Good day to everyone! I have a March 2009 2.66 15" Macbook Pro that I bought last June 19th 2009 and just yesterday, I noticed that there was a build up of dust underneath the glass panel and there are a few specific pieces of dust that are most visible right in the middle of my screen. After checking with my friends Macbooks/Macbook Pros, it seems like the dust issue seems to only affect me. I don't live in a relatively dusty area so I don't think that is of concern. Was wondering if what is the policy on having my LCD screen replaced because of a faulty dust seal? I have read around various forums that it doesn't seem to affect many people but this is not unheard of. Hope you can help me with this. Btw, I am currently located in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte so i was wondering how long the replacement would take since I would have to take the trip down south to bring in my Macbook Pro. Also, another concern that I have is the possibility of getting a replacement screen with dead pixels since my current "dusty" screen doesn't have any. Should I just not bother having it replaced since I have a "perfect pixel screen"? Anyways, looking forward to your replies. Anthony Ramos
Hi. I too have some really small dust particles in my screen. They're really small and I can't find them easily even if I look really closely. But I never thought of getting my screen fixed because it doesn't bother me anyway. But if you have a really noticeable buildup of dust, I think you can get that fixed. Apple might replace the whole top part of the MacBook Pro. Expect it to be fixed around 2 weeks or more.
Here is a nice read. http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=684972 I read somewhere before that Macbook Pro's have better dust sealing on their LCD, I guess you can use that as one of the factors for replacement.
Oh thanks for the reply, so it does seem that someone does has some dust too under his/her screen. Yes most of them don't really bother me but there are these 2 specks that seem to stand out. The interesting thing is, I hardly see them when I use my MBP. But when I switch my MBP off, I can see the specks very clearly right in the middle of the screen. The reason why this decision if tough to make is because I am trying not to be the Anal/OC person that I am by trying to accept the dust because if ever I have my screen replaced, I worry that other complications might arise like dead/stuck pixels or maybe even more visible specks of dust.
Thanks for the link! That was one of the threads I read before regarding my issue. How I wish I lived closer to Manila, then I wouldn't have much of a problem having the thing replaced/checked by a Authorized Service Provider.
i believed that it is covered by warranty like imac that have "mapa-mapa" issue on their lcd. just bring it to your suking apple reseller or premium seller and for sure they will assist you with that matter....
I even read somewhere that one got "hair" inside the glass while searching the net for when I discovered the tiny dust particles in my screen. I bet, the seal is not really perfect or some particles were able to get in during the manufacturing process and was not noticed. Apple has great service. If you can show your problem clearly to the technicians, I believe they will really help you.
@tynn: I do plan to take it to a service center/seller. Was wondering does it have to be specifically where I got it or can I just bring it in to another premium seller? @eshong: I'm sure they will do something. What bothers me is that I am wondering if my trip to manila will be worth the trouble. Sigh. Darn it Apple...why why why couldn't you have made the seal better.
Also, I read somewhere that some people used compressed air to try to dislodge the stuck dust and hopefully it would drop to the bottom. Now, I am wondering where on earth do they blow the air into?
If that's possible, I still think you should not do that kasi it might blow more particles behind the mirror. How about taking a vacation dito sa Metro Manila? Hahaha. Or somewhere with an Apple service center?
don't worry, you can bring it to any authorized apple service center just search the threads for recommended service centers. good luck!
Hi, I have a similar problem, except it's my iPod Touch that has some particles of dust under the glass. I don't know if warranty counts for my iPod, because I got it for free along with my MBP. My dad got them in the States. /:
Guys, just an update concerning my case. It has been such a hassle trying to get my LCD replaced by apple. It has been weeks and I am still having my case reviewed. Pictures have been sent last week and I am awaiting their response. I am pretty surprised at how tedious apple is making this for me. It isn't like an isolated case as I have read around, there have been numerous complaints regarding dust accumulating behind the glossy screens and yet they rejected my first request for servicing/replacement. Anyways, I am hoping that no one else has to go through the same thing as I do and I would like to thank Sir JC of Microwarehouse for the advice and for assisting me fully on this case.
I also have the same issue, dust in my LCD. I brought mine 2 weeks ago to digital walker and they test it. And told me that they will replace the LCD, but I have to leave my MBP to them for 2 weeks. I dont have any back up laptop at the moment so I told them that I'll just bring it back to some other time. Hope this help.
Yea actually, this is a problem with the glossy screens and dust even affects the Aluminum iMacs but fortunately, iMacs owners are able to open their glass screens for cleaning unlike for the Macbook Pros in which we can't. There is probably a high number of MBP owners who have dust inside their glass panels but are not as anal/OC as me. hehe! Well, my point is, as much as perfection is hard to ask for, it is as hard to earn 100k to buy a MBP therefore we deserve the right to complain and be anal/OC and of course we also deserve the premium of quality after-sales service. Dust under the screen (especially for photographers as myself) is totally unacceptable. Imagine showing a client his/her face and there is this dot smack right on his/her forehead. sigh.
I can't believe it...once again Apple has denied my request for servicing of my LCD due to "environmental factors". Environmental Factors?! Are they kidding me? My dad's iMac which has a way bigger screen does not have a single speck, my old "antique" macbook does not have a single speck of dust, my gf's Macbook TOO does not have a single speck and so do my various friends who also have unibody Macbooks and Macbook Pros. So are they trying to tell me that my problem is environmental? What a joke? Apple talks about quality products and service but I am starting to feel a little left out from the crowd of more well taken care of Apple product owners. Guys, is there anyone out there with a similar case that I can point out to Apple and yet you got your Mac serviced? I am planning to make a huge long letter for Apple concerning my case. I'll be needing a lot of documentation. Sigh.
Hi Anthony. I also had the same problem with my unibody Macbook (the same model as yours - a 2.4). There is a single speck of silver dust trapped at the right side of the screen. Its really not noticeable when I'm using it but it does bother me a bit. When I visited Japan in the Ginza Applestore, I tried to have it serviced but they told me that they cannot service my Macbook for something minor as this. I haven't tried to service mine locally though but I feel the results will be the same. Good luck on your quest though. I hope you can get it solved.
