Should I return my new Powerbook 15?

[Neo-Maikeru]

Neo,
This is exactly the way I've been feeling about my new 15" PB all week, ever since I unpacked it (I got mine 12/19)
I'm still debating whether to return it or not, but so far I really like the damn thing. The backlit keyboard is very nice, and the PB it's fast for what I do, and great resolution. Like you, I only see the lines if I get real close to the screen or pull up some pictures. Faces in pictures are generally easier to show the lines, but normal browsing, emailing, iTunes and such doesn't show any lines. I was even watching a movie last night on it and there were no visible lines at all.
I agree, that after reading about the horizontal lines issue it made me very paranoid, and from really craving this machine for months, now I have doubts on whether to keep it or not.
If I hadn't read about it, I would not have seen it or thought it was a problem. I'm thinking about keeping mine, but still haven't really made it "mine" 'cause I haven't copied all my stuff to it yet. I'm still using my iMac for most of my stuff (even typing this) but I got to get myself to use the PB more often.
I think I'm keeping mine but still a bit unsure. Why let other unhappy people ruin our moment?
Good luck with your decision.

Well my decision has already been made, I returned it. Even though I do not do graphics work it was still bothering me just knowning that the problem was there after reading the thread. The lines were not hurting my eyes but me knowing that I have an inferior screen to other powerbooks was, considering I just plunked down $2,000 for it. It is a shame because like you, I really love the machine. If you are having doubts about it yourself and are constantly thinking about it like you said you are I would do yourself a favor and return yours as well. No sense in not having a clear head about your purchase. You paid good money for it, you should not have to put up with debating things in your head, you should be in a totally positive state of mind about your purchase in my opinion. This is why I returned in the end, thinking about the screen issue of my Powerbook gave me a huge headache. I know that if a new rev. comes out and the screen problem is fixed I would be kicking myself if I hadn't returned mine. I felt pretty relieved after returning since I could finally stop thinking about the stupid screen. LOL.

 

[ortuno2k]

Thanks for your thoughts Neo.
Like you said, it really sucks to drop $2,000 for a new PB and have a defective screen, or even if not technically defective, still not perfect to you. And that's what really matters, that you (the buyer) is completely happy with it. Obviously, we are not happy with such a computer. It's still in my head "the lines are there." But my other side of the brain says "Yea, but you don't see them now, do ya..punk?"

Oh well, still debating. I'm afraid if I return it I might blow the cash on trivial stuff and miss the chance of owning a laptop for a long time, but I'd hate myself forever if I keep a defective (to my eyes) laptop.

Thanks

 

[Neo-Maikeru]

Thanks for your thoughts Neo.
Like you said, it really sucks to drop $2,000 for a new PB and have a defective screen, or even if not technically defective, still not perfect to you. And that's what really matters, that you (the buyer) is completely happy with it. Obviously, we are not happy with such a computer. It's still in my head "the lines are there." But my other side of the brain says "Yea, but you don't see them now, do ya..punk?"

Oh well, still debating. I'm afraid if I return it I might blow the cash on trivial stuff and miss the chance of owning a laptop for a long time, but I'd hate myself forever if I keep a defective (to my eyes) laptop.

Thanks

After reading this post of yours it seems pretty clear to me that the best thing for you to do is to return your Powerbook 15 and get a different model or wait for a new revision to come out. Don't keep something that you will regret not returning. If you are afraid of spending the money on trivial things then put the money into a savings account or purchase a Mac giftcard with it so you can't spend it anywhere else. If you end up returning it be sure to show them the picture that I linked in this thread, it was very helpful for me when I returned mine today.

 

[Sic]

i had the same dilemma as you and decided not to return it as i have faith that apple are going to sort it, and the computer is perfect except for the screen anomaly. i've spoken to apple customer sevices several times about it, and because i have logged my problem early on and gotten myself a reference, i have been told on a number of occasions that i'll be allowed to return it if they dont find a fix. i personally dont see how they won't though. even if it's going to be a case of everyone who cares gets a new screen.

 

[Deepdale]

I just spoke with a co-worker who bought a 15" PB two weeks ago and asked him for his assessment of things. He said, "It is great in all respects and I could not be happier." He did not detect any problem with the screen.

 

[tristan]

I was just about to buy a couple weeks ago when I found out about the line problem and then went to Apple Store to see it for myself. I ended up buying a refurb older model from smalldog, which I'm very very happy with. The price was great, and the machine is awesome - I use it every day and love it. It's definitely an option to consider.

 

[Nspace]

If you have the option still I would most definitely return it if you were not satisfied. Apple charges enough for their products, I'd expect the screens to be in perfect working condition without any problems. I was quite agrivated when I had to get my screen replaced and only found the new screen to contain a dead pixel. Of course I couldn't do anything about but at least you have that option.

 

[BENJMNS]

I'm all right with the scan lines and some of the black bars really... i would've never noticed if i didn't run into these threads.

but the thing is, if i ever plan on selling this unit and i probably will in the future, i don't want this to become the black listed units... like oh do you have the scan line 15" hi res version? as if it's the one to avoid. especially if apple doesn't provide a fix.

i don't like the 17" display because it's not nearly as bright as the 15" hi res. even if it did jump 45% from the outgoing 17" model. it also suffers a great deal from just fading at diff angles whereas the 15" hi res is much more consistent.

would i rather have the hi res with the scan lines and black lines than the lower resolution 15"? Hell yes.

 

[pubwvj]

My PowerBook 15 arrived yesterday. I bought now rather than waiting as I need a PPC notebook. No lines on the screen. It's beautiful - sharp and bright. I'm happy!

 

[Chkalov]

It has lines!

I am received my new PowerBook 2 days ago. It was produced on 52 week and IT HAS LINES! I can see them on all pictures that I look, even on the desktop. I am very unhappy and return it back to the Apple.

Victor.

 

[GoCubsGo]

I think you should stop being so paranoid about the lines thing and enjoy your new pbook.

I've heard that the ordeal is being blown out of proportion anyway so I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Agreed.

 

[ortuno2k]

Besides having faint lines, I also noticed that mine has also a dead pixel; possibly two. They are noticeable with a dark background, and I found it while running the flurry screen saver.

Even though the dead pixel isn't noticeable 99% of the time, it's there!
Two things wrong with my screen, but I sure love this PB... maybe enough to make me keep it.
Who knows what else may show up wrong with it.

 

[DIXIE]

PIXEL HELP info

ortuno2k: try this Pixel Help download .... read instructions first.

(instructions)
"Instead of just clicking the link, CTRL-click and download the file. Then open, set it to loop in View menu of Quicktime, and place the window behind the stuck pixel (you can resize it). It rapidly cycles through many colors/shades, and the idea is that it can force a stuck pixel to change."

http://itasor.com/pixelmurder.mov

Maybe you'll get lucky!!!

DIXIE

 

[sbb155]

"shoud i RETURN IT"

answer: YES

And rebuy intel macs when out

you will thank us in a few years

 

[BENJMNS]

"shoud i RETURN IT"

answer: YES

And rebuy intel macs when out

you will thank us in a few years

wtf?

when's it coming out? you sure first-time notebooks won't come with their own set of issues? time is money

 

[generik]

wtf?

when's it coming out? you sure first-time notebooks won't come with their own set of issues? time is money

Time is money? Then buy something else, today.

Your time certainly is worth a lot, not everyone can afford to spend 2 grand on a lemon just because he is in a hurry.

 

[MacNut]

You can wait and wait and keep returning but Im sure there will always be a flaw of some sort in whatever you buy, Buying computers is like russian roulette you might win and you might lose. If you wait for every problem to be fixed you will never end up buying anything cause nothing is ever perfect.

 

[ortuno2k]

You can wait and wait and keep returning but Im sure there will always be a flaw of some sort in whatever you buy, Buying computers is like russian roulette you might win and you might lose. If you wait for every problem to be fixed you will never end up buying anything cause nothing is ever perfect.

This is exactly the same way I was thinking on my drive home today.
We're not happy with anything we get these days. Why scrutinize a product so much that makes us "make" defects on the product where others see none. My girlfriend couldn't see the horizontal lines or the dead pixel, which only shows on a black background.
I've decided to keep my PowerBook with its dead pixel and faint horizontal lines. I can't see either one unless I really look for it.
Who knows if I return it and get another what the next one may bring? How about more dead pixels or really bad lines? How about DOA or anything else that could be wrong with any electronic product.
If I start thinking about defects... let's see. My iMac has a shade that the dock has created at the bottom of the screen. Is that a reason to sell it and buy a new one?
My brand new car got a few scratches during the last hurricane here in FL (Wilma). Should I go return the car or buy a paint job for it?
My life isn't perfect. Should I go return it and get a new one?
I think, MacNut, you're right. We should settle for what we have.
Thank you for your post.

 

[liquidh2o]

If it were my money and there problems with the powerbook, I would return it. It's a big investment of $$$, and you should "get what you pay for."

 

[BENJMNS]

Time is money? Then buy something else, today.

Your time certainly is worth a lot, not everyone can afford to spend 2 grand on a lemon just because he is in a hurry.

dude that's what i'm telling him to do; not to waste time waiting for something that's not proven just yet

 

[tribe3]

Returning the PB because you hate the screen is coherent, but there are only very few people on this and other forums that first detected the problem -on their own- and decided that this screen was not for them. Than there's a big group that were perfectly happy with their PBooks until they read that others were not!... Holly Jesus... Some people really need to work on some sides of their personality.

All your electronics and/or highly complex stuff are going to have a flaw somewhere; and you will find the flaws if you look hard enough or read enough about it. From the most expensive Pro DSLR camera to the most sophisticated audio equipment, and also your brand new Mercedes-Benz. In all the forums of all subjects you're going to find persons using and enjoying their stuff and others taking it back to the dealer every week for some new hitch that they found or read about.

My screen, like all other new PB's have the lines indeed. But they virtually go away with a 10 seconds calibration of the LCD and in the end I'm the happy owner of a beautiful machine that has too many good features to list, and ALSO a VERY nice screen The extra real estate makes a big difference when working on my photos.

My condolences to those of you who deprived them selves of this great machine -even liking it- just because a small bunch of obsessed say that it's a POS.