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Level 1

0 points

MacBook Pro Late 2008 External Display Issues

Hi there,

I registered here to hopefully get some information and help with my problem. It's my first Mac, but in general I've a good knowledge of computers, sice I've used Debian for about three years (and ongoing). I bought the MacBook Pro (Late 2008) with 9400/9600M (512MB) to visit conferences and therefore, showing my presentations or demos.

So it's a big issue that I've horrible problems with an external display attached. During startup and the first use everything works fine. If I put the macbook to sleep and wake it up later the display sometimes stay black or doen't get a signal. In some cases there is a kind of gray noise on the screen. I tried to open up the Macbook (it's usually in clamshell mode) to use the internal screen - without success. It doesn't have a signal. Reconnecting cables doesn't change anything. This happens with both graphic cards. In some cases the external screen wake up correctly. Following a variaty of pictures taken trying to solve the problem restarting the MacBook Pro sometimes...

http://www.benjaminpoppinga.de/mbp/pic1.jpg
http://www.benjaminpoppinga.de/mbp/pic2.jpg
http://www.benjaminpoppinga.de/mbp/pic3.jpg
http://www.benjaminpoppinga.de/mbp/screenshot.png

I use a Dell 2709WFP (1920x1600@60Hz) connected via Mini-Displayport to DVI Adaptor. I already read about some display issues, which hopefully get adressed by Apple soon. Do you think it's another difficult problem or could it be fixed with a software update. I just bought my MBP and don't want to exchange it, since I really need it the next few weeks.

Thank you for any help!

Best Regards,
Benjamin

Message was edited by: BePo

Message was edited by: BePo

MBP Late 2008 with 2,53GHz, Mac OS X (10.5.5), 9400M/9600M 512MB, 4GB RAM

Posted on Nov 17, 2008 9:45 AM

122 replies

Dec 3, 2008 1:14 PM in response to BePo

Just got off the phone with Apple support. We zapped my PRAM, started up from the install disc, etc., to no effect. I was told to take it in to an Apple store for repair. The person helping me didn't seem to be aware that the issue is widespread, though, and didn't even know that my MBP had two video cards, so I dunno... Right now I'm planning on waiting for a software update.

Dec 3, 2008 2:16 PM in response to benjamincanfly

This is most likely old hat but after a re-install, I downloaded and installed this update

http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/apple/application_updates/macbookmacbookpr osoftwareupdate12.html

It's the old update from October but I'm having more luck now.

I just make sure the external display is turned off during reboot.

I wait until my desktop appears and then switch on my display.

This is working at the moment. Just thought I'd share.

Message was edited by: Tyke Tyler

BocaBoy

Level 1

88 points

Dec 3, 2008 4:59 PM in response to Tyke Tyler

Tyke, you need to take this to the Genius Bar at an Apple store and firmly but nicely request that this either be fixed, promptly, or that you get a new computer. You also should tell them that you'll request a refund if you've had the computer for fewer than 30 days. Trust me that you'll get Apple to respond. They're really good about this stuff. This problem appears to be widespread enough that they need to make sure that it is contained. That alone should work to your advantage.

Dec 4, 2008 5:02 AM in response to Tyke Tyler

Scratch the above, just like all temporary fixes, they work for a short while and then cease.

Now I'm really stuck for things to try.

As for taking this to the genius bar, how is this going to improve the situation? Is a replacement going to be any different?

These issues are widespread and seem to be software related.

However I did buy the MBP on the 24th so I have plenty of time to ask for a refund.

T.

ogdoad8

Level 1

15 points

Dec 4, 2008 2:11 PM in response to BePo

AFAIK nobody has replaced their computers and fixed the problem. There are NO KNOWN FIXES for this issue -- only various bandaids and workarounds with varying success rates.

Apple won't even acknowledge if they're aware of the issue! Call Apple Care today and let them know this isn't just a few isolated instances, but a real problem.

Is everybody else still suffering from this?

Dec 4, 2008 2:12 PM in response to ogdoad8

Apple acknowledged it loud and clear here and they evn admitted there are no 'cures' yet.

ogdoad8

Level 1

15 points

Dec 5, 2008 1:26 PM in response to Tyke Tyler

Tyke, who at Apple acknowledged it? I spoke to a level 2 "Product Specialist" at Apple yesterday and he said that he has no information on this problem and could only walk me through the "reset SMC, reinstall OS, etc." useless path most of us have tried already.

Dec 5, 2008 1:50 PM in response to ogdoad8

Well out of the three reps that I've spoken to on the apple help line, the later 2 told me that there is a 'known issue' with external displays, both Apple branded and third party.
They each mentioned that there were temporary fixes that may or may not work, the 'un-check auto adjust brightness with ambient light' and run at 'higher performance' as opposed to 'better battery life'.
I ask both reps when a fix was coming, both of them said that information is not yet available however techs are working on it.

At the moment my display will be recognized sometimes, at best, I boot up with the mini display port unplugged and the display switched off, I then plug the display cable into the port and turn on my display. Sometimes this works.

Failing that I just periodically turn on the display and sometimes it's detected.

To be honest after a re-install of Leopard I haven't been having any other issues as before, especially that darn flashing folder with a question mark on it on restart indicating there are far more serious problems than undetected displays. That's gone now and I hope it won't come back! If it does, I'll be storming into the mac shop and be leaving with my refund.

Now I'm just waiting for the fix. After paying the best part of 2000 euro's it should be here already!

Message was edited by: Tyke Tyler

Message was edited by: Tyke Tyler

akimitsu

Level 1

0 points

Dec 5, 2008 4:34 PM in response to BePo

I have a similar issue with my external display (NEC 2690WUXi) as well. The problem mainly is the black display upon waking up from sleep. Though most of the time I need to reboot.
I've seen a snow screen a few times as well.
Switching to higher performance graphics (via Energy Saver Preference panel) seems to help matter a bit.
I

Pipecat

Level 1

0 points

Dec 6, 2008 3:39 AM in response to BePo

Hi guys..i've an annoying issue with my external display...sometimes (3/4 times in a hour)the screen goes black for a while, then turn back to its normal state...whats wrong with it? u know ahhahah under boot camp everything is perfect, even the external display during hard session gaming, PERFECT no glitch, no black screen....maybe a driver issue? APPLE WHAT ARE YA DOING??

Dec 6, 2008 8:30 AM in response to BePo

Just wanted to say that I have the exact same problem with my new MBP and a Dell WFP2407 (1900x1200)

I have called Apple and been frustrated by their assertion that this is a flaw with the monitor. Strange since the same monitor worked flawlessly with a previous generation MBP. Sigh.

I've been following http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1760586 on this issue

DanInNY

Level 1

4 points

Dec 6, 2008 2:45 PM in response to Thomas Brice

Add the Gateway FPD2185W to the list of monitors that worked with previous MBPs and not this one.

Dec 7, 2008 12:16 PM in response to BePo

Just tossing my hat into the ring as someone else with the same problem. I'm using a unibody MacBook with a Dell 2408. I get the static or loss of signal when it wakes up.

A temp solution is no solution at all. It should "just work" should it not?

Dec 7, 2008 2:30 PM in response to BePo

Just adding my name to the list.

I'm using a NEC 2490WUXi. I'm having the same waking from sleep problems. Also the NEC spectraview monitor calibration software is not supported through the mini DP. So I have a $1k monitor that I can't calibrate properly anymore which wasn't a problem with my previous MBP with the DVI port.

alexmac_

Level 1

0 points

Dec 7, 2008 5:28 PM in response to BePo

I have already sent back 2 MBPs, both having the aforementioned problems (among others). Apple support still claims that there is no general problem. On Tuesday, the next one will arrive. If it does not work properly I want my money back. This issue is not tolerable at all for anyone working on external displays.

Greetings,
alex

Message was edited by: alexmac_

MacBook Pro Late 2008 External Display Issues