The Quality of your MBPr screens - feedback please!

[alphaod]

Other that the IR issue, overall is the Samsung panel brighter and cooler than the LG? What is your specification?

I'm seeking a second replacement and I've asked if there is any way Apple can instruct the factory to use a Samsung Panel!

Overall I think they are about the same for brightness. I didn't have backlight bleeding with the LG and I don't have it with the Samsung. No stuck or dead pixels.

And what do you mean specification? I didn't get to choose my panel if that's what you mean.

 

[mac jones]

If there is a way to instruct the factory to use a Samsung panel I would be very surprised by this indeed

But then again, i've been surprised often by Apple

 

[parth6512]

Here is my rMBP (Left) with LG screen compared to Late 2011 MBP (right).

 

[NStocks]

Overall I think they are about the same for brightness. I didn't have backlight bleeding with the LG and I don't have it with the Samsung. No stuck or dead pixels.

And what do you mean specification? I didn't get to choose my panel if that's what you mean.

I mean if you changed the processor... thus changing the specification of the unit.

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If there is a way to instruct the factory to use a Samsung panel I would be very surprised by this indeed

But then again, i've been surprised often by Apple

I've asked the Apple rep.. twice now if she can do this, but each reply shed avoids answering the question

I get to retain the unsuitable unit until the new one arrives... HOPEFULLY it will be Samsung and I can enjoy what is a very fast and sleek machine.

 

[alphaod]

I mean if you changed the processor... thus changing the specification of the unit.

Oh I see. No, both models where the same: 2.7GHz processor, 16GB RAM, 768GB SSD.

 

[NStocks]

Here is my rMBP (Left) with LG screen compared to Late 2011 MBP (right).

That's EXACTLY what mine looks like with my Brother 2011 15". I have taken a few images like that, with slightly better lighting... (has a reflection but that's fine)

HUGE difference. It gives Apple some context, rather than customers just saying "It looks yellow"... (rMBP right, 2011 Left... Obviously.)

 

[parth6512]

That's EXACTLY what mine looks like with my Brother 2011 15". I have taken a few images like that, with slightly better lighting... (has a reflection but that's fine)

HUGE difference. It gives Apple some context, rather than customers just saying "It looks yellow"... (rMBP right, 2011 Left... Obviously.)

Is that considered normal?

I have very minimal IR issue. Though there is some creaking from right side of the case. Not sure if its worth it to go through all the hassles to get it exchanged.

 

[NStocks]

I have very minimal IR issue. Though there is some creaking from right side of the case. Not sure if its worth it to go through all the hassles to get it exchanged.

I'm changing due to the yellow and dull screen... It is hassle but I'm not happy with is and really want to be. If it bother you then change it, you are well within your rights.

 

[derbothaus]

That's EXACTLY what mine looks like with my Brother 2011 15". I have taken a few images like that, with slightly better lighting... (has a reflection but that's fine)

HUGE difference. It gives Apple some context, rather than customers just saying "It looks yellow"... (rMBP right, 2011 Left... Obviously.)

This is before calibrated profile is applied. Pretty much all TN based LCD's (pre rMBP) are blue nightmares prior to Apple's factory profile. You'll notice brown is applied at log in screen and blue comes back right after white screen log out. Thats what these things look like if a PC distro used them sans profiling. Kind of sick but mainly why Apple gets cred for "great displays" they just care to fix them for us. The rMBP on the right is proper and IPS needs very little tweaking for accurate color. If you think the blue one is accurate you are mistaken. People pay tons of dollars to get it like the right. Best buy sells you stuff on the left.

 

[NStocks]

This is before calibrated profile is applied. Pretty much all TN based LCD's (pre rMBP) are blue nightmares prior to Apple's factory profile. You'll notice brown is applied at log in screen and blue comes back right after white screen log out. Thats what these things look like if a PC distro used them sans profiling. Kind of sick but mainly why Apple gets cred for "great displays" they just care to fix them for us. The rMBP on the right is proper and IPS needs very little tweaking for accurate color. If you think the blue one is accurate you are mistaken. People pay tons of dollars to get it like the right. Best buy sells you stuff on the left.

In comparison to the Retina MBP, yes, the 2011 MBP is very blue, but at the same time, the Retina MBP is not near as bright. I adjusted the temp. on the Retina (something I don't feel I should have to do), to try and make it appear brighter, but it just looked like a greyish blue hue. I'd say it's 2-3 notches below the brightness level on the 2011.

I've read that many people say the Samsung is brighter, not bluer and brightness is my biggest concern.

 

[derbothaus]

In comparison to the Retina MBP, yes, the 2011 MBP is very blue, but at the same time, the Retina MBP is not near as bright. I adjusted the temp. on the Retina (something I don't feel I should have to do), to try and make it appear brighter, but it just looked like a greyish blue hue. I'd say it's 2-3 notches below the brightness level on the 2011.

I've read that many people say the Samsung is brighter, not bluer and brightness is my biggest concern.

Yeah it isn't as bright. But it also has less reflective glare. Calibrated color proofed displays are set to 120cd/m2. Most laptops get to over 300 or more cd/m2 and in the process blow out the color and contrast. The retina is about screen quality. Brightness has nothing to do with this and usually impacts screen quality negatively as too bright a backlight makes you have to dim it to below stable range to get accurate color. People should be buying the retina for it's fantastic color reproduction. Otherwise a standard TN cMBP would be better as they are usually brighter and at the same time less accurate.
The only screen to (that I know of) ever have both is my NEC 20WMGX2. AS-IPS with mind blowing 470cd/m2. I set it on 30 out of 100 though so all that brightness is wasted.

 

[mac jones]

This LG vs Samsung thing s curious. (and perhaps a bit illogical, but whatever). How would you go about getting the "Grass is greener" screen anyway? Do you actually believe that you can order them this way?

I guess the way to do it is to go to an Apple store and ask them to open them before you buy them. But after two, they aren't going to continue (without a doubt). So then you would have to buy them and do a return right there, which is ....interesting. Or you could move around to different Apple stores to do this. But I think it starts slow. You buy the thing, take it home, aren't satisfied. This gets the ball rolling. You buy another, on, and on......

Perhaps someone would like to share their experience with us? (Actually, they have plenty of times here, but it's alway fun!!!! )

 

[NStocks]

This LG vs Samsung thing s curious. (and perhaps a bit illogical, but whatever). How would you go about getting the "Grass is greener" screen anyway? Do you actually believe that you can order them this way?

I guess the way to do it is to go to an Apple store and ask them to open them before you buy them. But after two, they aren't going to continue (without a doubt). So then you would have to buy them and do a return right there, which is ....interesting. Or you could move around to different Apple stores to do this. But I think it starts slow. You buy the thing, take it home, aren't satisfied. This gets the ball rolling. You buy another, on, and on......

Perhaps someone would like to share their experience with us? (Actually, they have plenty of times here, but it's alway fun!!!! )

It's pot luck as many other have pointed out. If I don't get a Samsung on the next one, I will either keep it or have a refund. I'm not going to put myself through return after return to be stuck weeks without a solid computer to work from. I cannot do this in store as it is a custom order, and the nearest store is 90 minutes away from me.

Like you say, it may take a few tries to "get what you paid for and to be happy with it", but some people have got a samsung on their 1st or second replacement. Some people didn't get there until their 5th. Nobody knows and I wish Apple had a way of dealing with this. The issues are all over the internet if that matters.

 

[eeptman]

It's pot luck as many other have pointed out. If I don't get a Samsung on the next one, I will either keep it or have a refund. I'm not going to put myself through return after return to be stuck weeks without a solid computer to work from. I cannot do this in store as it is a custom order, and the nearest store is 90 minutes away from me.

Like you say, it may take a few tries to "get what you paid for and to be happy with it", but some people have got a samsung on their 1st or second replacement. Some people didn't get there until their 5th. Nobody knows and I wish Apple had a way of dealing with this. The issues are all over the internet if that matters.

I would suggest that you hold your money for half or one month to see if there is any official solution.

I had been contacted by AppleCare on later June regarding this IR issue. There is no reason that they know nothing about this IR issue yet. If there is no such rumored firmware/software patch later, just move on and do not look forward to this generation of rMBP.

 

[parth6512]

This LG vs Samsung thing s curious. (and perhaps a bit illogical, but whatever). How would you go about getting the "Grass is greener" screen anyway? Do you actually believe that you can order them this way?

I guess the way to do it is to go to an Apple store and ask them to open them before you buy them. But after two, they aren't going to continue (without a doubt). So then you would have to buy them and do a return right there, which is ....interesting. Or you could move around to different Apple stores to do this. But I think it starts slow. You buy the thing, take it home, aren't satisfied. This gets the ball rolling. You buy another, on, and on......

Perhaps someone would like to share their experience with us? (Actually, they have plenty of times here, but it's alway fun!!!! )

I just got back from the Apple Store. Went to replace my LG display which had few issues. I requested to open the new one before I take it home and he did twice. Both had LG screens and refused to open any more boxes. They were never aware of the issue until I showed it to him on the display models. He said since its not an "Official" reported issue, he can't replace any more. So I walked away with and LG again. Might return this if this one has any problems.

 

[neilpryde23]

Took my rMBP to the Genius Bar last night. I explained the IR problem and had the checkered image set up and showed him the IR first hand. He immediately agreed and ordered a replacement screen without asking any further and didn't try to dispute anything. It's nice to experience Apple's great customer service firsthand compared to when I would have to call HP and they would basically tell me I'm SOL. On a side note, I went and checked each floor model rMBP in the Apple store and of the 6, 5 were LG screens and 1 was Samsung (which didn't have an IR problem when I did the IR test). I really hope that's not indicative of the actual proportion of 2 screens.

 

[mac jones]

I went and checked each floor model rMBP in the Apple store and of the 6, 5 were LG screens and 1 was Samsung (which didn't have an IR problem when I did the IR test). I really hope that's not indicative of the actual proportion of 2 screens.

It probably is. It's got to be 75/25 or an even higher number for LG. (just guessing)

 

[sno1man]

go out in the real world and evaluate them

To the OP you should consider a few things

1. Forums like these tend to be echo chambers for the slightest issue (perceived or real). Most only come here if they are having a problem to see if "it's just them"

2. These forums also tend to attract the most OCD types (high end car forums too) who obsess over every little thing good, bad or trivial (witness the whole discussion over what to call the macbook pro with retina). Additionally there seems to be a large contingent here where a macbook pro is by far the largest purchase they have made. They lack the perspective of a mortgage, car payments etc.

2a. They also tend to expect a level of perfection that simply is not possible for a mass manufactured item (high end car forums are like this too). I.E. there is going to be some imperfections, mistakes and yes even defective items

3. Apple is still selling them faster than they can make them. That says something about the overall satisfaction.


Long rant wrapping up, my suggestion is to buy it from somewhere with a good return policy and try to get what you want. Apple is actually pretty good in this regard.

Finally I came to my retina after having previously used a 17" pro. The only "downside" of the retina I can find is that the screen is not quite as bright. But given all the other benefits including the overall higher quality of the image, plus weight and speed of the computer, it's the best computer I have owned to date.

Good luck

 

[AlexeyG]

Hi to all! i live in Ukraine and 2 days ago just buy a brand new rmbp. Display is Samsung and I initially thought that rmbp had a problem with yellow at the bottom of the screen. I think all the fault of the viewing angles. Because when a move away from a couple of meters rmbp screens perfectly white, when you sit in the position, that seems a little too low brightness on the bottom of display.
Of course I'm going to the store to see a different model, but I think it affects all models on the Samsung panels...

 

[J3ffry]

You're right, every samsung has a slightlier "yellow" tint on the lower half of the screen.. However it should look uniform... Iv'e got a samsung now thats close to perfect in uniformity, while (all) the other samsung screens i've seen suffered from yellow bands and spots (mostly in the lower left corner). Annoyed me a lot while staring at white pages.

 

[AlexeyG]

Some photos...

 

[J3ffry]

Looks pretty normal to me.... Mine also has more yellow near the edges left and right... How's the rest of the screen? No backlightbleeding?

 

[iPhonesandMacs]

I noticed most everyone in the screen threads for the rMBP have the 15.4", have there been any reported problems with the 13? I have an early 2013 2.6 Ghz 256GB, and don't know how to figure out brand of screen, does anyone know how to check for the 13"?

 

[AlexeyG]

Looks pretty normal to me.... Mine also has more yellow near the edges left and right... How's the rest of the screen? No backlightbleeding?

Anything else OK!

there are people who have all fine with the screen and that can upload pictures?

 

[Modernape]

I've been following this issue for about six months, on various forums, especially since having got a rMBP 13 myself, three months ago. From what I can surmise, the 15" had the initial screen problems; and there have been no hardware problems with the 13" displays (perhaps only a software hiccup while they improve the graphics drivers in 10.8.3).