MacBook Pro Late 2008 External Display Issues

Looks like 10.5.6 may address some of the issues that everyone is experiencing. This article is from Appleinsider.

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/12/08/over100_fixes_coming_in_mac_os_x_10_5_6update.html

Awesome. I hope that 10.5.6 is just around the corner!
Thanks for posting the info.
T.

Question: Has anyone experienced any problems like this with the new LED display? I purchased a 23" CD just after it was discontinued (I didn't want the reflective glass coating on my main display and I wanted to use it with another laptop which certainly doesn't have the new mini displayport). Should I return the CD, argue with Apple about the restocking fee given these problems, and pay the difference for the 24" LED?

Just a general FYI this happens on the regular late 2008 MB - 13 inch - as well. (The flashing). Unplugging and replugging resolves it.

Same problem for the 24 LED Display.

Same problem for me using Dell 2007WPF with MiniDisplay->DVI Adapter.


I always use my new 2.5 unibody in clamshell mode when I am at home. (I treat my desktop like a docking station).

1/3 times the machine enters sleep, the external display will remain black. The screen lights turn green, but no signal.

I have to sleep, then wake by opening to the LCD.. Very annoying.

Okay Guys! Ad me aswell to the list. I experience exactltly the same problems whith snow, flicks and black screens. I work with graphic design and has just started my own company. The first thing I did was to invest in a new macbook pro replacing my old TiBook (Powerbook G4). For a couple a days ago i also bought me a Eizo CG241W monitor for professional graphic work. Now I´m both sad and angry having to say that I can´t work with my "professional" laptop. This Is supposed to be the high end top notch of all laptops, isn´t it? It´s supposed to be a high reputated and reliable tool for professional artist in film, design and graphics, is´nt it. I will call Apple Store tomorrow. What more do you sugest I do? I really have to concentrate on my business, not solving technical problems. I need a computer that just works!

Regards Ylva from Sweden

maybe this will help!

http://support.apple.com/downloads/MacBookPro_EFI_Firmware_Update_16

Just wanted to say I stand corrected. The update in combination with running the 9600m graphics card (higher performance graphics setting in energy saver) appears to have solved my issues. I wish I could switch those settings on the fly or that the MacBook Pro would auto adjust depending on power source, but I'll definitely take what I can get.

Hi all. Same problem with the added bonus of severe bluetooth mouse/keyboard complications. My config: Late MacBookPro 15" 2.5Ghz 4M Ram; Cinema 23"; Apple Wireless Keyboard and MightMouse.

I have the same problem with the external monitor going black after waking from sleep in clamshell mode (sometimes with flashing monitor light - 3 times in a row; I think this means incompatible video signal, but could be wrong; it's not good whatever it means; could be the equivelent of 'snow' on non-apple monitors). Opening the laptop and disconnecting monitor wakes the laptop, but if I try and plug-in my external monitor again and reenter clamshell mode by closing laptop the external monitor returns but the external BT mouse/keyboard do not work. Attempting to turn off/on bluetooth (using laptop keyboard/mouse) to reset BT mouse/keyboard will hang the preference panel forcing me to hard reboot (with monitor disconnected).

I've repeated this process many times; reinstalled system software (before i knew how widespread the issue was); spoken with apple support; etc. My only solution is to not let the computer go to sleep (set 'Computer sleep' to 'Never' in Energy Saver). I can however set the 'Display sleep' successfully.

* Also, do not try and restart the computer in clamshell mode. Apple rep said that apparently this was not supported at the moment and to look out for a firmware update soon.

Have also just applied the EFI/SMC firmware updates but do not know if this has resolved any of these issues. From other posts, I suspect not. But I will report back anything I learn. I will also try the 'Do not dim monitor setting'.

I'm curious if anyone else is having Apple BT mouse/keyboard issues related to this problem. Please let me know if you do. Thx.

I posted a video of this in action with my new MacBook Pro (Late 2008) with an Apple Cinema Display 23". The video is at http://www.cartoonbarry.com/2008/12/wildexternal_monitor_bugwith.html

I just spent way too much money on a custom configured 15" Macbook Pro with 2.8gig processor & the 24" Apple LED cinema display. I too have had problems waking the computer up from sleep mode. The problem usually occurs after I unhook the macbook from the cables connecting it to the external display.

I took the computer to the Genius Bar and he advised me to just return the macbook. I've got the Genius Bar Work Authorization to send it back, however I am reluctant to return it and deal with all of the hassle of reinstalling my programs. I was all set to wait and not return it, however the macbook had the same problems tonight, after it went into sleep mode whilst being attached to the Cinema display. I had to restart the computer.

Anyway, these problems happened before I installed any of my own software. It's quite amazing that they let the new macbook out the gate with this problem.

The word is that 10.5.6 will address a lot of these issues with the new MB and MBP. I'd wait until the software update is released before I return it. The new EFI and SMC firmware updates released this week made a big difference in sleep mode for me, which now appears to be working the way it should.

I don't use an external monitor, so I can't comment on the myriad of complaints I've been reading on the discussion boards, but from what I hear, Apple will be addressing this in 10.5.6, so at least wait until that's released in the next week or two.

Update. Problem occurred again overnight, with the "do not dim monitor" setting checked; computer sleep set to 'never'; and monitor sleep set to '15 min'. Apparently something other than sleep mode triggered the problem. The good news — I was able to unplug/plug-in the monitor and return to clamshell mode without BT issues for the first time.

Not sure what to do. Have heard rumors of eminent release of 10.5.6. Am hoping this will resolve these issues. Otherwise may look into returning the machine.

I still have this problem after installing hte EFI Firmware update.

This is to bad, Apple should be able to do better.