MacBook Pro screen blinks

I have a Macbook Pro purchased in late 2011 that started with the flickering screen. I have all of the latest updates, did the PRAM reset, and reloaded Lion 10.7.3 via the download. The problem persists. I spent the better part of the last two days reading online post and trying to figure out something to make the problem go away. Changing screen resolutions did not solve the problem either. I found closing the lid as if to make it go to sleep and then opening the lid will make it stop blinking for a few minutes and then it is back to it again. Where is Apple support? I'd just like to add that I was a PC guy for the longest time. I came over to the "Dark side" about 3 years ago. One of the reasons was I thought Apple produced superior equipment. I am beginning to wonder. I know the laptop is still under warranty. I will still take it in to the Mac Store but I have read enough post to see it is unlikely they will do anything to help.

your problem is not the problem in this thread

take your computer in

Thanks for the advice. I will take it in.

I've had this problem with the 256 MB 9400M since I bought the computer new, but the EFI update that Apple recently released to specifically address this problem has worked great. I used to have to run on the 9600M GT graphics all the time, because it was so distracting to work with a screen that would periodically blink, but now I can run in either mode without the problem.

Yes, the screen blinking issue has been solved once the updated the EFI firware, Happy to switch back to 9400M.

After spending years not using better battery saving and lugging the plug everywhere I go, I'm so hesitant to do it. I can't believe I had to put up years with this POS. I couldn't afford to buy a new one or have it sent out for weeks to only hope for a 50/50 fix. I will never trust Apple again because this firmware basically proves that they are liars and their staff are liars including their Apple care people. They knew about this problem and yet didnt care about the people who spent 2500 + on this POS.

I can understand your anger. Such an unprecedented event will absolutely change the level of trust you have in Apple's ability to be forthcoming. Releasing information about how the fix was eventually found would help me to understand the possibility of it reoccurring with a future purchase.

I should add that this MacBook Pro has been the best Mac I have owned since 1984 and I have owned and used 20+ models. Too bad this one issue wasn't addressed several years ago.

I agree, it was annoying that this issue went on for so long. At no point was this a hindrance to me using my computer though. I mean the thing only get's 2.5 hours of battery life anyways, so I can't think of a time I didn't bring the power chord with me. So I had no issue running on my dedicated graphics card (other than the heat issues). I'm just glad they fixed it finally. I agree with Scott that this is the most useful laptop I've had in my life, so I am by no means holding one issue against them for something I have derived so much use from. **** I'll take a screen flicker over the blue screen of death any day! haha

Also, the issue with the screen flicker allowed me to get almost every peripheral chip and my screen replaced under apple care as tehy tried to fix the issue, so I essentially have a brand new laptop in terms of parts! no complaints with that almost 4 years after I purchased.

The update is only for late 2008/early 2009 Macbook Pro's with the nVidia 9400 chipset. Your system is from 2006.

Came in here while researching this problem post-"fix." Thought I would document

I had always thought that the blinking was just a caveat that came with using the "Better Battery Life" mode of this machine and if I wanted it to stop blinking I change to using the 9400 graphics card. I was not aware of how widespread this problem was for everyone else until I went to the Apple Store last week. They reset my SMC and gave me a new battery for unrelated issues, and this worsened the blinking issue--especially in dim lighting.

In mid-level lighting, I was getting the blink 3-4 times every half an hour. It got so bad at times my piano students would comment on it while I'm writing notes on how they should practice, during their lessons. Or they would stop playing and ask me why my computer is having a seizure.

In night time---in no-lighting situations, the blink worsened to 5-6 times within a 10 second range. It was basically unusable.

I then discovered the EFI firmware while updating my laptop software to make sure all is in order before I visit the Genius Bar again. Unfortunately this only reduced the frequency of the blinking and I still get it 1-2 every few minutes.

I am going to the Genius Bar today to try to figure this issue out and wanted to document my problems for you guys to support this thread since the EFI fix did not, in fact, fix the issue for me.

Dont' let them fool you! You are entitled to a brand new working machine for issues like these! 2000$ laptop users are not beta testers for last minute fixes to defective hardware! If you are still under any kind of warranty, ask for a new machine, don't let them waste your time with fixes and logic board replacements that only postpone (or do not at all) the issue!

Does it work? actually everytime when I adjust my light to the highest level, it blinks. Would you please let me know how to ask for a new machine, I really don't want to waste any time on this issue anymore.

I'm writing forom a Late 2012 MBP 15" I got after a long dispute with support. In 3 years I got 3 motherboard replacements... Phone support told me to use only the 9600 GT card and that no product replacement was possible. A few hours later the called to ask me if a standard 15" MBP would be fine for me... check my older posts to read more. I managed to get my new notebook just thanks to the reports in this thread!

Update on the situation: They said they need to at least try to fix it first so I guess I'll be computer-less for a week or so! Hopefully this can be resolved soon, but the Apple Care tech reassured me that I still get 90 days of warranty left after the fix so at least I won't run out of warranty.

I hope they will soon release an update like the EFI Firmware Update 2.8, for the early 2009 17-inch model.

Any clues?

Thank you