LED Screen Flicker

I am having the same shimmer/flicker issue as noted in this post. The shimmer or flicker is rapid, like interference. As we are all familiar with the semi-rapid changes that the AMS can cause, this is obviously not it.

I first noticed this issue while performing the initial setup, due to the gray background. I see it while booting, and I also see it on the gray background in Aperture. My temporary workaround was to change the aperture background to black.

It is also true that this problem is most noticeable when the brightness is not all the way up.

To ensure that I was not insane or my eyes weren't playing tricks on me, I took it to 2 different friends for examination. All I told them was that there was something odd. I did not mention the display or give them any clues. Within a few seconds the reply was "ohhhhhhh it flickers."

I just went to the Houston Galleria store and was told I would be charged a restocking fee.

$250 to possibly get another machine with the same problem. I'm not sure what I can do, other than wait.

If it is flickering there should be no charge for a replacement. Just ask to talk to the manager and explain the situation in a friendly way. I'm sure they will help you. You should not have to deal with a repair out of the box.

You should not have to deal with a repair out of the box.

heh... funny stuff! 😉

I was able to swap the machine after a brief discussion with the store manager. I have to say that I extremely pleased with the customer service provided by Apple in general. When there is an issue, they do truly want to make you happy.

I just want to let everyone know that I believe that this shimmer is a result of the LED back lighting, and is likely normal. The abnormalities occur when it becomes pronounced, and ultimately distracting. I have tested 3 of these so far, and they all shimmer. My latest one (just got it), does not shimmer to a distracting degree. I am quite happy with the results.

Of course it is different than the back lighting that we are used to. This has us to believe that it may be abnormal. The variances in the degree of shimmer also lead us to conclude that it is abnormal. I do think Apple will eventually reduce the shimmer, maybe even fully eliminate it.

Until that happens, accept that you may have a little shimmer... if it really bothers you, replacement may be an option... However, I think that this effect comes with the territory.

Does this screen fold flat or do we still have the hinge limits?

My flicker/shimmer afflicted 15 LED returned to the local Apple store today. Tried another unit- same issue, although less pronounced. Since I was straddling the fence between the 15 LED and the 17 HD, I decided to swap out for the more proven older backlight technology.

The Apple store folks were quite good about this; if you ask them nicely they will work with you. In this case, after the third unit exhibiting the same issue they offered me a refund in the form of a gift card which I then used to go online and order the custom unit.

On another positive note, today the online wait for a custom configured 17 dropped from 4-6 weeks to 1-3 days! (I ordered the high resolution matte screen and 7200 R.P.M. drive)

Heres the thing..... I use to have the Sony SZ series notebook, one of the first laptops to have a LED backlit screen.... For about 3 weeks when I got my laptop I had the same problem. Sony right away released a BIOS update regarding this issue. It fixed it right away!! Now I know you are thinking how BIOS can update fix this.... but it did..... it also fixed a screen flicker. Maybe Apple will release a firmware update or something..... Good luck to you all with the new MBP!! 🙂 I plan on ordering mine after the WWDC regarding any new products releasing. 🙂

MINE DOES IT TOO! This is the 3rd one apple gave me, after one bad track pad, one machine with dead pixels, and this one with the throbbing issue, I think I've had it with this new product.

Do you think Apple will release an update to address throbbing/flicker issues? or should I take it back and call it a day?

me too.....(new LED display MacBook Pro is flicker, When does not insert the AC power, the flick is separated by during for 2-3 second. LED have bug?

This is reall annoying, the flicker is most pronouced on Grey backgrounds, just try adjusting the brightness up or down, you will notice it right away. Do you think there will be a software/bios update for it? Or should we return the product and wait a few months?

I already setting the light normally, but the situation has not improved. I thought LED is the new technology, hopes apple to be able the quick solutions.

Mine is rock solid at any level of brightness. You've got a defective unit. Bring it back and request a swap for another -- and check the new unit out at the store before leaving -- saves on gas. 😉