this but I finally had some time to stop-by yesterday at the Apple Store Soho (Manhattan).

I dealt with an employee at the Genius Bar who just kept denying anything I said using misguided arguments (one of many time-wasting exchanges with him: Him: "Look at it this way, will getting a new computer fix the problem? No!" Me, almost yelling: "What??? You don't know that and you are you asking me to put up with Apple poor sourcing and quality control when if fact you should be banging LG and Samsung on the head for this issue. I am the customer, remember?")
A supervisor was called and he created a case. He also said he is aware of this issue and that they would fix it, even if it takes several attempts.

After backing-up and formatting my drive, I will drop it off today.

Will report back as this progresses.

update:
They finally called me yesterday to tell me the computer was ready to pick-up. So I went by and not only does the replacement screen still display the yellow tone at the bottom but they also scrashed the bottom case. I was mad as hell and despite all of this the supervisor on duty still spent 30 mns arguing with me about how my machine is fact within "Apple's Specifications" when it comes to manufacturing.

I urged him to drop the PR talk and fix the damn machine. They took it back under the condition that I agree that I will accept it as is next time it is returned to me.

Anyone got the contact info for some executives we can all contact about this issue?

QC is seriously lacking and it's been a while but the problem discussed in this thread still hasn't been addressed. Very upsetting.

 

[steve77uk]

well this is now the second one to go back - not a happy bunny because after tuesday, I will be computer-less!

The keyboard also shuts off and only comes back on after I restart the computer

Grrr.... I am just starting to get a little unimpressed now...

Is it really worth keeping a MBP or should I just hijack my old MB Black that I gave to my wife...?

 

[RichardF]

well this is now the second one to go back - not a happy bunny because after tuesday, I will be computer-less!

The keyboard also shuts off and only comes back on after I restart the computer

Grrr.... I am just starting to get a little unimpressed now...

Is it really worth keeping a MBP or should I just hijack my old MB Black that I gave to my wife...?

I feel so bad for everyone of this thread however in your case, I would wait it out to see how it comes back this time around.

Seemingly Apple does have guidelines per which you should be able to obtain a replacement unit (new computer) in the case where two repair-attempts are made and you are still experiencing hardware issues. The whole difficulty is of course to get them to acknowledge there is a problem to begin with as far as the yellowish LED screen bottom is concerned: how I hate "I am sorry but this is within Apple's specifications".

 

[heatmiser]

I urged him to drop the PR talk and fix the damn machine. They took it back under the condition that I agree that I will accept it as is next time it is returned to me.

Richard, do let us know how the third one turns out. I've been reading this thread, and am appalled that this has been going on for so long.

 

[steve77uk]

OK, a few questions just so I am not paranoid.

This is the same for both my laptops which I am returning.

1. How can I find out the week number?

2. When looking at the screen, I have that picture which is black and a white box at the top and a white box at the bottom. The white at the top is pure white and bright, the bottom one is a dirty white, not necessarily yellow but not the same just not as pure. Is this normal? Acceptable? Or is this just the viewing angle? It is not the same on my MB but granted this is a smaller screen

3. When I look a the screen and turn the laptop sideways by 90, it goes really dirty yellow / tobacco colour mostly on the bottom but on the top too.

4. When I look at the screen it it looks *slightly* darker at the bottom than the top, but when I tilt the screen back the top goes slightly darker and the bottom lights up.

What do you think? When I read the posts are people saying it is yellow when the look at it face on as in *yellow* OR tilting or from a side angle?

Thanks but am just preparing for my third.

Photos are not that great - can anyone else provide some?



I don't think the camera does the effect justice - it is worse than this...



Again, but the bottom is slightly darker than the top, but don't think the camera has captured this very well...

If anyone else can help with photos of duff ones, that would be great. Also if you can answer the questions of provide links of other photos / articles...

 

[steve77uk]

Well this is it 2 x MBP going back, all boxed up and ready to go back to Apple Land.

I phoned up to complain about the screen last thursday and it turns out they have not got the other one on order yet until I phoned for a 3rd time to check today...

So much for the 8 business days - now I am stuck.

I was really hoping someone would have been able to answer the above questions before they went back - it would help if someone could give me some answers???

 

[RichardF]

update:
They finally called me yesterday to tell me the computer was ready to pick-up. So I went by and not only does the replacement screen still display the yellow tone at the bottom but they also scrashed the bottom case. I was mad as hell and despite all of this the supervisor on duty still spent 30 mns arguing with me about how my machine is fact within "Apple's Specifications" when it comes to manufacturing.

I urged him to drop the PR talk and fix the damn machine. They took it back under the condition that I agree that I will accept it as is next time it is returned to me.

Anyone got the contact info for some executives we can all contact about this issue?

QC is seriously lacking and it's been a while but the problem discussed in this thread still hasn't been addressed. Very upsetting.

update:

So I got my MBP back today. It was sent-in to replace the bottom case because it had been scratched while they had the computer to replace the screen (yellowish issue). So this was the second repair and while they replaced the bottom case, they left the screen untouched from the first repair.

You won't believe this: the case was replaced but now ports on the left and right sides are misaligned with the case.
I just got off the phone with customer relations again and the lady I spoke with says that the guidelines (two failed repair attempts=replacement) don't apply because there was "only one hardware failure (screen) and the bottom case replacement doesn't count in that sense".
The next step is to take it in again to the geniuis bar I am told so they can "document" the still-yellow-screen and the ports being mis-aligned. I suppose then it goes back a third time.

I will be disputing this purchase with my credit card at the same time and see what happens.

I have spent several hours now in person and over the phone dealing with this. It's just insane! *screams in rage*

 

[RichardF]

OK, a few questions just so I am not paranoid.

This is the same for both my laptops which I am returning.

1. How can I find out the week number?

2. When looking at the screen, I have that picture which is black and a white box at the top and a white box at the bottom. The white at the top is pure white and bright, the bottom one is a dirty white, not necessarily yellow but not the same just not as pure. Is this normal? Acceptable? Or is this just the viewing angle? It is not the same on my MB but granted this is a smaller screen

3. When I look a the screen and turn the laptop sideways by 90, it goes really dirty yellow / tobacco colour mostly on the bottom but on the top too.

4. When I look at the screen it it looks *slightly* darker at the bottom than the top, but when I tilt the screen back the top goes slightly darker and the bottom lights up.

What do you think? When I read the posts are people saying it is yellow when the look at it face on as in *yellow* OR tilting or from a side angle?

Thanks but am just preparing for my third.

Photos are not that great - can anyone else provide some?

View attachment 93890

I don't think the camera does the effect justice - it is worse than this...

View attachment 93891

Again, but the bottom is slightly darker than the top, but don't think the camera has captured this very well...

If anyone else can help with photos of duff ones, that would be great. Also if you can answer the questions of provide links of other photos / articles...

1. Week #: the fourth and fifth digit of the machine's serial

2. With this LED screens, in particular with Apple's, the viewing angle affects what you see on the screen. So if you feel you can live with that "dirty white" bottom then it's a keeper, otherwise...

3. My understanding is that this is expected, again because of the viewing angle, althought my LED Vaio doesn't have this issue.

4. Same on my mine.

I think Apple isn't ready to offer LED backlighting on their machines.

In my case, it may be worthwhile to go back to a 17" MBP just for this reason: non-LED screen. It's more expensive, heavier but since I had a 17" Powerbook 1.67GHz for several years and it served me well, I feel this is very tempting.

 

[Creibold]

I really think your right, I don't think apple is ready to offer LED backlit screens yet. I wonder if they are using trully "white" LED's, or Blue LED's with a yellow frosting over them to create white. Doing some research on the internet tells me that truly white LED's are still going for a pretty high premium in the computer business these days.

This is frustrating. oh well.

On a side not, wether it be a mac or PC, it seems every time I send a computer out for repair it comes back with a new problem! Anyone else feel this way?

One more thing: Why does Apple have The Beatles music on there support line playlist? Maybe something's coming to iTunes at MWSF!

EDIT 4 Beatles songs have been played since I was on hold. I really think iTunes is going to get them. Announcing the Beatles on iTunes and having movie rentals added to iTunes (hopefully version 8) would be a great update to the world's best Music player.

 

[steve77uk]

Still no sign

Well both my faulty MBP's have gone and looking online at my order still shows the old one. I have made numourous phone calls and it still looks like it has not been ordered.

Bearing in mind that it has still not been made I doubt it will get shipped till the weekend. Then it takes about a week / 5 business days to come and then it will be Christmas.

I will NOT be happy if it is not here by then.

Dammit!

 

[btdvox]

I dont know if i have this Yellow issue, But i know my lower part of the screen is "darker" colored because of brightness change on the LCD- This is normal for LCDs- I dont understand why all of you are panicing at this, Unless its really YELLOW- Mine has a darker shade of contrast at that part because of VIEWING ANGLE a symptom of ALL LCD displays.

To really test this use an actual GREYSCALE LCD TEST.

Here is a link to one. Just scroll below to the greyscale test.

Youll see colors are fine and greyscale brightness changes at the lower part.

Now if you have a macbook (non Pro) try this test and youll see the big difference and how a Macbook pro LCD ROCKS.

Cheers

the test:
http://www.lagom.nl/lcd-test/#angle

 

[emotion]

I dont understand why all of you are panicing at this, Unless its really YELLOW...

...Now if you have a macbook (non Pro) try this test and youll see the big difference and how a Macbook pro LCD ROCKS.

Err, an 11 page thread of real yellowing issues and you try and deny there's a problem?

Surely not...




I'm half joking but I can assure you my two Samsung screens showed definite yellowing. My LG doesn't.

 

[btdvox]

Err, an 11 page thread of real yellowing issues and you try and deny there's a problem?

Surely not...




I'm half joking but I can assure you my two Samsung screens showed definite yellowing. My LG doesn't.

Im certainly not. But as many consumers and many postings stated here, I think people are getting confused by "yellowing" and brightness change.

My Macbook Pros screen is LG also- and it has " a darker tint" to the bottom than the top Because of Viewing angle. A symptom of all LCD screens and more over for TN types. I dont know if the screen is TN, SPVA or MVA but i am positive its not the latter which is known best for having better viewing angles.

Secondly People read here "YELLOWING" issue and its the first thing they check when getting a new Macbook Pro, I know this why? Because i did the same thing and freaked out, but when i went the the LCD TEST PAGE- which i use to check to see what sa good LCD in store or not when i bought my 24" LCD.

I found out that all im seeing is a brightness change, Whilst i see many here have almost HALF there screen yellow or a little less than half- YES thats a problem but i also see many people with 1/8th of the screen as a darker contrast....Guess what - Thats LCD technolgy, no matter what if its a LCD TV from sony, sharp etc or a LCD for your computer desktop from Viewsonic, Dell etc or a Laptop- They all have viewing angles that change contrast.

Thats all Im trying to say...Correct me if im wrong and you think everyone here has a "BAD LCD"

 

[emotion]

I'm half joking...

Im certainly not.

Clearly.

Merry Christmas.

 

[btdvox]

Clearly.

Merry Christmas.

I said "im certainly not" to your comment about what you said here

"Err, an 11 page thread of real yellowing issues and you try and deny there's a problem?"

I dont know when posters became so hostile....

 

[emotion]

I said "im certainly not" to your comment about what you said here

"Err, an 11 page thread of real yellowing issues and you try and deny there's a problem?"

I dont know when posters became so hostile....

Who's hostile? Seriously, have a good chrimbo.

 

[dexthageek]

Well,
While I so wanted to be one of those people that post a positive message, unfortunately it is not. I received my brand new 15'' SR 2.2 MBP for Christmas today. Week 46. Samsung display. With the murky dirty yellow bottom. Even my wife noticed it . I spoke with applecare today and they made a note in the system for me to received a replacement at my local Apple Store, where I will be opening the box and booting up to check the display. I have to call support back tomorrow to finish making arrangements.

I probably wont get to the Apple Store until this weekend. but i will keep you all updated.

I doesnt look bad and you can really only notice it if you are looking for it. But my really wants me to get it replaced especially after she just spend 2500 for the laptop. And it will drive me crazy because i can see it when using apps with a white background.

 

[Twe Foju]

i just bought my MBP today

i got 9C66

so which manufacturer is mine?

is it a good manufacturer?

oh and

i do not get any yellowish screen, im so relief

 

[RichardF]

update:
They finally called me yesterday to tell me the computer was ready to pick-up. So I went by and not only does the replacement screen still display the yellow tone at the bottom but they also scrashed the bottom case. I was mad as hell and despite all of this the supervisor on duty still spent 30 mns arguing with me about how my machine is fact within "Apple's Specifications" when it comes to manufacturing.

I urged him to drop the PR talk and fix the damn machine. They took it back under the condition that I agree that I will accept it as is next time it is returned to me.

Anyone got the contact info for some executives we can all contact about this issue?

QC is seriously lacking and it's been a while but the problem discussed in this thread still hasn't been addressed. Very upsetting.

update: well it's been almost two months since I bought my MBP. Two repairs later, hours on the phone and in-store and I now have a replacement-MBP. The in-store staff is helpless. They are probably trained/ asked to minimize hardware replacements/ repairs. If it were not for Apple Customer Relations, I'd still be screaming in vain at the faggots who staff the Soho store.

Apple Customer Relations asked to ship them mine (which still had a bad screen after two repairs + scratchs inflicted to it during the repairs) and they sent me a new one right from the factory (week 50) and it's got a...LG screen (9C67).
Yellowish bottom is still there and I have a noticable difference in brightness along the right vertical edge of my screen.

My understanding is that the best screen to get/ demand if you are in disput with them is the AU Optronics (AUO) screen (9C66).

I decided not to dispute the credit card charge (since they replaced my first MBP with a new one) and to simply keep it as I cannot spent any more time on this.

Apple really needs to address this issue. I am very disappointed.




To the bozo higher-up who thinks we collectively mistake yellowish tint for a differencial in brightness:
You are talking out of your ass. When looking straight at the screen (without moving), the screen should be evenly (back) lit and simply white throughout.
My two-years-old LED Vaio doesn't have this problem regardless of the viewing angle by the way (which on the MBP when viewed from the side the entire screen is just yellowish).

Why is it that Apple cannot seem to sort this out and that some of their suppliers are sending them crappy screens while some others are not?

Dumbass.

 

[RichardF]

i just bought my MBP today

i got 9C66

so which manufacturer is mine?

is it a good manufacturer?

oh and

i do not get any yellowish screen, im so relief

I am happy for you. You have got a AUO screen.

 

[barijazz]

I got my mbp a month ago (november) and I have no problem with a yellow screen, besides the freezing when I go full screen in itunes.

update: well it's been almost two months since I bought my MBP. Two repairs later, hours on the phone and in-store and I now have a replacement-MBP. The in-store staff is helpless. They are probably trained/ asked to minimize hardware replacements/ repairs. If it were not for Apple Customer Relations, I'd still be screaming in vain at the faggots who staff the Soho store.

Apple Customer Relations asked to ship them mine (which still had a bad screen after two repairs + scratchs inflicted to it during the repairs) and they sent me a new one right from the factory (week 50) and it's got a...LG screen (9C67).
Yellowish bottom is still there and I have a noticable difference in brightness along the right vertical edge of my screen.

My understanding is that the best screen to get/ demand if you are in disput with them is the AU Optronics (AUO) screen (9C66).

I decided not to dispute the credit card charge (since they replaced my first MBP with a new one) and to simply keep it as I cannot spent any more time on this.

Apple really needs to address this issue. I am very disappointed.




To the bozo higher-up who thinks we collectively mistake yellowish tint for a differencial in brightness:
You are talking out of your ass. When looking straight at the screen (without moving), the screen should be evenly (back) lit and simply white throughout.
My two-years-old LED Vaio doesn't have this problem regardless of the viewing angle by the way (which on the MBP when viewed from the side the entire screen is just yellowish).

Why is it that Apple cannot seem to sort this out and that some of their suppliers are sending them crappy screens while some others are not?

Dumbass.

Actually my mbp monitor is a little darker in the top right corner. but it's more black than yellow.