Q: MacBook Pro Retina display burn-in?

Usmaak wrote:

 

Jerbz wrote:

 

You can't request screens.

There is a disconnect between the online order processing and the manufacturing processing.

There is no way to designate what parts you want or else either LG or Samsung will go out of business with Apple.

 

Edit: although you can call and ask for the model of your display and if it is LG, just immediately order another laptop to save time. Return the laptop when it arrives to get your money back without even opening the box.

You can find out the model of your display ahead of time?  And Apple doesn't mind if you keep returning them?  I have an MBA that I'm returning, because I'm just not liking the screen.  It is sort of dull, compared to my wife's.  This is the second return.  I returned the first one because the trackpad was bulging out of the case in the middle.  They asked me if I wanted to return or replace that time.  On this return, they just gave me labels, and no options to replace.  So I just sort of figured that you get two shots, and then that's it.

Regarding your first question, yes. When you are billed, go to your invoice on the orders page and scroll down to your laptop and it has the serial number there.

Regarding your second question, no they don't mind. The apple genius at the local store tells me I can keep on coming here to return it because he knows how much I paid for my laptop and that I will not settle for anything but the best.

And I suggest you not to ship it back, instead go to your local apple shop and return there. It is much faster and saves any confusion. Also, a possibility of damage might result if you ship.

Can you call and find out if you buy it at a place like Best Buy?  If I get one, it isn't going to be BTO.  I'm just going to buy the stock $2089 model.

I have an Apple store right down the road, but I don't like going in there.  I had some problems with getting an iPad with a decent screen a couple of months ago.  The people that I dealt with were jerks, even though I was really polite about the whole thing.  Not saying that they all are, but there is a definite problem with attitude at that store.

I have an Apple store right down the road, but I don't like going in there.  I had some problems with getting an iPad with a decent screen a couple of months ago.  The people that I dealt with were jerks, even though I was really polite about the whole thing.  Not saying that they all are, but there is a definite problem with attitude at that store.

Totally feel you on this one. The Apple employees where I'm at are total retards. I can ask 5 people the same question and get 5 different answers.

Usmaak wrote:

 

Can you call and find out if you buy it at a place like Best Buy?  If I get one, it isn't going to be BTO.  I'm just going to buy the stock $2089 model.

 

I have an Apple store right down the road, but I don't like going in there.  I had some problems with getting an iPad with a decent screen a couple of months ago.  The people that I dealt with were jerks, even though I was really polite about the whole thing.  Not saying that they all are, but there is a definite problem with attitude at that store.

I'm not sure why you would want to buy at best buy, but if you are there in person of course you can check the display. Just test it out right at the store. But if you aren't there and you bought yours online, then I'm not sure how you will be able to check it unless it is included on any of the documents they send you.

I have an Apple store right down the road, but I don't like going in there.  I had some problems with getting an iPad with a decent screen a couple of months ago.  The people that I dealt with were jerks, even though I was really polite about the whole thing.  Not saying that they all are, but there is a definite problem with attitude at that store.

Totally feel you on this one. The Apple employees where I'm at are total retards. I can ask 5 people the same question and get 5 different answers.

 

Yeah, I know. People at the apple store aren't really educated on the processes, thats why I usually end up calling 1-800-myapple anyways while im at the store. but all you need to do at the store is say, i'm not happy with my product, and return it. That is if you are within your 14 days.

Jerbz wrote:

 

Usmaak wrote:

 

Can you call and find out if you buy it at a place like Best Buy?  If I get one, it isn't going to be BTO.  I'm just going to buy the stock $2089 model.

 

I have an Apple store right down the road, but I don't like going in there.  I had some problems with getting an iPad with a decent screen a couple of months ago.  The people that I dealt with were jerks, even though I was really polite about the whole thing.  Not saying that they all are, but there is a definite problem with attitude at that store.

I'm not sure why you would want to buy at best buy, but if you are there in person of course you can check the display. Just test it out right at the store. But if you aren't there and you bought yours online, then I'm not sure how you will be able to check it unless it is included on any of the documents they send you.

There are two really good reasons to buy this at Best Buy:

1. They are only $2089 right now.  But I guess that after tax, it's pretty much a wash.

2. I get 45 days to give it a spin.  If anything goes wrong with it (image retention, weird noises, etc...), then I can just return it.

Of course getting one at BB is not going to be easy.  But that might be a good thing.  Let them work out some of the issues that seem to be coming up for some people.  And I was at the Apple store on Sunday testing one out (beautiful!), and I finally found someone to talk to, and they didn't have any in stock.  But if they did, I was told that they'd price match BB.  And I guess it's possible that they did have them in stock, but didn't want to sell one discounted, so said that they didn't.

If I am in the store, can I call Apple with the serial number and get the info about the screen?  They'll look at me like I'm an idiot doing that, but at least I can make sure that I'm not getting an LG.

Usmaak wrote:

 

Jerbz wrote:

 

Usmaak wrote:

 

Can you call and find out if you buy it at a place like Best Buy?  If I get one, it isn't going to be BTO.  I'm just going to buy the stock $2089 model.

 

I have an Apple store right down the road, but I don't like going in there.  I had some problems with getting an iPad with a decent screen a couple of months ago.  The people that I dealt with were jerks, even though I was really polite about the whole thing.  Not saying that they all are, but there is a definite problem with attitude at that store.

I'm not sure why you would want to buy at best buy, but if you are there in person of course you can check the display. Just test it out right at the store. But if you aren't there and you bought yours online, then I'm not sure how you will be able to check it unless it is included on any of the documents they send you.

 

There are two really good reasons to buy this at Best Buy:

 

1. They are only $2089 right now.  But I guess that after tax, it's pretty much a wash.

2. I get 45 days to give it a spin.  If anything goes wrong with it (image retention, weird noises, etc...), then I can just return it.

 

Of course getting one at BB is not going to be easy.  But that might be a good thing.  Let them work out some of the issues that seem to be coming up for some people.  And I was at the Apple store on Sunday testing one out (beautiful!), and I finally found someone to talk to, and they didn't have any in stock.  But if they did, I was told that they'd price match BB.  And I guess it's possible that they did have them in stock, but didn't want to sell one discounted, so said that they didn't.

 

If I am in the store, can I call Apple with the serial number and get the info about the screen?  They'll look at me like I'm an idiot doing that, but at least I can make sure that I'm not getting an LG.

I don't know what you meant by if you are in the store. But I will give you two scenarios and hopefully one of them is what you are looking for.

1) If you are at the store trying to buy a macbook pro retina, tell them you want one, ask them to bring it out. Tell them to search the specs on their computer with the serial number taped on the outside of the box. If that's not the right display, tell them to get another one until you get a samsung.

2) If you already have your laptop, you can just use the code? No need to go to apple store, or call apple. If you HAVE the laptop and it's unopened, you will need to open it to return anyways. So just open it and use the code.

Jerbz wrote:

I don't know what you meant by if you are in the store. But I will give you two scenarios and hopefully one of them is what you are looking for.

 

1) If you are at the store trying to buy a macbook pro retina, tell them you want one, ask them to bring it out. Tell them to search the specs on their computer with the serial number taped on the outside of the box. If that's not the right display, tell them to get another one until you get a samsung.

2) If you already have your laptop, you can just use the code? No need to go to apple store, or call apple. If you HAVE the laptop and it's unopened, you will need to open it to return anyways. So just open it and use the code.

Thank you!  Scenario number one is exactly what I was wondering.  I was thinking about buying it at the store.  I was wondering if it was possible to somehow find out the information without opening the box.  I always feel bad when I return an opened product.  But according to what you've said, the people at the Apple store have a way to look up the serial and get the model of the display in the store.  I was actually wondering if there was some way for me to call Apple and find out before walking out of the store with it.  But your answer is even better than I expected!

Yeah, the apple genius gave me an insider. Apple stores claims they dont have ANY custom order machines. But instead, they do have some. They keep a record of the specs and manufactuers of ALL their computers and he told me that he can go check for a custom ordered one that has a samsung screen and replace mine for me but apparently they didnt have any. so yeah, they do keep a record.

Thanks so much for the information.  That should make it easier to get a Samsung the first try.  Assuming that I can find someone that will cooperate with me at that store.

If you say you want to buy a machine, their eyes wil light up.

they will definitely help you. Although from the sounds of it they will probably start to get impatient if you ask them to switch more than twice. Just tell them to run the system through and find a samsung display.

Just open it in the store and check to see if it has the screen(save the terminal command on your phone or something). If it is still an LG, just return it on the spot.

Sorry but don't listen to matt's advice. Opening is only allowed after you have purchased it. If you want to save the time and money just tell them to search for the computer with the samsung screen BEFORE opening the plastic wrapping.

I was told by the "senior' AppleCare rep that I talked to that there was no way for them to know which rMBP's have which screens based on the serial number (which is all they really have to go on unless they open up the box and check the computer itself).

I'm not saying that's true, but that's what I was told (and it could be true).

OK I'm a bit confuse on this problem. I know it gets worse but if you don't see any IR on your screen is there any chance that it happens after a while?!! I mean regardless of LG/Samsung screen, when you don't have any IR it should be OK to keeping it not check it once in a week right?

Alright guys, I just confirmed that I have a LG screen using the terminal command posted earlier. My machine was manufactured week 31 (July) and I received it on July 30th. I've heard about the display burn-in issue before making my purchase online but I went ahead and got myself one anyway. In any case my screen doesn't experience any IR issues whatsoever. It has been day 2 now, but I will report back if I ever see the slightest IR on my display.

I would just like to let people know that I don't believe the problem has anything to do with the manufacturer, but rather the QC of the laptop itself. Apple has probably caught on by now and have made arrangements to fix the IR problem. Like I said before, I have a LG screen as my Retina Display, and it is absolutely gorgeous with no flaws or dead pixels. I just wanted to throw this out there so people don't need to discriminate against the brands and feel the need to return/replace/exchange their perfectly fine rMBP with one that has a specific model no. display.

Please note I'm NOT saying that you WON'T get a faulty display, but if you get a new batch, it will most likely be fine.