And there you have it folks. The Samsung/9C5B MacBook screen has a serious problem with horizontal lines on many different colors. The LG/9C5F MacBook screen looks just fine. And I've looked at about 20 different MacBooks in my city. Every single one of the Samsungs showed this problem, and every single one of the LGs looked okay. The Samsungs constituted slightly under half of the total.
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New white nVidia Macbook owners: check here to see if you have a defective LCD!
- Thread starter nikhilc
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I just ordered an early 2009 refurb'd ($749) but haven't opened the box yet. Is there any way to tell the manufacture date by the serial # on the outside box? If it has the Samsung I want to send it back and just get a MBP. If I open it and find it's the Samsung, I'll get dinged a 10% restocking fee.
Also - if I do open it and it's one of the crappy Samsung LCD's, do you think it will be considered defective (and not subject to the restocking fee)? Called Apple customer service but they were very non-committal about this issue.
Any advice? Thanks!
UPDATE (9/6/2009): I decided to go ahead, take my chances and open my refurbished white MacBook. I lucked out - my LCD is an LG 9C5F. The screen is quite nice, actually. Serial number is YD934.
Also - if I do open it and it's one of the crappy Samsung LCD's, do you think it will be considered defective (and not subject to the restocking fee)? Called Apple customer service but they were very non-committal about this issue.
Any advice? Thanks!
UPDATE (9/6/2009): I decided to go ahead, take my chances and open my refurbished white MacBook. I lucked out - my LCD is an LG 9C5F. The screen is quite nice, actually. Serial number is YD934.
same problem
first 5 digits of mac serial number: 45934
9C5B display
I have the lines too, and I just bought it today. The apple store person who sold it to me told me he hadn't heard about any problems with the displays but that if mine had a problem the best they could do was let me return it with the 10% restocking fee and just hope the next one would be better.
ughhh
first 5 digits of mac serial number: 45934
9C5B display
I have the lines too, and I just bought it today. The apple store person who sold it to me told me he hadn't heard about any problems with the displays but that if mine had a problem the best they could do was let me return it with the 10% restocking fee and just hope the next one would be better.
ughhh
same problem on a Mac bought in Tokyo
I have the same problem with a White Macbook bought in May (Early 2009) in Tokyo.
The Genius Bar sent it in to repair and they replaced the LCD screen. But the problem is still there. I took it back again. They said they couldn't send it back for repair again.
serial number W8908
LCD model 00009C5B
I am a professional photographer so it really bothers me. Mostly the problem stands out in the highlights of photos.
I have the same problem with a White Macbook bought in May (Early 2009) in Tokyo.
The Genius Bar sent it in to repair and they replaced the LCD screen. But the problem is still there. I took it back again. They said they couldn't send it back for repair again.
serial number W8908
LCD model 00009C5B
I am a professional photographer so it really bothers me. Mostly the problem stands out in the highlights of photos.
Oh dear, another affected display here.
First 5 digits of serial number: 3M927 (refurb from Apple Store)
LCD model: 00009C5B
Really do hope that Apple sort this out for me because I've started using this to process all my digital negatives, and the pin-striping effect is driving me mad.
First 5 digits of serial number: 3M927 (refurb from Apple Store)
LCD model: 00009C5B
Really do hope that Apple sort this out for me because I've started using this to process all my digital negatives, and the pin-striping effect is driving me mad.
My MacBook is in for repair - should get it back on Monday.
Asked what would happen if the display was no better after the panel swap-out, and was told "we'll keep changing the panel until it's right!" Now that's what I call a result.
Asked what would happen if the display was no better after the panel swap-out, and was told "we'll keep changing the panel until it's right!" Now that's what I call a result.
I sent mine back to Apple. And they said they replaced the panel but I am having the same issue.
What's worse, they apparently scratched my upper case. Many small scratches and one major scratch which is quite visible. I just got this laptop less than a month ago.
I called and request replacement. The senior advisor said they couldn't do that. And they will let me send back to them for repair. I was very angry and the senior advisor said she is sorry but she sounds like she doesn't care. This is very horrible experience with AppleCare. Now I am going to have to wait until next Monday for the returning box to arrive. And then I will be out of town before I get it back. Awful experience with Apple. I can't imagine how they can treat their customers like this. Just because we bought their entry level laptop??
What's worse, they apparently scratched my upper case. Many small scratches and one major scratch which is quite visible. I just got this laptop less than a month ago.
I called and request replacement. The senior advisor said they couldn't do that. And they will let me send back to them for repair. I was very angry and the senior advisor said she is sorry but she sounds like she doesn't care. This is very horrible experience with AppleCare. Now I am going to have to wait until next Monday for the returning box to arrive. And then I will be out of town before I get it back. Awful experience with Apple. I can't imagine how they can treat their customers like this. Just because we bought their entry level laptop??
Initially I had the same issue as you phytonix - panel replaced with another Samsung (00009C5B) - display issue still persisted. The Genius at the Apple Store where it was repaired tried to tell me that it was normal for displays on MacBooks to behave in this way, since they're only consumer displays. I told him that was absolute rubbish and I've never seen an LCD display behave in this way ever. In the end I had to threaten them with my credit card company - that seemed to jolt them into action and they replaced the screen again.
I've now got a very nice screen on my MacBook - a Chi Mei (00009C5E).
I didn't notice when I picked it up but there are far more scratches on the case now than there were before - maybe another grumble is in order.
Hope you get yours sorted out.
I honestly expected Apple to treat it's customers better than this. This has made me think twice about buying another Apple product in the future.
I've now got a very nice screen on my MacBook - a Chi Mei (00009C5E).
I didn't notice when I picked it up but there are far more scratches on the case now than there were before - maybe another grumble is in order.
Hope you get yours sorted out.
I honestly expected Apple to treat it's customers better than this. This has made me think twice about buying another Apple product in the future.
Just wanted to add that "Abstract 6" is one of the best desktop wallpapers that really shows up this issue.
Don't know who's at fault here - Samsung for supplying ***** panels, or Apple for using panels that are not fit for the job at hand.
Edit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/75697580@N00/364385409 (Abstract 6 wallpaper)
Don't know who's at fault here - Samsung for supplying ***** panels, or Apple for using panels that are not fit for the job at hand.
Edit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/75697580@N00/364385409 (Abstract 6 wallpaper)
Oh. OK. I might pass an Apple Store this week and thought about going in.
I guess they will NOT replace the entire computer for me then...
But I can try. This is really terrible. Guess I need to do some threatening.
My MacBook is in for repair - should get it back on Monday.
Asked what would happen if the display was no better after the panel swap-out, and was told "we'll keep changing the panel until it's right!" Now that's what I call a result.
Arthur,
Which Apple Store told you this? In Tokyo they replaced mine once, still the same, then I sent it back again and they said there was nothing wrong with it and wouldn't try to change it again.
This was the Apple Store in Solihull, UK.
Good luck getting your screen replaced again.
I'm guessing the reason they're not keen on doing it again is because it's not a simple job. See here: http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repair/Installing-MacBook-Core-2-Duo-Display/536/1
Good luck getting your screen replaced again.
I'm guessing the reason they're not keen on doing it again is because it's not a simple job. See here: http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repair/Installing-MacBook-Core-2-Duo-Display/536/1
The computer came back after second repair. While the stripes on white background is gone, it is still showing the same stripes on organe/red-ish colors.
Took it to an Apple Store. They would not replace it because they said I did not purchase it directly from Apple. WTF?! I purchased from Apple Authorized Online reseller, based on Apple.com and there are about only 10 of those Apple Authorized online reseller. I think he is just making it up because it doesn't make any sense to have different warranty policy for people purchased directly from Apple from purchased from Apple authorized resellers.
I was speechless but left the computer there and they sent in for repair. On the Genius Bar sheet it says "slight horizontal color banding in LCD and only visible on certain colors and backgrounds".
It is being repaired right now. However, it was shortly put on hold - need information. So I called. The person answered the phone said I need to specify more information because it seems they did not find "any problem" with the computer. So I basically told her again what's wrong and told her my frustration.
This sounds very fishy. Because now they may start to play the "oh we couldn't reproduce the issue, the computer seems fine" card.
If my doesn't get fixed this time, I would first contact Better Business Bureau. If doesn't work I will try to see whether I can find consumer protection lawyers.
Took it to an Apple Store. They would not replace it because they said I did not purchase it directly from Apple. WTF?! I purchased from Apple Authorized Online reseller, based on Apple.com and there are about only 10 of those Apple Authorized online reseller. I think he is just making it up because it doesn't make any sense to have different warranty policy for people purchased directly from Apple from purchased from Apple authorized resellers.
I was speechless but left the computer there and they sent in for repair. On the Genius Bar sheet it says "slight horizontal color banding in LCD and only visible on certain colors and backgrounds".
It is being repaired right now. However, it was shortly put on hold - need information. So I called. The person answered the phone said I need to specify more information because it seems they did not find "any problem" with the computer. So I basically told her again what's wrong and told her my frustration.
This sounds very fishy. Because now they may start to play the "oh we couldn't reproduce the issue, the computer seems fine" card.
If my doesn't get fixed this time, I would first contact Better Business Bureau. If doesn't work I will try to see whether I can find consumer protection lawyers.
That's terrible service from Apple.
They know there's an issue with those damn Samsung panels. I really don't know how they've got the bare faced cheek to say they couldn't find anything wrong with your MacBook.
I used to build PC many years ago and during that time I certainly never saw (or have seen since) any lcd panel displaying banding / pin-striping effects such as this - not even on the cheapest of cheap lcd panels.
It's all very well Apple saying that these MacBook displays are only "consumer" panels, but they certainly don't charge "consumer" level prices for them. Apple charge high prices for their products, and in consumers expect high quality products in return.
Very poor show from Apple.
Hope you get your MacBook fixed.
If you paid by credit card it might be worth exploring the possibility of using the protection that that can offer.
They know there's an issue with those damn Samsung panels. I really don't know how they've got the bare faced cheek to say they couldn't find anything wrong with your MacBook.
I used to build PC many years ago and during that time I certainly never saw (or have seen since) any lcd panel displaying banding / pin-striping effects such as this - not even on the cheapest of cheap lcd panels.
It's all very well Apple saying that these MacBook displays are only "consumer" panels, but they certainly don't charge "consumer" level prices for them. Apple charge high prices for their products, and in consumers expect high quality products in return.
Very poor show from Apple.
Hope you get your MacBook fixed.
If you paid by credit card it might be worth exploring the possibility of using the protection that that can offer.
I wish I could. But unfortunate for me I applied for store credit card to do financing when I bought it. The store is an authorized reseller of Apple products. If I dispute with the credit card company, essentially it is taking money away from their partner: the store, not directly from Apple.
I received a call from Apple today, basically asking the same questions about the issue. She said she will have to check internally whether it is a outstanding issue and she has to ask the engineer/technician at the repair depot whether I can get my LCD replaced. Strange, because it is supposed to be replaced twice already.
Anyway, I already filed complain to Better Business Bureau. See what happens. If Apple doesn't fix or exchange the laptop for me, it is essentially useless to me. And it is with defective LCD screen, plus all the damage made to the case when they do repair. The resell value of this computer is basically 50% of the sticker price or less.
still no positive response from Apple
Anything new on this issue? I spoke to a special liason at apple customer service in Tokyo at the end of the year and they are aware of the issue (only the Americans and British complain it seems, not the Japanese!) My one year warranty runs out in the spring and I still want a new LCD panel if I can get one. They say they might change it if I keep insisting but I might get one that is worse than the one I have.
Anything new on this issue? I spoke to a special liason at apple customer service in Tokyo at the end of the year and they are aware of the issue (only the Americans and British complain it seems, not the Japanese!) My one year warranty runs out in the spring and I still want a new LCD panel if I can get one. They say they might change it if I keep insisting but I might get one that is worse than the one I have.
I've got a white Macbook, serial #: W8835 which I bought in September 2008. It had a problem with the backlight in September 2009, so I took it back to the retailer (Comet in the UK) and they replaced the screen and backlight (told me it all had to be replaced as it's a single unit). Well the new screen is defective and surprise surprise, the model # is: 00009C5B. My old screen didn't have this problem, but unfortunately I don't know what the model # is. I have been trying to get this fixed for over five months, but they keep saying there is nothing wrong with it and that two independent repair agents have confirmed this. What's more, they won't acknowledge any information in this thread or elsewhere on the internet unless it's direct from Apple. Here's a hint if you live in the UK: Do not buy from Comet, they are snakes.
