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Tenacious Dyl · Dec 10, 2005, 02:59 AM

So, as my other posts of issues indicate, I purchased a 2nd 20" Apple Cinema Display, and it arrived today, and blah blah. Once it was all set up, I put it, and my current ACD on gray backgrounds, looking for bad pixels, spots, etc. It checked out *perfectly*... However, on my older ACD (Aluminum...) I noticed not just the evil "white spots" mentioned over and over by powerbook users, but in addition to spots, a white BAR across the bottom.

From the very bottom left, about 70% of the way across towards the right, at nearly 1 full cm tall, there is a "white bar", on the edges... it fades back to "normal", it is not a distinct, but more gradual change. Also, the white spots (there are THREE) are located towards the right side of the monitor, towards the bottom.

I looked it up at Apple's Support site, and they only say that they accept 15" Powerbook with the problem. As it is late at night, I will call apple probably during their call hours on Monday. Once I cooled down a little (A $799.99 screen should NOT do this after 4 months...) I put the same background picture on each, and as I got up to leave, I realized the color was significantly different. I checked the profiles under my preferences, and they were identical. I then checked brightness on the side, hoping I had bumped the control, still... the same. Looking at different images with different colors / balance / etc... it became more apparent. So not only does my original Display have a horrible white bar, and 3 white spots, but it doesn't even match the newer one. Not to mention, I could not take better care of them, there has been NO abuse, NO sunlight, NO moving them, etc.

So... I am posting because I am curious if anyone else experienced spots or a difference in color in their ACD's and also if anyone has any advice besides "call apple" or "take it to a retailer". Thanks!!

Tenacious Dyl · Dec 14, 2005, 05:07 PM

Just a follow-up if anyone is interested (doubt it..)

Called Apple Support, the woman redirected me to a Powermac G5 number, because she seemed to have no grasp that the problem (white spots, bad contrast, etc) was the Cinema Display itself, and because I own a G5, she just routed me there.

I sat on hold for a bit, then talked to the G5 lady, who seemed to have never heard of a cinema display before, and eventually she said that she would keep the case open, and that I should take it to the Apple Store in Novi.

So a lot of time was basically wasted... will be heading to the Apple Store in Novi, really hope they just give me a replacement, driving almost 2 hours there, explaining the problem (probably after waiting) and then driving home is rather inconvenient, especially with class, work, and the whole Christmas thing. Then of course, they would probably make me come back out. Wish they would just send me a box overnight I could pop my display in, and re-ship it out that next morning. Oh well.

Will continue to update progress in case anyone else has a Cinema Display with the white spots problem!

Tenacious Dyl · Dec 29, 2005, 02:04 PM

Another follow-up for those who might be in the same position...

Went to the Apple Store, got a reservation with the "Genius Bar" and waited my turn (almost 2 hour wait at the time... garh!)

Explained the spots, size, and location, the Apple guy didn't even power it up to check. He took it out of the box, had me describe the problem areas of the screen, signed some paperwork. Was told that in 5-7 days, it will be either replaced or repaired, and will be ready for pickup. They'll just call my home phone....

All in all, painless, and stress-free. Good experience!

No one else has white spots on their Cinema? It is SO widespread on the pbooks (esp the 15 incher) Surprised I'm seemingly alone on the Cinema problem.

rparke1 · Jan 3, 2006, 12:19 AM

i ha

rparke1 · Jan 3, 2006, 12:21 AM

i had the pink hue problem on mine, a differant, but in all regards similar situation as yours. i took it to the apple store and like you, i waited for almost 2 hours for the genius bar, person powered it up and agreed i did have the pink hue. he said that they couldnt fix it or replace it because it was one day past the one year warenty. BS. i fussed so much that they gave me a replacement plus a 15 buck itunes card! and no ive not heard of the display problems your having with yours. good luck with your display.

alex

Tenacious Dyl · Jan 3, 2006, 03:44 PM

Hey! Thanks for the reply. Sorry about your problem. It is good you put up such a fit

Hehe. Was the replacement completely better?

I just received my 20" back, they replaced the LCD / Backlight / Etc. I think only the aluminum, power supply, and hub are the same. It has 0 dead pixels, and 0 white spots, just like my other cinema... so they match! I am very very happy.