Apple Macbook Pro 15 Retina dead pixel explosion

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Level 1

4 points

Apple Macbook Pro 15 Retina dead pixel explosion

I have a 3 month old MBP Retina 15.

The display but has been plagued with problems. The 1st screen started developing 3 dead pixels (2 larger) at 1.5 months and the Regent St store arranged a replacement display. The duty supervisor on the day said 'dead pixels are normal' and 'these are very hard displays to get right'. They are not encouraging it is not 'normal' for a new laptop costing £1800 to develop such issues.

The 2nd screen has now developed a dead pixel explosion. It was 4 the last time I counted. Such screen degradation is very worrying and I notice some other forum members have experienced similar issues. I would assume it is a certain batch of displays that is causing this issue?

If the display didn't degrade so quickly, I could say it was an excellent laptop with superb display clarity but I can't in the circumstances. I have now booked a 2nd appointment at the genius bar and I don't wish to be told again that this is to be expected with such displays. Apple have a reputation to uphold on quality and reliability. I've never had these issues with my Thinkpads over the years.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, 15" display

Posted on Dec 4, 2012 2:04 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 4, 2012 2:07 AM in response to Mulleady

And problems like that are why I'm staying away from the Retina display models just now - I'll wait for the second or third generation: just too many screen problems that are unacceptable...

Sorry for your problems, though.

Clinton

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Answer 2

Mulleady Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 4, 2012 2:17 AM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

Thanks Clinton.

If they can solve this reliability issue then it is a classic laptop in the making and very very nice to use in every other respect. However, the last time I was told that faults were normal on a machine were by a service supervisor on a Peugeot 307 that I used to own that had a faulty fan and convection system (dodgy electrics).

I expect Apple to be better than Peugeot!

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Answer 3

Mulleady Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 11, 2013 4:14 PM in response to Mulleady

It has happened again with another 'stuck pixel' as the Regent St called it last time. This is my 3rd screen which has developed this. It may be only one so far but I am so disappointed in the reliability of the screen on such a new machine :-(

Would I be entitled to a replacement machine at this stage? I cannot accept having 3 repairs done on an £1800 machine!

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Answer 4

Shootist007

Level 6

16,703 points

Jan 11, 2013 4:14 PM in response to Mulleady

Then ask for a complete new unit as it seems the one you have is a lemon.

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Answer 5

Mulleady Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 11, 2013 4:19 PM in response to Shootist007

It seems there have been quite a few units with such issues on the US support forum.

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Answer 6

Mulleady Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 12, 2013 3:39 AM in response to Mulleady

Can anyone advise if a machine is going in for a 3rd repair due to a warranty fault if I have a strong argument to receive a new replacement machine?

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Answer 7

Jan 12, 2013 3:46 AM in response to Mulleady

I would think that you might have an argument for a replacement machine... if after three trips the machine still isn't operating properly, I would contact Apple Customer Relations and explain to them that instead of repairing the machine time and again, you'd like a replacement.

See http://support.apple.com/kb/HE57 for your local phone number.

No guarantee that they'll go for it, but you can always try.

Good luck,

Clinton

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Answer 8

JG96

Level 1

0 points

Jan 13, 2013 8:22 AM in response to Mulleady

I've got a rMBP with dead pixels, I took it to my local Apple reseller (no Apple store near me :/), they said the (many) dead pixels in the centre of the screen were due to a tiny ding on the metal back of the display, in the corner. The pixels appeared way before the very minor ding, yet they quote me £850 to repair it!!

Does anyone know how I could refute their claim?

Help!!!

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Answer 9

Shootist007

Level 6

16,703 points

Jan 13, 2013 8:28 AM in response to JG96

You'll need to take it to a REAL Apple store/Genius Bar. But in the end since it does have a Ding on it they may refuxe warranty coverage also. But you'll never know until you take it to them.

The AARC only gets paid by Apple a certain amount for warranty repairs. If they do the repair outside any warranty claim they make a markup on the part/s and Labor fee. So what do you think they are going to say. Oops that was caused by user damage, Out of warranty, Cost XXX/X.xx

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Answer 10

JG96

Level 1

0 points

Jan 13, 2013 11:55 AM in response to Shootist007

Thanks! I'll make the trip up to a real Apple store and see what they say, generally I've found Apple to be good so far, so fingers crossed 😝.

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Answer 11

vapre

Level 1

0 points

Jan 15, 2013 7:33 AM in response to Mulleady

I have the exact same problem, although my 'stuck pixel' seems to directly opposite the lighted Apple logo on the case - maybe just a coincedence. I'm extremely careful with my laptop, and know I didn't scratch the screen.

The 'pin *****' / stuck pixel, isn't a scratch, as others have posted it's as if a tiny hole 'erupted' in the screen covering.

I've never been to the Apple support bar before - hopefully will go well and won't take long (have to leave on a business trip in 4 days)

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Answer 12

Jan 22, 2013 6:18 PM in response to Mulleady

I had the same thing happen it started with background bleeding and then the deaf pixels started. I took it back to Apple Store today and they took it for repair to change the screen luckily still under Warranty but I feel violated after paying 3700 bucks I think I should get a replacement as the laptop is now going to be opened by some unknown person doing god knows what to it. Well that's what you get for buying Apple in seriously thinking of selling it off and buying alienware but the resolution is no where near as great. ..

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Answer 13

Jan 26, 2013 5:26 AM in response to raulioli88

Well got it back after 24 hours they fixed it looks new wasn't any damage to the laptop so seems alright in happy at the moment. We will see I'll let everyone know if anything changes. If the retina fails again within the first year Warranty I will demand a replacement/refund

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Answer 14

Shootist007

Level 6

16,703 points

Jan 26, 2013 5:30 AM in response to raulioli88

Yeah Good Luck with that. Not going to happen!

You better buy the Applecare extended warranty because without it if that Retina fails one day out of the standard one year warranty Apple will do Nothing for you.

raulioli88 wrote:

If the retina fails again within the first year Warranty I will demand a replacement/refund

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Answer 15

Jan 26, 2013 6:34 AM in response to Shootist007

Fair enough but seriously what kind of service are they providing when the consumer spends a ridiculous amount of money on your products and they fail to meet the expectations that you promised but you refuse comply with our demand? I ment I wanted a replacement or refund within my first year Warranty period but I'm guessing that's not how it works no matter how much money we spend? They will just continue to fix it until the warranty period is over am I correct in my assumption? If I do purchase the Apple care and the retina fails Again and again will they just keep fixing it?

I had a regular macbook long time ago which I only spent 1k or so on and with that one there was no point in getting so involved but in this case a laptop worth 3k plus it's serious territory

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