So... about that Macbook screen wash-out

[GoCubsGo]

Here's the deal. The MB is a winner ... clearly, aside from the display. To be complacent with the display is acceptable to some, but not for me. I'm not expecting the quality I have from my ACD even even the Air. I'm asking for acceptable. That is it.

I went to the Fashion Island store today where some kid was extraordinately sweet to me. He was chatty and I just adored his attitude. Then I got to the Genius who, in my opinion, was nothing more than an arrogant person who was adament to make sure I knew I was wrong.

I said, "look, I'm not trying to be a problem, but this is now a widely talked about issue on Apple's boards and beyond. Boards I am sure you probably know about." He replies with, "no not necessairly." Fair enough I thought. Another line was "this screen (mine) looks like this one (theirs) therefore, it is within spec." I said, "yes but they're the same panels and Apple is clearly using at least two different ones." His reply, "I wouldn't know that."

Oh really I thought. OK fair enough.

I said, well look. I'm clearly unhappy and there's no talking me out of it. I have to view it just a little tilted towards me. He replies with, "these have to be viewed head on." Ok fair enough ... then it is not within spec on the website.

So now we get to the return without restocking. He tells me adding ram exposed the logic board and therefore it's not a user-upgradable feature. I said, "ok but why do they show you how to do it in the owner's manual?" He said, "I wouldn't know what they show you, I haven't seen the user manual ... I have my own." "Well ok, then perhaps if you're citing something based on a confidential manual then how can we be certain the ram upgrade voided my warranty?"

These are just a few, the rest was piddly crap that I frankly didn't care for. However, Jon, the manager is willing to give me store credit but not another MB. He said I will most likely be unhappy with the next. Fair enough in my book. I did however drive all the way to the store just to recall I had forgotten about my memory so I am now back, having a drink, and I'm returning it tonight.

I'm sad, it's truly a remarkable machine otherwise.

BTW, the genius agreed the blacks aren't black but said it was within spec. All displays looked like mine.

All in all I'm pleased to know I get a full refund in the form of store credit. Jon and this other kid (who I will find his name out when I return) made it great. The genius may have not been as harsh as I believed him to be and I'm sure he was doing his job, but there's a way to approach it and I felt as though he was speaking as though I was nuts. Which I may very well be.

 

[ptsube]

Are you for real? I understand you hate the screen. Just go and exchange it tomorrow.

Is that your approach to everything in life? I guess you must not eat out at restaurants or fast food at all because you'd end up returning your food because it doesn't look the same in real life than on the tv screen or in the advertisements.

Do you ask for refunds on your Big Macs?

There's a difference between a $1 BigMac and a $1300 Macbook.

 

[staccato83]

So it kind of seems that watching movies on the new macbook is a terrible experience, but how is the screen when surfing the web? Do the darker websites give you more trouble?

 

[NC MacGuy]

Are you for real? I understand you hate the screen. Just go and exchange it tomorrow.

Is that your approach to everything in life? I guess you must not eat out at restaurants or fast food at all because you'd end up returning your food because it doesn't look the same in real life than on the tv screen or in the advertisements.

Do you ask for refunds on your Big Macs?

Hey Bud - do you even own a Mac? A MB? A MBA? A MBP? Well, I've had multiples of each (one Air) including some PB's.

What are you even doing here? At least I put my money where my mouth is.

I do believe that is what this thread is about - washed out MacBook screens.

 

[GoCubsGo]

Are you for real? I understand you hate the screen. Just go and exchange it tomorrow.

Is that your approach to everything in life? I guess you must not eat out at restaurants or fast food at all because you'd end up returning your food because it doesn't look the same in real life than on the tv screen or in the advertisements.

Do you ask for refunds on your Big Macs?

You are insanely erratic in your postings. I'm thinking stirring the pot is acceptable to you, which is fine if you want to roll that way really.

The fact is, I think a lot of us are just trying to show ... with photos, that there's a problem that we're having a hard time living without. You, my friend, haven't even bought one but have asked a number of questions that suggest you'll be buying one or going to look at them and check out whether or not the issues are as they're being presented (where's the terminal display #, where's color sync etc.). You get my drift?

BTW one never returns food at a restaurant unless it has something on the plate that could kill them. That's just a general no-no overall ... I've seen Waiting.

Hey Bud - do you even own a Mac? A MB? A MBA? A MBP? Well, I've had multiples of each (one Air) including some PB's.

What are you even doing here? At least I put my money where my mouth is.

I do believe that is what this thread is about - washed out MacBook screens.

Actually he puts it better. Put your money where your mouth is and then we'll talk 8thapple.

 

[hogfaninga]

To the guy that asked: I read 8theapple post history and he has never owned an Apple computer.

 

[8theapple]

There's a difference between a $1 BigMac and a $1300 Macbook.

Really? lol.

My point is that NC was stating that Apple is somehow advertising the display as super beautiful on their advertisements.

Is that really any different than what any other company out there does for marketing and advertising? Whether you buy a car, the car brochures always have the nicest pictures and some brochures contain specs of cars from another country etc. Does anyone honestly expect Apple to advertise the new MB screen to be washed out on their advertisements?

I brought up the Big Mac analogy as a literal comparison but I guess you took it at face value.

 

[daneoni]

Is it weird that i'm kinda getting used to the screen thanks to the calibration profile i'm using. Yes the blacks are horrible (i just watched transformers and it wasn't the best of experiences) but when i actually get down to doing some work like a spreadsheet and general surfing, i find i forget about the issue...temporarily. However sooner or late my head starts screaming "crap display!"

The blue tint/grey blacks really annoys me and as soon as background light hits it (display), the mirror effect takes place

Suffice it to say i like the screen 50% & hate it 50% so i'm torn. Keeping my Air means i'd need to have it's logic board replace first due to faulty RAM/Airport which will take a few days. Even then there's no guarantee Apple will get it right...it might come back with another issue for all i know. Whereas the GlassBook is pretty much perfect sans display. Also 47GB of HD space (with all junk stripped) is REALLY tight compared to 250GB. I'd have about 10GB left after transferring my core stuff on the Air and would need to keep everything else on an external whereas the GlassBook can hold everything i have

The question on my mind is do i live with the seriously subpar screen and enjoy a more 'practical' laptop that may or may not screw up my vision due to its crappy display or do i make the tougher decision and return the GlassBook, fix the Air and enjoy the superior screen but readjust for the limited/choking storage till i get an iMac

Sigh...

PS my screen is the El Crapness:

P .00 6
LP133WX2-TLC1
Color LCD

Here's the deal. The MB is a winner ... clearly, aside from the display. To be complacent with the display is acceptable to some, but not for me. I'm not expecting the quality I have from my ACD even even the Air. I'm asking for acceptable. That is it.

I went to the Fashion Island store today where some kid was extraordinately sweet to me. He was chatty and I just adored his attitude. Then I got to the Genius who, in my opinion, was nothing more than an arrogant person who was adament to make sure I knew I was wrong.

I said, "look, I'm not trying to be a problem, but this is now a widely talked about issue on Apple's boards and beyond. Boards I am sure you probably know about." He replies with, "no not necessairly." Fair enough I thought. Another line was "this screen (mine) looks like this one (theirs) therefore, it is within spec." I said, "yes but they're the same panels and Apple is clearly using at least two different ones." His reply, "I wouldn't know that."

Oh really I thought. OK fair enough.

I said, well look. I'm clearly unhappy and there's no talking me out of it. I have to view it just a little tilted towards me. He replies with, "these have to be viewed head on." Ok fair enough ... then it is not within spec on the website.

So now we get to the return without restocking. He tells me adding ram exposed the logic board and therefore it's not a user-upgradable feature. I said, "ok but why do they show you how to do it in the owner's manual?" He said, "I wouldn't know what they show you, I haven't seen the user manual ... I have my own." "Well ok, then perhaps if you're citing something based on a confidential manual then how can we be certain the ram upgrade voided my warranty?"

These are just a few, the rest was piddly crap that I frankly didn't care for. However, Jon, the manager is willing to give me store credit but not another MB. He said I will most likely be unhappy with the next. Fair enough in my book. I did however drive all the way to the store just to recall I had forgotten about my memory so I am now back, having a drink, and I'm returning it tonight.

I'm sad, it's truly a remarkable machine otherwise.

BTW, the genius agreed the blacks aren't black but said it was within spec. All displays looked like mine.

All in all I'm pleased to know I get a full refund in the form of store credit. Jon and this other kid (who I will find his name out when I return) made it great. The genius may have not been as harsh as I believed him to be and I'm sure he was doing his job, but there's a way to approach it and I felt as though he was speaking as though I was nuts. Which I may very well be.

Argh its one of those ones isn't it. They think they are somehow better than you because they work for Apple. Highly irritating. FWIW i think you handled the situation pretty well. Hopefully if i decide to return mine goes better

 

[ptsube]

You are insanely erratic in your postings. I'm thinking stirring the pot is acceptable to you, which is fine if you want to roll that way really.

I would agree with that. One second he is asking for help, the next he is insulting that persons judgement.

 

[pratap21]

Hey guys,

I'm due to get my 2.0 MB in 2 days. It would be great if NC Mac or someone could post a screenshot/capture from IronMan..etc that is used to show the difference between a good screen and the bad screen?

Just want to reaffirm the following-
1) 9C8C panel has all the problems solved?
2) After applying the SuperCal profile, have the blacks begun to look better?

Thanks
Pratap

 

[NC MacGuy]

^^^^ Wow! Sorry they gave you a hard time. Hopefully mine will be easier tomorrow. Since I've already been there and spoken to my resident genius who said use it until the 14th day and it won't be a problem, crossing fingers it won't be.

After 23 computers and over 100 ipods bought at the same store with only one MB & one touch returned before this, they better be nice to me!

Oh and to mr ate the apple or whatever, Apple is advertising it as such:

"Movies and video offer rich colors and fine details"

Sorry to disappoint but if I can't see normal details let alone fine, I have issue.

 

[hogfaninga]

Hey guys,

I'm due to get my 2.0 MB in 2 days. It would be great if NC Mac or someone could post a screenshot/capture from IronMan..etc that is used to show the difference between a good screen and the bad screen?

Just want to reaffirm the following-
1) 9C8C panel has all the problems solved?
2) After applying the SuperCal profile, have the blacks begun to look better?

Thanks
Pratap

1. My friend has that display model on his and it is bad on the blacks also.

2. Nothing can be done to make the blacks better through calibration. It is a hardware issue.

 

[8theapple]

I would agree with that. One second he is asking for help, the next he is insulting that persons judgement.

I'm looking to buy a new macbook and trying to do some objective research on the product so when I purchase it I know more than I do now aobut Apple products. But when I come on the boards like this one and there are people who just constantly bash on a certain characteristic (to OCD levels) that they don't like about the new product it becomes a tedious affair.

For a new Apple consumer, if they were to come onto the boards then they would probably form the opinion the screen is complete garbage which is what some of you post ad nauseum about.

If there is a problem, why can't you just return it or exchange it instead of posting 24/7 about the problem? If the macbok isn't up to your super standards, then that's the more productive course of action.

That is why I'm so erratic. I take time to read these forums. And when it comes to reading good posts full of valuable knowledge followed by posts by NC, etc complaining for the 34th time about the bad display it becomes annoying.

 

[hogfaninga]

I'm looking to buy a new macbook and trying to do some objective research on the product so when I purchase it I know more than I do now aobut Apple products. But when I come on the boards like this one and there are people who just constantly bash on a certain characteristic (to OCD levels) that they don't like about the new product it becomes a tedious affair.

For a new Apple consumer, if they were to come onto the boards then they would probably form the opinion the screen is complete garbage which is what some of you post ad nauseum about.

If there is a problem, why can't you just return it or exchange it instead of posting 24/7 about the problem? If the macbok isn't up to your super standards, then that's the more productive course of action.

That is why I'm so erratic. I take time to read these forums. And when it comes to reading good posts full of valuable knowledge followed by posts by NC, etc complaining for the 34th time about the bad display it becomes annoying.

There is a thing called the ignore button so you can block the posters you don't want to read. You are now on my ignore list. It is really easy to use also. Instead of complaining about people who actually own Macs, you can ignore the ones you don't like.

 

[NC MacGuy]

I'm looking to buy a new macbook and trying to do some objective research on the product so when I purchase it I know more than I do now aobut Apple products. But when I come on the boards like this one and there are people who just constantly bash on a certain characteristic (to OCD levels) that they don't like about the new product it becomes a tedious affair.

For a new Apple consumer, if they were to come onto the boards then they would probably form the opinion the screen is complete garbage which is what some of you post ad nauseum about.

If there is a problem, why can't you just return it or exchange it instead of posting 24/7 about the problem? If the macbok isn't up to your super standards, then that's the more productive course of action.

That is why I'm so erratic. I take time to read these forums. And when it comes to reading good posts full of valuable knowledge followed by posts by NC, etc complaining for the 34th time about the bad display it becomes annoying.

Then go over to the Aluminum MacBook thread and be happy. I bought one, I have problems relating to this thread and this IS the place to post about them.

Once you pony up $1600+tax for something come on back and post here.

 

[sammy2066]

All I care about at this point is that Apple is indulging in such lowly cost cutting activities.

Since the MBA and MB *can* use the same panels, why such a stark difference in quality?

This means Apple, knowing fully well that the customers will disregard the LCD in lieu of all the other great features made a rational decision to use a crappy batch of LCDs that LG and AUO may have had lying around. They may have gotten them for half price too.

I'm seriously beginning to lose faith in Apple at this point.

 

[ptsube]

I'm looking to buy a new macbook and trying to do some objective research on the product so when I purchase it I know more than I do now aobut Apple products. But when I come on the boards like this one and there are people who just constantly bash on a certain characteristic (to OCD levels) that they don't like about the new product it becomes a tedious affair.

For a new Apple consumer, if they were to come onto the boards then they would probably form the opinion the screen is complete garbage which is what some of you post ad nauseum about.

If there is a problem, why can't you just return it or exchange it instead of posting 24/7 about the problem? If the macbok isn't up to your super standards, then that's the more productive course of action.

That is why I'm so erratic. I take time to read these forums. And when it comes to reading good posts full of valuable knowledge followed by posts by NC, etc complaining for the 34th time about the bad display it becomes annoying.

I understand where you are coming from. I bought mine through Amazon, so if I want to return it I'm out $195. To me the display isn't up to snuff, but it's not worth $195 to return it.

I also read a lot about the problems with the keys and the display and so forth before I bought mine, but I too figured they were all OCD. And now I'm posting saying I don't entirely care for the display. Take everything on these forums with a grain of salt, but don't disregard them.

 

[hogfaninga]

I understand where you are coming from. I bought mine through Amazon, so if I want to return it I'm out $195. To me the display isn't up to snuff, but it's not worth $195 to return it.

I also read a lot about the problems with the keys and the display and so forth before I bought mine, but I too figured they were all OCD. And now I'm posting saying I don't entirely care for the display. Take everything on these forums with a grain of salt, but don't disregard them.

I thought you can return a computer to Amazon within 30 days for free. I have never bought a computer from them, but I though I read somewhere you could do that.

 

[ptsube]

I thought you can return a computer to Amazon within 30 days for free. I have never bought a computer from them, but I though I read somewhere you could do that.

You can return a computer within 30 days, but if it is open there is a 15% restocking fee. Which, of course, you need to open it just to see the display. Pretty lame.

 

[8theapple]

I understand. I'm not trying to come off as abrasive. I apologize if I do. I'm learning alot about the new Macbooks and just trying to efficiently sift through the information.

Case in point look at hogfaninga's post regarding patrap21's new purchase. Even before he or she has received their new macbook he's already bashing the display of the macbook.

1. My friend has that display model on his and it is bad on the blacks also.

2. Nothing can be done to make the blacks better through calibration. It is a hardware issue.

I digress though. Maybe I'll just lurk from now on because there isn't really true discussion that happens on boards like this because you have posters such as Hogfaninga who can't be mature and man up. He was cussing out another poster on another thread regarding the new Nvidia chip. I simply pointed out the fact that Snow Leopard would take advantage of the new Nvidia graphics cores.

And to the other users who hate the new screen like it was an abomination from Satan himself, then simply return the macbook. Case closed. But because the screen doesn't meet your specifications doesn't mean that it won't for another user.

But please compare apples to apples. The most valid comparison would be last gen MB vs the new Alu Mb.

 

[GoCubsGo]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5F136 Safari/525.20)

The saga continues.
I just returned my mb for full store credit. Jon, the manager said, "so I took a survey and they say you're right.". I said oh really!? As I stood there at the counter I looked at the MB's on display and sure as **** negative black! This was before I was informed I am not crazy!

I am sad that it has to go, but this mb instilled a confidence in build (unibody) quality that means comes rev b I am buying one. I'm going home to buy the air I think online. I haven't decided if I'll order online.

Point here is the manager was nice enough to tell me there is a common opinion on the screen and was über nice to wave the restocking fee.

I showed him my flickr photos and he was or at least appeared shocked.

 

[sammy2066]

I'm all over it.

Glad I'm not the one saying it's 110% Apple greatness right now.

$1600? I think not.

Enjoy:

Glossy Screen + Glass = An even worse display? Glossier?

Damnit Apple!

 

[NC MacGuy]

I understand. I'm not trying to come off as abrasive. I apologize if I do. I'm learning alot about the new Macbooks and just trying to efficiently sift through the information.

Case in point look at hogfaninga's post regarding patrap21's new purchase. Even before he or she has received their new macbook he's already bashing the display of the macbook.



I digress though. Maybe I'll just lurk from now on because there isn't really true discussion that happens on boards like this because you have posters such as Hogfaninga who can't be mature and man up. He was cussing out another poster on another thread regarding the new Nvidia chip. I simply pointed out the fact that Snow Leopard would take advantage of the new Nvidia graphics cores.

And to the other users who hate the new screen like it was an abomination from Satan himself, then simply return the macbook. Case closed. But because the screen doesn't meet your specifications doesn't mean that it won't for another user.

But please compare apples to apples. The most valid comparison would be last gen MB vs the new Alu Mb.

I did. The last gen. while not as bright was actually better at showing fine details than the new one. I'm not sure if it's the glass or what. Just didn't take pictures.

Who would have thought that while upgrading graphics, beautiful chassis, much better speakers and great trackpad that they'd throw in a very cheap display.

I find it hard to return but I need to do what's right - it is plain bad for the applications I've stated in the ways I've stated.

 

[ubercool]

You can return a computer within 30 days, but if it is open there is a 15% restocking fee. Which, of course, you need to open it just to see the display. Pretty lame.

Well, Apple charges the same 15%; you only have 14 days to return, plus sales tax.

 

[BoingoBongo]

All I care about at this point is that Apple is indulging in such lowly cost cutting activities.

Since the MBA and MB *can* use the same panels, why such a stark difference in quality?

This means Apple, knowing fully well that the customers will disregard the LCD in lieu of all the other great features made a rational decision to use a crappy batch of LCDs that LG and AUO may have had lying around. They may have gotten them for half price too.

I'm seriously beginning to lose faith in Apple at this point.

Me too.

What makes Apple great is the marriage of form and function. That's what we're paying for, and when it works like it should, it's a great thing. But Apple seems to be having some serious growing pains. Their software is still second to none, but their hardware is really starting to suffer.

It seems like they make these products that are absolutely perfect except for one or two serious defects that never get sorted out. So lame.