So... about that Macbook screen wash-out

[Roller]

A picture > a thousand words and pivoting clauses.

Yes, but it's the subjective impression that counts most for a given user. The reviewer was saying that the display may not be as good as the one in the MB Pro, but it apparently wasn't horrible to their eyes. Reading that review, I'd conclude that the MB has a functional display.

Is that misleading? Not really, when you take subjectivity into account in a situation where the item of interest works, albeit not as well as some would like. That's why I think that people need to see and decide for themselves.

I don't know if complaints about the MB will compel Apple to switch to a better display, but if that happens, it may be possible to swap the old panel for a new one.

 

[Philflow]

Here's some objective information. Keep in mind though that the MBA has one of the industry's best displays.

For those who don't know, high contrast is better and low blacklevels (schwarzwert) is better.

 

[jackfrost123]

You're right. But it's hard to understand why Apple didn't upgrade the screen after more than two years. I expected a better panel with the introduction of the LED-backlighting and the complete redesign of the Macbook. But compared to my white MacBook the screen is about the same, which is dissapointing.

This is an atrocious decision, if such is the case of course as a lot of people have confirmed. I 've been wating and recommending macbooks to friends based on the fact that they would improve on the display quality. HOW CAN IT BE THAT PEOPLE ARE REPORTING IT'S THE SAME SH IT AS THE WHITEBOOKS WERE?

Steve I am really disappointed with this choice...far, far worse than even the firewire.

 

[nishishei]

Yes, but it's the subjective impression that counts most for a given user. The reviewer was saying that the display may not be as good as the one in the MB Pro, but it apparently wasn't horrible to their eyes. Reading that review, I'd conclude that the MB has a functional display.

That doesn't make any sense at all. The picture showed exactly what the contrast differences between the two are (having seen the Macbook in person, I don't think the picture was misleading at all). The picture didn't suggest it was "horrible" to the eyes, but it certainly wasn't flattering either. Some people may not have a problem with the black levels on the MB, but they can judge for themselves from the picture or in person. But having some guy tell me that they don't mind the low contrast isn't very convincing when I have the picture evidence in front of me and I find that I do mind. As a frequent reader of notebookcheck, I'm familiar with their writing style, they tend to pivot every point they make (maybe to get the evaluation models from their suppliers).

A "functional display" is a mighty low bar to set for a computer that costs $1300-1600 in our current economy. It's okay if you and the reviewer didn't personally mind, but others will mind getting a worse screen than a $500 Dell.

 

[hogfaninga]

I have compared my Blackbook's screen to my friends new 2.0 new alu Macbook's one and there is no real difference. I don't mind the screen in my Blackbook, but I don't do anything that really needs a great screen. I'm surprised that Apple put in a decent graphics card, but didn't put in a better screen. It was a stupid decision. I hope they put in a better one later. The amount of money we spend on these laptops we deserve better. Overall I love my Mac though.

 

[nishishei]

Here's some objective information. Keep in mind though that the MBA has one of the industry's best displays.

For those who don't know, high contrast is better and low blacklevels (schwarzwert) is better.

Thanks for finding this. The numbers look really damning for the MB too.

That contrast level of 145:1 is really pathetic on the Macbook. The Dell Studio 15 ($800) has a contrast of 700:1 (http://www.notebookjournal.de/tests/661_dell_studio_15/2).

 

[Philflow]

That contrast level of 145:1 is really pathetic on the Macbook. The Dell Studio 15 ($800) has a contrast of 700:1 (http://www.notebookjournal.de/tests/661_dell_studio_15/2).

Yeah true the Dell 15 Studio has one of the best LED screens in the business.

'Pathetic' is a strong word, 'mediocre' would me my choice of words. And this was the C89 panel, maybe the 9C8C panel does a bit better.

 

[Roller]

That doesn't make any sense at all. The picture showed exactly what the contrast differences between the two are (having seen the Macbook in person, I don't think the picture was misleading at all). The picture didn't suggest it was "horrible" to the eyes, but it certainly wasn't flattering either. Some people may not have a problem with the black levels on the MB, but they can judge for themselves from the picture or in person. But having some guy tell me that they don't mind the low contrast isn't very convincing when I have the picture evidence in front of me and I find that I do mind. As a frequent reader of notebookcheck, I'm familiar with their writing style, they tend to pivot every point they make (maybe to get the evaluation models from their suppliers).

My point was simply that the reviewer's impression was that the MB's screen wasn't too bad, regardless of the pictures. That's why it's best for anyone who's considering a MB to go look for themselves.

A "functional display" is a mighty low bar to set for a computer that costs $1300-1600 in our current economy. It's okay if you and the reviewer didn't personally mind, but others will mind getting a worse screen than a $500 Dell.

And you're perfectly within your right to mind and to protest to Apple if you're unhappy. Just as those of us who've concluded that the MB meets our needs, despite its deficiencies, have the right to our decision.

Would I have preferred a matte screen similar to the one in my old PowerBook? Absolutely. But, given that I needed a new Mac laptop right now, found the MB Air too limiting, and didn't want the extra size or weight of the MB Pro, I'm happy with my choice.

 

[Jiten]

I almost got the high end Macbook myself but after coming from a last gen Macbook Pro, I was disappointed (well, I shouldn't be but for that price...) that the screen was not as good. I wish Apple would offer some sort CTO special "hi color/Xbrite" screen upgrade for the Macbook like what Sony or HP is doing. Probably even increased resolution as well. All that great hardware is wasted on a mediocre screen.

For those happy with the screen, then good on you but it always helps everyone if people do complain and push Apple to further improve the quality of their products. It maybe painful to listen to over and over but I think all this complaining should be encouraged and heard by Apple.

 

[bidwalj]

apple just milking what they can. im sure they will upgrade them in the next revision and market it as " now with cinema displays"

 

[Slurpy2k8]

145:1 contrast ratio? Absolutely abysmal.

How much did you pay for those panels Apple, $1.99? Was it too much to ask for you to put in a decent display, after remaking the entire notebook from scratch, and a notebook with a base price of $1299, at that?

 

[nemein]

Thanks alot for all the info you've been giving, Philflow. Those Sony Z comparison pictures were helpful, as well.

I actually didn't know 145:1 contrast ratio displays existed. Gosh. Now we know why the LCD specs are never on the official website.

 

[Philflow]

Thanks nemein. It's good to know that posts are appreciated.

On a sidenote, the Sony Z does not have the best screen for a Sony notebook. It's better than the Macbooks, but it has lost some of it's contrast I think due to the antiscratch coating. MBA, Sony SR and SZ have better contrast.

 

[Ryffie]

My desktop monitor has 1000:1 in contrast so I wonder how the transition's gonna be when I get my macbook with 145:1... I probably won't like it since being spoiled so long with a good desktop monitor.

 

[Philflow]

My desktop monitor has 1000:1 in contrast so I wonder how the transition's gonna be when I get my macbook with 145:1... I probably won't like it since being spoiled so long with a good desktop monitor.

Keep in mind though there's a big difference to what manufactures claim and what objective measurements in real life show.

Same goes for acces times and transfer rates of hard disks.

 

[sammy2066]

Apple probably got a great deal on this batch of low-specced LCD panels. I hate Apple ...

 

[gkarris]

145:1 contrast ratio? Absolutely abysmal.

How much did you pay for those panels Apple, $1.99? Was it too much to ask for you to put in a decent display, after remaking the entire notebook from scratch, and a notebook with a base price of $1299, at that?

Let me get this straight. People are complaining about Apple using a cheap display on their new entry-level notebook...

I've got a crappy screen on my older entry level Compaq notebook...

 

[8theapple]

Apple probably got a great deal on this batch of low-specced LCD panels. I hate Apple ...

If you hate Apple, then why are you on these forums? You returned you macbook so it should be the end of the story.

Overall, if you can live with the screen it's an awesome machine. Stopped by at the Apple store to play with it some more while I'm waiting for mine to come.

Name me one other notebook on the market with Aluminum unibody construction (besides the MBP, etc).

 

[NC MacGuy]

Let me get this straight. People are complaining about Apple using a cheap display on their new entry-level notebook...

I've got a crappy screen on my older entry level Compaq notebook...

Exactly like that but different. People are upset that the price of the entry level MB is way above a comparably equipped PC. You can get a pretty good screen for $1600 in PC land plus some extras Apple doesn't have on their "entry level" MB.

It is a mediocre screen. Not unusable. Not great. Not poor or junk, just okay.

 

[Philflow]

Let me get this straight. People are complaining about Apple using a cheap display on their new entry-level notebook...

My configuration was 1589,- euros. I think I have every right to complain about the display.

 

[8theapple]

Exactly like that but different. People are upset that the price of the entry level MB is way above a comparably equipped PC. You can get a pretty good screen for $1600 in PC land plus some extras Apple doesn't have on their "entry level" MB.

It is a mediocre screen. Not unusable. Not great. Not poor or junk, just okay.

NC, for 1600, you can get a better EVERYTHING PC. Bigger hardrive, more RAM, faster processor, etc. You can't compare PC price versus MAC prices because we all know about the perceived "apple tax."

 

[8theapple]

My configuration was 1589,- euros. I think I have every right to complain about the display.

No one put a gun to your head and forced your to cough up that many Euros to buy the new macbook. If you're unhappy with the screen then you should return your computer. You were in full control when you made the purchase. Now, you have your computer and you're complaining about it?

 

[bidwalj]

Exactly like that but different. People are upset that the price of the entry level MB is way above a comparably equipped PC. You can get a pretty good screen for $1600 in PC land plus some extras Apple doesn't have on their "entry level" MB.

It is a mediocre screen. Not unusable. Not great. Not poor or junk, just okay.

This sums things up to the point.....

 

[Philflow]

No one put a gun to your head and forced your to cough up that many Euros to buy the new macbook. If you're unhappy with the screen then you should return your computer. You were in full control when you made the purchase. Now, you have your computer and you're complaining about it?

I returned it last week.

 

[Jpoon]

I guess people are at a trade off, where they really want the experience of a Mac, however, that experience isn't really exceeding the money spent on the hardware, which is pretty abysmal in comparison to what you can get in a PC equivalent.

My next purchase *probably in the next year or so...I trade off laptops every two years* is going to really take a lot of consideration in comparison with the type of hardware you're getting for the money with Apple. I don't need to have OS X. I can do everything on Windows that I can do with Leapord... Windows just just doesn't "work" as well. I'm still using XP Professional on my homebuilt PC haha.... It's kind of sad the compromises people make just to use OS X.

I really love the engineering that went into these new revisions cases, and I love OS X. But, I'm not enjoying the lack of options: FireWire, Expensive adaptors just to use Displayport, Badscreens, Lack of Matte Option, etc.

When Snow Leapord rolls around next year, I hope Apple increases the performance / usability of everything about their product line. They're alienating certain niches of customers at every product revision. Lack Of Firewire support, bad screens, bad quality control, etc.

If Apple expects their customers to pay a premium for their products, they should absolutely give them the premium in comparison with the competition. One day the operating system isn't going to make up for the lack of attention to the usability of the hardware in their machines.