Q: MacBook Pro screen blinks

I finally got around to calling both the reseller I purchased my MBP from and then Apple Support (UK) over this issue myself.

The reseller was vaguely aware, although pretty non-commital, of it being an issue, and suggested the switch to better performance as a temporary fix.

On calling Apple, I explained the issue to the initial representative, mentioning this thread, the temporary fixes, and the rest, and was put through to a support manager. He tells me that there is nothing in their databases relating to this, and that if it was widespread they'd know about it. He did however mention that they knew of some early 2009 17" models (with the 9600/9400) that had experienced flicker, when display brightness was set at a low level. They've said to play with the brightness and get back to them if I notice a difference on my 15". I'd like to think that this is at least the start of an acknowledgement that flickering can exist on our 9400s, but don't hold my breath.

Both Apple representatives went to lengths to point out that a 1000 post thread meant nothing. That it was easy for 'anyone' to post something online, and that many, many more machines were out there (without issues). I appreciate this, but pointed out that there were also likely many, many more people don't ever complain about issues here. Swings and roundabouts …

I'm writing to Apple to better express my dissatisfaction with the situation. (I'd email, but addresses or contact forms are strangely absent from their site). The lack of acknowledgement by Apple to either this/these threads isn't acceptable. This is how we are told by them to voice issues, yet the issues raised are then ignored. The fact that there is nothing in their support database relating to this is also unbelievable. If people are having boards replaced following genius bar/applecare intervention then surely someone must be documenting why they are replacing parts, and the common symptom.

The 8600 issue has shown that mistakes can happen, and amends ultimately made. It's patently clear that there are issues with the 9400. I'm hoping that a tipping point comes where it's 'worth' Apple/Nvidia doing something about it.

We'll see …

Message was edited by: pete_a

The reaction you got from Apple is odd considering this is now one of the largest threads on the whole discussion site. It is more than 1000 users affected.
Unfortunately Apple seems to have decided to delete any posting on this forum (probably also this one) in which the suffering users try to get organised or to gather helpful technical data on the issue.
In fact it is rather amazing that there is no site out there that compiles faults in technical equipment to enable a sensible response from companies when the numbers get large. Looks like a good opportunity for a web site programmer to make a name for themselves!
But pete_a, when you say you are writing to Apple, who will you be writing to? The problem seems to be to find a person who actually is prepared to stand up and represent the company when there are faults. The feedback site promises no replies, which doesn't give me much confidence on their reaction.
Do you have a name? If so please post it here.

For what it's worth, I sent an email to Jobs a while ago about my problems and referenced this thread and got no response. I drafted a less level-headed one, but I haven't sent it, and with the recent medical leave, it would probably be in poor taste.

you would have to imagine that for every user that does complain there are probably multiple more who don't.

so think about that Apple.

As jorrelemargi points out the link to give public feedback to Apple is:

http://www.apple.com/feedback/macbookpro.html

Well they keep that link hidden away! I genuinely can't find it in the UK site's support area despite now even making a concerted effort to find it.

Anyway, between that form, our numerous visits and calls, and the fact that someone within Apple is editing posts here, there is no way that as a company they can deny knowledge of a some kind of issue with this GPU.

Of course they know very well about the issue, they just hope that ignoring it forever will eventually be cheaper than actually dealing with it like they should

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i just sent my feedback. it's very simple. here's the link.
http://www.apple.com/feedback/macbookpro.html

you should too...
anything to get this issue acknowledged.
i've also sent a complaint to the bbb and gizmodo.com and attached a link to this thread.
i'm also planning to send our concerns to cbc.ca marketplace (toronto, canada), engadget.com, cnet, and so on.

this thread now has over 140 thousand views and close to 1000 replies. i wonder how many people really have this problem and don't bother to log on and comment.
if you have this problem, log in, reply to this thread and make your voice count.

please fix our machines.

I submitted my feedback. I just think Apple isn't taking this seriously or they don't want to take responsibility. When I contact them, they try to tell me they haven't heard of this problem from anyone else. It's a shame because this has permanently tarnished their reputation in my eyes. Before I got a Mac everyone raved about their quality and customer service. I have been less than impressed by both. Now instead of being loyal to Apple because of a great product, I only keep my MacBook Pro because I dislike Windows PCs less.

IDN

Also submitted. I feel exactly like pudge77. BTW why isn't Apple complaining about it at Nvidia. It's hurting their business and it's Nvidia's fault if I understand correctly. Doesn't make much sense.

@pudge77

I submitted mine a week ago. They must know about the problem but there are just more than enough new customers in line to replace us.

whish apple would take this serious.

I brought my macbook pro 15 inch last May 7 2010 to apple care. To show them my flicker concern. They change the whole display as it was suggested to the remedy of the genius bar. I seldom seeing the flicker as of lately they started flickering again. So I have an appointment to the geniuses again this coming tuesday Jan 25 2011. So hopefully this time they got better answer to this flickering problem. As it was a lot of people are experiencing it.

My macbook pro display has been flickering black recently. I called apple, and they told me to take it in for a diagnostics check. When they had it, they said they played a video on it for 5 hours and the screen didn't flicker black once. Now I have it back and it has begun to flicker again.... all I can say is.... ***?

someone at your apple store kept watching a movie for five hours? this is absurd.
Diagnosing a display problem using this "method" is very strange.

I bought my laptop at a mac outfitters, and thats where i took it to, since they run diagnostics. And it was where I bought my laptop and where i took it to be repaired. When I asked about my screen when they called, the guy said that he had a video running on it to see if my screen flickered black. He told me it did nothing like that, and it was fine for a day after I got it back, but now its flickering again. I do not know whats going on, and it is beginning to concern me.