Q: MacBook Pro Retina display burn-in?

Alright, so I just got back from the Genius Bar a little over an hour ago and here's what happened:

First, I made sure to switch my wallpaper to the darkest gray color of the 3 grays. I went to a website posted on this thread somewhere that is very similar to Apple's test (more on that in a bit) that basically shows a white and black checkerboard pattern that shows said pattern for 5 minutes before switching to a dark gray/light gray background. Additionally, I showed the Genius my background just to confirm that it wasn't just the web page faking it; he agreed that he saw it.

So, that's when he went to a page on the Apple Store's intranet on my MacBook Pro which showed the exact same pattern for 3 minutes, but then showed a black background (where you can't see anything) instead of the dark gray color (where you can see the ghosted image), as mentioned in this thread. After examining the black-colored screen for a timed 1 minute, he said that my MacBook Pro with Retention...I mean...Retina Display passed the 1st party test after it failed the 3rd party test, he went to speak with the manager (who I know, by the way).

Fast forward a couple of minutes; he came back and said that he'll make a one-time exception and swap out the display. I asked if there was a way that I could get a Samsung display (since they had replacement displays in-store) and he said, and I quote, "I'm not gonna go there!". He further told me that everything should be done within 3-5 days. So, I acknowledged him and parted ways.

But I didn't part ways with the Apple Store yet, as I went to see the manager and talk with him about the issue. He said that he allowed it this time because I noticed it and that it bugged me. I asked him that, if the replacement display were to have the same issue, I could get a replacement screen again. He replied, just as the Genius and others who were brave enough to play the "perfect LG/Samsung display lottery" said, "It's within spec.". When asked about why Apple uses a black-colored background instead of a dark gray, he simply stated "I don't know.", although he did mention that he has heard of the IR problem and ways to check your screen for the manufacturer, etc. He also added that his screen didn't have the problem.

I left, went to my car, and prayed about it and thanked The Lord that I'll get a "perfect" display. No joke.

So, to wrap things up, unless your screen is that bad to where you'll notice ghosting in everything you do, I wouldn't bother going through the hassle. Also, take this as a warning to those of you who are considering getting a MacBook Pro with Retention, sorry, I mean Retina display. You now know what you might have to deal with. This should also go as a lesson to those who are as OCD as I used to be: don't be so anal and try to get the "perfect" product because, like the lottery, you're going to lose. Plus, the Apple Store that you get obsessive compulsive with will record you "long history", much like mine did when I got so stupid over a small dead pixel with multiple iPhone 3Gs back in 2009.

Again, I will let you know what the results are when I get my "perfect" MacBook Pro back. Until then, I will follow this thread and see what others have to say. Sayonara, for now.

P.S. It was fun typing the above post with my iPhone 5 since I don't have my Mac back yet, and I'm waiting for the 4th generation iPad with LTE to come out. Just thought I'd let you know...

Technologeek KMJ wrote:

 

Fast forward a couple of minutes; he came back and said that he'll make a one-time exception and swap out the display. I asked if there was a way that I could get a Samsung display (since they had replacement displays in-store) and he said, and I quote, "I'm not gonna go there!". He further told me that everything should be done within 3-5 days. So, I acknowledged him and parted ways.

 

This conflicts with some other people's experiences and really bad news for people who cannot specify that they want the 661-7171 Samsung panel.  What city and state is your Apple store? 

Several people have said that any panel repairs are done with the Samsung.  If you get an LG repair back, then that means people who want the proper rMBP will have to do the buy/return lottery.  Can people please post their experiences on their 661-7171 request, whether or not it was honored, and the city that the Apple store is located.

Let me throw my name in the hat as yet another rMBP user with the image retention issue. I got mine within a week after it was released, so roughly 7 months old now. It is a week 23 model and it has a LG display.

I just noticed it today after switching from browsing the web to previewing a PowerPoint presentation with a very dark, even background - at first I thought it was something wrong with the PowerPoint, then a Google search eventually led me here...

I must say that I had not noticed it at all within the previous 7 months, so the IR problem is definitely progressive over time. Now that I know it's there, I can quite clearly see it when switching to the desktop with even the default galaxy wallpaper, and it is really bad with a solid desktop wallpaper.

For those who have been following this thread, what's the best way to go about getting this fixed? I do have AppleCare, so when I return home from college over Thanksgiving break I am planning to go to the Genius bar at the Apple store that I purchased it from.

Specifically, what's the best way to approach them about it? Should I play dumb? Talk about how it is a well-documented problem and ask for a Samsung display? Request a specific display part number?

Thanks.

suge Wrote:

"This conflicts with some other people's experiences and really bad news for people who cannot specify that they want the 661-7171 Samsung panel.  What city and state is your Apple store?

Several people have said that any panel repairs are done with the Samsung.  If you get an LG repair back, then that means people who want the proper rMBP will have to do the buy/return lottery.  Can people please post their experiences on their 661-7171 request, whether or not it was honored, and the city that the Apple store is located."

My Apple Store is located in Brea, CA. And, in response to your statement about Samsung displays, not everyone in this thread said they got a Samsung display. Heck, a few got a "perfect" LG.

Eriksrocks wrote:

"Let me throw my name in the hat as yet another rMBP user with the image retention issue. I got mine within a week after it was released, so roughly 7 months old now. It is a week 23 model and it has a LG display.

I just noticed it today after switching from browsing the web to previewing a PowerPoint presentation with a very dark, even background - at first I thought it was something wrong with the PowerPoint, then a Google search eventually led me here...

I must say that I had not noticed it at all within the previous 7 months, so the IR problem is definitely progressive over time. Now that I know it's there, I can quite clearly see it when switching to the desktop with even the default galaxy wallpaper, and it is really bad with a solid desktop wallpaper.

For those who have been following this thread, what's the best way to go about getting this fixed? I do have AppleCare, so when I return home from college over Thanksgiving break I am planning to go to the Genius bar at the Apple store that I purchased it from.

Specifically, what's the best way to approach them about it? Should I play dumb? Talk about how it is a well-documented problem and ask for a Samsung display? Request a specific display part number?

Thanks."

I think you mean that you owned/used yours for almost 5 months, not 7. Also, just be yourself, give your knowledge and evidence, and ask for a Samsung. Oh, and prayer helps...

Oops, did my math wrong. Yes, it would be about 4.5 months. I'm shocked that I didn't notice it before. It must have come on really quickly in my case because it is very noticeable now...

If they give me a hard time, I'll be fully prepared to make a scene. In fact, my rMBP is the very first one the store sold. If they can't bother to fix my $2200 machine (especially with AppleCare - issues like this are exactly why I gave in to purchasing it), I am going to be one frustrated and angry customer.

Technologeek KMJ wrote:

 

My Apple Store is located in Brea, CA. And, in response to your statement about Samsung displays, not everyone in this thread said they got a Samsung display. Heck, a few got a "perfect" LG.

You're probably right that a few people got an LG replacement panel.  However, in my haste, I should have specified that the most recent replies about a repair/replacement have almost all been Samsung.  Someone had a theory that Apple was allocating Samsung panels specifically for these repairs because they knew that providing an LG replacement wouldn't make the customer happy. 

Who knows.  Would appreciate a report back from you when your rMBP comes back.

suge wrote:

"Would appreciate a report back from you when your rMBP comes back."

Not a problem! It's my pleasure to do so! Ah, the joys of being a first generation buyer...

I too had similar issues with my local store, (iPad Backlight Bleed Issues). I feel your pain. I went through the rMBP lottery myself and even though I received one with a Samsung display, I decided I would enjoy a 27" iMac &13" MacBook Air more and have not looked back. Two devices versus one. I must admit that after getting used to a Retina display it has been a little difficult to not miss the brilliant display. My question to you is this. I have seen some talk of the 13" rMBP displaying IR and was wondering if you know this to be factual? I cannot seem to find a 13" rMBP owner that has posted a thread claiming he or she has one with IR. I am seriously considering going to the 13 rMBP but do not want to go through that experience again! Thanks in advance!

For me, I'd rather have a screen with a little IR that doesn't burn through work than a half one side yellow tinted and the other side not, that would be quite noticable. I'd take that one right back, some IR is one thing, but two toned screens would drive me up ze wall.

I couldn't keep my promise to stay away till the second generation of rMBP. And I ordered this rMBP for the third time from Apple store and received an e-mail that my unit is shipped. I try to get info using the serial number form the two well known sites : ---

http://www.appleserialnumberinfo.com/Desktop/index.php

and

http://www.chipmunk.nl/klantenservice/applemodel.html

I know the production week has a difference of 1 week on the two sites. But what I found strang is that even though I ordered my unit with CPU 2.6 I see on the two sites different CPU spped and which is wrong. On Apple serial number info I see 2.3 and on the netherlands site I see this :--- CPU speed: 2.3GHz/2.6GHz.

Do you guys had the same issue when you checked the spec. on these two sites?

A follow up to my prior post that is in here somewhere....

Just over three weeks are up (23 days to be precise), and after having no retention using the test, I ran it last night only to notice I also have the problem now. It's not really that noticeable and I'm not going to bother doing anything about it until it starts to interfere with my work (I rarely leave a static high contrast image open on my desktop without any movement for 15 minutes).

I plug in to an external monitor most of the time, so let's see how bad it gets, this could be fun

It does make me wonder if perhaps it's in the nature of 1st gen retina display tech to show IR, wether it be over a few weeks or months, regardless of wether it's LG or Samsung. After all, even though those who claim to have even Samsung displays without IR problems haven't had theirs long enough to see if IR will "magically" (forgive me for the Apple pun) show up over time. In which case, no 1st gen rMBP owner is safe. I guess we'll find out over time or if Apple ever admits to it being a problem...

Can you please tell me if you know that there is in fact IR on the 13 rMBP. Already went thru the 15 lottery and went to the Air & iMac instead. I figured two items = better than one but I am really missing the Retina display, Its kinda hard to go back once you've used a Retina display. I can't seem to find any 13 rMBP owners that have reported IR. Any help with this would be appreciated.